U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act

The Emily Program Foundation applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which includes protections for people who struggle with mental health disorders. Thanks to yesterday’s ruling, Minnesota will continue to move forward with establishing a health insurance exchange that follows Mental Health Parity legislation passed in 2008. The new exchanges will include coverage for mental health care, including eating disorders. The Emily Program Foundation is optimistic that insurance companies’ discrimination against individuals with eating disorders will finally end and that those struggling with eating disorders will get coverage for the treatment they both need and deserve.

Some of the most important provisions of the ACA are:

• Children and young adults can stay on their parent’s health plan until age 26.
• The ACA bars insurance companies from denying people coverage because they have a pre-existing condition, including a mental illness.
• Insurance companies can no longer drop coverage when individuals get sick.
• Insurance companies cannot impose lifetime limits on mental health coverage.
• The provisions of Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act that was passed in 2008 must be followed.

The ACA ruling is a victory for all Americans, including the millions who struggle with mental illness. It will mean that all people, regardless of economic status, will have access to health care and be able to access mental health care when they need it most.

Want to get involved?
Join The Emily Program Foundation for a field hearing in support of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This historic rally is a part of many across the country, shining a light on the problems patients face when accessing mental health treatment and celebrating the effects of parity legislation.

Mental Health Parity Field Hearing
When: Monday, July 16
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: MN Recovery Connection, 253 State St, St. Paul, MN

For more information, visit parityispersonal.org

Parity Field Hearing Coming to St. Paul, July 16

In 2008, Congress passed the The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act (MHPAEA) which requires health insurance companies to provide the same coverage for the treatment of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders as is covered for physical health problems – including reasonable co-pays and deductibles. This bill was signed into law by former president George W. Bush. Now, almost four years later, progress on the implementation of the bill has slowed.

Recently, co-authors of MHPAEA and former Congressmen Jim Ramstad and Patrick Kennedy have partnered with politicians, employers, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers to form the Parity Implementation Coalition with the goal to ensure that MHPAEA is fully enforced. In March of this year Former Representatives Ramstad and Kennedy announced the launch of a “Patriots for Parity” tour beginning in the summer of 2012. This tour sets up a series of field hearings across the country over the next year, with hopes of gaining awareness and support for what Kennedy is calling a “civil rights issue.”

Enforcement of the MHPAEA directly affects Emily Program clients and others in the community struggling with mental illness and addiction. The Emily Program Foundation is proud to help host the Parity Implementation Coalition for a field hearing in St. Paul on July 16. Please come out to show your support and help make moves toward the enforcement of equal health coverage for mental illness and substance abuse disorders!

Mental Health Parity Field Hearing
When: Monday, July 16
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: Minnesota Recovery Connection
           253 State Street, St. Paul

For more information visit www.parityispersonal.org or follow @ParityCoalition on Twitter.

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