URGENT: Call to action!

The State of Illinois is poised to approve a budget that will cut all human services by at least 50%.  If you care about Breaking Free, you cannot allow that to happen!  This will mean that some of our programs will be cut by 50% and others by 75%.  We will not be able to provide proven prevention strategies to students who live in our 5 county (DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall & Will) region.  We will not be able to provide clinical treatment services to teens in and outside of schools or on probation.  We will not be able to provide treatment services to adults who sincerely want to change their lives and have nowhere else to turn.

On June 19th, the PEOPLE'S RALLY FOR HUMAN SERVICES was held to demonstrate against the proposed, devastating state budget cuts for social services in Illinois at 10:00 am at Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services, 400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, Illinois.

Click here for news articles, photos and videos of the RALLY:

   VIDEO Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia

   VIDEO Sen. Chris Lauzen

   Beacon News

   Triblocal

Click here for: RALLY Press Release 

                               WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR & REPRESENTATIVE

Tell them that "We must not balance the budget on the backs of Illinois' most vulnerable citizens. Please pass a responsible budget that provides adequate funding for human services. Just fix it!"

If you aren't sure who they are, click here:   My State Legislators

You may also call (217) 782-4141 or (312) 814-6440 and ask them to help you.  Make sure and tell them that you're their constituent!

CALL OR FAX GOVERNOR PAT QUINN

Telephone:(217) 782-6830

Facsimile: (217) 524-4049

CALL OR FAX SENATE PRESIDENT, JOHN CULLERTON

Telephone: (773) 883-0770

Facsimile: (773) 296-0993

CALL OR FAX SENATE MINORITY LEADER, CHRISTINE RADOGNO

Telephone: (630) 243-0800            

Facsimile: (630) 243-0808

CALL OR FAX THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, MIKE MADIGAN

Telephone: (217) 782-5350

Facsimile: (217) 524-1794

CALL OR FAX HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER, TOM CROSS

Telephone: (815) 254-0000  

Facsimile: (815) 609-3994

Welcome

Founded in 1975 as the Citizens Advisory Board, Breaking Free is truly a grassroots organization. 1977 brought us incorporation and tax exempt status.  Currently we are an organization that serves families in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.  Last year we served over 11,500 clients in our programs.

Unfortunately, each year more than 35 million individuals as well as their family members, friends and loved ones are affected by drug and alcohol use.  For this reason, Breaking Free has remained committed to its mission of positively influencing and instilling hope in the individuals, families, and diverse communities we serve by providing the highest quality education, prevention and counseling services focusing on substance abuse, child abuse and mental health. 

We look forward to the opportunities the future holds to carry out our mission!  Our hope is that we will aid individuals and families in maintaining and obtaining healthy and happy lives through prevention, counseling and family-based services.  As a result of our success, more and more young people will never begin using substances and those who do will experience successful recoveries - and many parents will never abuse their children. These goals can be obtained through a seamless integration into our communities’ school systems; the expansion of resources for families and individuals; and further education for the community.

As we reflect on where we have been and where we are going, we would like to take a moment to thank those of you who have been gracious supporters, aiding us in realizing many people's dreams for the future.  Your continued contributions allow Breaking Free to be a resource to the communities we serve and ensure that the highest quality education, prevention and counseling services are being provided. 

 Jennifer Janik                                     Michael Moran, MA, CADC               

 President, Board of Directors               Executive Director