Break Down Barriers
Break Into Systems
Break Apart Stigmas
Through purposeful transitional employment, we empower young adults experiencing homelessness to build stability in their own lives while building resilience in their communities.
Break Down Barriers
to job security, financial security, and housing security
Break Into Systems
that unjustly hold back young adults from obtaining long term housing security
Break Apart Stigmas
that perpetuate toxic stereotypes of high potential young people
Breaktime is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit working to break the cycle of young adult homelessness. We believe it is time to break down barriers, break into systems, and break apart stigmas that hold back young adults experiencing housing insecurity. Through transitional employment and financial empowerment, Breaktime works to break down barriers to job security, financial security, and–ultimately–housing security for our Associates. This process of early intervention enables Breaktime to combat long-term chronic homelessness and support young adults in becoming stably employed and housed. Moreover, through awareness-building and policy advocacy on the local, state, and national level, Breaktime catalyzes systemic change–breaking into systems and breaking apart stigmas that unjustly harm high-potential young people.
The Problem
1 in 10
young people endure some form of homelessness each year
40%
of youth experiencing homelessness are LGBTQ+
89%
of youth experiencing homelessness are BIPOC
88,400
young people in Massachusetts are disconnected from work and/or school
Double Impact Initiative
Breaktime’s core program, The Double Impact Initiative, is a one-year supported transitional employment program that utilizes supported partnerships to empower young adults experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Our three unique programs–Launchpad, Liftoff, and Stable Orbit– provide young adults with the skills and support they need to access living wage jobs and stable housing. We work closely with local nonprofits, youth shelters, and short-term housing providers to identify young adults in need of transitional support and enroll them in our Launchpad Program
3 weeks
3 months
3 years
Referral Partner
LAUNCHPAD
Professional Development & Personal Empowerment
LIFTOFF
Paid Transitional Employment with Site Partner
STABLE ORBIT
Employment & Financial Stabilization Services
Equipped, Engaged, & Empowered
Alumni Statistics
33%
increase in hourly wage by end of Breaktime's program
83%
of alumni are employed and or in school
77%
of alumni are in medium- or long-term stable housing
73
point increase in average credit score after six months
Organizational Values
Young Adults First
Elevating young adults' voices is a core guiding principle behind Breaktime’s work. Young adults experiencing homelessness are often silenced in their communities, but we believe in the power and potential of each young person that walks through our doors. We support young adults experiencing homelessness in advocating for themselves to create change and build awareness for young adult homelessness. We use language that puts people before labels, recognizing that individuals are not defined by their experiences with homelessness. By putting people first, we show compassion, cultural acceptance, and gratitude towards each other.
Radical Inclusion
Breaktime is an anti-racist, anti-homophobic organization constantly striving to build a Team and Board that reflect the diversity of the young adults employed in our program. Radical inclusion is “the intentional inclusion of all persons; especially people who have traditionally lived at the margins of society.” To us, radical inclusion is about creating an equitable and welcoming organization, particularly for those who are typically not included at the table. This permeates into how we make decisions at Breaktime, and we are grateful for the diverse perspectives that allow us to do so. From our Youth Leadership Board to our hiring decisions to the design of our physical space, radical inclusion is front and center in everything Breaktime does.
Collaborative Innovation
At Breaktime, we believe that many of the tools and resources to create transformative social change already exist, but need to be coordinated in the right way. We refrain from 'reinventing the wheel' and, instead, proactively build strong partnerships with other key stakeholders (including other nonprofits, government agencies, and funders) to more efficiently end young adult homelessness. We think boldly and creatively about what is possible, then act collaboratively to get it done, and are committed to continuous learning and growth. Rather than acting as a group of individuals, we work collectively as a team and elevate the unique perspectives of everyone in order to achieve our goals. We also believe that showing gratitude towards one another is essential in creating a healthy and supportive work environment, and allows us to collaborate with each other more effectively.
