BREAKING THE CHAINS FOUNDATION

Changing the conversation and face of eating disorders

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OUR MISSION : Actress/BTCF Celebrity Spokesperson, Jillian Rose Reed

“We can live without alcohol. We can live without drugs (we should), but we can’t live without food and that’s why this is possibly one of the most difficult things to overcome”

Emmy Winning Actress/NY Times Best Selling Author/Celebrity Ambassador – Carolyn Hennesy

“Breaking the Chains Foundation’s goal is to continue to work with artists and art based communities to encourage them and bring forth awareness about eating disorders. We stand as an artistic motivator to ignite a fire in a whole new light. In order to change the face and conversation of eating disorders, we will inspire an entire new matrix.”

Founder, Debra Hopkins

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, campaigns, outreach and events that supports changing the face of eating disorders.

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 featured artist and how their artform aides to the healing of an eating disorder, inspiring others to express themselves.

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

Change the Conversation

7 Chairs

Community and Support

We are a proud member of the NEDA Network, a partnership between NEDA and other mission-aligned organizations dedicated to advancing the field of eating disorders and building a community of support and hope. Together, we provide a unified voice in the fight against eating disorders.

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

breakingthechainsfdn

💛 #Repost @nedamonth ・・・ YOU are not a b

💛 #Repost @nedamonth
・・・
YOU are not a burden!!! #eatingdisorderrecovery #mentalhealthawareness

✨MEET #BTCF JULY FEATURED ARTIST AMY KATHLEEN LE

✨MEET #BTCF JULY FEATURED ARTIST AMY KATHLEEN LEE @dancingwithed.inc ✨ LINK IN BIO✨!

Amy Kathleen Lee is a former pre-professional classical ballet dancer, eating disorder and suicide survivor. She started her own nonprofit called Dancing with ED Inc. in 2013 to address eating disorders in dance. Amy also works as a mental health trainer, speaker, using personal story and human connection as an avenue to healing. She is a Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention Trainer through the QPR Institute, a National Council of Behavioral Health YMHFA Instructor, and a Member of the Suicide Prevention Council of San Luis Obispo County.

Recently, BTCF was thrilled to partner with her in presenting her virtual workshop “Healing the Artist Within” – What Artists Need to Know About Trauma Recovery. Whereas Amy shared the role trauma recovery plays in reconnecting with your inner artist. Her openness, truth and personal story inspires deep and powerful connections to many. Amy’s annual show presented by Dancing With ED, “Stages of Change: A Dancer’s Body Journey works with a variety of dancers statewide. Her passion and commitment to her work is inspirational and she is a joy to know – thank you Amy!

#btcf #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #eatingdisorder #recovery #hope #healing #wellness #support #dance #dancer

From day one of the pandemic & the days to follow,

From day one of the pandemic & the days to follow, our beloved board member/celebrity ambassador @carolynhennesy has shared on all her social platforms these creative & innovative daily challenges. This one happens to be shared upon her trapeze!! You can check out many more on @carolynhennesy ✨✨

"These are my small but steady contribution to anyone who needs a touchstone during the massive madness all around. I try to keep them tangible...not terribly new-agey...and therefore accessible to all and eminently doable." Carolyn Hennesy

#Repost @carolynhennesy 💜
・・・
Daily Challenge, July 15th, 2020. Enjoy! #dailychallenge #dailychallenges #prayer #meditation #thoughts

So inlove with @garden24co & all the incredibly cr

So inlove with @garden24co & all the incredibly creative and thoughtful work of @morganharpernichols 💛

#tuesdaymotivation #joy #hope #journey #rest #selfcare #selflove #selfworth #selfacceptance

“You can’t pour from an empty vessel” ~ “

“You can’t pour from an empty vessel” ~
“I remind myself of this daily as a signal to prioritize self-care and rest. If I’m not taking care of myself, how can I take care of others?” PRISCILLA O. AGYEMAN @saddie_baddies ❤️

✨Read the entire #BTCF Featured Artist Interview - Link In Bio ✨

#blackmentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealth #advocate #ceo #founder #saddiebaddies #blackmentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #creativity #art #btcf #healing #hope #community #inspiration #passion 🌼🌼🌼

As a partner w @eatingrecovery “Love Your Tree” Campaign: NEW JULY BLOG is up written by #BTCF Celebrity Spokesperson & Board Member @jillianrosereed 💜 https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/blog/july-2020/love-your-tree-jillian-rose-reed

“Before I get into the meat of this blog, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Jillian Rose Reed, and it’s taken me nearly 29 years to learn how to love myself. The best part? I’m just scratching the surface.” Jillian Rose Reed 💛

Entire blog post in link above!
#loveyourtree #bodyimage #selfacceptance #gad #anxiety #healing #socialmedia #positivity #selflove #journey #actress #coach #breathe #loveyourbody

We had so much fun last time, here we go again! A

We had so much fun last time, here we go again! A little bit of a twist is the new name - INSIDE OUT! JULY 8th, Wednesday, 11am - 12pm PST
FREE! TO REGISTER: LINK IN BIO✨✨
After registering, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Please share with your friends or people you know who might be interested, so they can register too. (We’d like people to register to get their unique Zoom link) ✨✨

INSIDE OUT: a movement and dance workshop for Every Body!

Goals: To experience movement and dance as resources for connection and renewal.

Join artists and sisters Devon and Alex on a facilitated experience (accompanied by music) during which you will give yourself permission to move freely, listen to your body and have fun. Dance and movement have been proven to calm the nervous system and cultivate resilience. Moving can also help us tap into a deeper, wise part of ourselves. Every Body is welcome, and no prior dance experience is needed.

Audiences: 14 +

Testimonials:

“I had such a blast in your workshop! It was so relaxing and so fun. Thank you."

"Your (Devon and Alex) presence’ gave people the space and vulnerability to be open, explore and share. My heart feels so much lighter now."

"It was the best group Zoom/virtual experience I have had to date. The experience felt like an opportunity to continue healing... and to pay attention to the inner sensations of my body when I move, letting go of my inner (very critical) voice."

"Today’s workshop was so beautiful. Almost even better that we did it virtually (on Zoom) in our own spaces because I couldn’t be influenced by anyone else’s movements or expectations."

We are proud to be partnering with Eating Recovery

We are proud to be partnering with Eating Recovery Center/Insight Behavioral Health on the Love your Tree Campaign! This campaign kicks off on Recovery Day, June 26th and will run through the end of the year. Love your Tree is a body diversity creative arts campaign which uses the metaphor of a tree to teach self-acceptance, body positivity & media literacy.
Visit Love Your Tree https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/love-your-tree for more details!

✨MEET #BTCF JUNE FEATURED ARTIST Priscilla O. Ag

✨MEET #BTCF JUNE FEATURED ARTIST Priscilla O. Agyeman @saddie_baddies ✨
LINK IN BIO✨ !

Priscilla O. Agyeman, MPH is the CEO & founder of Saddie Baddies, a virtual safe space for women of color to destigmatize mental health and initiate collective healing.

Discovering Saddie Baddies and the magic behind it all; Priscilla O. Agyeman was such an amazing experience! Priscilla’s passion and commitment to all those she serves every single day is truly inspiring and personal. In such a short time, Saddie Baddies has already been featured in Self Magazine’s “44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country”, among other publications and podcasts. Her unique creativity speaks volumes amongst all of her social media platforms which are all growing and thriving daily. Stay tuned for lots more from Priscilla and Saddie Baddies!

#blackmentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealth #advocate #ceo #founder #saddiebaddies #blackmentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #creativity #art #btcf #healing #hope #community #inspiration #passion 🌼🌼🌼

One moment can say everything. #BTCF artist ambass

One moment can say everything. #BTCF artist ambassador @_arie_b 💜 in our board member @alex_little ‘s “7 CHAIRS” 💜

The 7 Chairs Performance is powerfully vulnerable, revealing and freeing. It breaks the silence about inner struggles often underpinning negative body-image relationships, disordered eating and other challenges. Through the art of dance, seven performers come together in an anonymous meeting to share their stories and listen to other’s in real time, thereby generating solidarity, honesty and hope for all involved. This illuminating process is both captivating and transformative; it also highlights the fact that the willingness to see and hear, as well as to be seen and heard, is the foundation for all healing. As an audience member, you will be reminded that “I, You, We…Are Not Alone 🙏

Press Kit available upon request iambreakingthechains@gmail.com 📸James Wirth

11/9/19 Such a special day😊 Can’t wait to do

11/9/19 Such a special day😊 Can’t wait to do it again!

As an art-based foundation whose programming serve

As an art-based foundation whose programming serves to aid those suffering from eating disorders, disordered eating, body image relationships and overall mental health we are committed to the idea that our world is a better place when our differences are viewed as strengths rather than tools to divide us. This is why we are deeply saddened by the acts of racism and injustice that continue to occur in the black community. We want to take this time to express our belief that Black Lives Matter and our commitment to amplifying the important voices within the black community that often go unheard. This includes individuals who are struggling with food and body image issues as well as providers and professionals who are committed to meeting their unique needs. We acknowledge that we have more work to do. We will continue to learn, listen, and respond. We recognize you, we see you, we value you, we honor you, and we stand in solidarity with you. To our BIPOC friends and artists who have shared their stories, professions, creativity, inspiration, kindness, support and various forms of artistic expression - we love you and are so grateful for you!

In learning more and taking a step forward, here are some awesome BIPOC who are engaging in powerful ways on a daily basis in the field of mental health and so much more.
Respectfully,
BTCF

As an art-based foundation whose programming serve

As an art-based foundation whose programming serves to aid those suffering from eating disorders, disordered eating, body image relationships and overall mental health we are committed to the idea that our world is a better place when our differences are viewed as strengths rather than tools to divide us. This is why we are deeply saddened by the acts of racism and injustice that continue to occur in the black community. We want to take this time to express our belief that Black Lives Matter and our commitment to amplifying the important voices within the black community that often go unheard. This includes individuals who are struggling with food and body image issues as well as providers and professionals who are committed to meeting their unique needs. We acknowledge that we have more work to do. We will continue to learn, listen, and respond. We recognize you, we see you, we value you, we honor you, and we stand in solidarity with you. To our BIPOC friends and artists who have shared their stories, professions, creativity, inspiration, kindness, support and various forms of artistic expression - we love you and are so grateful for you!

In learning more and taking a step forward, here are some awesome BIPOC who are engaging in powerful ways on a daily basis in the field of mental health and so much more.
Respectfully,
BTCF

As an art-based foundation whose programming serve

As an art-based foundation whose programming serves to aid those suffering from eating disorders, disordered eating, body image relationships and overall mental health we are committed to the idea that our world is a better place when our differences are viewed as strengths rather than tools to divide us. This is why we are deeply saddened by the acts of racism and injustice that continue to occur in the black community. We want to take this time to express our belief that Black Lives Matter and our commitment to amplifying the important voices within the black community that often go unheard. This includes individuals who are struggling with food and body image issues as well as providers and professionals who are committed to meeting their unique needs. We acknowledge that we have more work to do. We will continue to learn, listen, and respond. We recognize you, we see you, we value you, we honor you, and we stand in solidarity with you. To our BIPOC friends and artists who have shared their stories, professions, creativity, inspiration, kindness, support and various forms of artistic expression - we love you and are so grateful for you!

In learning more and taking a step forward, here are some awesome BIPOC who are engaging in powerful ways on a daily basis in the field of mental health and so much more.
Respectfully,
BTCF

Instagram post 18055232029241321

Instagram post 18055232029241321

Today on #NEDAConnections, Debra Hopkins & Daniell

Today on #NEDAConnections, Debra Hopkins & Danielle Kelmar, LCSW from #BTCF & #NEDANetwork org chat encouragement of self-efficacy within our choices of health and wellness on NEDA’s FB Live at 10am PST / 1 pm ET! facebook..com/NationalEatingDisorderAssociation .

#health #wellness #engaged #life

Thank you @julia._katharina for sending this to us

Thank you @julia._katharina for sending this to us! Can really relate to this one today! #juggling 🍊😉🍊 .

#selcare #expression #mentalhealth #positivity #eatingdisorder #warrior #create #health #happy #momentsofmine #healing #btcf #dubailife #cirquedusoleilatsea #cirquedusoleil

💜Excited to share our next virtual support expe

💜Excited to share our next virtual support experience! ✨ “Bodies of Knowledge” - A movement & dance experience with SISTERS Devon Little and Alex Little ✨ FREE: Thurs, May 21st @ 10 am - 11am PST ✨ please email iambreakingthechains@gmail.com or DM us for ZOOM LINK!✨
✨

Dance and movement have been proven to calm the nervous system and cultivate resilience. Moving can also help us tap into a deeper, wise part of ourselves. Join artists and sisters Devon and Alex on a facilitated experience (accompanied by music) during which you will give yourself permission to move freely, listen to your body and have fun. Every Body is welcome, and no prior experience is needed. ✨
✨ For this workshop, you will need: comfortable clothing and little bit of space. ✨
✨

#movement #bodies #knowledge #music #dance #create #art #healing #artists #sisters #support #calm #mindfulness #btcf

A Big Thank You to #BTCF Celebrity Ambassador @bro

A Big Thank You to #BTCF Celebrity Ambassador @brookelewisla for her continued advocacy, sharing our mission in numerous publications, her time, energy, talent, and being such a positive role model🙏💛 .
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“I have now been a part of this for many years now. Breaking the Chains Foundation deals with eating disorders, body shaming, body image issues and healing most importantly through art. Whether that be painting, dance (they have a dance trip involved), acting, writing, musicians, you name it. It teaches especially young women, which I am a big proponent of helping young women and a supporter of helping young women cultivate and heal their inner strength. It’s not all about what we look like on the outside. From an actress who is ethnic, short, curvy, who has battled weight issues since childhood, it’s something that I feel so strongly about. We need to know that you can be beautiful inside and out in any way and that you don’t need to suffer.” Brooke Lewis-Bellas .
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#positive #bodyimage #innerpeace #growth #healing #journey #art #actress #producer #writer #author #philanthropist #philadelphia #newyork #losangeles #staytuned

MAY 6th is the NEDA Network’s second national #N

MAY 6th is the NEDA Network’s second national #NoDietDay social media campaign to encourage the rejection of the diet culture. For ways to participate and create awareness, please visit link in bio✨✨✨Let’s promote respect for all body shapes, sizes, and ages! Let’s promote healthy relationships with food, movement, and body image💛 You are uniquely beautiful, uniquely gifted, uniquely insightful, and uniquely loveable RIGHT NOW! .
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. #nodietday #dietsarecanceled #edawareness #disorderedeatingawareness #edsupport #edrecovery #recovery #HAES #intuitiveeating #positivebodyimage #bodylove #bodyacceptance #hope #yourarenotalone #warrior #unique #btcf #everyjouneyisdifferent #NEDANetwork

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