What volunteer opportunities are available?
We have four volunteer opportunities available in our program, ‘The Challenge,’ at each facility Breakthrough works in: Kickoff, Mock Interview Day, Business Pitch Bootcamp, and the Graduation & Business Pitch Competition. Our event schedule can be found here.
Additionally, we welcome volunteers to provide learning sessions for ‘The Transformation’ and Circle of Hope workshops.
Do I need specific qualifications to volunteer?
You do not! We welcome everyone to come in and volunteer. Please note, if you have a criminal background, you must be off paper for two years before you can come in and volunteer. Additionally, volunteers can only volunteer four times from the date of their first entrance into facility. For example, if your first volunteer date was 7/28/24, you can attend three more times before your time ‘resets’ on 7/29/24. If you are interested in volunteering more than four times in a year, please reach out to volunteer@timetobreakthrough.org to learn more about this approval process.
What kind of time and/or money investment do I need to commit as a volunteer?
Each milestone event is approximately 8 hours long – starting at 9am and ending around 3:30pm (note- the arrival time is 8am for Graduation events). We ask that you sign up to volunteer if you know you can attend all day. Breakthrough is a small team and we want to ensure that both our participants and volunteers have a great experience, so we are unable to accommodate any requests to leave events early. We recognize that the facilities are also far from the Denver area, and encourage volunteers to carpool when possible.
How do I become a volunteer?
Visit our Events calendar and select the event you are interested in volunteering at. Complete the paperwork and registration process, then you are good to go! If you have questions about volunteering or issues signing up, please reach out to volunteer@timetobreakthrough.org.
Where do volunteer activities take place?
All volunteer activities currently take place in-person at the prison facilities in Pueblo, CO; Ordway, CO; Florence, CO; and Canon City, CO. We do not currently have any virtual volunteer opportunities.
What kind of training or support will I receive as a volunteer?
You will receive information two weeks ahead of the event about arrival time, dress code requirements, parking information, and more. You will also receive a volunteer briefing with the rest of the volunteers about what to expect throughout the day after arriving at the facility.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
Yes, provided you have been off probation or parole for two years.Â
Note: If you have a sexual offense, you won’t be approved to volunteer as PREA requires people with charges of a sexual nature have a staff escort.Â
What should I wear when I volunteer?
We recommend wearing business casual to our volunteer events – our volunteers can help be an example to our participants on appropriate work attire for when they return home! Additionally, specific colors cannot be worn such as camo, orange, green, or blue. We HIGHLY encourage volunteers to review the Department of Corrections dress code for more detailed information, which can be reviewed here. If you have questions about appropriate attire, please reach out to volunteer@timetobreakthrough.org.
Are there specific rules I need to follow when I volunteer?
While the goal of our volunteer events is to help re-humanize our participants, we cannot forget that we are in a prison and that there are certain rules that must be followed. Rules that our participants face day in and day out. We must be mindful of these rules and keep in mind that these are just a fraction of the rules that incarcerated individuals face every day.Â
We recommend you review the rules linked here prior to volunteering.
What is the screening process for participants?
Individuals who apply to our programs are required to be on good terms with the facilities they are in and to maintain good standing throughout the program. We ask the participants to consistently show up and show out at events and classes. Our program attendance is strictly on a voluntary basis; we never want facilities or CDOC to require our programming. This is highly important for participant buy-in and success. We also do not discriminate based on the type of criminal offense. We believe that everyone, inside and outside of prison, should have a chance at redemption and transformation.
How will my donation be used?
Your donation will support Breakthrough’s in-facility programs ‘The Challenge’ and ‘The Transformation,’ as well as re-entry care management services.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, Breakthrough is a 501c3 organization, tax ID # 83-0636337.
How do I make a donation?
You can donate online, or checks can be mailed to 1766 W 46th Ave, P.O. Box #: 11146, Denver, CO 80211.
Can I set up recurring donations?
Absolutely! More information on recurring donations can be found here.
Are there other ways to support the organization besides donating money?
Material donations to help support of participants reentry are also welcomed. These items can include backpacks, hygiene supplies, gift cards, and more. Reach out to volunteer@timetobreakthrough.org for questions about specific material donations that the organization may be needing.
Can I designate my donation to a specific program or event?
Yes! Your support can absolutely be designated to any program or service offering of Breakthrough’s, as well as support a specific event at a facility or in the community.
Who can participate in your program?
Breakthrough welcomes participants into our program regardless of their sentence lengths, seeking individuals who are ready to transform their lives and are committed to becoming the best version of themselves. Our primary requirement is that participants possess a GED or high school diploma and have maintained a clean disciplinary record for at least six months. We are dedicated to supporting those who are determined to make positive changes and are eager to embrace the opportunities our programs and services provide for successful reintegration into society.
How can I learn about success stories of your program participants?
Check out our Annual Reports or visit this section on our website to learn more about the successes of our participants.
How can I get involved if I cannot donate or volunteer?
Follow Breakthrough on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook to help spread the word about the work that Breakthrough does! Additionally, if you know someone in Colorado who may be interested in learning more about Breakthrough and our mission, please introduce them to ashley@timetobreakthrough.org.
Who should I contact for more information?
For any questions at all about Breakthrough, please contact Ashley Furst, Director of Business Development & Community Engagement at ashley@timetobreakthrough.org.