Breaking the Chains Foundation
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION
    • BOARD & ADVISORS
    • AMBASSADORS
    • PARTNERS
    • VOLUNTEERS
    • PRESS
    • CONTACT
  • PROGRAMS
    • HOW TO LOVE YOURSELFIE
    • BIG C NEW ME
    • DANCE & MOVEMENT
      • 7 CHAIRS WORKSHOP
      • VIRTUAL WORKSHOP – INSIDE OUT
      • HEALTHY GROWTH WORKSHOP
  • CREATIVITY
    • LIVE PERFORMANCES
      • 7 CHAIRS PERFORMANCE
      • ANONYMOUS
    • MUSIC
    • HOW TO LOVE YOURSELFIE CAMP
    • FEATURED ARTISTS
    • ARTIST INTERVIEWS
    • CANVAS OF CULINARY ART
    • ELEMENTS OF EXPRESSION ARTIST SERIES
    • FINDING ALICE
  • COMMUNITY
    • EVENTS
    • MUSIC
    • CAMPAIGNS
    • GUEST SPEAKERS
  • CONNECTION
    • EVENTS
    • GET INVOLVED
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS CONVERSATIONS
  • RESOURCES
    • RESOURCES & FAQS
    • VIDEO RESOURCES
    • BLOG
  • DONATE
    • SPONSORS
  • Menu Menu
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Mail
  • Link to LinkedIn
Previous Previous Previous Next Next Next
12

Breaking The Chains Foundation

We focus on breaking the chains of mental health and body-image struggles. While providing artistic programming and services for those looking to “link” with others on their healthy mental and emotional wellness journeys.

We use the power of art and expression to provide programs, events, and services to build efficacy in the areas of mental health and body-image struggles, cancer, and eating disorders. Bringing tools, skills, and shared lived experiences to life.  Areas that address problematic social media use and negative mental health among youth and young adults, productions integrating dance with mind/body wellness principles, and unique beauty experiences for cancer survivors.

Online Social Media Literacy Youth Program

Cancer Survivors and Care Givers Program

Self Enrichment and Confidence Building Event

Live Performance

Storytelling Dance and Movement Experience

Live Stage Production

Movement Workshop For Connection and Renewal

IMPACT AND COMMUNITY

We believe that positive body image, health and self-love are all possible. We believe in full recovery.

RESOURCES/FAQs

BTCF produces all forms of art, events, outreach, and campaigns to support overall wellness.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Meet the amazing celebrities who support BTCF and how they encourage and inspire others to bring forth healing, self-love & recovery.

CELEBRITIES

Meet our monthly featured artist.

FEATURED ART

Welcome to our BTCF Community and join our mailing list and stay connected with us!

CONNECT

“Art speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform”

JOIN US

Finding Alice

Canvas of Culinary Arts

Health and Wellness Conversations

Community and Support

PROUD MEMBER OF

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

breakingthechainsfdn

Through the arts~we foster creativity, connections & communities to thrive; committed to the prevention of body-focused & mental well-being stigmas.
📣 LINK IN BIO Comparison, pressure, and unrealisti 📣 LINK IN BIO Comparison, pressure, and unrealistic standards are everywhere—and it’s not always easy to know how to help. #BTCF is hosting “How To Love Yourselfie”, an interactive workshop designed to help teens and young adults build confidence, think critically about what they see online, and feel more secure in who they are—without relying on filters or validation from social media, and so much more💗 This partner experience is part of the #tomtomfestival @tomtomfoundation and is designed for ages 14–25. It combines guided discussion, real-world tools, and a supportive environment where participants can connect and grow. The program was created by #BTCF celebrity spokesperson and board member @jillianrosereed, alongside a prestigious clinical team, featuring mindful movement videos by BTCF advisory board member @krysiastcyr and facilitated by Debra Hopkins, BTCF president. 📍 Location: Brooks Family YMCA 151 McIntire Park Drive 📅 Date & Time: Saturday April 25th 2:30 - 5:30 (Registration starts at 2:15) 30.00 or for Free admission- request scholarship on sign-up! ✨ What to Expect: This experience is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, build confidence, and see your beauty in a whole new light. Come as you are—no pressure, no expectations. 👕🧥What to Wear: Wear something that makes you feel comfortable (we will be doing some gentle movement). If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help! Parents - If you’ve been looking for a way to support your child in navigating today’s social pressures, this is a meaningful place to start. 💗
#BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ @kimkarr #BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ @kimkarr_icanhelp chats best practices for creating a safer digital world and the significance of its impact on everyone. Facilitated by Krista Stryker @12minuteathlete, NSCA-CPT, Author, BTCF Board with guest, Kim Karr, Executive Director of @icanhelpofficial 💜 #digital4good These conversations highlight the stories of BTCF team members, partners, and friends and how these stories can help to inspire others and enrich our lives. #digital #world #socialmedia
Thank you, #BTCF board member and @themasters awes Thank you, #BTCF board member and @themasters awesome @chef_gason for another wonderful recipe showcasing your “Strawberry Jam”.🍓You can find the recipe below! In this video, Chef highlights the significance of forgiveness and the powerful grace it can provide to oneself.💛 Strawberry Jam🍓 • 2 lbs fresh strawberries (hulled & chopped) • 1 ½ – 2 cups sugar (depends how sweet you like it) • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice How it’s made: Alright, this one right here is #tooeasy but listen, we doing this the right way. Start with a cold pan. Don’t rush it. Add your strawberries and sugar straight into that cold pot and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. That’s how you naturally pull those juices out and build flavor from the jump. Now turn your heat to medium and let it slowly come up. As it warms, start mashing those berries down with a spoon or potato masher. Keep a little texture you want it rustic, not overworked. Once it starts bubbling, go ahead and add that lemon juice. That’s your balance right there, cuts the sweetness and tightens everything up. Let it cook for about 20–30 minutes, stirring so nothing sticks. You’ll see it thicken and get that deep, rich color. When you drag that spoon across the bottom and it slowly fills back in—you there. Kill the heat and let it cool. It’s gonna tighten up even more as it sits. Yield: About 2–3 cups of that homemade strawberry jam… smooth, rich, and straight from the heart. #tooeasy 🍓 #chefgason #neworleans
📣Calling all cancer survivors and caregivers! We a 📣Calling all cancer survivors and caregivers! We are super excited to hold our first Los Angeles “Big C New Me Power Crew Event’’💛 #BTCF Vice President @thecourtneyhope & team member @daniellenievesrealestate are co-chairing this special day of renewal, confidence, and community! Please join them💛 ✅ Big C New Me Application Sign up: LINK IN BIO or SCAN QR CODE 🗓️May 3rd • 10 am – 2 pm 📍The Colour Bar, Simi Valley, CA 💛Free! Must have tickets to attend ABOUT: Created by 2x cancer survivor and #BTCF Board Member, Amy Hart. “Big C New Me” is a program serving cancer survivors and caregivers. We help women, men, and teens deal with the challenges of living with -and overcoming the side effects of- cancer and treatment by providing confidence-building, educational, and support resources. “The Power Crew” is our most popular event: one day with the crew focusing on empowerment and confidence. We include hair/wig cut and style, professional makeup application, facial, and professional portraits to keep. Other benefits include lunch, swag bags, education, connections, support, and resources.💛 #cancer #support #community
📣💗Love this message from our “How To Love Yourself 📣💗Love this message from our “How To Love Yourselfie” creator @jillianrosereed to Tom Tom Festival 2026! 🔗 IN BIO to register and more info ℹ️ 📍 @brooksfamilyymca 🗓️ 4/25/26 ⏱️ 2:30 - 5:30 pm 🫶 @tomtomfoundation 😍 In the beautiful city of #Charlottesville #virginia @charlottesvilleva @charlottesvilleguide @charlottesvillechamber @cville_kids @cvilleballet @fun.cville @charlottesvillefamily @cvilleschools @tsgcharlottesville @cvilleparksandrec @cvilleartsfestival @dovetail_design_va #btcf #htlys #socialmedia
We are honoring two incredible artists and creator We are honoring two incredible artists and creators: @alex_little from the BTCF Board and @katherineleist1 from the BTCF Advisory Board. Their artistry, passion, dedication, and the processes they employ both behind the scenes and on stage have been essential to the success of the powerful and moving live performance of “7 CHAIRS” 💛 Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate them, their work, and all the dancers who have brought their stories to life in this performance. For more information about everything “7 CHAIRS”, please see the link in our bio. Post cred: youth ambassador @alicianotsograceful #7chairs #alexlittle #katleist #dance #btcf
We are thrilled to be chosen as a community partne We are thrilled to be chosen as a community partner for the 2026 TOM TOM Festival, featuring a special version of our program, “How To Love Yourselfie.” The workshop will be facilitated by Debra Hopkins, BTCF President. For more information and to register, please visit the 🔗 in our BIO💗 The Tom Tom Festival theme is - Courage - and invites us to think about what it truly means to be brave. @tomtomfoundation 🫶 Courage isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, the most powerful courage is quiet: the courage to be yourself in a world that constantly asks you to compare, conform, and filter who you are. “How To Love Yourselfie” is built around that idea. ABOUT THE PROGRAM: This research-based social media literacy program consists of five modules, each featuring videos and a workbook: LOVE YOURSELFIE: Promote real versus “ideal” body image. EXPLORE YOURSELFIE: Enhance self-awareness. HELP YOURSELFIE: Reduce perfectionism and increase self-compassion. BE YOURSELFIE: Engage in social media literacy. CHERISH YOURSELFIE: Encourage positive actions and embrace optimism. WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR? Ages 14 - 25 EveryBODY! #htlys creator @jillianrosereed 💗 #socialmedia #literacy #charlottesvilleva #btcf
We are thrilled about our new partnership and look We are thrilled about our new partnership and look forward to enriching our shared mission, empowering youth and teens to live their best lives on and offline. Together, we will explore the important connections between navigating the digital world and online safety through our programs, resources, education, valuable opportunities, campaigns, and community events. Stay tuned! #btcf #cyberforyouth #socialmedia #onlinesafety #htlys
In recognition of International Women’s Day and al In recognition of International Women’s Day and all the amazing women out there, #BTCF Board @chef_gason cooks up his “Tarragon, Lemon Ginger Butter Shrimp” 🤩 🥣RECIPE: Shrimp • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning • Light pinch of salt (optional) Lemon Ginger Butter Sauce • 4 tablespoons butter • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Zest of 1 lemon • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) • Extra lemon pepper to taste How its made: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the shrimp in a tray in a single layer. Season them with lemon pepper and a light pinch of salt. Slide the tray into the oven and let the shrimp cook for about 5 minutes. You’re not trying to fully cook them here — just letting them set and hold their shape. While the shrimp are in the oven, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic and let that cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes nice and fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, then add the chopped tarragon and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Pull the shrimp out of the oven and add them straight to the pan with the lemon ginger butter. Toss everything together so the shrimp get coated in that bright buttery sauce. Sprinkle a little extra lemon pepper over the top and let them cook another minute just to bring everything together. Serve it right away with rice, pasta, or some grilled bread to soak up that sauce. You will get about 2–3 servings, and that lemon, ginger, and tarragon combo makes this one disappear fast. #tooeasy #chefgason #honoring #internationalwomensday
#BTCF Featured Artist Bella Santos 💜✨LINK IN BIO f #BTCF Featured Artist Bella Santos 💜✨LINK IN BIO for full feature✨ Bella Santos is the photographer and artist behind @bellaroseoriginals . She is based in Florida, and specializes in capturing natural, true-to-color images for weddings, portraits, and events. Before photography, she actually went to college for accounting. Bella thought she would spend my life at a desk, but she kept feeling pulled toward something more creative. Picking up a camera changed everything for her. What started as a small curiosity quickly became the thing that made her feel the most like herself. Bella’s approach is simple: real moments, real connection, and images that feel honest. She focuses on the in-between things — the unposed interactions, the way people look at each other, the details that tell the real story. She wants you to walk away with photos that don’t just look good, but feel like you. Outside of photography, you can usually find her painting, editing with an iced chai nearby, or spending time with her friends and family. Creativity is where she is the happiest and is grateful she gets to share that with the people she photographs. Most recently, we had the pleasure of meeting and working with Bella at our “Big C New Me Power Crew” event that serves cancer survivors and caregivers. Bella’s warm and personal approach to her photography shared stories in real time and beautiful photos to be shared with all those who attended. We look forward to working with Bella again! #photography #photographer #artist #internationalwomensday
March 8th is International Women’s Day, and we wan March 8th is International Women’s Day, and we want to spotlight our very own #BTCF Advisory Board Member, Tina Avedissian, the owner of @tastybytina 🤩! She is a powerhouse businesswoman, a dedicated single mom, and an all-around amazing person. Let’s go, Tina – we love you! Be sure to check out her incredible business, @tastybytina 💜 #internationalwomensday #businessowner #wellness #artisan
We are so excited to announce our partnership with We are so excited to announce our partnership with @brainwavesforchange on the “How To Love Yourselfie Program”! 💜 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is our online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. For more information about HTLYS, please visit 🔗 in bio😊 #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #youth #socialmedia #partnership
#BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ Sonja X #BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations ~ Sonja Xie chats mental health from a high school perspective and the creation of her non-profit. Facilitated by Krista Stryker @12minuteathlete, NSCA-CPT, Author, BTCF Board with guest, @sonja__xie President of @brainwavesforchange 💜 These conversations highlight the stories of BTCF team members, partners, and friends and how these stories can help to inspire others and enrich our lives. #bwfc #mentalhealth #youth #partner
Thank you, board member @chef_gason for another wo Thank you, board member @chef_gason for another wonderful recipe showcasing your “Fried Wild Rice”! You can find the recipe below! In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Chef emphasizes the importance of embracing food in our lives. From his perspective as a chef, food is not the enemy. It sustains us and provides all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we need to live. You can use food to take you on a journey around the world.🌎 Fried Wild Rice • 4 cups cooked wild rice • 2 large eggs • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1 small onion, small dice • 1 celery stalks, small dice • 1 bell pepper, small dice • 3 tablespoons oil (split use) • Salt to taste We are making layers here: · Fry the eggs hard first. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook them hard with no soft center. Flip and cook until fully set and slightly golden. Remove, let cool slightly, then chop into small pieces. Set aside. · Build your base. In the same pan, add remaining oil. Toss in onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. · Season. Add granulated garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir 30 seconds to wake everything up. · Add the wild rice. Fold in the cooked wild rice. Spread it out in the pan and let it sit 1–2 minutes before stirring so it gets a little toast. · Soy sauce finish. Drizzle soy sauce evenly over the rice and toss well. · Bring it together. Fold in the chopped fried eggs. Let everything cook together another 2–3 minutes so the flavors marry. · Final taste check. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. · You will get about 4 servings. #tooeasy Chef Note: “Don’t over think it people. Food is not your enemy” #chefgason #btcf #food #wellness
We are honored to collaborate with our partner @br We are honored to collaborate with our partner @brainwavesforchange to raise awareness during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. In this spirit of collaboration, we are grateful to share this slide post filled with insightful tips on “Caring for Your Brain, Body, and Creativity.” Thank you Brain Waves For Change!💜 #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek #brain #body #creativity
BTCF Youth Ambassador, @alicianotsograceful shares BTCF Youth Ambassador, @alicianotsograceful shares her personal story about her experience with ARFID (Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). This condition is linked to sensory issues and, for her, a fear of getting sick. She emphasizes that ARFID can be dismissed as “picky eating,” and if left undiagnosed, it can continue into adulthood. In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, her story highlights that there is hope, as well as treatment options and support available for those struggling with ARFID. It’s important to recognize that anyone affected by this disorder is not alone. Thank you, Alicia!💜 #btcf #youth #ambassador #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek
BTCF Youth Ambassador, @audenwyle powerfully refle BTCF Youth Ambassador, @audenwyle powerfully reflects on the journey of understanding wellness in his piece titled “What I Thought Was Healthy vs. What I Learned.” In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, she sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding health and the valuable lessons she has gained along the way. Thank you, Auden!💜 #btcf #youth #ambassador #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek
BTCF Youth Ambassador, @kaydentokarski reflects on BTCF Youth Ambassador, @kaydentokarski reflects on the lessons she wishes her younger self had learned about the unhealthy nature of skipping meals. She reflects on healing and her growing understanding of how her body works. In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, she emphasizes the importance of nourishing our bodies. Thank you, Kayden!💜 #btcf #youth #ambassador #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek
BTCF Youth Ambassador, @jordyncuret_ offers a hear BTCF Youth Ambassador, @jordyncuret_ offers a heartfelt self-reflection on the dangers of undereating and overexercising, emphasizing that these behaviors are not merely signs of discipline; instead, they can lead to serious harm to both physical health and mental well-being. In recognition of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, she shares valuable insights on this important topic. Thank you, Jordyn!💜 #btcf #youth #ambassador #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek
#BTCF Statistics Series National Eating Disorder A #BTCF Statistics Series National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Within this series: A focus on ATHLETES AND DANCERS ~ Why these groups? They face unique pressures related to performance and body standards. 💜A special thanks to our BTCF Youth Ambassador, @mikaelazarsky for creating this statistic series post and for sharing her lived experience as a professional dancer! #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek #dancers #athletes #recovery
Follow on Instagram
©2023 Breaking The Chains Foundation. All rights reserved Breaking the Chains Foundation Tax ID - 47-2419843, 501 © (3), Nonprofit
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Mail
  • Link to LinkedIn
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top