Breaking the Chains Foundation
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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.

When you have your crew! ~ Amazing women supportin When you have your crew! ~ Amazing women supporting creativity & community❤️ #artcrawl2025 #btcf 

@alex_little
@laurenraevg 
@katle_is_t 
@irelynnbryannnnn
@deena_bryan_ 
#debrahopkins 

📸: @artcrawlfl 

#lakeland
#florida
What a great Friday night with these terrific @fre What a great Friday night with these terrific @fredidanceproject students taking part in our #7CHAIRS Master Dance Workshop ~ created and taught by #BTCF board and master dance teachers @alex_little and @katherineleist1 💜💜!

Thank you @rpfundingcenter for sharing your wonderful space with us! Thank you @watsonclinicfoundation for our partnership supporting Arts and Health Week 2025🤩 Thank you @freddie_dejesus_ for your awesome support and partnership🤍!

#dance #health #arts #stories #journey #nonprofit #lakeland #florida
Such an amazing “Arts and Health Week” put on by @ Such an amazing “Arts and Health Week” put on by @watsonclinicfoundation ! It was a joy for #BTCF to be a part of this meaningful events week💚

Heartfelt thank you to @agbmuseum for inviting Debra Hopkins, President of #BTCF, creator, and writer, to share her “Finding Alice” photography exhibit and personal story, offering an  immersive experience that visually explores the realms of “Finding Alice”. 

museum photos ~  @janeannegonzalezphotography 

#artsandhealing #findingalice #personalstory #photography
Such a special Sunday we had with our “Big C New M Such a special Sunday we had with our “Big C New Me Power Crew” event! This day truly inspires and makes a positive difference in the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers! 💛 ~ More photos coming soon.

Would like to take an opportunity to thank all our amazing pros and additional volunteers! Your expertise and service are truly appreciated.💛

Thank you to @watson_clinic @watsonclinicfoundation @thewell.lakeland @pastachefcatering @dovetail_design_va for being our power partners! 

Thank you @bellaroseoriginals for the wonderful photos!📸

Thank you @allwaysdrops for your generous support! 

Please visit link in bio to learn about “Big C New Me”. More to come in 2026!

Feel free to reach out to: iambreakingthechains@gmail.com

#bigcnewme #powercrew #cancer #community #hope
So excited for this event💛💛💛and super grateful to So excited for this event💛💛💛and super grateful to our power partners @thewell.lakeland @watsonclinicfoundation @pastachefcatering 

Come join us for a one day with the “Big C New Me Power Crew” event! This day makes such a difference in the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers!

✅ Big C New Me Application Sign up: LINK IN BIO or SCAN QR CODE
Nov 2nd • 2pm - 6 pm
The Well, Lakeland, FL
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, and professional portraits to keep. Other benefits include lunch, swag bags, education, connections, support, and resources.💛

Please feel free to reach out to: iambreakingthechains@gmail.com

#bigcnewme #powercrew #cancer #community #hope
Alex Little’s 7 CHAIRS is back!❤️ We are so excite Alex Little’s 7 CHAIRS is back!❤️ We are so excited to be having two performances in Florida @artcrawlfl on November 9th • 11am and 3pm.

🔗IN BIO: Events ~ Come join us!

ABOUT:
7 Chairs is an 8-minute live dance performance created and choreographed by BTCF Board Member, @alex_little 

The 7 CHAIRS performance offers a powerful, vulnerable, revealing, and liberating experience. Through dance, seven performers gather in an anonymous meeting to share their personal stories and listen to others in real time, fostering solidarity, honesty, and hope among all participants, and reinforcing the vital truth that no one struggles alone. This performance breaks the silence surrounding inner struggles often linked to negative body image, disordered eating, grief, and other mental, emotional, and circumstantial challenges affecting one’s self-esteem, identity, and overall wellness. The process is both captivating and transformative, emphasizing that the willingness to see, hear, be seen, and be heard serves as the foundation for healing. As an audience member, you will be reminded that “I, You, We…Are Not Alone.

Thank you to our partners! @artcrawlfl and @udclakeland 

photography: @photos_by_edward 
#jameswirthphotography
blue photo: @danceexcellence 

#mentalhealth #journey #alexlittle #7chairs #dancers #stories
💛Hey Florida! Come join us for our 2-hour master d 💛Hey Florida! Come join us for our 2-hour master dance workshop, “The 7 CHAIRS EXPERIENCE” taught by BTCF board members, renowned Master Dance Teachers & Choreographers, @alex_little & @katherineleist1 !

✅SIGN UP - EVENTS LINK IN BIO!
November 7th, 2025
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
RP Funding Center, Lake Hunter Room @rpfundingcenter 
RSVP: Free, space is limited

ABOUT:
The 7 Chairs Experience was born from Alex’s personal experience, wherein she found that communal gatherings often activate or assist in individual healing. In
this workshop, Alex creates a safe yet brave space in which participants have the opportunity to connect with themselves and one another through art and movement. By exploring, sharing, and receiving stories of both struggle and victory, participants are reminded that… WE ARE NOT ALONE!

The 7 Chairs Experience is grounded in the same values and principles as the “7 CHAIRS” PERFORMANCE. After engaging in this real-time interpersonal storytelling experience, participants will leave with more understanding, compassion, and creative strategies for healing.

The goal is to explore what our unique hearts and minds want to communicate through the art of dance and movement. For both dancers and non-dancers.

A big thanks to @rpfundingcenter !

photography: @boivinphoto 

#dance #choreograhpy #storytelling #visual #narrative #healing #renewal #self #btcf #7chairsexperience
Finding Alice Photography Exhibit and Presentation Finding Alice Photography Exhibit and Presentation by the creator and writer, Debra Hopkins

THE AGB MUSEUM @agbmuseum 
800 East Palmetto Street
Lakeland, Florida 33801
November 6th, 2025
Two Showings: 5 pm and 6:30 pm

“I started Breaking The Chains Foundation with my project, “Finding Alice”. I wrote this story based on my own real-life experience as a young girl who struggled with something called “Alice in Wonderland Syndrome” (a distortion of visual perception). In the crazy I felt – I envisioned then created this world of metal, mortar, and steel because there is no nutritional value in a table made up of metal, mortar, and steel! I had to find a way out, and so did Alice. If you have ever suffered from any type of distorted mind processes, such as an eating disorder, negative body image, or other addictions. You are not alone! Recovery is possible! I encourage you to tell your story!

Thank you to my dear friend and renowned photographer @amybarnardphotography who listened to me for hours upon hours with an open, patient, and loving heart, and helped me make all the pictures in my head breathe and come to life through her stunning photography. Thank you to my first board member/celebrity ambassador, actress @jillianrosereed (Alice). Thank you to actors @erinsanders (Rose) and @augemer (Jarvis). I loved directing this project and all of your amazing talent and abilities to capture these characters!

To date, “Finding Alice” is a book, a photography exhibit, and a 5-part workshop. I am thrilled to debut the Finding Alice Photography Exhibit and Presentation at AGB Museum on November 6th! ~ Debra Hopkins, BTCF President/Founder

A big thanks to @agbmuseum !

#findingalice #debrahopkins #btcf #photography #book #workshop
Hey Florida! Calling all cancer survivors and care Hey Florida! Calling all cancer survivors and caregivers💛💛💛

One day with the “Big C New Me Power Crew” makes such a difference in the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers!

✅ Big C New Me Application Sign up: LINK IN BIO or SCAN QR CODE
Nov 2nd • 2pm - 6 pm
The Well
114 E. Parker St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
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, and professional portraits to keep. Other benefits include lunch, swag bags, education, connections, support, and resources.💛

Thank you to our partners! @watson_clinic @thewell.lakeland @pastachefcatering @cliquesalonandmedspa @goldbirdhair.hannah @simply.polished.by.emma @flawlessmemories83 @changeyournarrative 

For more information: iambreakingthechains@gmail.com

#bigcnewme #cancer #community #hope
🤩WOW! What an incredible day at our 2025 How To Lo 🤩WOW! What an incredible day at our 2025 How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts and Wellness Camp @mihranknoho 🤩

Thank you to our outstanding #BTCF TEAM - so much love to you all!  Thank you to all our amazing sponsors & volunteers! TY to our rockstar youth guests - we loved sharing the day with you all!  Thank you parents & caregivers for bringing your kids to our camp! A special thanks to @mihranknoho for hosting us! AND big thanks to @jordyncuret_ for creating our very own #BTCF song for the camp, “Dance Again”!🎸🎶

We can wait until 2026! #HOWTOLOVEYOURSELFIE #YOUTH #ARTS #WELLNESS #CAMP 

😎Fun Fact ~ Inspiration for this camp comes from our online social media literacy videos/workbook program - How To Love Yourselfie with @jillianrosereed 🩷#creator 

“DANCE AGAIN”
Written/Vocals: Jordyn Curet 
Guitars/Bass/Melody: Michael Paik Music Drums/Percussion: Beau Skonieczny @beau_drumz 
Mixing/Mastering Engineer: Gear-Age Media 
Copyrights: Breaking The Chains Foundation

Video cred~ @jillianrosereed
#bestdayever 💜🕶️ 🤩with some of our amazing campers #bestdayever 💜🕶️ 🤩with some of our amazing campers at our “How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp” 9/21/25 

TY youth ambassador @kaydentokarski for creating this video for us! 

#staytuned #htlys #youth #arts #wellness #camp #btcf #mihrankstudios
Our #BTCF Team shares some thoughts about our supe Our #BTCF Team shares some thoughts about our super fun “How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp” on September 21st @mihranknoho 💜

Thank you youth ambassador @kaydentokarski for capturing these moments & creating this video for us! 💖

Lots more to share🤩

#htlys #youth #arts #wellness #camp #btcf
#BTCF Statistics Series National Suicide Preventio #BTCF Statistics Series National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month💜

Within this series – How can we connect with one another, find creative ways of self-expression, and support each other. Our dear friend and contributor, Amy Kathleen Lee, Founder/CEO of Dancing with ED, a Mental Health Educator, Speaker, and Suicide Prevention Trainer reflects on her struggles living with Bipolar II disorder, PTSD, an eating disorder, and suicidality. In her journey, she discovered hope, truth, and healing.💜

A special thanks to @amykathleenlee @dancingwithed.inc for sharing her expertise, lived experience, and advising us for this series.💜 

Thank you BTCF Youth Ambassador Chair @mikaelazarsky for continuing to do research and create for us!
BTCF board members, Debra Hopkins, Amy Hart, and C BTCF board members, Debra Hopkins, Amy Hart, and Chef Gason enjoying some special moments at our recent “The Night Out” event with the #BTCF East Coast Virginia chapter💛! We are very grateful for another wonderful occasion that benefits our program, “Big C New Me”, which serves cancer survivors and caregivers. This program is created by our board member and two-time cancer survivor, Amy Hart @singingharts 💛

Our star chef, @chef_gason , prepared “thee” best New Orleans gumbo and étouffée! 🤩

We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors, Eric Hart, Big C committee, our volunteers, guests, and @leveltencville ! We would also like to express our deep appreciation for our outstanding Virginia chefs: Chef Slawski, Chef Melissa, and Chef Pierre, as well as the talented musician and singer, Gerad Hopkins!

More photos and videos yet to be shared from this beautiful evening!

#bigcnewme #cancer #survivors #charity
🤩How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp 🤩How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp sponsors!! We ADORE you all ~ THANK YOU!🥰

🤩SIGN UP & REGISTRATION INFO ~ SCAN CODE or LINK IN BIO!
26 MORE DAYS! ~ until our How To Love Yoursellfie 26 MORE DAYS! ~ until our How To Love Yoursellfie Youth Arts & WellnessCamp @mihrankstudios 💜

🖊️SIGN UP TODAY - LINK IN BIO!

We can’t wait to do it again🎉🎉
@jillianrosereed 
@thecourtneyhope 
@alex_little 
@chef_gason 
@mobilemozart 
@ggtownson 
@divadianalynn
@jordyncuret_ 
@tastybytina 
@daniellenievesrealestate
@kaydentokarski 
@audenwyle 
@mikaelazarsky
@katherineleist1 
@kennedyjean04
@helen.louise.steel
@tracywylemakeithappen 
#penniecuret
#reneeperkins 

Email: Debra Hopkins dhopkinsbreakingthechainsfdn@gmail.com for any questions! 

#htlys #youth #arts #wellness #btcf
#BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations - A Perso #BTCF Health and Wellness Conversations -  A Personal Journey of Yoga Therapy as a Powerful Practice for Eating Disorder Recovery. 

Facilitated by Krista Stryker @12minuteathlete, NSCA-CPT, Author, #BTCF Board with guest, @yogaforeatingdisorders , Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, C-IAYT, Founder of Yoga for Eating Disorders.💜

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.

#yoga #yogatherapy #journey #mentalhealthawareness #eatingdisorder #recovery #wellness
“How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp “How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp” Q & A with #BTCF Youth Ambassadors @jordyncuret_ & @kaydentokarski 💜💜

📌September 21st 9 am - 4 pm
✅Sign Up: 🔗 In Bio or Scan QR Code
✅Registration confirmation email = 🎟️ 
✅FREE: check in begins at 9 am!

#arts #wellness #youth

reel cred: @jordyncuret_
Thank you so much @mobilemozart for facilitating a Thank you so much @mobilemozart for facilitating a wonderful #BTCF Paint Night🎨! Big shoutout thanks to our amazing #BTCF youth ambassadors @kaydentokarski & @jordyncuret_ for shining and sharing our mission with our Burbank community 💖💖! 

📌Visit 🔗 in bio to paint with Kathy @mobilemozart & us at our How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts and Wellness Camp Day on September 21st @mihrankstudios !!

#artishealing #paint #youth #expression
Join us for Raffle For A Reason at our How To Love Join us for Raffle For A Reason at our How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts & Wellness Camp Day! 

All youth ages 8 to 18 who attend this super fun day will have the chance to win amazing prizes from our generous sponsors! Check out the prizes➡️

To sign up and register, visit the 🔗 in our bio or scan the QR code.

See you there!❤️

#htlys #youth #arts #wellness #camp #day
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©2023 Breaking The Chains Foundation. All rights reserved Breaking the Chains Foundation Tax ID - 47-2419843, 501 © (3), Nonprofit
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