Michigan Eating Disorders Alliance, Timberline Knolls and Grand Valley State University Sponsor “everybody is BEAUTIFUL” Event
Grand Rapids, Mich. – (February 11, 2014) – In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week(February 23 to March 1), the Michigan Eating Disorders Alliance (MiEDA), Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center and Grand Valley State University Physician Assistant Studies are hosting a special free community event for girls, ages 10 to 14, and their parents/guardians/special friends, from 6 – 8 p.m., on Monday, February 24, 2014, at the Hager Auditorium, Cook/DeVos Center, 301 Michigan NE in Grand Rapids.
“We’re excited to partner with Timberline Knolls and Grand Valley State University’s Physician Assistant Studies to host ‘everyBODY is BEAUTIFUL,’” said Gail Hall LMSW, DCSW, co-founder of MiEDA. “We know the seeds of eating disorders are planted early. We’re hoping to combat societal influences by teaching girls to resist the pressure to look a certain way and use their voices to foster a climate of acceptance towards self and others.”
MiEDA was founded in 2011 to raise awareness of eating disorders, increase prevention efforts and decrease the stigma for all of those struggling. “Together, we hope to create a climate which will discourage the development of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem,” adds Hall.
Maranda, the women, kids and family expert from WOTV 4 in Grand Rapids will emcee the event. Margaret Nagib, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Timberline Knolls, and Gail Hall will address the adults about healthy body image and self-esteem. Break-out sessions for girls will be run by co-founder Jennifer Lane and board member Carolyn Sutherby, LMSW, both with MiEDA. Other organizations at the event include: Girl Scouts Michigan Shore to Shore; Girl’s Inc; Girls on the Run; and Gems, a faith-based organization for girls.
“Events like this help the community by raising awareness of the dangers of eating disorders,” said Krissie Rosenquist, LCSW, CADC, professional outreach representative for Timberline Knolls, a residential treatment center located just outside of Chicago for women and adolescent girls struggling with eating disorders, addiction, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders. “We want to teach girls how to resist body image dissatisfaction, to encourage peer support and mutual encouragement, and to remind our youth of the importance of balanced, mindful eating.”
In addition to this event, MiEDA is establishing a speakers bureau of local professionals who can speak at schools and present similar events in the future. For more information, visit www.mieda.org.
About Timberline Knolls:
Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders. Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus. Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls.
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Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
Mmorrow@timberlineknolls.com
Tel: 602-359-6989
Gail Hall
Co-Founder, MiEDA
ghall@eatingdisordersmichigan.com
Tel: 616-957-7700
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