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.
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
Debra Hopkins, BTCF President and Founder, recentl Debra Hopkins, BTCF President and Founder, recently sat down with @polkvision for their #WhenYouKnow campaign. This campaign is grounded in the belief that stories have the power to transform: they can heal, inspire, and bring about change. In the interview, she shares her personal experience of overcoming an eating disorder, which served as the inspiration for establishing Breaking the Chains Foundation. “Breaking the chains is a deep internal piece to my own recovery because I had suffered from an eating disorder” #btcf #breakingthechainsfoundation #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek #recovery
At Breaking the Chains Foundation, we empower indi At Breaking the Chains Foundation, we empower individuals facing mental health and body image challenges by providing artistic programs and services. From February 23rd to March 1st, join us in recognition of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week as our youth ambassadors advocate for understanding and healing. Love, Kayden, Mikaela, Auden, Jordyn, Kennedy, Alicia, Nicole, and Aria #btcf #youth #ambassadors #nationaleatingdisorderawarenessweek
Thank you @chef_gason for another wonderful recipe Thank you @chef_gason for another wonderful recipe featuring your Strawberry Vinaigrette! See the recipe below! Chef encourages how different forms of movement can support mental health and enrich daily life. 🌟 #BTCF continues to team up with board member, Chef Gason to engage in culinary experiences that honors all aspects of food, from preparation to enjoyment. He believes that plating is a canvas for self-expression and creativity—there are no right or wrong ways to do it. The possibilities are endless! The aim is to have fun, create shared experiences, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Having purpose can be bold and exciting!💛 Strawberry Vinaigrette ¼ cup strawberry vinegar 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar, to taste) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ¾ cup olive oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper How It’s Made Bowl method: In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies. Stir in salt and pepper. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tang. Mason jar method: Add vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust as needed Yield: About 1½ cups — enough for a few salads. #chefgason #tooeasy #neworleans #btcf
#BTCF Featured Artist Sonja Xie 💜✨LINK IN BIO for #BTCF Featured Artist Sonja Xie 💜✨LINK IN BIO for full feature✨ Sonja Xie is a 17-year-old visual artist, brain health advocate, and Founder/Executive Director of @brainwavesforchange , a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit reimagining the stigma surrounding neurological and mental illness. Based in Westchester, NY, Sonja has loved painting, sculpting, and creating since age 3, and now channels that passion into educational programs that inspire creativity and neurological well-being. As a published author in Schizophrenia Research, Yale School of Medicine research intern, and Regeneron STS 2026 Scholar, as well as a gallery-showcased, award-winning multi-media artist, Sonja aims to combine neuroscience and art into uplifting programs for her community. It’s been incredibly inspiring and educational to chat with this brilliant and creative young woman. Sonja is a deeply thoughtful and out-of-the-box thinker. Her insights and support for her work significantly contribute to this field and its new discoveries. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sonja and Brain Waves for Change! Thank you, Sonja! #btcf #feature #artist #bwfc
We are excited about our new partners and look for We are excited about our new partners and look forward to enriching our shared mission services. Together, we will continue to explore the important connections between brain health, mental health, and the arts, while also empowering youth through valuable opportunities. Stay tuned! #btcf #bwfc #brainhealth #mentalhealth #arts
💜Selfie #5: Cherish Yourselfie - Encourage positiv 💜Selfie #5: Cherish Yourselfie - Encourage positive actions & embrace optimism A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @kaydentokarski for sharing her insights and reminding us to stay away from comparing ourselves to others, as not all social media is real. Instead, cherish yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. 🔗 in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf #socialmedialiteracy
💜Selfie #4: Be Yourselfie - Engage in social media 💜Selfie #4: Be Yourselfie - Engage in social media literacy A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @audenwyle for sharing her insights on the importance of embracing who you are because your story matters and to always be yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. Link in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf #socialmedialiteracy
💜Selfie #3: Help Yourselfie - Reduce perfectionism 💜Selfie #3: Help Yourselfie - Reduce perfectionism & increase self-compassion A special thank you to BTCF Youth Ambassador @alicianotsograceful for sharing her personal insights on overcoming self-criticism and the importance of helping yourselfie!💕 How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) is an online research-based social media literacy & eating disorders prevention program that has five selfie modules (pillars) with interactive videos and workbook. Each selfie is paired with videos and a workbook that includes five tabs related to the selfie. These tabs contain social media literacy prompts and an interactive workbook that corresponds with each theme. 🔗 in the bio to learn more! #howtoloveyourselfie #htlys #btcf socialmedialiteracy
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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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