The Break Free Foundation began as an idea for there to be a way for individuals struggling with their mental health and with substance use to be able to apply for financial aid to cover their treatment where insurance falls short. On February 14th, 2022, we held our first fundraiser in partnership with the 501(c)(3) organization 10,000 Beds to raise funds for their scholarship fund to send individuals to a rehabilitation center at no cost to them. We were able to award ten scholarships from this initial showcase, and went on to hold our second showcase on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day.

We established a new memorial scholarship fund in partnership with 10,000 Beds in memory of Sergeant Tyler who lost his battle with depression in March of 2022. This scholarship fund will go towards helping veterans and active service members find help for their substance use before they make an irreversible decision. This year's scholarship fund will go to two individuals.

At Break Free we care about advocating for those living with a mental health condition, a substance use disorder, or an eating disorder. We come together to make a collective impact with our staff and volunteers by sharing each of our unique lived experiences. That is the heart of who we are.

As we think about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and how we enter into a community with one another, we ask that: we honor each person's lived experience, we all be present for one another, and strive for openness and vulnerability when sharing our stories with one another.

We aim to fulfill the following objectives:

• Enhance staff and volunteer engagement

• Recruit, develop, and retain talented staff members with diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Expand community engagement and impact

Our mission is to aid individuals and families struggling with their mental health, substance use, co-occurring disorders, and eating disorders to find viable, quality treatment to find a path to and through recovery through education, support, harm reduction, and advocacy.

We value community and are committed to fostering our community through online and in person events to bring together individuals of different diversities, abilities, shapes, and sizes both on and off the runway

We value accessibility and offer our services free of charge, and pledge to offer our in person events in venues that are wheelchair accessible and conscious of individuals of all abilities

We value inclusivity and honor and celebrate people of all different cultures, sexualities, and gender identities

We value vulnerability and openness and make a conscious effort to surround our advocates with supportive volunteers and staff

We value lived experience as a friend, family member, or individual who has been impacted by mental health, substance use, or eating disorders, we value your experience because we have shared within your struggles