Avalon Hills Blog

The Unfashion Show– now…. “ME” Show…

The Unfashion show name has been changed based on client request to the ME Fashion show, which is actually very reflective of the theme of the event.  The outfits are as individual as the clients and they are looking really cool, it should be a very fun as well as therapeutically challenging night!  Another component that has been incorporated is the horse participation.  Each client will be paired with a horse and will decorate him or her to match their own outfit and will model their animal companion as well.

Fitness for Fun special therapy group will be held at the local gym this week to incorporate body image issues as well as find fun with movement.  Our head adolescent therapist will accompany and process before and after the group where the clients are challenged to incorporate into a typical gym environment.  The focus is going to be on “listening to your body” as well as allowing for some variability in activity intensity. 

Looking back:

Avalon Hills 5^th year celebration was a huge success. We want to express our gratitude to those who attended and to those who participated. Special thanks to the panel participants and to Jenny Harrop, our guest speaker.

As we move past our 5^th year in operation we would like to acknowledge the efforts of those who have supported our mission, because of this hard work we can continue the battle for recovery.

Announcement:

AH will be holding its 1st Unfashionable Show on October 24th.  This event will involve Avalon Hills clients expressing themselves related to who they want to be and what they are about as individuals rather than common stereotypes or cultural emphasis on what they “should” be.  The focus is anti-establishment and defining new rules to live by.  It will be a means for the participants to define how they present their healthy bodies with expression taking the form of them writing their biography for the emcee to read, choosing a song to get them pumped, determining their attire, and strutting their stuff on the runway-all in the name of health.  Clients will be involved in all stages of the preparation as well, with the artistic designing the catwalk and the organized helping with logistics.  Additionally, this type of activity serves as an exposure exercise to prepare clients to deal with social pressures they will face back in the real world.  Staff will also be putting their best foot forward, participating in support of being proud of who you are.  Who knows, maybe some of the cats will slink into the event as well; they are always good role models for healthy body image!

This event will be a private function for Avalon Hills clients and staff. Stay posted for more details as the event draws near.

Coming Soon:

On June 18^th Avalon Hills family grew and keeps on growing. We added designer chickens to the adult unit. Watch for the next post with more information on our new little additions!

Avalon Hills Residential Eating Disorders Program is planning an event to celebrate our 5^th year anniversary on August 2, 2008. We are combining with the Avalon Hills Foundation for Eating Disorders to formally recognize the current momentum behind grassroots efforts to obtain insurance funding for eating disorder coverage and the progress in nationwide mental health parity. It is our mission and passion to continue to support advances in this area. It is also fitting to recognize those who are recovering and who continue to educate and advocate for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.

Events for the celebration will include an advocacy panel geared towards sharing struggles, knowledge, and advancements in securing funding for treatment. We will also include a panel that will allow former clients to continue to share their story as a part of their recovery path. This will be a public event and recorded on video. The video will be available for distribution to increase awareness of eating disorder issues.

Afterwards, Avalon Hills will host a barbeque for employees, alumni and their families as well as current client families to provide time for celebration and mingling.

If you have questions or would like to R.S.V.P please contact Carrie Schmidt at (435) 755-0434 or by e-mail: carrie@avalonhills.org.

Itinerary is as follows:

Winning the
Battle for Recovery

August 2, 2008
Bullen Center
Carousel Ballroom
43 South Main
Logan, UT 84321

12:30 pm – 12:45 pm Introduction
Dr. Benita Quakenbush-Roberts

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm Does this Life Make Me Look Fat?
Jenny Harrop

1:15 pm – 2:45 pm Panel: Success in Recovery
Featuring youth and women recovering from eating disorders

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Panel: Advocating for Treatment
Featuring parents who have secured funds for treatment

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Reception