My experience with BreakDown STL was nothing short of transformative! Although I was already a Christian before joining the team, I didn’t truly know what I believed. Being surrounded by such a strong community of believers and leaders challenged me to make my faith my own, and it equipped me to stand up for my beliefs. I also grew in my leadership and administrative skills, which have prepared me for my future career as an educator. I have gotten to see the Lord work in amazing ways in the lives of my peers, and I will always remain in support of the mission of BreakDown STL!
Hey! if you're reading this you are probably curious about Breakdown STL; I'd love to tell you! This is a young adult ministry team who loves their community like no one before and has a huge heart to see change in the broken pieces of our world today. Breakdowns purposeful and educational presentations make huge impacts on students who have not been shown their potential and ability to grow/change. This has been my second year on the team and I really can't begin to express how much I've grown as a leader, in my boldness and in my love for Jesus and the people around me.
I've gotten to witness first hand the impact breakdown has made on peers who felt like they had no hope, crippled with anxiety and fear, been hurting themselves or been hurt by another or even weighed down by the heaviness of addiction, an eating disorder, ect. A lot of students have also came from really hard family backgrounds or struggled/went through really unhealthy relationships. Through Breakdown, I've witnessed these students empowered, loved on well and gotten professional help. Where they went from hopeless to hopeful! and I truly believe that couldn't be more beautiful! Being a highschool student, it's so easy to see the realness of the hurt that my peers struggle with, whether that looks like trying to fit it in and feeling anxious to finding purpose in things that are unhealthy. Being on this team i've been equipped and trained to be apart of change!
If your a school, community or church or someone looking to audition please check out
The website - breakdownstl.org
And instagram! -@breakdownstl
Also over the last year and a half- we've gotten to do SO much for the community too, through their outreach programs! Which shows how breakdown uses there time and resources to love on the community deeper by going the extra mile
While completing my college internship through BreakdownSTL in the fall of 2024, I was able to come alongside the leaders of BreakdownSTL and see how they foster a community of growth, challenge teenagers to think differently about the world around them and teach them how to love and support the people in their schools and communities.
BreakdownSTL presentations provide teenagers with honest information about relatable situations. They also give their audiences a safe place to find help and support from BreakdownSTL’s leaders and start conversations about hard topics.
I spent my senior year and first year of college on the team and boy did it change my life. I learned who I really am and came out of my shell to be authentically me. I gained a new perception of society and what it looks like to love people well amidst hard situation. BreakDown St. Louis brings light to dark situations and helps guide students to a resource. I cannot thank BreakDown enough for the impact it has had on my life and the impact it has had on the community around me.
Since being on and a part of leadership for BreakDown STL I have seen bits and pieces of the ins and outs of the ministry and I’m impacted by it for the greater.
When I first came on the team 3 years ago I was surprised at the way the team members loved and embraced me. I had never been a part of something like this—and I quickly realized this group was not an ordinary one. What a treasure I have found in BreakDown—which is why I keep coming back hehe!!
I am so honored to be a part of something so relevant, so needed, and so impactful to the community. My eyes were opened to the relevancy of the topics we discuss surrounding mental health, abuse, and addictions. It gave me a better understanding and heart for those around me that could have hidden struggles. I had been to many BreakDown presentations as a team member and throughout those times I would see how the intentional scenes, baffling statistics, moving dances, testimonials/speakers, and spoken words would provoke audience members to dive deeper into those hidden or suppressed struggles.
I often see BreakDown be used as that first step and awakening for people to realize that they need more care in their struggles and the gentle reminder that they’re not alone. The message of BreakDown provides hope and encouragement and then a space to do the uncomfortable hard thing of opening up in order to start the healing process.
One friend that came: female 19
- was currently in an abusive relationship when she saw the presentation for the first time. After seeing it and talking to people afterwards she was able to find the courage and resources to get out of that relationship and start going to counseling
(And I didn’t even know this friend was in this situation when she came to watch! BreakDown helped reveal it and give practical next steps)
Not only is the communal impact great but it’s intentionality and care for the team is so evident. Because of this ministry I have seen my character be sharpened and grow in these areas specifically: integrity, servant leadership, timeliness, perseverance, conflict resolution, grit, and being a woman of my word. I was both challenged and shown by example on how to live these qualities out both by staff and fellow team members. They are living out their message! And I'm impacted by it for the greater:)
My work with this organization has revealed our shared humanity and the truth that everyone has a story. As a member of BreakDown St. Louis, I’ve had various encounters with members of my community, and each individual has greatly affected my life. The team presents in local public and private high schools and church communities across diverse demographics and people groups. Additionally, we engage in community outreach across various services to assist the elderly, homeless, hospitalized, and more. These conversations shape its members into open-minded and passionate individuals, and the opportunities provided by BreakDown have taught me critical thinking, advocacy, and emotional intelligence. Entering its 19th year, BreakDown is constantly editing its script and adjusting ways to best reach differing populations. My experience with this organization has made me feel loved, transformed, and empowered, and I’m so thankful for the work they do in our community.
BreakDown STL has changed my life since I joined the team. I first saw a presentation in May of 2023, and it was the most impactful presentation I have ever seen. They covered topics like addictions, abuse, and mental health issues. Before joining the team, I was very shy and anxious and would never talk to people until they came up to me. Joining BreakDown was the best decision I ever made. I have been freed from my anxiety and have been given the tools to start conversations with people and address issues like mental health, abuse, and addictions.
I would highly suggest anyone join the team because it will change their life for the better. Furthermore, the amount of growth you will see in yourself is exponential. The tools you will be equipped with will help you on and off the team and will be helpful in your daily life when you talk to people in your community. BreakDown STL will also help you to be a better leader in your life and the lives of others, and they will teach you many life lessons that will help you in the future.
Breakdown STL has changed my life for the better. I have gotten to see first hand how this organization desires to love this generation well and see people at their greatest potential. If you are considering partnering with breakdown I would strongly recommend. Just by seeing a presentation you could see a huge impact- and then talking to team members is a whole other level of growth.
As far as how this organization is structured, they always have a why behind what they do and desire to call this generation higher. If you’re confused about why they do something, I would simply encourage you to ask.
Being on the BreakDown STL Leadership Team has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. When I saw my first presentation they put on, I knew that I really wanted to join this team that was spreading a positive message that shed light on real struggles with mental health, abuse, and addictions that many teens deal with today. After having experience on this team, I can say that these are some of the most supportive people you will ever meet. I have grown in so many ways, including being able to recognize mental illness and what to do in hard situations with peers, but also soft skills like effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. I can’t explain enough about the positive impact it has had on me, and my life has been radically changed by the message BreakDown spreads and the team members on it who have been extremely encouraging and have helped lead my life in the right direction.
BreakDown STL is a remarkable organization for student leaders to join. Three big things stand out to me from my time connected to this organization: the leadership development, the impact on the community, and the opportunity for community.
As a team member, alumni, and supporter of the organization, who has promoted many other students to join, I have watched BreakDown STL produce some of the strongest leaders I know. Students on the team learn, grow, and are challenged in ways you do not receive elsewhere. The leadership has high expectations for the team members, and I have watched repeatedly as students rise to those high expectations, going above and beyond their peers. The opportunities students have through serving on the onstage presentations, outreaches, and weekly trainings are irreplaceable. They get to come alongside their peers and offer hope and help on complex topics. Sitting with others in their needs helps anyone grow and expand their worldview. The experience they gain sets them apart from their peers outside of the team. They become students in the community you want on your team, workforce, or group known for their character and integrity.
BreakDown STL makes a remarkable impact on the community through its onstage presentations and partnering with local communities, non-profits, charities, etc., through its outreaches. I first saw their presentation in 2011 and last spring in 2024, with many presentations in between. They do a great job updating their topics and scripts to stay relevant. The early years topics and issues have had a complete overhaul through COVID. Now, they are talking about Mental Health, Abuse, and Addictions in such a relevant and realistic way for this youth generation. It’s hard-hitting, but it touches on topics that aren’t discussed otherwise and allows students to get the professional help they need to navigate these difficult experiences. I have also had the opportunity to serve at many of their outreach events. They work with many local organizations and are looking to be hands-on in helping those in need. Whether it is a homeless community, prayer walk, Ronald McDonald House, or refugee ministry, they help anywhere to care for others and serve.
Like many other groups, BreakDown STL offers a fantastic opportunity for community and lifelong friendships. I have seen and experienced deep friendships throughout my time on this team. It is an excellent opportunity for a community surrounded by others who want to love one another and build each other up. The leadership teaches and models conflict resolution and has the heart to seek unity. Watching many students go on to a room in college, be in each other's weddings, and work together. The BreakDown STL community has become an amazing place to connect and fellowship with those you serve.
Like any opportunity, you get out what you put in. Those who joined the team and invested got out more than those who did the minimum. I have seen and experienced such a positive impact from this organization in the community and my personal life. Not everyone walks out of the experience the best leader and finds themselves wanting to do it again; it is a big commitment, but more often than not, it has produced high-quality leaders and impacted communities with its mission of addressing issues and equipping students to get the help they need.
I joined the BreakDown STL leadership team in 2020 and am a completely different person than who I was joining. This organization has transformed the way I view myself, my community, and what servant leadership looks like. I now see myself as responsible, a servant, cherished, loved, seen, and known. I see my community as a broken generation that needs hope proclaimed to the lonely and lost, needs love poured into their brokenness, and needs joy in the midst of depression and anxiety. I have learned that servant leadership requires sacrifice and deep love for the people around you and that it brings life change and immense amounts of growth. This organization is changing the culture of GenZ and I 110% recommend for every high school and community to welcome them into their school. I have seen first hand the positive impact this makes on the culture of a public school.
I went to a community presentation a few years ago and I was shocked to see all the stats on drug addiction, the suicide rate, and mental health issues just in America. After watching the presentation, I talked to some of the team members, and they were some of the nicest people I've ever met. After seeing the impact Breakdown had on the community it made me want to do that same thing to help spread awareness to other teens that they are not alone in their struggles and there is hope for them. So many teens don't feel safe enough to tell people about their struggles because they think they are the only ones dealing with whatever it is they are dealing with, Breakdown brings their issues to light so that they won't feel alone anymore. After being on the team for a year I can firmly say I have grown in my ability to see and properly deal with mental health issues.
My granddaughter got involved with BreskdownSTL a year ago and it has changed her life. They are a group of people that strive for excellence in all they do. They help young adults reach their goals through getting involved in their communities reaching others for Christ. They go into the schools and churches with drama and dance dealing with the struggles kids deal with in those communities. My granddaughter has found trusted friendships in the BreakdownSTL community and is thriving as a member and as a dancer.
DO NOT JOIN BREAKDOWN STL. It is a literal cult. So many things we had to do on this team was ridiculous. We had to do “consequences” if we did not give them a weeks notice of not being able to show up to rehearsal. One of the team members family member died within the week before our rehearsal and she STILL had to do a consequence. Unbelievable. Not only did I stray with my faith, but I questioned the community in general. I have ptsd from experiencing the things breakdown did. We couldn’t wear LEGGINGS! to practice because it would “distract the guys” and on top of that they extremely judged homosexuals and making them get in a circle while we all were supposed to pray for their sin. They also heavily monitored our media if it didn’t fit the “christian criteria”. All of them unfollowed me on social media after my year contract was done when in the beginning stated “these are going to be your life long friends who are always there for you”. Please take this as a sign, do not waste your time with these people or your money.
I was apart of breakdown stl my senior year of high school. They make this group appear inviting and like such a great opportunity to educate others while growing in your own faith. But then as the year went on they started incorporating their own beliefs on us. When some of us disagreed with their viewpoint it was very clear they weren’t happy. I went on a retreat with them and was so scared by the end I wanted to call my mom. As at 17 year old girl it was very disheartening for my mentors to tell me I should not tell my parents because “they wouldn’t understand”. This was the largest red flag I have ever seen. I wish I would have never joined this organization because it led to me doubting my own beliefs and walking away from God and Jesus because they made me so confused. I would not recommend breakdown stl to anyone else and i have talked to others I was on the team with and they agree. The leaders made comments about what we wore, posted, said, and felt and wanted us to make sure we weren’t doing anything to tempt the men. Another negative experience I encountered was when they critiqued us. They would tell us we weren’t loving people good enough. Basically it felt like we were there to please the leaders not our God. Overall I would rate breakdown stl as 0 stars.