The Joy Project

The Joy Project currently has a Monday night support group that is run by our staff members. We also have an online support message board where individuals with eating disorders can have a confidential space to challenge each other to eat foods they are afraid of and get support from other members to overcome their eating disorders. Our facebook page and twitter are constantly being updated with current research articles or motivational support for people within the community. Last year we wrote several research papers and sent a petition to the Eating Disorder DSM-V committee to help change the criteria for Anorexia so that more people can get the help they need. In the fall of 2010, we had our first 5k walk and fundraiser, and we started our research study on "Identifying the Characteristics of Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified in a Community Sample" in which we are analyzing the most prevalent eating disorder with the highest mortality rate. We are currently in the process of getting our "Roots of Recovery" program implemented. The program will be similar to a day program at a out-patient center and will involve meals and activities to help people that do not have the resources, insurance coverage, or time for formal treatment. The Roots of Recovery program will provide individuals another means to social support and a safe environment to battle their eating disorder.