Breaktime (organization)
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| Founded | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Connor Schoen and Tony Shu |
| Type | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Location |
|
| Website | www |
Breaktime is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Boston, Massachusetts dedicated to ending young adult homelessness through transitional employment.[1][2]
Breaktime employs young adults experiencing homelessness in living wage job opportunities. In 2020, Breaktime employed 25 young adults experiencing homelessness[1] who worked to address food insecurity, preparing and delivering over 650,000 meals[3] to people experiencing food insecurity throughout Greater Boston.[4]
Cofounders Connor Schoen and Tony Shu were honored in the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 listing for Breaktime's social impact in reducing young adult homelessness.[1]
History
Cofounders Schoen and Shu met as Harvard undergraduate students while working at the homeless shelter, Y2Y, in Harvard Square.[2]
Schoen and Shu founded Breaktime in 2018 and planned to build a cafe to employ young adults experiencing homelessness.[5] Breaktime became Boston’s first transitional employment program specifically tailored to young adults experiencing homelessness. The organization is led by a team of young adults.[6]
Programs
Breaktime Cafe
Breaktime originally planned to open Breaktime Cafe to provide job opportunities for young adults experiencing homelessness.[2][6] The cafe would provide a place for associates to learn about the food business while receiving employment.[3] During COVID-19, Breaktime paused construction of the Cafe and launched the Double Impact Initiative, a program that contributed to their mission of working toward ending young adult homelessness while also addressing food insecurity caused by the pandemic.[7][8]
Double Impact Initiative
In collaboration with the Community Works Service in Boston, Breaktime launched the Double Impact Initiative in response to the global pandemic. This program employs young adults experiencing homelessness to make and distribute meals for Bostonians experiencing food insecurity.[7] Breaktime’s Double Impact Initiative helps underserved communities while providing work opportunities for young adults.[6] The young adult associates work at local job sites like food pantries while also receiving wages of $16 per hour with matched savings.[3]
Fundraising and Partnerships
Breaktime is backed by the City of Boston,[9] Liberty Mutual,[1] Black Rock,[1] Boston Resiliency Fund,[9][2] Forest Foundation, William and Anngenette Tyler Fidelity Fund, MassMutual Foundation, John Hancock, Riley Foundation, Martin Richard Foundation,[4] and more.
Additionally, Breaktime is partnered with the Cape Verdean Association of Boston,[2] Jewish Family & Children's Services,[2] Project Hope,[2] Sojourner House,[2] and more.
References
- ^ a b c d e "Breaktime". Forbes. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Parsons, Lian (9 September 2020). "Breaktime Café prepares, delivers meals amid pandemic". The Harvard Gazette. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b c Militare, Jessica (23 March 2021). "Empowering Young People and Feeding Families". Forbes. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
- ^ a b Ward, Bob (18 June 2020). "Boston youth-led organization fighting homelessness gets support from Martin Richard Foundation". Boston 25 News. Cox Media Group. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ Doyle, Terrence. "These Harvard Undergrads Plan to Open a Cafe to Help Homeless Young Adults Find Job Security". Eater Boston. Vox Media. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b c Campbell, Emma (31 August 2020). "This youth-led startup is working to employ Boston's homeless young adults". BostInno. American City Business Journals. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b Tarantal, Erika (17 September 2020). "5 for Good: Double Impact Program trains young adults, provides meals to those in need". WCVB. Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ Karcich, Mary (19 January 2021). "Young Westborough entrepreneur named Forbes' 30 Under 30 for Social Impact". Community Advocate. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Ending Youth and Young Adult Homelessness". City of Boston. Boston City Hall. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2021.