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The Breaking Bread Village

Our Vision

A world where open conversations bridge divides, inspire understanding, and cultivate a compassionate, connected humanity.

Our Mission

To create transformative spaces rooted in the humanities for authentic dialogue and meaningful connections, empowering individuals to embrace diverse perspectives and foster growth within themselves and their communities through education, intentional discussion, meaningful connectivity, and dedicated service.

Our Mantra

Connecting hearts, expanding minds, transforming communities.

Who We Are

It Takes a Village

Originally inspired by the idea that “it takes a village,” The Breaking Bread Village intentionally creates spaces rooted in safety and free from judgment. Our focus is on doing the early work—ensuring that every person feels heard, respected, and valued for their perspective. We commit to listening first, with empathy, love, and care. When people feel unheard or dismissed, love, creativity, and hope can give way to indifference and division. By prioritizing listening and understanding, we lay the groundwork for trust. From that foundation, relationships can form, and bridges may be built—bridges that people can choose to walk across together toward shared goals grounded in peace.

Creating the Infrastructure for Human Conversation

Our outreach work focuses on the first and most essential layer: creating the foundation for respectful, active listening. Before community can form and before connection can grow, people need spaces where they can be heard and understood as humans first. By intentionally building this infrastructure for dialogue, we make room for conversations that allow understanding to develop naturally—without forcing agreement or outcomes.

Sharing a Meal

Traditionally many cultures across the globe attribute something special to sharing a meal. The love and patience involved in the preparation. The joy of entertaining, stimulating conversation with family and friends. Lifelong bonds often develop under such circumstances. This, too, lies at the heart of what we are about and who we are.


TBBV conversations are on YouTube.


If you have a show idea, please reach out to us today.

Find Out More

  • Join us for a Live Show
  • Bring the Live Show to Your Community
  • Watch a Live Stream - streamed live on YouTube and Facebook whenever a conversation is happening. 


If you have a show idea, please reach out to us today.

Contact Us

What We Do

LIVE SHOWS

SERVING HOPE & BREAKING BREAD

SERVING HOPE & BREAKING BREAD

Live Shows host a group of panelists to dive into meaningful conversations on challenging topics and share their perspectives helping us transform as individuals and as a community.


Learn More

SERVING HOPE & BREAKING BREAD

SERVING HOPE & BREAKING BREAD

SERVING HOPE & BREAKING BREAD

Serving Hope and Breaking Bread is another way we connect to the community on a smaller scale than Live Shows. We spread cheer, education, conversation, connection, support, and light refreshment. 

Learn More

SPEAKING & FACILITATING

SERVING HOPE & BREAKING BREAD

SPEAKING & FACILITATING

Erin Patrice has years of life experience training, teaching, and facilitating conversations through empathy, strategy, and storytelling. Bring Erin to speak to your group on a specific topic or as a keynote speaker. 

Learn more

Live Show: What to Expect

Sharing Conversations

The Breaking Bread Village Live Show Experience is an event that brings together panelists from differing perspectives to share conversations around specific topics. The community is invited and encouraged to witness, learn, and actively participate in the dialogue. This experience has been such a success that it’s been sought after by companies, organizations, and schools to create the same experience for their specific needs.


To learn more about bringing this experience to you, please contact us today!

Contact Us

Using the Five Senses

The elements of each live show experience are purposefully curated in line with research that demonstrates that memories and experiences are made through the five senses (sight, touch, sound, taste, and smell). All panelists are gathered around a table, ensuring they can see each other and are close enough to feel a connection. The elegant and tranquil table setting replicates the feeling of a family dinner, initiating a sense of connection and inclusion from the beginning. Before the actual conversation, the show begins with a communal listening experience of live music, allowing organic room for connection.

Connection & Community

The Breaking Bread Village Live Show aims to create psychological safety, a space for connection, engagement, and a sense of community. The shared experience at the Table encourages thought, reflection, inner self-work, and humane practices. At the end of the session, the goal is for participants to leave the shared space, understanding that everyone has a story and a mirror. The hope is that with this understanding, the participants will better connect with themselves and others. 

Exploring Different Perspectives

The creator and founder, Erin Patrice, believes that “Too often, our differences keep us from connecting. And we view these differences negatively when in actuality if we seek to learn about each other and our differences intentionally and productively, we come to understand that our differences make our community better and enrich our individual lives.” 

Objectives and Benefits

To create transparent, vulnerable, and open safe spaces for people to share and listen to each other's perspectives in an organic and non-judgemental manner. 

  • To engage and serve the community through education, service, and construction of intentional-diverse spaces. 
  • To connect the community through shared conversation and exposure to differing perspectives. 
  • To learn the “Give and Recieve” method of The Breaking Bread Village and taught how to put it into practice. 
  • Participants will be exposed to different perspectives that will allow them to broaden their thought processes and become better leaders and advocates in the community and workspaces.
  • Participants will be given tools to begin the process of challenging their biases and individual paradigms. 
  • Participants will be given tools on how to accept/value differences and other experiences. They will also grow in capacity regarding active listening and engaging with different opinions and perspectives. 
  • Participants will be better equipped to handle difficult conversations in the workplace or other community areas where they function. 
  • To help participants become comfortable with being uncomfortable 


Learn more about the data supported benefits of our work.

Aspirational Outcome

If people can hear differing thoughts, their minds and hearts will open, hopefully encouraging collective growth in emotional intelligence and intellectual humility. The outcomes will be measured by tracking the number in attendance,  audience participants, google survey, and feedback/reviews/reflections. 

Join & Support

SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

Explore our archived conversations at other Live Shows on our YouTube channel.

Explore

SPONSOR

SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

If you like what we're doing with Live Shows or Serving Hope programs you can sponsor events or support in any way that works for you.

Sow a Seed

BOOK

SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

BOOK

We can bring the Live Show to your business, organization, school, or group. Reach out to discuss more!

Contact Us

Our Six Pillars

Pillars: What We’re Founded On — Our Values in Action

The Breaking Bread Village was founded on respect, honesty, and the belief that creating space for one another is essential to healthy communities. From the beginning, our work has centered on leading with heart- choosing empathy, courage, and care in every conversation, collaboration, and connection.


We are committed to sowing seeds into our communities by investing in people, relationships, and local small businesses. Whether through shared meals, intentional dialogue, or meaningful partnerships, we believe impact grows when we support what is close to us and nurture what we want to see flourish. Our work is heart-first and people-centered, rooted in the understanding that when we lead with humanity, lasting change can take hold.

Pillar 1: Who We Are — The Heart & The Table

The Breaking Bread Village is a humanities-centered nonprofit rooted in the belief that conversation, curiosity, and connection can transform communities. Founded by Erin Patrice, TBBV exists to create bold, welcoming spaces where people from different backgrounds and perspectives can gather, be human together, and engage in meaningful dialogue. We believe everyone deserves a seat at the table- and that when people are met where they are, real change takes root.

Pillar 2: Why We Exist — The Need

In a world shaped by division, assumptions, and surface-level connections, many people are craving deeper understanding and genuine belonging. Too often, conversations stop where curiosity should begin. TBBV exists to slow things down, invite people into shared spaces, and remind communities that empathy is not optional- it’s essential. We exist to foster understanding, spark meaningful connections, and help people engage with one another beyond labels and fear.

Pillar 3: What We Do — The Work

We design and facilitate intentional experiences that center dialogue, storytelling, and shared reflection. Through live shows, leadership programming, community conversations, and celebratory education initiatives, we bring people together to explore complex topics with care, courage, and compassion. Our programs are relational, accessible, and rooted in real life- meeting people where they are and inviting them to grow together.

Pillar 4: How We Do It — The Approach

We lead with heart, not ego. Our work is rooted in curiosity rather than judgment, listening instead of reacting, and honoring humanity over ideology. By creating spaces that feel both safe and courageous- structured yet organic- we invite participants to ask better questions, hold space for differing perspectives, and engage in conversations that foster personal and collective growth. Food, storytelling, music, art, and shared experiences are intentionally woven throughout our gatherings because connection happens best when people feel comfortable, cared for, and free to show up as themselves.

Pillar 5: The Impact — The Village We’re Building

The impact of TBBV reaches beyond the room. Participants leave with greater self-awareness, empathy for others, the desire to ask more questions, open themselves up to answers, and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities. Leaders learn to lead with compassion. Young people learn to value their voices. Communities learn how to talk- and listen- again. Our work plants seeds that continue to grow long after the conversation ends, creating lasting ripples of understanding, connection, and hope.

Pillar 6: Sustainability & Stewardship — Carrying the Work Forward

The Breaking Bread Village is committed to stewarding this work with care, accountability, and long-term vision. Through partnerships, community investment, thoughtful leadership, and responsible growth, we ensure that the conversations we start today continue to serve future generations.

Meet Our Team

The "After" and Reviews

Breath of Fresh Air

Authenticity & Realness

Authenticity & Realness

"WOW!!! Can a conversation actually be an event? the answer is YES!! I attended the live Breaking Bread Village event last night and was so impressed! It was a breath of fresh air! People were having tough conversations and actually actively and respectfully listening to each other even if they had opposing or different views. We need more of this in our society especially more now than ever given how divided our country has become. 

Authenticity & Realness

Authenticity & Realness

Authenticity & Realness

"You embodied the message beautifully and powerfully. There were different opinions on different hot topics, and you respected every one of them and the speakers themselves; at the same time, you found ways to hold your ground with authenticity and realness. Just a beautiful night in a room filled with beautiful people. Such an honor to be present and watch what you do! Keep doing it some more!" 

Safe & Welcoming Spaces

Authenticity & Realness

We CAN Respect Each Other

"Erin is a great conversationalist and possesses the ability to create safe and welcoming spaces for all to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. This is so important because when we are faced with tough topics the natural tendency is to shut down and not actually listen to what the other person is saying. Creating a safe space for people to share helps tremendously to understand why they feel a certain way. It also provides validation to the speaker that they are respected and heard." 

We CAN Respect Each Other

We CAN Respect Each Other

We CAN Respect Each Other

“I'm so happy I was able to be there, it was so great to be in a room of people with so many different opinions and ideas and see how we CAN actually respect each other and listen to each other. Thank you for creating the environment that made it possible. I value hearing other perspectives on topics that I sometimes think I've made my mind up about" 

Catalyst for Connections

We CAN Respect Each Other

Catalyst for Connections

"I keep thinking about the paths, connections, and love that will come from last night. A moment in time that will lead to many moments. And YOU are that catalyst! Woot!" 

Powerful Dialogue

We CAN Respect Each Other

Catalyst for Connections

"My absolute pleasure to be there! You were amazing! You have such an awesome ability to bring folks together and have powerful dialogue. Most peaceful disagreements I've witnessed." 

Support from Media, Sponsors, & Community

Building Community Through Conversations: Meet Erin Patrice

The Breaking Bread Village Gains International Attention on Two-Year Anniversary

Building Community Through Conversations: Meet Erin Patrice

By Max Loves Midland Show

February 19, 2025 

Read Article

Patrice Promotes Open Dialog and Productive Conversations

The Breaking Bread Village Gains International Attention on Two-Year Anniversary

Building Community Through Conversations: Meet Erin Patrice

By Niky House for the Daily News

June 26, 2022 

Read Article

The Breaking Bread Village Gains International Attention on Two-Year Anniversary

The Breaking Bread Village Gains International Attention on Two-Year Anniversary

The Breaking Bread Village Gains International Attention on Two-Year Anniversary

 By Angela Mulka, Staff writer

Updated May 16, 2022, 3:50 p.m. 

Read Article

Profile Q & A: Erin Patrice, MLK Drum Major Award

Courageous Conversations: The Breaking Bread Village Aims to Bridge the Divide

The Breaking Bread Village Gains International Attention on Two-Year Anniversary

Voyage Ohio

March 10, 2022

Read Article

Power of a Shared Meal: Breaking Bread Village Debuts Live Show

Courageous Conversations: The Breaking Bread Village Aims to Bridge the Divide

Courageous Conversations: The Breaking Bread Village Aims to Bridge the Divide

By Midland Daily News

September 20, 2021

Read Article

Courageous Conversations: The Breaking Bread Village Aims to Bridge the Divide

Courageous Conversations: The Breaking Bread Village Aims to Bridge the Divide

Courageous Conversations: The Breaking Bread Village Aims to Bridge the Divide

By Angela Mulka

August 2, 2021


Read Article

The Breaking Bread Village: Founder Erin Patrice on Discussing Diversity in Midland

Three Champions for Diversity, Understanding Honored with Drum Major Award at MLK Regional Celebrati

Three Champions for Diversity, Understanding Honored with Drum Major Award at MLK Regional Celebrati

By Courtney Soule

Thursday, June 25, 2020 

Read Article

Three Champions for Diversity, Understanding Honored with Drum Major Award at MLK Regional Celebrati

Three Champions for Diversity, Understanding Honored with Drum Major Award at MLK Regional Celebrati

Three Champions for Diversity, Understanding Honored with Drum Major Award at MLK Regional Celebrati

SVSU Newsroom 

January 12, 2022 

Read Article

MLK Day Speaker at Northwood Exhorts Audience to "Create a Table"

Three Champions for Diversity, Understanding Honored with Drum Major Award at MLK Regional Celebrati

MLK Day Speaker at Northwood Exhorts Audience to "Create a Table"

By Victoria Ritter, Midland Daily News

Updated on: January 18, 2022

Read Article

More of What We Do: Our Programs, Services, and Connections (Click on picture to learn more)

Non- Discrimination Policy

The Breaking Bread Village is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage all differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make someone unique. 


The collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, and unique capabilities represents a significant part of not only our culture but our reputation and the organization's mission as well. The Breaking Bread Village diversity initiatives are applicable—but not limited—to our practices and policies on selection; compensation and training; and the ongoing development of an environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity that encourages and enforces respectful communication and cooperation between all. All employees, interns, and volunteers of The Breaking Bread Village have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work and volunteerism, at events where they represent The Breaking Bread Village, and at all other sponsored and participative events of The Breaking Bread Village. 


Our principles rooted in the humanities enable us to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, build a community that reflects the diverse individuals, companies, and organizations we serve, infuse these principles into all areas of our efforts to drive innovation and growth, and transform systems to achieve equitable access and outcomes for all. 

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