Breaking The Chains Foundation

What is the core mission of your organization? Breaking the Chains Foundation is committed to the prevention of body-focused and mental well-being stigmas. Our mission is to use the power of art and expression to foster creativity, build connections, and create a community in which individuals can thrive. We do this by transforming research and personal stories into artistic programs aimed at increasing self-love, self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-awareness. Tapping into those internal strengths and protective factors can greatly enhance mental, physical, and emotional health. Whereas experiencing stigma of mental health struggles, isolation, and the pressures of body-focused societal messages are examples of links in the chains that bind us. Our programs and advocacy are designed to Break these Chains!

How do you measure impact and success in your programs? We determine progress in achieving these goals by providing successful workshops and programming that can reach as many residents of our communities. We focus on different facets within our programming to reach a larger community. Programming can include “How to Love Your Selfie,” “Developing a Growth Mindset,” “ANONYMOUS/7 Chairs,” and “Big C New Me.” We also developed virtual workshops based on the needs of community members that decrease mental health stigmas and help them reach their potential. Success can be determined by participant turnout, sponsor and grant-funded events, and positive feedback from participants.

What are your biggest fundraising or outreach challenges? Our primary fundraiser is the “Night Out: Big Hearts, Small Plates Benefit” for our cancer and caregiver program, “Big C New Me.” Other nonprofit fundraising efforts are very challenging due to the economy and demographics.

How do you build long-term relationships with donors and supporters? We show appreciation through handwritten notes, calls, personalized emails, social media posts, and promotional materials. Our major supporters can participate in our team, events, and volunteer opportunities, and we feature them on our website. We also value their opinions and celebrate them as leaders who contribute to our mission, ensuring they feel involved and valued.

What trends are influencing the nonprofit world today? AI, digital fundraising, social media platforms and online storytelling. We need to be cautious regarding personal data and cybersecurity. We need to continue to align with strategic and mission-aligned partners, not just for fundraising purposes. Continue to build trust, transparency, and measurable impact.

Can you share a story that shows your mission in action? We continually receive feedback from individuals and families. One notable story is about a couple whose son attended our youth arts and wellness camp. His parents informed us that he faced some difficulties, and we made sure to pay close attention to those needs. As a result, the young boy had an amazing time at the camp.
After the event, his parents requested to speak with me. They expressed their appreciation for the care we provided, how much fun their son had, and the overall success of the camp. Because of this positive impact, I was asked to submit a grant proposal to the father’s organization and was awarded funding due to the effect the camp had on many youth.

What keeps you motivated in this work? This is a passion-driven nonprofit organization that stems from my personal experience. There is a significant need for work in the mental health field, as eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate, following opioids. It is certainly not an easy area to work in. However, numerous young lives have been transformed for the better through the services we provide, and that makes it all worthwhile!