Quarterly Newsletter April 2015 On a mission to save lives, change minds, and work to eliminate eating disorders. Together we can make a difference Table of Contents "Anna's Law" to be Introduced this Spring Upcoming Events "Anna's Law" to be Introduced unmaskED: a Great Success Share Your Recovery Story? Fifteen years ago Anna Westin died as a direct result of an eating disorder. Fifteen years ago there was very little factual information available about eating disorders for the general public. Fifteen years ago training on how to recognize or treat eating disorders was extremely limited. Fifteen years ago there was no attention to eating disorders at the Federal policy level. Fifteen years ago Anna’s family set out to change this. Today, the Westin Family, the Eating Disorders Coalition and The Emily Program Foundation are proud to announce “The Anna Westin Education, Prevention and Training Act”. This legislation will be introduced to the 114th Congress and it is designed to provide accurate information to the community and training for health care professionals. This is historic! We believe that passing “Anna’s Law” will greatly improve the chances for early intervention and treatment of eating disorders, which will save lives. Kitty Westin and other citizen activists from Minnesota will travel to Washington D.C. on May 13 for the Eating Disorder Coalition's Spring Lobby Day. "Anna’s Law" will be introduced and activists from across the United States will visit with their Representatives and Senators to talk about the bill and ask for support. Please consider joining representatives from The Emily Program Foundation for this important and historic event. In the fall of 2014, the Foundation was able to support three volunteers by offering scholarships to attend. After the experience, they felt inspired to call themselves “agents of change” because of the impact they had. The Emily Program Foundation will also provide a limited number of scholarships Quick Links Our Website Donate Now Contact Us Email Us Upcoming Events: Recovery Night The second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Hear speakers share their stories of hope and success on their road to recovery from eating disorders. Located at 2265 Como Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 Click here for more information. Friends and Family Support Group The Foundation offers five FREE Friends and Family Support Groups. Open to the public, that will help cover costs for the spring trip. For more these evening support groups meet in Woodbury, St. Paul and St. Louis Park. Click here for more information. The Emily Program Foundation is on a mission to save lives, change minds, and work to eliminate eating disorders. We envision a world without stigma and misconceptions about eating disorders and disordered eating. We will be the catalyst in shaping new, informed conversations through advocacy, social outreach, and collaboration with community partners. Board Members: Larry Espel, Jillian Lampert, Mary Mathiowetz, Dan Mehls, Wendy Blackshaw, Matt Walzer, Kitty Westin, Mary Westin, Jennifer Cramer Miller, Diane Amer, Katie Miller, Frank Schlick, Shelly Harrington, and Beth Gleekel Get Involved! Consider getting more involved by volunteering. Volunteers are vital to our operation and do many things, including: 1. Educate the community 2. Run awareness events that will help cover costs for the spring trip. For more information about EDC Lobby Day visit www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org. The time is NOW to make certain that everyone affected by eating disorders, their family and friends and professionals have all the information they need to ensure complete recovery! unmaskED: a Great Success The Emily Program Foundation hosted its second annual Gala, unmaskED. The evening was dedicated to “unmasking” the secrecy, stigma, and shame associated with eating disorders (ED). By all accounts, the event was a tremendous success. We had a sold out crowd of nearly 300 people, raised over $100,000 to support our mission, and engaged new people in the work of the Foundation. A special thanks to all of our sponsors, our Gala Planning Committee, as well as the many volunteers who helped make the event a success. Watch for details regarding next year's event! And, if you were not able to attend the event, there are many ways you can support the efforts of The Emily Program Foundation. Visit us at emilyprogramfoundation.org to learn the many ways you can give. Click here to see more photos from the event. All photos by Render Photography. Would You Like to Share Your Recovery Story? 3. Advocate for access to treatment 4. Fundraise to ensure our ongoing success If you are interested in sharing your recovery story- by writing for our blog, speaking at recovery night, or being interviewed, please email Keri Clifton with questions or details about how you'd like to contribute. Email us to get involved today. Please visit our website at emilyprogramfoundation.org. Donate to our cause at emilyprogramfoundation.org/donate.
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