Hopewell Voices

Living in between! By Katrina Hadden, Life Coach, Body Image specialist, Professional Model

2011-12-15T15:15:00.001-05:00

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart”
During the holiday season we take the time to reflect upon the year and to give thanks and gratitude to our loved ones. I want to share this story with you as I struggled with an eating disorder for many years and have been a proud volunteer and mentor with Hopewell. Today I write about a special achievement and experience in hopes that it will offer encouragement and support !
This year was a very memorable year especially October 20th, 2011. I was asked to walk down the catwalk in Toronto Fashion Week as a size 12 modeI, something you never see, as the standard model is a size 0-4. I wish I could express in words how truly honoured I was and not only that but proud to represent a diverse unique figure. It was very difficult to keep a straight face as I strutted down the runway in my 4 inch heels because I received rounds of applause from the audience – a rare occurrence in the fashion world! I hope to see more designers adding diversity on the runway and in their clothing line as the response has been overwhelming and so positive!
I have been a model and actress for over ten years and have always considered myself to be an “in between” size, neither a petite, nor a plus. While it was incredibly challenging in the modelling industry, I knew if I continued pursuing my passion, I would fall into the right place. After years of trying to mould my body to what the fashion industry standards were, I decided to take control of my health and embrace what I’ve been given. Sometimes there are moments when you doubt yourself or you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of fitting in or being accepted. You look in the mirror and see imperfections or you compare yourself to others. I feel confident in my ability to work with young women, men teens and people from all walks of life who were or are currently battling with self esteem and body image issues because I hold the ability to truly empathize with them. I help young women and men and show them that regardless of the standards that are set, if you carry an attitude of positive energy and grace any BODY can reach their dreams.
I encourage you to embrace your curves, embrace your unique beauty because there is only one of YOU and dreams do come true!
Happy Holidays and wishing all of you health, love and happiness for 2012!
Love Katrina
http://www.katrinahadden.com

Katrina posing with designer Sunny Fong, VAWK

"Stepping Out for Hopewell" by Guest Speaker Sue Holloway

2011-11-24T12:23:00.000-05:00

I remember the first time I met Lina Hunt. It was about 3 years ago when we were at an event and she asked me if I would be interested in being part of the Hopewell Fashion Show as a model. Never one to shy away from the limelight I accepted having no inkling that by the time the fashion show rolled around I would need the services of Hopewell.

My lovely daughter Sarah went away to university in the US on a full volleyball scholarship and she seemed to be really happy. After gaining a little bit of weight her first semester she and her roommate started what seemed like a harmless three week diet. Within half a year this innocent weight loss program deteriorated to very serious anorexia. Sarah went from being a strong, stunning, outgoing athlete to a reclusive ghost of her former self. She lost a lot of weight. At her lowest she weighed very little – and she is almost 6’ tall.

Eating disorders do not just affect the one suffering from the illness. Its cruel tentacles reach out to all of those around them and we often feel so helpless. Hopewell provided us with a wealth of resources through the website. I used the resource list to find professional help, read the “friends and family” section and often went back to re-read articles. The best thing I did was join the family support group. It was such a relief to share and learn from others who were going through similar experiences and to have expert facilitation from our group leader.

This year we attended “Stepping Out For Hopewell” as a family. While I shared our story with the guests my husband and both our beautiful daughters modeled the fabulous fashions. Healed and healthy we were all able to enjoy the event and give back to an organization that provided an island of hope when we were in a sea of despair. Thank you to everyone who came out to support Hopewell and make sure that this essential community service continues to thrive.

The Holloway-Joy family participate in "Stepping Out for Hopewell"

Strength in Disorder by Olivia Johnston

2011-09-16T16:19:00.001-04:00

My name is Olivia Johnston, I am a photography student here in Ottawa, and I go to a school called the School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa. The second year of the program is a portfolio development year; we are encouraged to pursue a photographic project that interests us, and in the process, create a portfolio of images.

When I was quite young, a woman very close to me suffered from an eating disorder. My understanding was limited at the time, and as a result, I grew up wondering about these diseases. In September of 2010, I decided I wanted to use my portfolio development year to go deeper into this issue and create a project that addressed the incredibly harmful effects of eating disorders, without glamorizing or romanticizing the issue, as it often is in the media.

I came to Hopewell with my idea, and they supported me immediately and along every step of its creation. Hopewell is an extraordinary organization; in so many stories I heard, these women would not have recovered had they not had an incredible support system, and Hopewell has provided and continues to provide that to those who need it most. Without Hopewell, my project would not be what it is; truly, the project belongs to Hopewell and those who participated.

This project explores the juxtaposition between true beauty – that is, inner strength, intelligence, vitality and confidence – and indescribable suffering. A huge component of the project is an audio track, comprised of interviews conducted with each woman; this audio track is not meant to reflect the individual, but instead, the experience of suffering from an eating disorder. These images, accompanied by the audio, are a complete portrait of the strength of the human in the face of incredible mental and emotional distress.

Olivia’s photography can be viewed at www.oliviajohnston.com, and her project Strength in Disorder can be seen and listened to specifically here: http://www.oliviajohnston.com/p1033984550#h20c16135

The Entrepreneurial Adventure by Clare Grosskleg

2011-06-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

As a first-time business partner with the Entrepreneurial Adventure Program, Learning Partnership, it was my good fortune to be paired with the grade 8 class at Castlefrank Elementary School in Kanata.

The class chose Hopewell as the organization that held meaning and relevance for them. As young teens, the pressure of body image is typically prevalent and can be challenging at times. The genius of this class was to merge the self-esteem theme that we are all valued for who we are regardless of size, shape, colour, talent, etc. (consistent with Hopewell messaging) into a fundraising fashion show. And so, on April 14, 2011 the Beauty is… Fashion Show was delivered to a sold-out, wildly-cheering audience.

Throughout this adventure, I saw these grade 8 students visibly change from enthusiastic individual contributors to a cohesive, focused and highly driven team. Not only did the team “knock it out of the park”, but also showed great leadership in building self-esteem and awareness of their cause of choice for themselves and others within the school and among family and friends. They created their plan and executed flawlessly to produce inspiring results. Just about $3000 was donated to Hopewell.

Here are some of the things that I witnessed: I saw the marketing team working on the hallway floor to produce posters; I saw the sales team brainstorming how they could enhance sales like adding a silent auction or guess the number of jelly beans in the jar; I saw a Hopewell recipient providing craft donations and sale proceeds; I saw the production team calculating runway space; I saw decorative butterflies from the Hopewell logo fill the gym; I saw students with different backgrounds, sizes, capabilities, etc. walk the runway; I saw students hold the hands of younger school children to show them the way; I saw and heard a cheering audience that wouldn’t be still; I heard carefully selected music that supported the self-esteem theme; I saw commitment from these amazing teachers to integrate lessons learned and to participate fully.

I am wholly confident that the members of this graduating class have significantly enhanced their capabilities, gained a huge sense of accomplishment and left a memorable legacy for the school and all those participating in this adventure. Congratulations to each of the students in Mrs. Robertson and Ms. Hyde’s 2011 graduating grade 8 class! I am so proud to have been a part of this adventure, but mostly I am proud of each of you. Bravo!

"Giving Back" by Danielle Lithwick, Hopewell Self-Help Group Facilitator

2011-05-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

Since I have been a volunteer at Hopewell I have always felt appreciated and supported by the staff for my efforts. I often hear “Hopewell would not be what it is without its volunteers”. In my head I would think to respond by saying “Hopewell would not be what it is without everyone involved!” Though I am always grateful for being acknowledged for giving back, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge both the staff and the clients of Hopewell for all the ways in which they give back as well.

The staff at Hopewell is a hardworking group of individuals, dedicated and passionate about educating and supporting the sufferers in the eating disorder community. Over the years as a volunteer, I have always felt welcome when I visit them, always greeted with a warm smile no matter how stressful their day has been. Throughout my various roles as a volunteer- mentor, yoga teacher, and now a facilitator- I could always count on them to answer my many questions, to get constructive feedback, and to debrief if necessary. They have taken the time to make sure I have felt comfortable with my volunteer tasks and through their nurturing and empathetic qualities, they have been quick to boost my confidence at times when I felt I had made a mistake or failed somehow. The guidance and learning I have received from the staff has been invaluable.

Being a co-facilitator and facilitator for the past three Self-Help groups has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for me at Hopewell so far. Admittedly it has been a steep learning curve and challenging at times, but the rewards of leading such a group are priceless. Through the strength, courage, and honesty that is demonstrated by the group members each week, I am always left humbled, moved, and grateful for being able to bear witness to each individual’s journey. I try to offer hope and guidance as a facilitator, yet I feel the real work is accomplished by the participants themselves. For example, I have seen and heard group participants express their relief in knowing they are not alone in their suffering, and a deep appreciation for having a safe space to express themselves freely and openly. What the participants may not realize is that they are also giving back. Simply by showing up each week and being present, they are demonstrating support for the others. When a participant shares their deepest vulnerabilities, they are letting everyone know that they trust the group and are reaching out. When another participant expresses compassion and acceptance towards the vulnerable, they are saying “You are not alone. We are here for you.” In this sense, every participant contributes to the effectiveness of the group, whether by listening, sharing, or consoling. The intention of joining the group may at first seem only to help oneself, yet it becomes clear early on that the benefits gained are through the various ways that one gives back to their peers. Through helping themselves, participants are helping others. Now that is a true gift.

So you see, it is not only volunteers who give back. Everyone involved at Hopewell- staff, volunteers, and clients – gives back. Actually, I believe it is more like a continuous upward-turning spiral of giving and receiving, where every new cycle represents another layer of overall growth and increased benefits for all. The more we give, the more we receive. The more we receive, the more we give. Giving and receiving from all, help weave together the collaborative, interconnected, and strong web of support that is Hopewell. In other words, Hopewell is greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, as a volunteer I am just one of the many individuals that have contributed and benefited from a small part of the greater giving-back and receiving process.

I am deeply indebted to the Hopewell staff and clients for everything they have given me as I have described above. Most importantly I am most grateful for the inspiration that fills me every time I connect with someone in the Hopewell community, whether staff, client, or another volunteer. For that reason, my work as a volunteer does not feel like work. To be involved with an organization that is founded on the notion of giving-back is a privilege. For all the many gifts I receive from Hopewell, it is easy to give a little gift of volunteering back.

I look forward to the many more gifts I will receive and share as a volunteer at Hopewell.

SOUL SEARCHING by Josée Lavigne

2011-04-15T13:48:00.001-04:00

Recently I have been made aware of my past, my struggles, which I have worked very hard to transform, -not to forget, but to put in the back of my mind, as a way to continue on, continue living.

"I recommend seeing a psychiatrist", says a doctor at the clinic of the University where I am presently studying. …I am still struggling with forms of anxiety and depression (most specifically insomnia) - not as I was when I was struggling with an EDNOS when I was sixteen to twenty one, but there is still bits of me that need to be looked at, to make sure everything is well. Bits and pieces, that is what it is - bits of us that were fragmented, torn, …as we tried to face another day, another night… I am reminded how difficult it was, how lucky I was to have been able to transform day by day, into a living being, not merely surviving, but really living, loving, …myself, my body, this life.

-Luck and courage and help and a need to find answers-

As an artist, I find I am able to transform my ideas and feelings into works that I can look at and that I can embrace. I can see myself through my works and try to understand myself and my life. I am lucky. I also find it is essential to try to understand ourselves as beings and that is where my community work comes in. Whether it’d be through testimonies, through community work, social art exhibitions, relational art projects, …it is my belief that we need to continue on searching and demand some answers. We are humans after all, simply trying to make sense of this world, this life. There is still some misconceptions surrounding mental illnesses but I have witnessed various changes in the last few years. It is a relief to me to hear others’ stories, others’ struggles. We need to continue reaching out, putting ourselves out there for others who are trying to understand and make sense of their lives. We are not alone. I am a lucky survivor and I will never forget that.

Josée Lavigne is a 35 year old healthy woman who is living, working and studying in Montreal. She recovered from an EDNOS 14 years ago. Josée has done various community works in the Ottawa and Montreal regions to help others who are struggling with an eating disorder or to help raise awareness on EDs. Josée has donated paintings at the Eating Disorder clinic at the Douglas Hospital in Verdun. She has co-animated a closed support group for l’ANEB and has been a mentor for Hopewell. She has done several interviews and testimonies in the community and has recently participated in Hopewell’s group exhibition ‘A Common Beauty’. She continues her work as an artist and art educator interested in a variety of subjects such as mental illnesses and most specifically body image and self-esteem. She hopes to create therapeutic and educational art workshops, in the near future, that would be made for ED sufferers.

Our Entrepreneurial Project and Hopewell by Kailee and Emily from Castlefrank Elementary School Kanata

2011-03-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

We were so excited when we found out that our class was doing the Entrepreneurial project. This is a project where we get to do some of our learning by setting up a business for a cause. The project is part of The Learning Partnership, an organization that helps teachers and classes in public schools learn through business and real world experiences. We are buddied up with a business partner and together with our teacher and business partner we decided to host a charitable event, a fashion show, which we named “Beauty Is...”. The focus of our event is positive body image. We know that that it's a growing problem today and we want to make a difference! Young girls and boys as young as 9 years old are developing eating disorders, our goal is to put a stop to it.

The charity we chose to support with all the money we raise from our fashion show is Hopewell. Everyone had different opinions about which charity they wanted to donate to. The reason we chose Hopewell was because it is a local charity and its values really spoke to us.

In order to put on our fashion we needed clothes and sponsors. A few of our classmates, including us, went to Bayshore Shopping Center and asked stores to sponsor. We got very good feedback from the managers and hope they donate lots of clothes! Our big day is April 14, 2011 at 6:30 pm at our school, Castlefrank E.S. If you want more information or would like to donate clothing or sponsor our event just give the school a call.

"Body Image" by Kimberley Sullivan, 99.7 EzRock Radio Host

2011-02-22T11:51:00.000-05:00

Growing up, we all had issues with body image... At 14, I was already 5'10'' -- a tall ostrich, as some liked calling me... I hated being tall. That all changed when I was approached to model, but another reality came to be. That of the gentle tap-on-the-hip while being paid for a gig with the oh-so-subtle "careful dear"... I already knew that I was the "fattest" of the models, I didn't need a tap on my budding hips to remind me!

I am one of the lucky ones though that never got caught up in the whole thing and I think it is because I was subconsciously watching one of good friends battle bulimia for the exact same reasons... watching her made me mad and wanting to fight with the "system". Public speaking contests were my forte and through that, I tackled the idea of body image, challenged the beauty of Barbie and fought against the then popular Kate Moss skinny cocaine chic trends. I accused magazine editors and designers of sculpting the woman body into something unrealistically thin and hence causing eating disorders... I was pretty passionate about the topic!

That particular topic won me the local title, regional title and a 4th place finish in the provincial public speaking contest -- the highest my high achieving private school had ever placed. The judges approached me to see if communications or law were something I was interested in studying, a local hospital asked me to speak with some young girls affected by eating disorders and I remember thinking how powerful I felt raising my voice for such a topic.

After a failed attempt at entering Med school (I wanted to be a psychiatrist for children with eating disorders) and a short stint at teaching deaf kids, I ended up listening to those judges who years before told be to pursue broadcasting. They knew what they were talking about! I absolutely love my job -- one that allows me to raise awareness on certain topics I hold dear to heart and help out in my community.

That's how Hopewell & I connected. A Facebook posting about the "Love your Life" Gala made me discover that such a centre existed right here in Ottawa and I knew I HAD TO interview them
Check out the interview ... http://www.ezrock.com/Channels/Kimskorner/story.aspx?ID=1341143

That interview lead to me being ask to host the Gala and the rest is history! I hope to be involved with Hopewell for years to come!

The scary thing about eating disorders is the denial that comes with it... the fact that it is associated and can be mistaken for dieting and exercising -- 2 things our society highly values and sells. 1 in 5 people diagnosed with anorexia will die from it. Parents and friends have to learn to speak up if they suspect someone has the disease. It's a scary world that of eating disorders. I am happy to say that my old high school friend survived and is doing well. I want more outcomes like that...

Thanks Hopewell for a great job.

Jacob's "No Re-touching" Policy by Cristelle Basmaji, Marketing & Communications Director, JACOB

2011-01-31T16:34:00.000-05:00

With the launch of our fall 2010 campaign last September, we committed to no longer digitally alter the bodies of our models in images for both our JACOB and JACOB Lingerie brands. While JACOB had always been conservative with respect to retouching, we decided it was time to take a stand in a more meaningful way so we implemented our No Retouching Policy and signed the Quebec Charter for a Healthy and Diverse Body Image.

As a socially responsible company, JACOB has always felt strongly about women’s issues and respecting its customers. We have always made an effort to promote a healthy image of the female body. By adopting an official policy and broadcasting it publicly, we hope to reverse the trend in digital photo manipulation that has become excessive in our industry. Our decision to never reshape the bodies of our models is particularly innovative for our JACOB Lingerie campaigns.

We are extremely proud to be the first Canadian fashion retailer to make such a significant long-term public engagement since it reflects our brand values:
•Respect: JACOB has always respected women and wants to be a company that women are proud of.
•Leadership: we are an intuitive brand that innovates while staying true to our values.
•Altruism: JACOB contributes to women’s well-being and to the society in which they live through our commitment to social responsibility.

Our commitment to social responsibility encapsulates the actions we take to showcase our respect for women. JACOB aims to help women feel confident about who they are and how they look through our clothing, our brand and initiatives such as this one.

"Why I chose to produce a documentary on orthorexia nervosa and use Hopewell as a resource by Tanya Miller- Carleton Journalism/Psychology Student

2011-01-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

Through my research, discussions, and the media, I've noticed that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the symptoms and diagnoses of eating disorders, and wanted to address them in a way that was suitable for all audiences. After learning that there is a growing number of youth developing an eating disorder, I thought it was important to raise awareness about local support available, and draw attention to the individual and societal risk factors that contribute to an addiction. Since I am both a journalism and psychology student, I wanted to produce something that was objective, accurate, qualitative, and reflected informed voices from the community.
Although orthorexia nervosa first appeared in the late 20th century, it is still hotly debated. This, along with an interest in understanding the progression from healthy eating to problematic eating, was what initially fuelled my focus on orthorexia nervosa. I also wanted to examine the requirements needed before it can be considered an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Lastly, I wanted to end on a positive note by presenting a lifestyle that has been controversial, but has the potential to be balanced and healthy, just like other less controversial lifestyles.

I made this documentary for everyone; the concerned family member, the educator, the curious."

To view Tanya’s documentary please contact Hopewell

Why I participated as a model in the "Stepping Out for Hopewell" fashion show fundraiser by Julie Beun

2010-10-27T10:16:00.000-04:00

When my sister was 13 to 16, she suffered from anorexia and bulimia--the illness nearly took her life. For a long time, she was at the Queensway Carleton's psych unit, because there was such a long waiting list to get into the Clarke Institute in Toronto. Although they did their best for her, it was a dismal place for her to live and for her family to visit.

As a journalist, I have written about eating disorders and the institutions that operate on a shoestring to help their patients. For that reason--and for my sister--I agreed to model for Hopewell's fashion parade at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

It was a fun and wonderful evening in support of an excellent cause.

Stepping out for Hopewell 2010 Planning Committee ~ Why not Join Next Year? by Lina Hunt

2010-10-15T13:14:00.001-04:00

Hopewell, like most community-based not-for-profit organizations, depends on fundraising to complement the ongoing generosity of private donors, foundations and other funding agencies.
Our signature fundraising event, Stepping out for Hopewell, is a fashion show like no other. We invite local celebrities (women and men) to help us celebrate our natural sizes while modeling exquisite fashions from Ottawa’s finest boutiques.
This year’s event was planned to perfection by an active committee of enthusiastic gals who shared their great community contacts, creative ideas and organizational skills with committee chair Terri Hoddinott and Hopewell’s Executive Director, Christine Flammer and Co-Founder Lucyna Neville.
I was a privileged member of this committee—we met every month on Wednesday mornings; the meetings were always lively, animated and most importantly, productive. Each member brought her own special skill set. We had those who worked with the models and fashion retailers, others who coordinated the auctions and venue, and others who helped with the administrative duties.
Our fundraiser took place on Wednesday October 13th—it was a booming success; the silent auction tables were filled with 80 exceptional offers from the best restaurants, local spas and fitness clubs as well as exquisite jewelry and chance-of-a- lifetime shadowing days with politicians and our crown attorney. Excitement filled the room when our emcee Stuntman Stu from 93.9 Bob FM began our live auction of diamonds, furs and dinner with an ambassador. This excitement continued as the fashion show began – a parade of wonderful fashions (Manhattan Marque; Harry Rosen) were modelled by 16 Ottawans who have made their mark on our city in the media, business and sports worlds. The show’s last fashion scene was incredible— committee members, draped in gorgeous furs courtesy of our most generous furrier sponsor (Pat Flesher Furs), walked around the room distributing treats to every guest. Add to this tantalizing prizes and you’ve got the makings of an incredibly successful fundraiser and fun evening.
Fundraising events like this one take a tremendous amount of planning, organization and passion for the cause. Everyone in our committee recognized the importance of raising the funds needed to maintain the wonderful programs of support offered at Hopewell. Feeling that you contributed in part to the success of a fundraiser is exceptionally satisfying and fulfilling; I hope others might consider joining the 2011 planning committee – you won’t regret it!

Working with Hopewell by Marisa Murray

2010-09-21T14:04:00.000-04:00

I am working towards completing a master’s degree in experimental psychology at Carleton University. My research interests include the development of positive body image and the prevention of eating disorders in individuals of all ages. Throughout my post-secondary education I have been involved in the development and implementation of positive body image programs, participated in research projects focused on body image and eating disorders, and presented my research at national and international conferences.

Beginning in Spring 2010, I had the privilege of completing a community-based practicum at Hopewell, which proved to be instrumental in further developing my interest in body image and the prevention of eating disorders. The staff at Hopewell welcomed me as part of their team and supported me in my placement tasks. Hopewell was an ideal setting to complete my practicum in that I was able to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired through my education to helping people confront problems and challenges associated with eating disorders and body image. I was provided the opportunity to co-facilitate a weekly self-help group, assist with a positive self-esteem summer camp for young girls, represent Hopewell at community events, and conduct research in the area of positive body image development.

I believe strongly in Hopewell’s commitment to helping individuals, and families of individuals, who struggle with eating disorders. Hopewell employs creativity and knowledge towards making positive changes in people’s lives. I cannot adequately express my appreciation to the staff at Hopewell for the generosity they showed towards me, sharing their knowledge and their time, putting me at ease and making me a part of their team. I would feel very fortunate if, at some future time, there is an opportunity for me to be involved in a research project at Hopewell.

So Glad 2 Be Me Summer Camp by Jen Charbonneau, RDH, CMC, BA, Creator/Facilitator

2010-09-08T13:02:00.000-04:00

As summer winds down, so do the “So Glad 2 Be Me” Summer Camps for 8-12 yr old girls. I’m always amazed at how quickly the summer goes by. It seems like yesterday that I was excited and planning and organizing for another fun filled summer of So Glad 2 Be Me camps.

At any rate, I’ve enjoyed another amazing season with 8-12 yr old girls and it seems each camp was equally as fun as the one before.

My mission with this summer camp version of my program was to bring girls together in an informal setting and encourage them to share challenges, discover solutions, make new friends, make VERY cool crafts and have a lot of fun while building positive self-esteem, awareness and understanding of healthy body image and trying new practical tools for managing challenges.

It’s no secret that we live in a world where women of all ages measure their value based on a commercially-generated standard of beauty. Now more than ever, young girls need to recognize and embrace that beauty, love and self acceptance radiate from within.
Within an accepting, neutral environment, I watched these 8-12 yr olds find the courage to be themselves, know and value themselves and discover a sense of purpose and belonging. It never ceases to amaze me how insightful, informed and passionate this age group can be. It fills me up and warms my heart to watch these young girls feel a level of acceptance that helps them find their voice and embrace their inner beauty. When we spend an entire camp focusing on our positive strengths and attributes, self-esteem, self-acceptance and body image issues seem less predominant and more easily defeated.

This summer, the girls enjoyed numerous crafts, games and activities such as yoga, dance and meditation. Things like scrapbooking and jewellery making, posters and brochures allowed these girls to really discover their own uniqueness based on who they are, not what they look like.

Summer after summer, the So Glad 2 Be Me program is proving to build self-esteem, confidence and healthy body image and it is just such a pleasure for me to teach and celebrate with these young girls.

Here are a few comments from participants/parents:
"This workshop really helps girls feel better about themselves. Jen has a way of talking to us that other people usually don't. I LOVE So Glad 2 Be Me and I know now that I am beautiful inside and outside" ~ Jayda - age 10 ~

"Olivia has been RAVING about the summer camp! If I could, I'd send her to Jen every day so that she could do her magic and send her home to me with this great attitude!" ~ Tracy Facchin - Parent ~

NiaJam for Hopewell by Diane King

2010-07-16T09:49:00.000-04:00

On May 29, Ottawa held its first NiaJam. Over 50 people came out to dance, laugh, sweat and to support Hopewell. Nia is a dance fitness practice that incorporates three different elements of Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts. Nia is practiced by people of all ages, shapes and sizes. The philosophy of Nia is Your Body, Your Way and its first principle is the Joy of Movement. EveryOne gets into Na for different reasons.
Diane: I discovered Nia at 50. I had tried dance, karate, yoga, tai chi and while all brought a certain amount of joy to me, there was always a feeling that I was never quite doing the moves correctly. I seemed to always feel inadequate. Then I attended a demo class taught by Martha Randall, a black belt instructor from Toronto. Martha had come to Ottawa and was teaching two classes.
I was a bit nervous, all by myself, amongst all of these women who seemed to know what they were doing. Then the music started. Martha led us through a warm up. She had explained that we just follow along and express ourselves the way we want to. There is no one RIGHT way to do Nia, they are ALL right ways! Oh, liberation!!
By the third dance, I was in heaven.....it had an African beat and as the music built in intensity, we were vocalizing and as the movements became more powerful , I felt this huge lump in my throat and I thought, "I am home!" It was at that moment that I decided to do the White Belt Intensive training. I wanted to become an instructor and bring Nia to Ottawa so I could dance it every week.
It took a year to get up the nerve to teach Nia but I haven't looked back. I get so much joy from teaching and from looking in the mirror and seeing the smiles on my students' faces. I love watching beginner dancers "getting it" as they keep coming to class. I love watching one of our older dancers (in her 60's) lose herself in the music....eyes shut, moving enthusiastically throughout the room, joy written all over her face! I love the smiles that break out spontaneously as our dancers let go and give themselves permission to play!
Nia unleashed the little girl in me and gave me permission to be creative! I love that I can wear creative clothing, that I can express the moves the way I want to interpret them, that I can vocalize what I'm sensing inside, that I can so be in touch with my body and my sensations. Nia is freedom!
Hopewell: We decided to support Hopewell for our first Jam as we felt that our philosophies/goals are very similar: Celebrate everyBody! and Your Body, Your Way! How perfectly aligned is that? Our hope, through Nia, is that people find pleasure in moving their bodies. That they appreciate their bodies for what they are.
Another principle is that if it feels good, keep on doing it. If it doesn't , tweak it and then sustain it. It's about finding the pleasure in movement. In our precious bodies. In awareness. In sensation. The people at Hopewell are delivering a similar message. We are all precious, we are all ALL RIGHT! :-)

The Family and Friends Support Group by Diana Norton, Canadian Certified Counsellor

2010-06-30T10:49:00.001-04:00

Educators, coaches, and therapists suggest that to evolve we must dare to be vulnerable outside of our comfort zone. The Families and Friends whose journey I was privileged to witness this past year have shown me the possibility of honest openness. They removed the stigma of right versus wrong, and supported one another through a notably vulnerable period of their lives. Their courage and commitment to support loved ones through the trials of an eating disorder was inspiring.

Each member, like every individual, came from different backgrounds with diverse circumstances, skills, strengths, and challenges. Every Family and Friend was supporting loved ones at different stages of recovery. All shared feelings of frustration, guilt, sadness, disappointment, and hope. Through their coming together in courageous honesty I saw these Families and Friends move beyond fear into an unknown future with faith in the possibility of inevitable change. United by a shared struggle, commitment to their loved ones, and with mutual respect they granted one another opportunity to unload the burden of fear. We didn’t, could not, always have answers but through feedback, reflection, and mostly honesty I hope the group experienced the same relief I did realizing that at the very least we are not alone. No two journeys had taken or were likely to take the same course but by pooling resources, anecdotes, and admitting limitations we were relieved of isolation and introduced to alternatives. The process was humanizing.

I am not yet a mother. I do not know what it is like to be responsible for a child, a family, but I am a human-being as vulnerable as the next. We can look to manuals, theory, and research for expected outcomes but they are inadequate for addressing the fragility of our lives. This remarkably sincere group has shown me that it isn’t about being right – it’s about being real. Together we can comfort one another, trouble shoot, and derive hope from shared experiences knowing we are not alone. Cheers to a beauty-full life going places of unknown possibility.

Hopewell's Spinning Fundraiser by Kim McMillan

2010-06-15T12:07:00.002-04:00

I wanted to help out with the fundraiser for Hopewell firstly because I believe in the purpose of Hopewell and the organizations importance. Body image seems to be on the forefront these days, and it is organizations like Hopewell that are the catalysts to outreach services for young people. What a perfect fundraiser for Hopewell, getting out and doing something and feeling great about "every body".

It was a wonderful night full of great personalities, coming together for a cause! Laurie (at the Point for Fitness) did such a great job as our class instructor and made it exciting and fun for everyone, from the avid spinner to the first time rider! This was a great opportunity to introduce some of my friends to spinning in a relaxed, fun and energetic environment!

The highlight of such fundraisers are getting to know like minded people under any other circumstance you might not ever meet! Not to mention all the great snacks and door prizes from sponsors throughout the city!

TRUTH AND HOPE By Erahm Christopher, Director of the TEEN TRUTH film series and TEEN TRUTH LIVE speaking series

2010-04-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

It has been a year since TEEN TRUTH and HOPEWELL embarked on a creative and meaningful collaboration that has evolved into a powerful movement. The goals include providing more youth with the courage to voice their body image and self-esteem concerns, to challenge others to understand the truth about disordered eating behaviour and empower others to want change their lives and the lives of those suffering from body image and self-esteem issues.
The collaboration began with Hopewell agreeing to provide resources and capital to help produce the third instalment in the award winning TEEN TRUTH film series, TEEN TRUTH: BODY IMAGE & SELF ESTEEM. In just twelve months this film has been viewed by over 129,000 people across the United States and Canada and screened at several special events that have included panel discussions about body image and self esteem issues. Some of the events include a Hopewell Sponsored screening at the Ottawa Public Library in Ontario, Canada, the Kristin Watt Foundation sponsored screening at the University of Pacific in Stockton, California, and the Remuda Ranch sponsored screening at the Binge Eating Disorder Association Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, the film was acknowledged as a notable children’s video by the Association for Library Service to Children and screened at the Sacramento International Film Festival.
We are also excited to report that we are almost out of the pilot stages of our interactive TEEN TRUTH LIVE: BODY IMAGE & SELF ESTEEM school assembly experience. Our passionate speaker, Stephanie Armstrong, has already travelled across North America to screen the film and speak about her personal struggle with body image issues. She has told her story to parents, 6th – 12th grade students, juvenile hall inmates and educators with overwhelmingly positive results. One student at her last presentation at Mother Theresa High School in Ottawa stated this about Stephanie’s presentation, “your talk was the BEST talk I’ve ever gotten in my entire life.”
We are extremely proud of the film and our strong alliance with Hopewell. The organization’s commitment to provide knowledge and support to those affected by eating disorders is extremely inspiring and beneficial to many needing hope and assistance. We are grateful we found a way to work together to create an effective tool and a program that is building even more awareness and understand to the illness that affects so many.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with Hopewell and continue our mission to build this movement across Canada in order to make a difference in lives struggling with body image and self -esteem issues.

For more information about the TEEN TRUTH: BODY IMAGE & SELF ESTEEM film or TEEN TRUTH LIVE, please visit: www.teentruthlive.com

"Green Goddesses" by Kelly Giddings

2010-04-16T11:11:00.000-04:00

Beginning in January 2010 I had the wonderful experience of facilitating the Green Goddess program for Hopewell. Green Goddess is an outdoor activity based program for girls 12-15 which aims to help girls build self-esteem, healthy relationships, and have new experiences. Working in partnership with Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), our program was based out of the Rochester Heights Community House and ran every second Thursday from 6-9pm and the last Saturday of every month.
This session we had a small, yet very keen, group of girls and as such were able to have some great hands on experiences and adventures. In January we learned about dressing properly for winter, shelter building, and knot tying. Our Saturday adventure for January took us to Gatineau Park where we spent the day snowshoeing and making bannock over a fire. February took us on at artistic path as we created and decorated body casts of the girls’ faces, arms, feet and chests. The end results were absolutely beautiful! March offered a new challenge for all as we embarked on Geo-Caching, an outdoor activity where people use a GPS to hide and locate “caches”. We found three caches just in the Rochester Heights neighbourhood, very cool! March also provided an opportunity to get out on bicycles and explore the bike paths in the neighbourhood. We had a special guest come and teach the girls the basics of bike mechanics and how to change a flat tire. Most of the girls had never ridden on a busy street before, so it was a night of many firsts!
I would like to thank my co-facilitator Jen Findley from SWCHC and all the participants for making this session of Green Goddesses a positive experience for all!

" ENOUGH. A whimsical and political statement about body and beauty" by Megan Carty, show creator and performer

2010-03-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

On Thursday February 25, a play about eating disorders, body, and beauty was mounted at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage. It was called ENOUGH. A whimsical and political statement about body and beauty. Created and performed by two grade twelve students (Fiona Sauder and myself - Megan Carty), the show focused on the ridiculous obsession that society has with weight and perfection. It explored the causes that lead to eating disorders and the emotional pain an eating disorder can cause. We looked at the issue from all angles. It was a collective-style piece, meaning many short scenes were pieced together. Some caused uncontrollable laughter and some caused tears. The overall goal of the show was to inspire the audience; encourage them and prove that recovery is possible and that recovery is beautiful.

Fiona and I decided to do this production after working with Heidi Mack, a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders. We are both very passionate about theatre. It has the power to deliver such strong messages and touch people in ways that nothing else can. We knew that dramatizing the issues of eating disorders could be extremely powerful and touching.

Both Fiona and I have struggled with eating disorders. It is an ongoing battle that doesn't end abruptly after hospital admission. We are both constantly fighting to remain healthy and distant from the negative thoughts. This show gave us the chance to explore the area in a positive way. We learned so much about ourselves throughout the process. This show brought us both further into recovery.

In the end, the show went extremely well. It was really well received. We got a standing ovation. Countless people have approached me, either directly after the show or through email, with their personal stories and how the show touched them. Someone told me that the show inspired her to get better and since then she has not purged or weighed herself. Mine and Fiona's goal was to touch just one person, but based on the tears, laughter, and reactions of a sold-out crowd, I think we touched many more.

This is not the end of the show. Various Ottawa hospitals have already hired us to perform for their programs. I have conducted interviews about its resounding success for radio stations as far as Vancouver. Many people are asking when it will be performed again. We have been nominated for the Spirit of the Capital Arts & Culture Award. From here, we envision remounting the show at the end of May and touring it.

Hopewell's "Real Beauty" Art Show by Kaitlin Stuart, Algonquin College Journalism Student

2010-03-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

It was a cold Friday in mid-February, and I walked quickly down Rideau Street on my way to Heartwood House, the location of many non-profit organizations in Ottawa, Ontario. One of these organizations was Hopewell, an eating disorder support centre for both the families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders, and the sufferers themselves.
What brought me to Hopewell was the Real Beauty Art Show, an event organized by Katrina Kassis, an artist and a friend of Hopewell. Kassis, in appreciation of Hopewell, was willing to not only organize and help coordinate this event, but to also contribute art of her own. The Real Beauty Art Show was organized in order to help re-define the image of real beauty – that is, beauty beyond the media, the models, and the distorted perception of perfection that many men and women struggle with in today’s society.
In the large white room, each one of the walls were adorned with paintings, sculptures and sketches, some for sale with a large percentage of profits going towards Hopewell, and some just for our eyes to savor. Some of the pieces were colourful, and some were black and white. In the words of Katrina Kassis, the purpose of this event was “to, through art, show people that everyone is beautiful – nothing is ugly.” Some of the artists featured in the Real Beauty Art Show were Marida Waters, Laura Daub, Katrina Kassis, and Lisa Massicotte.
Also, the event featured a bidding table filled with a range of valuable gift certificates and tickets to events, all of them being generously donated by many prestigious companies in Ottawa and offering a range of entertainment to please any type of person. All profits from the bidding went towards Hopewell, a non-government funded organization.
The Real Beauty Art Show was a representation of what many individuals are attempting to teach to young men and women alike. Beauty does not have a ‘type.’ It comes in all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and can be found anywhere in the world, no matter what your social status. It is not defined by what you wear, or your size. Each piece at Hopewell’s Real Beauty Art Show was beautiful in its own way, exactly like each and every one of us.

Hopewell's Valentine's Gala by Marion Grobb Finkelstein

2010-02-19T12:47:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, I attended the 2nd annual Hopewell LOVE YOUR LIFE Valentine’s Gala – what a blast! As Chair of the Gala committee, I was delighted to see that our months of preparation paid off. I had many guests come up to me that night to say they loved the event and would definitely be back again next year.
Our organizing committee had two goals: 1) raise funds; and, 2) raise awareness for Hopewell. I’m proud to say, we did both. Final exact numbers are yet to be tallied, but it looks like the event raised over $6,000. Plus, we garnered lots of media support as this Gala was hot on the heels of national Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Jewel 98.5 gave us a full week of spots, wow!
There were a LOT of events on that weekend, plus Winterlude. So we were especially delighted that so many people selected our gala to attend, from the bunch of choices. The ambiance was like a family wedding or gathering – everyone was so friendly.

We knew, based on last year’s success, that we would again be partnering with the Hilton Garden Inn (Airport) in Ottawa because they were so fantastic to work with. I would recommend that venue to anyone looking for a classy, no-headaches venue. They even have free parking. And the staff is unbelievably service-oriented. General Manager, Franco Falcucci supported in so many ways, not the least of which was the “Everything Hilton” luxury weekend raffle. And Catering Manager Abraham Gebremichael and his team came up with a delish dinner and a fab new cocktail called the “Hopewelltini” (you’ve gotta try one!).

You might wonder why I volunteered for a second year to Chair this Gala committee. Of course, helping Hopewell is the main reason and the rest of the truth is – I love a great party! I have never seen an Executive Director like Christine Flammer roll up her sleeves and help with a fundraiser like this. She and her 2.5-person staff (that’s right … only 2 and a half staff members) ROCK!
Of course, I was lucky to have the best organizing committee in the world with Sandy Campbell, Manuela Charette and Julia Abbenda. Erin Fitzpatrick offered portrait photos all night with proceeds to Hopewell – she is an amazing photographer. See for yourself at www.erinfitzpatrick.ca No party is complete without the band, and we had the best – Showtime Party Band. Check out an sample of their tunes on their website www.showtimepartyband.com to hear what kept us dancing ALL NIGHT … my feet were sore for two days I danced so much! The silent auction with over 30 items, the room decorations and candlelight, the “Sip ‘n Tip” winetasting from Pelee Island Winery www.peleeisland.com , just everything came together like we’d hoped to create a memorable evening for everyone.

Anyone interested in getting on the email list for next year’s event, I suggest you contact www.hopewell.ca Hopefully, I’ll see you on the dance floor at the 2011 Hopewell LOVE YOUR LIFE Valentine’s Gala!

Ten Years On by Co-founder Joanne Curran

2010-02-10T14:33:00.000-05:00

I’m finding it hard to believe that someone like myself who shares a cell phone, doesn’t have a Facebook account and thought LOL meant “Lots of Love” is making the first post to Hopewell’s BLOG. All kidding aside, it really is a privilege for me to launch the newest initiative of an organization that means so much to me.

When I, along with two other moms of youth with eating disorders, made the decision to start a support centre, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. What drove us to push ahead against many odds was the harsh realization that our community was ill prepared to deal with the physical and psychological needs of our children, let alone our families’ emotional needs.

Now, ten years later, I marvel at how Hopewell has grown out of our sense of desperation to right a wrong situation, into a multidimensional support centre. Exceptional volunteers with a dogged determination to make Hopewell work, service clubs, foundations and local businesses that took a chance and invested in a fledgling grass roots organization, professional partners who recognized the centre’s potential, and a community that valued peer support, are all responsible for making Hopewell what it is today…A TERRIFIC ORGANIZATION that encourages client, public and donor confidence!

Welcome to Hopewell Voices

2010-01-12T15:12:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Hopewell Voices - Hopewell's blog. Hopewell - Eastern Ontario's only eating disorder support centre has been supporting individuals affected by eating disorders for ten years. In that time we have worked with many wonderful people; professionals, volunteers, supporters and many others who make what we do possible. In Hopewell Voices we will be inviting various people who are associated with Hopewell or have an interest in eating disorders to share their thoughts. For details on Hopewell's programs and services please go to our web site