(WNY News Now) – As National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA Week) approaches, The Healing Connection marks a significant milestone—15 years of providing life-changing care for individuals battling eating disorders in Upstate New York.
Rochester, NY – February 2025 – As we approach National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, The Healing Connection proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary serving Upstate New York. Founded in 2010, by Dr. Mary Tantillo, The Healing Connection has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families facing eating disorders. Over the past decade and a half, it has grown into a cornerstone of the community, offering compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of each patient. more information about founding available
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA Week) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by these conditions. This year, NEDA Week takes place from February 24 to March 2, 2025. The theme, “The Time is Now,” emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and resources, encouraging early detection and treatment, and supporting ongoing research. There are numerous events planned for this week by the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders (WNYCCCED). *see attached*
A Holistic Approach to Healing
The Healing Connection’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that eating disorders are diseases of disconnection. This understanding has shaped their holistic approach to treatment, which focuses on restoring connections with oneself, others, and the world. Our programs, including Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient (currently being reinstated after a brief pause), and Outpatient Services, provide a continuum of care that supports patients at every stage of their recovery journey. Additionally, our outpatient services support all general mental health needs, ensuring comprehensive care for the community.
Transformative Impact
The stories of transformation that emerge from The Healing Connection are a testament to its effectiveness. Patients often describe their experiences as life-changing, highlighting the supportive environment and the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to ensure each individual’s success. One former patient shared, “The Healing Connection saved my life. The therapy groups, the support – all of it was just incredible. It was reassuring and comforting to be surrounded by individuals who knew exactly what I felt and feared, and to know, no matter what, we were not alone.”
Nonprofit Model and the Need for Continued Funding
As a nonprofit organization, The Healing Connection is dedicated to making treatment accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic circumstances or specific insurance coverage. Over 30% of those we care for are fully or partially covered by public insurance plans, highlighting our commitment to serving all in need. However, to sustain and meet the needs of our programming, we rely on year-over-year outside funding. Insurance only covers a portion of the cost of care. This support is crucial for maintaining our current services and expanding our reach.
Our upcoming residential treatment facility, the Upstate New York Adolescent Treatment Center for Eating Disorders, will support the entire upstate region. Thanks to the generosity of many community supporters, the center is complete with renovations and is preparing operations. This beautiful residential home will serve adolescents ages 12-18 and will feature specialty community partnerships like gardening, equine therapy, art, and movement therapy. With experts in this field prepared to support the care and treatment, we are working tirelessly to secure the initial months of startup costs.
Our Impact
The Healing Connection fields over 1,000 phone calls per year, providing crucial support and information to those in need. Additionally, we serve over 10,500 therapeutic meals annually, ensuring that our patients receive the nutrition they need to heal. This past year, our dedicated team delivered close to 8,000 thousand hours of individual therapy, over 1,600 group sessions and over 100 multifamily groups, which are essential for comprehensive recovery.
Community and Collaboration
The Healing Connection’s success is a result of its strong ties to the community and its collaborative approach to treatment. Working closely with families, healthcare providers, and other organizations, they create a network of support that extends beyond the walls of their facility. This community-centric model not only enhances the effectiveness of treatment but also helps to reduce the stigma associated with eating disorders.
Collaboration with URMC Adolescent Medicine Department and WNYCCCED
A key aspect of The Healing Connection’s success is its collaboration with URMC Adolescent Medicine Department and the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders (WNYCCCED). These affiliations have been instrumental in providing a comprehensive continuum of care for patients:
- Adolescent Medicine: The Healing Connection works closely to ensure seamless transitions for adolescent patients. This collaboration allows for coordinated care, from inpatient treatment at the hospital to residential and outpatient services at The Healing Connection. The hospital’s medical expertise, combined with The Healing Connection’s therapeutic programs, provides a robust support system for young patients and their families.
- WNYCCCED: As an affiliate of the WNYCCCED, The Healing Connection benefits from a network of resources and expertise. The WNYCCCED, directed out of the University of Rochester School of Nursing, serves as the hub for eating disorder services in the 30-county Western New York region. This partnership enhances The Healing Connection’s ability to offer specialized care and support, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality treatment and have support with housing, transportation and care management.
Community Outreach Programs
The Healing Connection is deeply committed to community outreach, recognizing that education and early intervention are key to preventing eating disorders and supporting recovery. Please reach out if you are interested in Eating Disorder education or awareness workshops.
The Need for Residential Treatment
Despite the success of its current programs, The Healing Connection recognizes the critical need for a residential treatment facility. Residential treatment offers a higher level of care for patients who require more intensive support than outpatient services can provide. This need is particularly acute for adolescents who may need a step down from intensive hospital treatment or a step up from partial hospitalization or outpatient care. The Healing Connection’s upcoming residential program (the only nonprofit model), planning to launch in Spring/Summer 2025, will complete the continuum of care for eating disorder treatment for adolescents in this region. We are a unique model because of the historic partnerships with our providers in the community, providing 24/7 care and a structured environment with evidence based therapy to support long-term recovery and will serve all of Upstate New York.
A Call to Action
In celebrating The Healing Connection’s 15 years of service, we also recognize the ongoing need for support and advocacy. Eating disorders continue to affect millions of people worldwide, and organizations like The Healing Connection play a crucial role in providing the care and resources necessary for recovery. To continue offering these vital services and to open the much-needed residential treatment facility, The Healing Connection has set a fundraising goal of $747,000, $568,000 is needed to guarantee the opening of this residential center, with the remainder dedicated to sustaining our programming within The Healing Connection nonprofit model, which will operate the center.
Quote from the Executive Director
“Leading a nonprofit dedicated to treating eating disorders is both a challenging and deeply rewarding endeavor. The need for comprehensive, compassionate care is immense, and our mission is to ensure that no one is turned away due to financial constraints. As we celebrate 15 years of service, we are reminded of the countless lives we’ve touched and the ongoing need for support. The upcoming residential treatment facility is a critical step in expanding our reach and providing the intensive care that many adolescents desperately need. We are grateful for the community’s support and encourage everyone to join us in this mission, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose unwavering commitment and passion make our work possible.” – Amanda Drobnica.
Here’s to 15 years of healing, hope, and connection – and to many more years of making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Please consider a donation using the QR code below or you can send a check to:
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