Dear Friend of Breakthrough,
This year marks a momentous milestone for Breakthrough: 110 Breakthrough students have realized their dream of graduating from college! That’s more than 100 dreams realized; more than 100 families impacted; more than 100 lives forever changed.
I am one of those college graduates. My journey with Breakthrough began in 2003, the summer after my 6th grade year, when I was just 11 years old. I joined Breakthrough because, as no one in my family had been to college, I knew even then that we were going to need all the help and support we could get. With Breakthrough and my family by my side, I graduated from Middlebury College in 2013. Currently I am pursuing my master’s in counseling at St. Edward’s University and working at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School as the Associate Director of Lower School Admissions. I also have the honor of serving as a Breakthrough Board Trustee.
There are 1,675 Breakthrough students currently on their path to earning a college degree, and as someone who was once in their shoes, I know first-hand the many barriers they have to overcome, and the struggle of being the first in your family to do so. But I also know the deep impact Breakthrough has on each of its students, and the profound support and guidance Breakthrough provides.
Middlebury, Vermont (May 26, 2013) – Middlebury College’s 2013 Commencement Weekend. (Photo © 2013 Brett Simison)
My Breakthrough family has never left me. I cannot repay or thank them enough for their positive influence and for changing my life and the life of my family forever. None of which would have been possible without the support of caring and generous people like you.
This holiday season, I am helping to launch our “I AM ONE” holiday campaign. Our goal is to raise $60,000 to help 60 moreBreakthrough students go to college. This campaign supports the expansion of Breakthrough’s College Success Program, which is set to triple in size by 2020 to serve more than 520 students.
Because of Breakthrough, today I can not only say I am one of those college graduates, but I am also one of a growing number of Breakthrough supporters.
I ask that you join me and make a donation today to Breakthrough’s “I AM ONE” campaign. Together, we can help 60 more students be able to proudly say “I AM ONE” of soon-to-be hundreds of Breakthrough college graduates!
Sincerely,
Jasmin Vara
Middlebury College, Class of 2013
Breakthrough Alumna, Donor and Board Trustee