Real people,
Real stories,
Real growth
Creating a culture of connection -
One conversation, one event, one moment at a time.
"Your Little Is ALOT!"
Hey Friend!
Step into The Breakroom
Through this website, you can:
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Explore upcoming events like community block parties, tournaments, open mics, and family gatherings
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Sign up as a vendor or volunteer for community events
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Discover and support local creatives and small businesses
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Donate to support future events and programming
The Breakroom and Friends is a community-centered movement dedicated to bringing families, youth, and neighbors together through engaging events, creative programming, and collaborative partnerships. Our work focuses on creating safe and uplifting spaces where community members young and old, can connect, celebrate culture, and access meaningful resources.
Through events, youth engagement, and storytelling, The Breakroom aims to strengthen relationships within the community while supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and families.
About Me
Get to know the founder
Malia Jones is the founder of The Breakroom and Friends. She is an advocate, event organizer, and Family and Community Engagement Specialist who is passionate about building meaningful connections between people, resources, and opportunities. She is also the proud mother of a brilliant 5-year-old who inspires her every day to help create a world where young people can grow, imagine, and thrive.
Malia started The Breakroom in 2020 as a response to the political tension, division, and negativity that has increasingly shaped our society. She wanted to create a space of refuge for young people and those most vulnerable to systemic barriers; where creativity, joy, and community could flourish.
Protecting our young people’s minds, imagination, and creativity is deeply important to Malia. She believes that exposure to art, music, culture, and positive community experiences can open doors and expand possibilities.
Through The Breakroom, Malia aims to create opportunities that highlight the brighter sides of life while building bridges that eliminate gaps and barriers for families. She is passionate about supporting small businesses and local creatives, advocating for mental wellness, and encouraging the “it takes a village” mentality. When communities come together, we can inspire one another, share resources, and grow stronger together.
Since 2020, The Breakroom and Friends has facilitated numerous community events across DeKalb and Chicago, Illinois, bringing families together, creating opportunities for local vendors and creatives, and strengthening trust between community members and local resources. Through events like community block parties, basketball tournaments, open mics, and more, The Breakroom and Friends serves as a reminder that our little really is a lot, -and- that small acts of connection can create meaningful impact.
Malia's vision is to continue expanding these spaces of connection, empowerment, and creativity so that more families, young people, and entrepreneurs can thrive.
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Looking to network?
Join our vibrant community where you can connect with others, ask questions, share resources, or even post your favorite song. We're excited to have you here look forward to creating a supportive and engaging space together!
Click the button below to join our Friend's Zone Group!
LET'S CONNECT!
Have any questions or ideas? Reach out to us and let's make things happen.
Support The Movement
Every donation to The Breakroom and Friends directly support community events, youth engagement, creative programming, and initiatives that bring people together. Your contribution helps us expand opportunities and strengthen the communities we serve.
Your little is a lot!
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Yearly
Amount
$50
$100
$200
$1,000