Hopewell: About Us

Hope, help and healing for those struggling with disordered eating and for their family and friends  

Mission

Hopewell is dedicated to:

offering support, information and hope to anyone affected by eating disorders
promoting prevention by helping people understand eating disorders and the importance of healthy attitudes towards body image, eating and physical activity

Vision

Hopewell is committed to:

creating a sustainable resource centre that offers accessible and helpful support and information services from early intervention through to recovery, to anyone affected by eating disorders
supporting the prevention of eating disorders by promoting healthy lifestyle, positive body image and self esteem

Values

Hopewell:

Celebrates and promotes acceptance of natural shapes and sizes

Respects all individuals, no matter their size, and encourages healthy living

Believes that everyone should have access to compassionate support and resources in dealing with mental health issues

Values empowerment of individuals so that they have the skills and information needed to make informed choices about their treatment

Believes that everyone who is affected by an eating disorder should know that recovery is possible, and that families with the right support are an important resource for recovery

Who we are

Hopewell, a not-for-profit registered charitable organization, was created in 1999 by three Ottawa mothers fuelled by a common goal to help their daughters overcome their battles with anorexia. Recognized and supported by the professional community, CHEO and the Ottawa Hospital, the centre has become the ‘go to’ place for information on and support for those affected by eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia or binge eating). Eastern Ontario’s only eating disorder support centre, Hopewell offers knowledge, support and hope to help people deal with the realities of these serious and potentially fatal illnesses. Nearly one in five young women suffering from a serious eating disorder does not survive. Hopewell also promotes prevention of eating disorders by helping youth understand the importance of healthy attitudes towards body image, eating and physical activity. Preventative programs reinforce healthy self-esteem and positive body image; teach media literacy skills and ways to cope with anxiety and stress. Currently, eating disorders are the most common chronic illness in the female adolescent population. Our programs and services include resource listings, telephone, office and email support, mentoring programs, support groups for individuals and families, expressive art groups, outreach presentations, and workshops for individuals and professionals. Hopewell's information is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychological care. We offer support and information, but not treatment. For help with the physical and emotional problems associated with eating disorders, consult your personal physician and a competent mental health professional.

Before you use this site, be sure you carefully read and fully agree with the terms and conditions detailed in Hopewell’s Important Legal Disclaimer.

Board of Directors
Founders' Story
Annual Report
Fundraising Initiatives
Featured Volunteers
Volunteer

Why is there a butterfly in our logo?

The butterfly in our logo represents transformation and rebirth. The idea of metamorphosis, the radical transformation of the same living organism from one physical appearance into something completely different, is a helpful metaphor for the transformation of sickness to health, from Eating Disordered to Recovery

The Butterfly Story

A man watched a butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through a little hole in its cocoon. Hoping to help, he took his pocket knife and carefully cut away the cocoon to set the butterfly free. Dismayed, he watched the butterfly’s movements gradually slow down until it lay motionless. An entomologist later explained to him that a butterfly needs that struggle to develop the strength to fly and survive. By robbing it of this struggle, it was made too weak to live. Author unknown "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." ~ Maya Angelou

Board of Directors| Founders' Story| Annual Report| Fundraising Initiatives Volunteer