Recent years have shown that we can all meet hardships in different ways. When those come in the form of lacking bare necessities, it can cause an incredible amount of stress for families.
Breaking Barriers for Kids & Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families across Wayne and Oakland counties, is committed to improving the lives of children and families in need. It provides essential resources like food, clothing and educational programs.
Through its range of services, the organization helps families meet their basic needs, empowers youth through job readiness and STEAM education and provides crucial resources for long-term success.
Here’s how Breaking Barriers is helping families in the community:
1. Provides access to healthy food and essential supplies
One of the core services provided by Breaking Barriers is its food pantry program, which operates year-round to assist qualifying families.
With six strategically located food pantries across the community, the nonprofit ensures families in need have access to nutritious food and essential household supplies. The pantries are designed to serve individuals and families in Wayne and Oakland counties, particularly those who qualify under Title One or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) income thresholds.
Nutritious, healthy food and household supplies like cleaning products and personal care items are currently distributed through Breaking Barriers’ school district partnerships. They are in the process of opening a market style food pantry in 2025 that will service the public.
In addition to items, families have access to information and connections to additional community resources. By providing these essential services, Breaking Barriers plays a key role in ensuring families don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and meeting other basic needs.
2. Offers job readiness and skill-building
Beyond food assistance, Breaking Barriers also focuses on empowering youth with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. One of the unique programs offered is the Job Shell Program, offered to students at all of its pantries.
The program is designed for moderately cognitively impaired (MOCI) students and offers them the opportunity to gain hands-on job experience in a supportive environment.
Through the Job Shell Program, students take on tasks like sorting and packaging pantry goods, organizing and managing inventory, and learning about teamwork, attention to detail and time management.
The program equips students with important real-world skills, which boosts their confidence and prepares them for future employment.
With a focus on practical work experience, the program aims to ensure these students are well-prepared for life after school, whether that means when they enter the workforce or pursue further education.
3. Provides STEAM education for kids
The nonprofit’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education is essential for fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children. The organization aims to ignite a lifelong interest in these fields by offering early exposure to STEAM disciplines.
In 2023, Breaking Barriers celebrated a significant milestone by partnering with Masco and AlphaUSA to open a state-of-the-art $50,000 STEM technology lab at Clarenceville High School. The lab is a cutting-edge facility designed to help students explore STEAM disciplines in hands-on, engaging ways.
Additionally, Breaking Barriers works to bring STEAM opportunities to elementary and middle schools, ensuring younger children have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in these growing fields. The goal is to create a foundation for lifelong learning and exploration, which will help prepare students for future careers in high-demand industries.
Commitment to equality and inclusion
Breaking Barriers is built on the principle of equality and inclusivity, welcoming individuals and families from all walks of life.
“At Breaking Barriers for Kids & Families, we believe every individual deserves the chance to thrive,” said Veronica Cruz, executive director of Breaking Barriers for Kids & Families. “With our food pantries, STEAM education and various programs, we are committed to empowering our students and community, providing essential support where it matters most, and inspiring a brighter future for everyone.”
The organization serves people regardless of race, sex, religion, physical attributes or other personal identifiers. Its programs are particularly focused on reaching underrepresented communities and families facing financial hardships in Wayne and Oakland Counties.
The organization works closely with local schools, businesses and community groups to ensure resources are distributed equitably, focusing on areas with the greatest need.
Through these collaborative efforts, Breaking Barriers strives to ensure that all families -- especially those who are underserved -- have access to the support they need to thrive.
Get involved or seek help
Breaking Barriers is available to families in need because of sponsors like Masco Corporation that make cash donations for the food pantry and other initiatives, donations made by individuals in the community and fundraising events. The nonprofit is committed to helping families break down barriers to success and providing a solid foundation for future generations.
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Whether a family is seeking food assistance, job readiness programs or educational resources, Breaking Barriers can step in to help. To access support, families can visit the Breaking Barriers website for more details on eligibility and program offerings or call 810-510-0946 to inquire about how to participate.