PRESS

NEDA Connections

Brooke Lewis Chats Her Career, Latest Projects, Acting Highlights and BTCF!

NEDA Network Executive Leadership Team

BTCF President/Founder Debra Hopkins Joins the NEDA Network Executive Leadership Team Serving as Vice Chair Read All About It!

First Eating Disorder Platform

Breaking The Chains Foundation First Eating Disorder Platform to Present at 4th Annual World Wide Women's Girls Festival LOS ANGELES & SAN FRANCISCO - Nov. 4, 2019 - PRLog -- Breaking The Chains Foundation (BTCF) 501©(3) non-profit…

BTCF Recieves First Grant

Breaking The Chains Foundation, a proud NEDA Network Member receives their first grant! Read About Our Grant!

Deborah KobyIt Live

Deborah Zara Kobylt talks with #DebraHopkins, President and Founder of the #BreakingtheChainsFoundation, about how her foundation works with artists and art based communities to bring forth awareness and change the conversation and face of…

Debra Hopkins talks with Jess Fama

President and Founder of Breaking The Chains Foundation, Debra Hopkins talks with Jess Fama on the carpet for the movie premiere of "Two Ways Home".

Bello Magazine!

BTCF Artist Ambassador Serena Laurel's June feature of Bello Magazine! Click here for the full feature and interview.

Dr. Gia Marson chats with GOOP

Say It Brave Online Event

Buzzfeed Game Show

National Eating Disorder Association Blog Post

National Eating Disorder Association Blog Post Living the Best Life You Can On and Offline with Breaking The Chains Foundation Celebrity Spokesperson, Jillian Rose Reed

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

breakingthechainsfdn

#BTCF Board member @jillianrosereed created our on

#BTCF Board member @jillianrosereed created our online program, How To Love Yourselfie (HTLYS) stemming from her lived experience 🩷

“The first question everyone asks me is, “What inspired you to develop HTLYS?”. Of course, I would love to be able to tell you a dreamy story of self-discovery that led me down this inspired path… but the truth is, HTLYS was born out of the worst year of my entire life! In fact, I can thank HTYLS for giving me a real reason to take a deeper look at my mental health.

I’ve been a spokesperson and a board member for BTCF since its inception, but in 2018 Debra asked me if I wanted to develop my own program. Of course, I was honored and knew my only option was to write something deeply personal. I was navigating my most challenging days… dealing with a major career move, grieving the loss of my grandmother, and living with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder that was eating away at me. I was at my rock bottom.

So, I started to write about comparison and perfectionism. These two things have driven my anxiety since I was a cute little theater kid beating everyone else out for the play’s lead for the 20th time. I started to write about what it felt like to live my life so publicly, so on the internet. I began to write about finding my anxiety diagnosis. When I started exploring these topics more, I realized how many people out there cared and had experienced something similar. I found a community online that helped me get through a really rough time. It was a positive side of social media I hadn’t experienced before. It made me question what we all really use social media for and whether we can create a better experience for ourselves?

HLTYS was born because of a desire to change the conversation, educate young people on the internet’s effects on our mental health, and create a safer space. We aim to inspire our audience to shake up their feeds, make healthier choices, and reduce social media’s harmful effects on us!

Thank you for participating, and I hope you enjoy How To Love Yourselfie!” ~ Jillian Rose Reed 🌸

#htlys #socialmedia #online #support #selfie #love #gratitude #acceptance #community #connection

BTCF GIVING RAFFLE EXTENDED 11/30 - 12/14 Thank y

BTCF GIVING RAFFLE EXTENDED 11/30 - 12/14 Thank you all for your support seen and unseen 💜💛🩷💙!! LINK IN BIO

We are carrying our fundraiser into the giving season for more of you to join in the fun! Our raffle tickets with services and prizes are still available to purchase. We want you to have something in return for your contribution to our mission and programs! Stay tuned to see the winners on December 14th💐

#BTCF GIVING TUESDAY RAFFLE PRIZES
💜💙🩷💛 LINK IN BIO
To give back, raffle prizes have been donated by our board, volunteers, and ambassadors in support of #GivingTuesday. Purchase as many tickets as you would like, for as many prizes that interest you or a loved one! Select the “Raffle & Donate” button to make your entries.

With Gratitude! 💜

Today is Giving Tuesday🩷💜💛💙 LINK IN BI

Today is Giving Tuesday🩷💜💛💙 LINK IN BIO

We are committed to the prevention of body-focused and mental well-being stigmas while working with people in pursuit of overall wellness. Throughout our work and programming, we focus on personal stories and lived experiences.

Please consider donating ~ we have many options to show support, see below!

💜Buy Raffle Tickets
Peruse our offering of products and services including:
- Air BNB stay
- Performing Arts coaching sessions
- Wellness coaching lessons
- Gourmet food basket
- Kitchen design
Values up to $490
Ticket prices from $15 - $50
ALL monthly donors will receive 2 tickets. Please note which items you are interested in or email us.

💛Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly donors receive perks, including swag!

Choose an amount that works with your budget and makes your heart sing.
$ You Decide

ALL monthly donors will receive 2 Raffle tickets. Please note which items you are interested in or email us.
iambreakingthechains@gmail.com

Thank you! 🩷

#givingtuesday #btcf #service #hope #raffle #giveaway

We are having a BTCF Giving Tuesday Raffle 2023 wi

We are having a BTCF Giving Tuesday Raffle 2023 with a variety of services and prizes! If you want to support and become a monthly donor before Giving Tuesday, you still get to participate!

We want to thank you for your continued support with two (2) entries into the raffle prizes of your choosing. Simply let us know which prize(s) you would like us to enter you into.

LINK IN BIO! 🩷💛💙💜

#givingtuesday #raffle #service #community

We are so grateful to our friends, families, volun

We are so grateful to our friends, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters for your kindness, care, inspiration, encouragement, and generosity. May continued joy and peace be shared among one another and gathered within your homes and communities. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 💛

#thanksgiving #gratitude #peace

✨November #BTCF Featured Artist Valerie Montgome

✨November #BTCF Featured Artist Valerie Montgomery, BSW, MA, NCC, LPC @beyondbeautifulpathways ✨ LINK IN BIO!

Valerie is the owner of Beyond Beautiful PLLC for over 15 years providing individual and group counseling focusing on women including Holistic Guideship, Developmental Healing as well as a Neurotypical Partner Advocate in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also an educator, poet, and consultant.

She received her Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Services, and Mental Health Counseling at the University of Colorado, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Auburn University.

Within her practice, she is an accomplished poet, writer, and painter. All of which became a personal evolution involving speaking to various communities on a variety of topics.

In June 2023, using her own case study, she presented at The Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH) Conference.

It was a joy chatting with Valerie and learning about her wide range of abilities, services, and creativity she implements in her work each and every day. She has a deep desire to share with others who are on their path to finding their life’s purpose and strength!

Thank you Valerie!💛

#holistichealth #healing #mentalhealth #writer #painter #speaker #poet #counselor

Link in bio 💛 11/15/23 Very honored to be inv

Link in bio 💛 11/15/23

Very honored to be invited and share in this conversation with Mark Sylvester @tedxsantabarbara #makingwaves ~ Debra Hopkins

Breaking The Chains: Empowering creativity and community through art and connection.

The power of art is immense. It can evoke emotions of all kinds, from the most profound sorrows to the highest joys, simultaneously or separately. For many people, art is a form of therapy that goes beyond time and space. Debra Hopkins delves into the healing properties of artistic expression and personal narrative through the non-profit organization she founded, Breaking The Chains Foundation.

#tedx #tedxsantabarbara #healing #personal #story #artistic #expression

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

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

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