Break the System Project

Join Break The System Project for our Junk Journal Workshop, a hands-on experience where young adults ages 18–24 can explore self-expression through scraps and art.

No artistic experience is needed. Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a moment of reflection, or a new way to tell your story, this space is for you.

All supplies will be provided. Spots are limited, so reserve your spot today.

Thursday July 09,2026
5:00 PM till 7:00 PM
1637 w 18th Street Chicago Il 60608 pilsenartscommunityhouse

Come create with us RSVP 🔗LINK IN BIO

June recap at BTS 🧡

This month we continued showing up for young adults through care, creativity, and community. From conversations that mattered to spaces that held healing, June reminded us why this work matters. More growth, more connection, more impact on the way.

June recap at BTS 🧡

This month we continued showing up for young adults through care, creativity, and community. From conversations that mattered to spaces that held healing, June reminded us why this work matters. More growth, more connection, more impact on the way.

HI! HOW ARE YA! HOW DO I LOOK?
Is a gender-affirming open closet where you can pick and grab whatever your heart desires and walk out looking your best!
The Rotating Walk-In Closet will offer free on-site HIV testing, binders, chest tape, hygiene kits, and safe s*x supplies while supplies last. FREE haircuts by our favorite Pilsen Barber, , a makeup 101 class by , and workshops providing must-know info: Safe s*x information, safe tucking, chest taping, and binding and removal, resources for those navigating their identity and No questions are too silly, and education is always key!

So come over to Evoke, and grab what you need, and meet some cool people! See you all soon!
When: June 21st, 2026
Where: EVOKE GALLERY 3040 N Central Ave
Time: 4pm to 9pm

Honored & Grateful.

This year, I was recognized as a recipient of the 2026 Windy City Times 30 Under 30 Award, and while I’m incredibly thankful for this recognition, it has also given me a moment to reflect on the journey.

Over the past year, through Break The System Project, we’ve empowered and supported more than 300 young adults by providing access to resources, community, mental health support, housing navigation, life skills programming, and opportunities to thrive.

There were moments of uncertainty, long days, difficult decisions, and times when the vision felt bigger than the resources available. But through it all, one thing remained constant the belief that every young person deserves support, dignity, and a chance to succeed.

This recognition is not just about me. It belongs to every young adult who trusted us with their story, every volunteer who showed up, every donor who invested in our mission, every partner who opened a door, and every team member who continues to do the work even when no one is watching.

As a founder, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about staying committed to the mission, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. We’re just getting started.Here’s to continuing to break systems that no longer serve our communities and building ones that do🧡 Thank you again

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This month, I’m taking a moment to honor the incredible people who make our work possible. To lead an organization where every staff member and board member identifies within the LGBTQIA+ community means more to me than I can put into words.

Every day, we show up as our authentic selves while creating spaces where others can do the same. Our lived experiences, resilience, creativity, and commitment to community are woven into everything we do.

Representation matters. Visibility matters. And building something alongside people who understand the importance of being seen, valued, and celebrated is a gift I never take for granted.

To our staff and board: thank you for bringing your whole selves to this work. Your passion, leadership, and dedication continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.

This Pride Month, we celebrate not only who we are, but the community we’re building together. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

June is FULL of community, creativity, movement & love🖤✨

From brunches and journaling to our 606 Run Club kickoff and gender affirming closet we’re building spaces for connection all month long🫶🏻

Save the dates, pull up, and bring somebody with you🌻Which event are you most excited for? 👀

THE 606 RUN CLUB IS HERE!

Break The System Project is officially kicking off our bi-weekly run club for young adults focused on wellness, movement, accountability, and community. Whether you’re a runner, jogger, or walker you’re welcome here

📍 McKinley Park Lagoon
📅 Kick Off: June 13th, 2026
💧 Water + light snacks provided
👟 No experience needed

⚠️ Must complete the interest form to officially sign up! Spots are limited.

Tap in & join the movement.

Spring is in the air, and everyone knows what that means👀

It’s time for a closet clean. If you have any clothes sitting in your closet, clothes you’ve outgrown and are ready to part ways with, Break The System would be happy to take them!

We believe in accessible clothing for all, prioritizing those who can’t afford or don’t have the means to have gender affirming clothing, and YOU can contribute to your community by simply donating clothes you want to give a new home to.

***drop off schedule***
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday’s in person drop off hours: 10am-1pm

There will be a designated bin on the first floor for drop off. Thank you so much! Please be on the look out for on coming announcements and events! *hint hint *

On June 6th, we gather to honor ALL FORMS OF Latin & Black men — their stories, their strength, their softness, their healing, and their humanity.

Give Him His Flowers: Men’s Mental Health Brunch is a space where our men can breathe, be celebrated, and receive the love they deserve while they’re here to feel it.

This year, we’re inviting the community to show up in two powerful ways:

✨ Nominate a man who deserves his flowers
✨ Grab your ticket and join us in the room

Every ticket, every nomination, every share helps us fund BTS’s Healing Pillar the work that creates safe, affirming, culturally grounded spaces for young adults across Chicago.

Brunch. Flowers. Live performance. Healing. Community.

🌼 Let’s honor our men together.

Tickets + Nominations are now open. Link in bio.