Ohio University’s RecoverED Project chapter raises awareness about eating disorders, promoting recovery through its meetings and events.
The RecoverED Project is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe space for those in eating disorder recovery, providing support through education on local resources.
The motto of the project, “Finding FreEDom,” emphasizes that recovery is possible for anyone going through an eating disorder.
Taylor Sielski, a junior studying psychology, serves as president and founder of The RecoverED Project on campus. Previously, Sielski worked as an ambassador for the main branch of The RecoverED Project, which led to starting a chapter at Ohio University.
“A couple months after being an ambassador for them, I decided to start a chapter at Ohio University,” Sielski said. “I wanted to do this because there’s about 5.5 million people in the U.S. that struggle with an eating disorder currently, and I knew that the Athens community would really benefit from hearing our message.”
The RecoveryED Project chapter hopes to give students a safe space to open up about eating disorder challenges and connect with those who may be going through a similar experience.
“Our main mission is to just provide a safe, comfortable space that is free from that diet culture conversation and allows individuals to feel comfortable with who they are and be able to spread ideas and learn more about eating disorders,” Sielski said.
The chapter at OU is in its first active semester as a student organization after getting registered last spring. Meetings typically look like a mix of community service and activities for recovery and to foster positive mindsets.
With educational seminars, members can learn about different disorders and resources for recovery. Sielski said meetings are open to everyone.
“A couple other things we do at meetings that aren't necessarily completely focused on eating disorders are recovery playlists,” Sielski said. “You don't have to have an eating disorder or mental health concerns to be a part of the club. You can just be passionate about wanting to help others.”
The club’s inclusive approach is something the executive board hopes inspires students of all backgrounds to get involved with the chapter. As the project continues to establish itself on campus, its executive board is looking forward to the opportunity to share their passion for helping those in recovery.
Jenna Currie, a junior studying psychology, is this year’s social media chair for the club. Currie shared her excitement for the start of The RecoverED Project on campus, working alongside the executive board.
“This is my first executive position opportunity, so I was super excited about this,” Currie said. "Working with these girls is super fun and exciting. And I think that us being really close can help build a community and help end stigma around diet culture, so I’m super excited to be a part of it.”
Similarly to Currie, the executive board members are looking forward to getting started on campus. Jordan Richey, a senior studying psychology, who serves as the organization's treasurer, also shared her enthusiasm for encouraging the social aspect of recovery.
“When Taylor first reached out to me about this position, I was so ecstatic,” Richey said. “It’s hard to feel so excited about something like this, but I was ecstatic and I was ready. I felt like, to me, it was a very important aspect.”
This semester, The RecoverED Project’s meetings are biweekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Gordy Hall room 301. The next meeting is Sept. 29.
