Breaking the Chains Foundation
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  • ‘How To Love YourSelfie’ Event

    Breaking The Chains Foundation (BTCF) hosted How To Love YourSelfie event live Saturday March 25th in Los Angeles. Read The Press Coverage!

    Read The Press Coverage
  • Mental Health Action Day Conversation

    “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” with JIllian Rose Reed and Courtney Hope

    Watch The Conversation
  • Meet Our Featured Artist

    Meet our newest featured artist

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  • How To Love Yourselfie!

    Learn more about How To Love Yourselfie with Jillian Rose Reed

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  • Big C New Me


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  • Our Health & Fitness Blog

    Discover and find personal growth through movement and exercise

    Read More
  • Chef Gason’s Canvas of Culinary Arts

    Monthly Recipes from NOLA Chef Gason

    Let’s Eat
  • Love Your Tree - Instagram Live with Debra Hopkins & ERC

    Eating Recovery Center hosted an Instagram Live with guest Debra Hopkins

    Watch Now
  • 7 Chairs Performances

    Alex Little’s 7 Chairs

    Find Out More
  • VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: INSIDE OUT

    Inside Out virtual workshops combine multiple art forms and reflection, with a focus on dance and movement

    Read More
  • Finding Alice

    Finding Alice is based on creator/writer Debra Hopkins’ experience as a young girl with a disoriented sense of visual perception, commonly referred to as, The Alice in Wonderland Syndrome.

    Find Out More
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 “AT ITS BEST, ART IS LIKE AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER THAT HELPS US LOOK AT OUR LIFE AND OUR EXPERIENCES IN DIFFERENT WAYS.”
– GALINSKY 
“Art can be very healing, it’s such a beautifully shared process not only by those who create, but for those who experience it which makes it timeless and limitless. I always believed that art can take on a shape all of its own, sometimes we can control and other times we cannot. It’s a fascinating process no matter its form. Art can be breathtaking, meditative, and filled with the darkest emotions as well as the happiest of emotions all at once or not. It’s therapy for so many and transcends all space and time.Artists are some of the most passionate and emotional individuals I have ever known. They are intuitive, bold, exciting, brave, shy, and empathic. Channeling healing and wellbeing through art is magical and inspiring. Artists are curious, so they dive into emotion even though they may not be ready for the outcome. The process can be quite immersive, impactful, and sometimes scary. It also has the propensity to aid in emotional regulation as one learns to hope and receive a variety of the healing benefits. It can transport people into a different state of mind – we can sit still as creators too as there is such a deep appreciation and relaxation that takes place when doing so. Art is energy!  BTCF uses the power of art and expression to foster creativity, build connections, and create a community in which individuals can thrive.”

Founder, Debra Hopkins

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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

Canvas of Culinary Arts

7 Chairs

Community and Support

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

 
BTCF is very focused on rolling up our sleeves and being of service to celebrate hope, healing, and recovery as well as building friendships and enriching communities through a variety of creative genres and programming. We are so grateful to be able to partner with these like-minded organizations! 

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

breakingthechainsfdn

NEW ZOOM • Big C New Me 💛 LINK IN BIO 2 Date NEW ZOOM • Big C New Me 💛 LINK IN BIO

2 Dates & Times: 
• 10/5/23 - 9:30 am PT/ 12:30 pm ET
• 10/6/23 - 12:30 pm PT/ 3:30pm ET 

BTCF Board Member and cancer survivor Amy Hart will be presenting the “Big C New Me” program, sharing her personal cancer journey and the motivation that went into creating the Big C New Me program. She will be joined by her husband Eric Hart (BTCF Advisory Board member and co-director of the Big C New Me program), who was her caregiver for many years. He focuses on the caregiver perspective. In addition to an inside look into their national Power Crew event!

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. 

• Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, guilt, grief and low self-esteem are among some of challenges that plague cancer survivors.

• According to the American Psychological Association, 20 to 60 percent of cancer patients have symptoms of depression. 

#bigcnewme #powercrew #bigcnewme #cancer #support #education #survivors #confidence #building #community
💜🩵🩷🧡 On the behalf of #BTCF ~ Board Me 💜🩵🩷🧡 On the behalf of #BTCF ~ Board Member and Celebrity Ambassador Courtney Hope shares a meaningful, heartfelt, and informative message for National Suicide Prevention Month. 

Thank you Courtney❤️@thecourtneyhope 

#988 #september #nationalsuicidepreventionmonth #help #connect #listen #support #hope #reachoutforhelp #youarenotalone
NEW! 🌸 Every part of our logo including the col NEW! 🌸
Every part of our logo including the colors chosen has an intentional meaning that exemplifies our mission and what we strive to provide to all those we have the pleasure to connect with. 

The color blue encourages serenity, tranquility, trust, and dependability. We understand that the journey of mental and physical well-being provides the opportunity to experience more peace and tranquility in various aspects of our lives. To achieve a true level of peace it requires complete trust in the space you have cultivated and the ability to depend on the relationships and support that you have allowed to share a part of your world. 

The color orange invites rejuvenation, vitality, positivity, enthusiasm, and most of all courage. We understand that seeking out resources and support for personal growth takes courage and is not easy. We want to gift to you enthusiasm and vitality throughout your individual healing and recovery journey. We hope to hold positivity when things don’t always feel so positive and a source of rejuvenation from time to time to help you keep pushing towards the life of where you want to be. 

The color purple is associated with dignity, power, ambition, and creativity. We wholeheartedly believe in what the ability to express creativity can do for your life. Being able to unlock your creative potential in whatever medium requires the ability to stand in your own unique power. At the end of the day we hope that your journey allows you to hold your head high with dignity, and allow your ambition to guide you to the life you truly deserve. 

The color pink brings hope, optimism, nurturing and kindness. We are grateful that we have the opportunity to hold hope for everyone we have the opportunity to meet. Just showing up, reaching out, putting in effort to get to where you want to be in life takes optimism to get the ball rolling. However, it takes kindness toward yourself and allows the opportunity to nurture areas of your life that you may have never considered. While optimism may start the process, continued kindness and hope that you hold for yourself will forever illuminate your path.
We are thrilled to welcome our Celebrity Ambassado We are thrilled to welcome our Celebrity Ambassador, GG Townson 💗! @ggtownson 

GG Townson is a Los Angeles native born into an entertainment legacy. Her grandfather, Ronald Townson, was a founding member of the iconic 1960's vocal group The 5th Dimension. Inspired by her family's musical roots, GG embarked on a journey to make her mark in the entertainment industry. She began her career with a notable role in a Toon Disney commercial at the age of seven, capturing the attention of industry professionals. Subsequently, she secured a guest spot on the acclaimed series Joan of Arcadia, followed by a recurring role on Nickelodeon's Zoey 101. Her television credits also include memorable appearances in Everybody Hates Chris, Cory in the House, Children's Hospital and In The Cut. 

In addition to her television work, Townson has ventured into the world of film, starring in projects like Major Deal, where she portrayed the character Candy, and Welcome Matt, where she will be seen as Lisa alongside Tahj Mowry. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of the iconic hip-hop artist "Salt" in the highly-anticipated Lifetime biopic Salt-N-Pepa. The movie chronicles the rise of Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton, the trailblazing female rap duo. Townson's performance in the film garnered critical acclaim, and she was grateful to have Cheryl's support throughout the process. Townson recently had a major recurring arc on BET Plus's series"Sacrifice as Jameson. 

Beyond her artistic pursuits, GG Townson is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. She is currently working on launching an organization that aims to inspire and uplift young women through educational, artistic, and social-recreational experiences, nurturing all aspects of their well-being. 

In her spare time, Townson enjoys engaging in arts and crafts, staying active through exercise, honing her culinary skills in the kitchen, and cherishing moments spent with her loved ones.

#actress #creative #lifetime #saltnpepa #artist #ambassador
We are honored to welcome Advisory Board Member. E We are honored to welcome Advisory Board Member. Eric Hart!

Eric has been a professional actor for over 40 years. He has traveled the world with the international tours of Les Misérables and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as originated roles -not only on the Broadway stage- but world premieres across the USA. In the past 20 years, he has taken up directing and is enjoying that immensely.

His film and television career have also brought him coast to coast, appearing in big box office, independent films, and daytime television.

Eric's most fulfilling role to date has been traveling the country with his wife Amy, working with cancer survivors and caregivers through the Big C New Me program. As a previous caregiver for Amy, he understands all too well the emotional and physical toll it can take.

During most of the week, he works as the Field Service Manager for @dovetail_design_va Dovetail Design & Cabinetry, sometimes offering a song to his clients. Eric is an accomplished cabinetry installer, carpenter and former contractor, and loves creating and building things. He lives in rural Virginia, outside of Charlottesville, with Amy and their two big fluffy dogs.

#BTCF #advisory #board #actor #singer #director #broadway #creator
Hope you can join us!
THE ART OF VULNERABILITY 🌸
A round table discussion about leaning into vulnerability with three young creators who share their artistic expression through their individual art forms.

REGISTER: Link in Bio - Free Virtual ☀️
AUGUST 2nd, Wednesday 
12-1:15 pm PST / 1-2:15 pm MT / 2-3:15 pm CST / 3-4:15pm EST

Jordyn Curet, Singer/Actress
“Overcoming fears and channeling emotions”

@jordyncuret_ #BTCF #youth #ambassador #creative #singer #actress #teen #vulnerability #wellness #journey #disney #starwars
Hope you can join us!
THE ART OF VULNERABILITY 🌸
A round table discussion about leaning into vulnerability with three young creators who share their artistic expression through their individual art forms.

REGISTER: Link in Bio - Free Virtual ☀️
AUGUST 2nd, Wednesday 
12-1:15 pm PST / 1-2:15 pm MT / 2-3:15 pm CST / 3-4:15pm EST

Auden Wyle, Actress/Writer
“I know you, I wish you knew me”

@audenwyle #BTCF #youth #ambassador #creative #actress #writer #teen #vulnerability #wellness #journey
🌸We are excited to share our first youth virtua 🌸We are excited to share our first youth virtual, The Art of Vulnerability!🌸
FREE (donations are welcome) REGISTER:LINK IN BIO
August 2nd, Wednesday :
12 pm – 1:15 pm PST / 1 pm – 2:15 pm MT / 2 pm - 3:15 pm CST / 3 pm – 4:15 pm EST

Join us for this round table conversation as our three BTCF youth ambassadors and creators share their artistic expression through the art of vulnerability. Each uses their individual form of art to uncover vulnerability, and how it is utilized, expressed, communicated, and creates a connection to others.

@audenwyle , Actress/Writer
“I know you, I wish you knew me.”
 
@jordyncuret_ , Singer/Actress 
“Overcoming fears and channeling emotions.”
 
@mikaelazarsky , Dancer 
“The confidence to let yourself be seen and take up space.”

#btcf #teen #youth #ambassador #vulnerability #creative #actor #writer #singer #actress #dancer #journey
Thinking, creating, moving. Thank you @illuminated Thinking, creating, moving. Thank you @illuminatedanceandartscenter 💜 really looking forward to this project💜

#dance #dancer #creative #artist #choreography #film #filmphotography #illuminaTe #healing #journey #discovery #btcf #partner
We are honored to welcome our new Advisory Board m We are honored to welcome our new Advisory Board member @krysiastcyr 💜

Krysia St. Cyr is a holistic coach for the creative community. As the Director of Student Wellbeing at @cliconservatory , she daily uses her certifications as a life-coach, holistic nutritionist, and soon-to-be yoga instructor to help dancers nourish their whole being. She is passionate about helping dancers break through the mental and emotional barriers they face as performing artists to pursue and live out their dreams. 

Certifications: Life-coaching certification through International Coaching Federation. Nutrition Certification through A Nutritious Life Certification Program. Yoga Certification (completing 200 hr certification this summer) through Kootenay Yoga School

#lifecoach #holistic #nutritionist #dance #wellbeing #wellness #btcf #advisory #board
✨June #BTCF Featured Artist Jaicee Partridge @_j ✨June #BTCF Featured Artist Jaicee Partridge @_jaicee ✨LINK IN BIO!

Jaicee Partridge is a native to Detroit, and has trained intensely in various styles of dance, drama, and music throughout their life. Their love of the arts began at a young age and grew when they joined Anita’s Theatre of Dance and Performing Arts in Sterling Heights, Michigan. There they participated in many stage productions, acting/film work classes, and studied various styles of dance under the guidance of owners Anita Giza and Anita Schmidt. Jaicee attended many masterclasses and workshops, one being with JMESDA under the guidance of Jayson Michaels, Deena Bryan, and Angela Harris. Whereas  they were offered a company scholarship to be an ES Kid. They have toured the U.S., continuing to train and perform at Deborah’s Stage Door Centre of the Performing Arts in Rochester Hills, as well as training with many choreographers in the industry.

As Jaicee’s love for creating and teaching grew, they assisted and led various dance classes with a special interest in jazz, contemporary, and modern. They attended Wayne State University taking multiple dance classes while studying Psychology. In 2016, they earned a resident teacher position with Broadway Bound Again Dance in New Baltimore, Michigan. In 2021, Jaicee was offered their first professional dance work as an ensemble member for the Chicago-based dance company @mollyshanahanmadshak led by Dr. Molly Shanahan. The ensemble will be premiering their full evening-length piece EXBODY: Strike Vibrate Shatter this October in Chicago. Jaicee will also be performing in their first dance residency in downtown Columbus this upcoming January with Dr.Shanahan and various artists. In 2021, Jaicee also joined @illuminatedanceandartscenter in Tecumseh, MI owned by Deena Bryan, as a resident teacher and choreographer for the illuminaTe 43 Company.

Jaicee continues learning and cultivating their own movement while sharing their experiences/philosophies with fellow creatives in hopes of providing open dialog and a safe, accepting, and warm space for all artists.

More to come with Jaicee and can’t wait! 💛

#dance #dancer #creator #choreographer
Wow! One moment captured this ~ such artistry of t Wow! One moment captured this ~ such artistry of these dancers and the brilliance of their choreographer @deena_bryan @illuminatedanceandartscenter 💛 

🫶🏼Photo cred @crudance 

#dance #dancers #art #artist #photographer #choreography #choreographer #illuminaTe
We are thrilled to welcome our #BTCF celebrity you We are thrilled to welcome our #BTCF celebrity youth ambassador Auden Wyle @audenwyle 💜!

Auden is an American Actress and Model, born in Los Angeles. Auden has been acting since a young age, she grew up in the theater performing in various plays and musicals. She is the daughter of actor Noah Wyle and Makeup Artist Tracy Wyle. Auden is based in Los Angeles and has two siblings. Auden is an up-and-coming young actress, known for her "extremely emotionally affecting" guest appearance on the series "Leverage Redemption.” Auden Wyle was named one of The Top Faces of Hollywood at the age of 17. The Actress continues to advocate for physical and mental health, whether it’s through her own stories, writing, and helping others.

📸: @emma_grace_anderson 

#actress #artist #writer #youth #advocate #health #mentalhealth #hope #healing #journey
We are excited to welcome our #BTCF Celebrity Yout We are excited to welcome our #BTCF Celebrity Youth Ambassador, Jordyn Curet @jordyncuret_ 💜!

Jordyn is a child actress, who has been performing since the age of two. Currently, she is a series regular in the ABC Network series Home Economics and will be starring in the upcoming Disney+ shows Star Wars: Visions and Project CC. In addition to acting Jordyn also sings, where she released her first original song, “Lift Me Up,” in 2019. She also participated in the 2023 Super Bowl commercial, where she sang in the America Youth Choir to the song “Ragged Old Flag.” Jordyn had a supporting role in the Oscar®-nominated film Marriage Story and also starred in the HBOMax film Holiday Harmony.

She has appeared in major films, several TV shows, multiple national commercials, and print campaigns. Curet received four Young Entertainer Awards for her work on Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home, Bizaardvark, and for her portrayal of "Young Phylicia Rashad '' in A Tale of Two Sisters. Jordyn also hosted DreamWorks TV’s YouTube series Life Hacks for Kids, which has more than 5 million subscribers with Curet sharing DIY hacks to her weekly audience.

Outside of acting, it is very important for Jordyn to give back to her community. Jordyn founded her own non-profit foundation, “Jordyn's Joy”, where she is spreading hope and joy to underprivileged children. She has been involved with events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Jordyn also loves playing the ukulele, guitar, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and is an accomplished runner. She also loves to spend time with her family, including her brothers and many cousins across the country.

📸: @bellasavilleheadshots 

#actress #singer #creative #advocate #jordynsjoy #charity #youth #hope #service #family #tv #film
Excited to share on May 18th, Mental Health Action Excited to share on May 18th, Mental Health Action Day “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay Mental Health Conversation” w/our amazing #BTCF board members @thecourtneyhope 💕& @jillianrosereed 💕 #SELFCARE ✨

#mentalhealth #action #day #journey #wellness #hope #personalstory #tips #livedexperience
We are honored to welcome our new board member, Br We are honored to welcome our new board member, Breanna Lynn, MA, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor & Children’s Author 💜 @breannasbooks ✨

Breanna is a mental health clinician by day and a children’s book author by night. Breanna holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in family studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and a master’s degree in forensic psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Breanna has continued to seek out opportunities that allow her to learn, educate and inspire those in which she is lucky enough to cross paths with and treat. While her training began with an emphasis on treating and assessing high level criminal offenders. However, Breanna’s professional path has allowed her to broaden her education and lend her expertise to specialties such as; eating disorders, complex trauma, couple’s therapy, and diversity-informed mental health treatment. Therapeutically, Breanna has a drive to work with complex cases that involves thoughtful exploration, introspection, and education to improve the quality of life that she feels each and everyone of her client’s deserve. Helping individuals find and fully embrace their most authentic selves is what truly drives Breanna’s professional and personal endeavors.

#mentalhealth #clinician #children #book #author #education #health #wellness
✨May #BTCF Featured Artist  @thelauralarkins 💕 Link In Bio! 

Laura Barrett Larkins is an actress, and social media content creator, as well as Founder of LéBL Creative Consulting, a digital marketing company focused on content production, community management, influencer relations, and experiential marketing. Laura is currently based in London and is planning to open a concept store and co-working club inspired by her work in the creative and digital marketing world. She has been featured in Brides Magazine UK, Feminine Feminist Magazine, Forbes, and Focus TV, as well as a panelist speaker at the Affiliate Summit West in 2019. Laura showcases her life and travels on all social media channels which can be found @thelauralarkins.

When she is not working, her passions and hobbies include spending time with her husband and 4 beloved cats, traveling to new places, paddle boarding, cooking, shopping for antiques, interior decorating, and trying her best not to kill her plants.

In 2022, we were honored to welcome Laura on as a BTCF Advisory Board member.  She has been a joy to work with and jumped in to help us make our 2023 How To Love Yourselfie Live event a success!  In fact, she traveled from the UK to L.A. for the event and implemented her amazing designer touches throughout the venue. Getting to learn more about Laura has been so inspiring, not only is she funny, intelligent, kind, and lovely, she is basically a creative genius, she leans into true advocacy on tough issues speaking from her own lived experience.  We are grateful to have her on our team and know she will continue to soar!

#socialmedia #content #creator #actress #founder #management #design #artist  #btcf #advisory #board
🌸May is Mental Health Month ~ You are not alone 🌸May is Mental Health Month ~ You are not alone✨

#itsokaynottobeokay #youarenotalone #hope #healing #resources #support #conversation #btcf #nami #eatingrecoverycenter #pathlightmoodandanxietycenter
🥰 @raymondejiofor in @alex_little ‘s 7 Chairs 🥰 @raymondejiofor in @alex_little ‘s 7 Chairs performance at our #HTLYS event ✨ #powerful 

📸 by the amazing @photos_by_edward 

#dance #dancer #alexlittle #7chairs #btcf #htlys #performance #vulnerability #passion #personal #story #healing #journey #inspiration
Powerful & special moments that matter🤍 Thank y Powerful & special moments that matter🤍 Thank you @deena_bryan for sharing and congratulations @illuminatedanceandartscenter 💜

“This is my dream team and it was their last competition together as a whole before 4 of them graduate and leave for college.  This was the first dance of the last they would perform together and the last time they would do these specific pieces together.  On stage, they are magical together and as students and people, I love them dearly.  I told them, to be honest, that teaching them has been the greatest part of my career and I thanked them all for helping me and my daughters through the absolute worst thing that could ever happen.  I just wanted to enjoy their last performances together and be in that moment with the art we created together.” ~ Deena Bryan

#dance #dancers #illuminaTe #create #honesty #heart #passion #love #dreamteam #teacher #mentor #students #gratitude #special #moments
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