Web Site Revision!

We've just completed a major revision of thedressingroomproject.org
Check it out!

As we now have a Facebook page for updates, and will be posting on our newly revised web site via the "What's New" section, we will probably not be doing much here on blogger any more.

See you in cyberspace!

In Sisterhood,
*Mimi Kates
Director EWP & The Dressing Room Project

Help Teen Achieve Recovery

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February 20^th- 26^th. This year we are fund raising to help a teenager in need of eating disorders treatment.

To Donate Click Here.

“Over 11 million people in the US suffer from an eating disorder,” reports The National Eating Disorders Association. “In spite of the unprecedented growth of these disorders in the past two decades, insurance coverage for treatment is inadequate.”

Jennifer (pseudonym used for anonymity) is a 17 year old high school senior with bulimia nervosa. She has struggled with the disease for over two years. She reached out to The Dressing Room Project for help.

Residential mental health treatment is not covered by Jennifer’s insurance, yet she does not qualify for hospital treatment either due to her supposed "healthy" weight. People with bulimia are often of a deceptively normal looking weight, but the disease is potentially life threatening due to electrolyte imbalance which affects the heart and other major organs.

"Eating disorders have a 20% death rate, the highest of any mental disorder," says Michelle Villanti, L.C.S.W., Clinical Director of the Nova Luna Center for Eating Disorders. "One out of five people who have an eating disorder will die from it.”

Ironically, insurance will not pay for Jennifer’s treatment unless her situation becomes medically critical. She realizes that she needs to receive treatment before her disease progresses to the point where hospitalization is required. “This is upsetting because I don't want my disorder to get to that point,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer’s residential treatment will cost a hefty $45,000.

Shocked that their insurance will not help, Jennifer's mom said, “Of course we will do everything we can. You can’t put a price on your child’s life.”

Jennifer told us, “Anything you can do to help me fulfill my dream of recovery would be greatly appreciated. God bless you for everything you do to help promote a healthy body image for young girls. You truly make a difference.”

Tax deductible contributions may be donated at http://www.TheDressingRoomProject.org/donate.html or sent via postal mail to: EWP & The Dressing Room Project, PO Box 834 Black Mountain, NC 28711. Checks should be written to “Catalyst/EWP.”

Half of all donations received from now through the end of February will go to “Jennifer’s Fund for Recovery.” The balance will support ongoing eating disorders prevention work.

Please help us make this a successful fund raising campaign!

"Like" our Jennifer's Fund FaceBook page and share with friends.

Donate if you can. Even a small amount makes a difference.

Thanks for caring.

In Sisterhood,

*Mimi Kates

Director EWP & The Dressing Room Project

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

The Dressing Room Project is honored to be invited by NEDA as a partner organization for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week this year. Please check out their information below.

It’s Time to Talk about It during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 20-26, 2011. Join the nation’s largest eating disorders outreach effort by committing to do just one thing to start the conversation in your community. NEDA provides tons of free and discount resources, fun activity ideas and much more! Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference.

In Sisterhood,
*Mimi Kates
Director EWP & The Dressing Room Project