The Emily Program Foundation Joins the EDC for Lobby Day at the Capital, April 24

The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC)  bi-annual National Lobby Day will be on April 24, 2012 in Washington DC. Twice a year professionals and advocates in the eating disorder field travel to Washington DC to talk with Members of Congress. Their objectives are to increase the awareness of the presence of eating disorders in the United States, bolster funding for research and to change the way people with eating disorders have access care.

More specifically, EDC Lobby Day supports the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders (FREED Act) - the first comprehensive eating disorder bill that will promote research, improve access to treatment and prevention/education programs. This year, The Emily Program Foundation has awarded four scholarships to support volunteers participating in Lobby Day. This year’s theme is, “The Faces of Eating Disorders: Will the Person with an Eating Disorder Please Stand Up?”

Our message to Members of Congress is this; Think only young, rich, white women suffer from eating disorders? Think again. Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified, do not discriminate. They cut across age, race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation and even political party. Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder.
For more information about the FREED Act and its impacts on eating disorder research, treatment, and education, visit the Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC) blog.

How can you get involved?
Contact your representatives and encourage them to support the FREED Act.

To find out who your US Representative is, visit http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/letter-writing-campaign.htm

To find out who your Senator is , visit http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

You can also join the EDC’s letter writing campaign by visiting http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/letter-writing-campaign.htm

Gloria Steinem to Speak in St Louis Park, MN

On Tuesday evening, April 17, 2012, Beth El Synagogue in Saint Louis Park, MN will host world-renowned author and activist, Gloria Steinem.

Steinem will share her reflections on "Feminism: the Longest Revolution,” offering a perspective on the true meaning of equality and enhancing our collective commitment to tolerance, love and peace. Steinem is particularly interested in the shared origins of sex and race caste systems, gender roles and child abuse as roots of violence, non-violent conflict resolution, the cultures of indigenous peoples, and organizing across boundaries for peace and justice.

This event is presented as part of Beth El’s “Inspiring Minds” Speaker Series, The Emily Program is pleased to serve as a promotional partner for this premiere event. 

Tickets are available now at http://www.bethelsynagogue.org/gloria
Or by calling 952-873-7300

Karma Charity of the Month

The Emily Program Foundation it Moksha Yoga’s charity of the month this April.

The Emily Program Foundation is partnering with Moksha Yoga in Minneapolis to be a part of their weekly Karma Yoga Class. Moksha Yoga is a group of independent hot yoga studios committed to ethical, compassionate and environmentally conscious living. They believe that the benefits of yoga are limitless and accessible to all. Moksha Yoga takes much of the yoga practice off the mat. Each month, the studio supports a different organization making a BIG difference in our community through Karma Class funds and studio events.

Moksha Yoga has chosen The Emily Program Foundation as their supported organization for the month of April.

Karma Classes will be held Fridays from 7:30–8:30 PM
Admission fee ($5.00 minimum) will be donated to The Emily Program Foundation.

Karma Classes are 60 or 90 minute sessions of Moksha hot yoga. The class is suitable for all levels of yoga experience. 

Moksha Yoga Studio is located at
3252b W Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55416

Your support is appreciated and we hope you’ll take a class (or two) this month!
You’ll be helping a great cause and reaping the benefits yoga provides.

Feel free to contact Moksha Yoga at 612-920-3004 or info@mokshayogaminneapolis.com with questions. For more information visit http://minneapolis.mokshayoga.ca/home/

Seeking Development Director

 

The Emily Program Foundation is currently in search of a Development Director.

Title: Development Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
Organization: The Emily Program Foundation

Purpose: The Development Director is responsible for developing and executing a strategic fundraising/development plan that will ensure the Foundations fiscal sustainability; and is responsible for fundraising, grant writing, donor development and plans and directs fund raising events.

Goals/Objectives: Raise funds and otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for The Emily Program Foundation through the development of relationships, organized activities, events and other means consistent with the mission and culture of the Foundation. In conjunction with the Advocacy Director and Outreach Coordinator, raise awareness and support to attain the mission and goals of the Foundation. Demonstrate integrity, fiscal responsibility and meet compliance requirements in all areas of daily operations.

• Achieve financial goals as budgeted.

Duties:

Fundraising:

• Build relationships with people who will support the Foundation financially, along with families  impacted by ED, to build a portfolio of local, regional and national funders to meet or exceed income goals and increase awareness.
• Research, review, and evaluate new funding sources and opportunities and make recommendations to pursue.
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
• Develop and implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns, direct mail programs and corporate fundraising programs -such as employer gift-matching.
• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Contact corporate representatives, government officials, and community leaders to increase awareness of eating disorders and/or needs.
• Research, review and identify appropriate grants for the Foundation.
• Write and prepare all Foundation grant applications and coordinate grant application processes, including reviewing instructions, collecting information from relevant staff, composing narrative sections, and researching vital statistics.
• Produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events.
• Participate in development of fiscal year budget and goal setting, and toward achievement of fiscal year goals. Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data.
• Develop and maintain a strong tracking and reporting system, including a donor and alumni database, calendar of inquiry letters, grants and reports by due dates.
• Strategic Planning – develop short and long term strategic planning to include recruitment, training and retention of Board and staff members with necessary skills/resources and contacts to achieve established goals.
• Communicate results to Foundation staff and Board of Directors regularly.
• Develop and maintain a volunteer program
• Train and supervise fundraising volunteer members.
• Ability to travel – local, regional, national; engage others and confidently speak and represent Foundation at community events, meetings, or conferences to promote goals or solicit donations and sponsorships.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience and success in developing, marketing, and leading diverse fundraising initiatives including annual giving, major gifts, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, grants, events and capital campaigns with quantifiable results that meet or exceed objectives.
• Successful track record in the development of Boards and committees to support organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated experience as a development director, knowledge of non-profit accounting and ability to create and implement short and long term actions plans.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking, developing presentations and seeking out opportunities to be visible in the community.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate an ability to motivate others through influence.
• Experience managing projects, deadlines and collaborative efforts. Must be able to inspire others to build a highly collaborative environment.
• Strong interpersonal competencies as evidence by effective on-on-one and group communication skills and a capacity to build and maintain trusting relationships.
• Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of overall principles and practices of non-profit administration while taking a significant external role for the organization.

Education and Work Experience:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in related field is required.

• 3+ years of non-profit development or fundraising experience in areas of interest is preferred - including: mental/behavioral health, women’s health, public health and/or eating disorders.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively increasing leadership experience is required, including strategic planning and Board development.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of securing gifts and grants from leading funding sources - in the fields of interest named preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate new relationships with funders; experience building a development/fundraising function from the ground up is preferred.
• Proven ability to clearly communication, coordinate, delegate, prioritize, lead, multi-task, negotiate, organize, and problem solve.
• Passion for the world of eating disorders, mental health and community partnership.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people within the organization and the community.
• Ability to coordinate resources from across multiple areas to achieve results.
• Demonstrate initiative (e.g., in starting tasks, asking questions, identifying and discussing problems, ability to structure own work, stay on task)
• High level of enthusiasm and energy; professional
• Demonstrates a "can-do" spirit, a sense of optimism, ownership, and commitment.

To Apply:

Email your cover letter and resume/CV to Careers.

This position will remain open until filled. The Emily Program Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

The Emily Program & The FREED Act Featured in Recent MinnPost Article

Minnesota has a growing number of treatment options for individuals who struggle with eating disorders. For this very reason, many people travel to Minnesota specifically to seek treatment.

However, many times it's not just an eating disorder that individuals struggle with - roughly 10% of clients are denied full treatment coverage by their insurers. In response, The Emily Program Foundation and our volunteers, and the The Emily Program and their clients, have been lobbying alongside Eating Disorder Coalition  for the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED Act) that would increase the amount of research, treatment, and education for eating disorders.

The Emily Program was recently featured in a MinnPost article about this struggle to increase awareness and treatment for eating disorders. Read the full article via the link below.
 
Eating-disorder patients fight double battle: their disorder, and insurance firms
By Sheila Mulrooney Eldred, MinnPost

Image source MinnPost.com; Click to read article in full

2012 National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

February 27 – March 2

Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses that have psychological, biological, and sociocultural causes. The good news is that prevention and recovery are possible.

The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to spread awareness of eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding them. This year, The Emily Program Foundation has partnered with universities in the Twin Cities and Duluth for a number of FREE events across the state in observance and celebration of eating disorder awareness.

Events

U of M Duluth Keynote Event: “Understanding Eating Disorders and how to support someone who is suffering” by Kitty Westin, MA, LP
Where: Bohannon 90, U of M Duluth
When: February 27
Gallery Hours: 7:00–8:30 pm

Kitty will share the story of her daughter, Anna Westin, who lost her battle with an eating disorder in February 2000 and how her family has turned the tragedy into hope. Kitty will leave participants with a basic understanding of eating disorders; the treatment and recovery process from an eating disorder; and how to best support a loved one who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder.* Free and open to all. http://www.d.umn.edu/hlthserv/

Film Screening of Beauty Mark
Where: Food Science & Nutrition Building, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 27
Gallery Hours: 6:00–8:00 pm

Beauty Mark examines popular culture’s emphasis on weight and looks through the eyes of Boulder-based psychotherapist and former world-class triathlete Diane Israel– who tells her own story while interviewing other champion athletes, body builders, fashion models and inner-city teens about their experiences relating to self-image. Discussion follow.

Presentation at St. Catherine University
Where: Saint Mary’s Residence Hall Lounge
When: February 27
Gallery Hours: 6:00–7:00 pm

Ashley Baldwin will lead a presentation and discussion on recognizing the signs, symptoms, and effects of eating disorders; how to effectively offer support to those struggling with eating disorders and body image; understanding and positively influencing the negative food and body image messages in our culture.

Art & Eating Disorders Gallery Exhibit
Where: Boynton Health Services, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 27–March 2
Gallery Hours: 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex process, and it often brings up many uncomfortable emotions that individuals must face and eventually overcome. Self-expression through art serves as an important outlet for coping with this process. Art therapy is often a component of treatment and helps those suffering explore issues like body image and internal conflict. Individuals at various stages of their recovery created the work in this exhibit.

Empowerment Yoga
Where: Boynton Health Services, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 28
Time: 12:00–1:00 pm

Yoga therapy is often included as a part of eating disorder treatment. Empowerment yoga focuses on creating a noncompetitive and accepting atmosphere for practice. Instructors encourage individuals to connect with their bodies without judgment. Society often teaches us that exerting control over our bodies and “powering through the pain” is the best way to be healthy. Empowerment yoga challenges individuals to listen to their bodies, explore their limits, and ultimately come to a place of balance.

Film Screening of America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments
Where: Coffman Memorial Union Theater, U of M Twin Cities
When: February 29
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, film starts at 7:00 pm

Award-winning director Darryl Roberts examines America’s obsession with dieting and thinness in the compelling new documentary America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments. Roberts questions the experts about the promotion of fad diets, disordered eating, weight-loss surgeries, and the accuracy of the BMI.

Presentation at Hamline University
Where: Sorin Residence Dining Hall
When: March 1
Gallery Hours: 11:30-12:30 am

Jillian Lampert, PhD, MPH, RD, LD of The Emily Program will give a presentation on how to recognize the signs, symptoms and effects of eating disorders; how to effectively communicate and address eating disorder behavior in a college setting; how to support individuals before, during, and after treatment; and how to promote health and well-being through joyful activity, nutrition and self-care.

Presentation at St. Olaf College
Where: St. Olaf, Northfield, MN
When: March 1
Gallery Hours: 7:00-18:00 pm

Keri Clifton of The Emily Program will lead a discussion on the prevalence of eating disorders in university culture; how to recognize symptoms, effectively provide support to those who struggling with eating disorders and body image, and how to influence positive body image within your community.

* ”Understanding Eating Disorders and how to support someone who is suffering” is sponsored by The UMD Commission on Women; The UMD Department of Psychology; The UMD Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; the UMD Women’s Resource and Action Center; The Emily Program; The Junior League of Duluth; and UMD Health Services.

Art & Eating Disorders: Building Community Awareness

The Emily Program Foundation is sponsoring the second annual Art & Eating Disorders open-mic night! Art & Eating Disorders - Building Community Awareness will incorporate artwork, poetry, spoken word, music, theatre performance, and more that addresses themes of eating disorders, body image, and recovery.

When: Thursday, February 23
Open Reception: 6:30-9:00 pm
Where: The Emily Program – St. Louis Park
            Click here for directions

Join us for an evening filled with hope, compassion, understanding, and togetherness. Take in the show and support the advocacy & education efforts of The Emily Program Foundation!

Thank you to our event sponsors The Emily Program, Water's Edge Counseling & Healing Center, and The Joy Project.