The association was forced to scale back its programs last summer and fall after losing $120,000 in county funding last summer. The grants came after the agency warned it would have to shut down completely if additional funds were not identified.
The situation grew more desperate in December, when Avalon Eating Disorder Center in Williamsville, a private in-patient program, shut down. Many of its clients turned to the Eating Disorders Association.
“They closed up without any warning to clients,” says Ann Marie Li Causi, a social worker and EDA executive director. “We’re trying to fill that gap. There’s nothing in Buffalo for adults.”
The association will hold a candlelight vigil Feb. 22 at Parings Wine Bar in Williamsville to call attention to its cause.
Founded 24 years ago, the EDA has provided community education programs, counseling, referrals, after-care following in-patient programs, case management, support groups and workshops.
Adolescents can find care through the Behavioral Healthcare Network and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, though neither provides community education or support groups, Li Causi says. The University at Buffalo also has an eating disorders program limited to students.
EDA is continuing to operate its support groups on a no-budget budget, Li Causi says, while she and her board continue to meet with area social service providers to explore collaborative possibilities.
“We’re trying to collaborate with people in the community to expand or revive our agency,” she says. “It’s kind of like dating, to see all the things we can do together, but still in the very beginning stages of getting to know you and what services we can mesh together to really form more of a cohesive eating disorders program in Western New York.”
The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of people who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor); the Men’s Community Center; the Mission Automotive Vehicle Donation Program; and two thrift store locations to better serve our community. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or 854-8181.
