Operation Breakthrough surrounds 700 of the city’s most vulnerable children and their families with opportunities – to learn, connect, be nurtured and prepare for success. The program runs cradle to career, helping little children become school-ready, helping school-agers stay on track and offering teens real-world experiences in digital electronics, graphic design and more. The average OB family lives on about $1,000 a month, so OB adds on-site health care, therapy, parenting classes and financial literacy. OB empowers people to breakthrough to a bright future! 

OB was founded 51 years ago by Sisters Berta and Corita, who were running a K-8 school for neighborhood children near 31st and Troost. The families needed someone to care for their little children while mothers worked, so the nuns started with four babies and turned their living room into a childcare center. They incorporated OB in 1971 with no religious affiliation. Today, OB still uses a two-generation approach, helping children prepare for school success, while empowering parents to create a stable, nurturing home environment.