The Work We Do
ChainBreakers aims to be Portsmouth’s most trusted community partner for early literacy intervention and family food security. We envision a future where every child can read, every family is food secure, and every neighborhood in Portsmouth has the foundation to thrive.
Our Mission
ChainBreakers' mission is to strengthen families in Portsmouth through three commitments:
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Putting free books in the homes of children from birth to age five;
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Delivering phonics-based reading support for striving readers in kindergarten through 6th grade; and
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Increasing access to nutritious food for children and families.
Chainbreakers, Inc. is the Portsmouth Program Partner for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland. Learn more about the Imagination Library​
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Reading Enrichment
​Our Reading Enrichment Program is a 4-day after school program that uses the Science of Reading to build strong foundations in phonological awareness, decoding, and fluency. Students get 8 hours of focused, small-group instruction, while parents and caregivers join workshops and are empowered to support reading at home.
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In the 2025-2026 school year, we're poised to work with more than 100 children. Our goal for the 2026-2027 school year is to help twice as many children.
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Want more information? Send a message to questions@chainbreakersinc.org.​
Nourish The Neighborhood
ChainBreakers, Inc., has partnered with Mercy Chefs, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia & The Eastern Shore and Mt. Sinai Family Life Christian Center distributes groceries and hot meals food distribution to individuals and families.
From September to December 2025 alone, we provided hot meals and groceries to more than 750 people. In 2026, we expect to serve even more families.
Grocery distribution - 3rd Saturdays from 10a to 12noon
Community Dinner - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 5pm to 8pm (while supply lasts)​
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Send a message to questions@chainbreakersinc.org for more information