Mission Statement
The founders of Project HEAL, Liana Rosenman and Kristina Saffran, met while undergoing treatment for anorexia nervosa. The two girls helped each other to reach full recovery, and then wanted to help others achieve it, as well. In 2008 they founded Project HEAL: Help to Eat, Accept and Live ( www.theprojectheal.org ), a not-for-profit organization in the United States and a federal not-for-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act). We provide scholarship funding for people with eating disorders who cannot afford treatment, promote healthy body image and self-esteem, and serve as a testament that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Since being founded in 2008, Project HEAL has raised over $400,000 and has sent eleven applicants to residential and intensive outpatient treatment. They have opened over 30 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Australia that also work to spread the mission and values of Project HEAL.
Description
Project Heal is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductable to the extent allowed by law.
We Are All Perfectly Imperfect!
Every day, societal pressures dictate that we should look or act a certain way in order to be accepted, forcing many of us to be ashamed of the parts of ourselves that don’t fit that mold--the parts that make us beautiful and unique. As a result of these mounting pressures, today, over 30 million Americans suffer with some form of eating disorder. 90% of those who struggle either do not receive treatment or do not seek out the help they need, due to fear or stigma. However, left untreated, eating disorders can cause serious medical problems including: muscle loss, osteoporosis, dehydration, reproductive problems, kidney failure and even death.
Project HEAL Can Help!
One of the obstacles to recovery is the overwhelming cost of inpatient treatment programs, which go as high as $30,000 per month! A cost that most insurance companies refuse to cover as they would with other mental illnesses. At such a high price, many of those 10% who do receive counseling have their treatment terminated prematurely and risk relapse. Project HEAL was established to provide financial assistance for people with eating disorders who have made the courageous decision to recover but cannot afford treatment.
Recovery Is Possible!
Recovery is possible. When people who suffer from an eating disorder are able to receive comprehensive treatment, they CAN regain a healthy relationship with food and live full and happy lives. Project HEAL knows this is true through the first-hand experience of its founders, supporters and volunteers, as well as through the testimonials and success stories of the organization’s grant recipients.
Together, we are truly saving lives--through our signature financial assistance program; our work to promote healthy, positive, NATURAL body image; and through our advocacy for a more accepting and just mental health care system--one that finally acknowledges the depth and complexity of this silent epidemic.
