The above video captures the overwhelming sense of helplessness we felt when our daughters were diagnosed with their eating disorders. 

As we moved from denial to diagnosis we began to comprehend the power of this disease.   As parents, we knew it could either tear us apart or bring us together (we chose the latter although many days that was difficult to believe).  We had somehow taken on the black and white, all or nothing thinking of this disease. We would often put “life” on hold… living in crisis mode 24/7... fear and struggle “wrestling” out any form of “living” in our lives. It wasn’t until we received “permission” from others who had traveled this road ahead of us that we learned to do “life” in the midst of this disease.  Discovering we weren’t alone and finding hope through others encouraged us to embrace the journey towards recovery.   It became an opportunity of sorts for us to do things differently.  A shift occurred… from a sense of helpless defeat to one of hopeful determination.

We are learning to listen harder, “fixing” less, and believing that the struggle is where the healing begins.  We are learning to “model” healthy behaviors and challenge the “norm”.   We are learning to replace blame and judgment with love and unconditional support.  We are learning forgiveness.    We are learning that recovery is a process and part of that process is an understanding that living life can and must co-exist through the eating disorder.  We are learning to create and color more…

We are learning to trust that pain can bring forth purpose…

Purpose, passion, and a newly discovered faith… fueled the vision of Ophelia’s Place in 2002. To create a place that would fill the gaps with unending hope and support.  We had no business plan, no blueprint, no template, no money… just a God given dream and a belief that He would somehow provide.  (We were hoping for a “divine” email and perhaps the latest edition of “How to Build a God Given Dream”) …but instead what we received was a community that believed and embraced this tangible form of hope.

The provisions that have been made have taken us from a donated classroom to the purchase of a 4500 sq. ft. building.  However, those provisions go far beyond bricks and mortar, to include caring, committed individuals, community organizations, businesses and politicians; all of whom believe in the need, and have given freely of their time and resources. They are all part of this healing journey that represents the wonder of Ophelia’s Place.

Ophelia’s Place has become a one of a kind resource center, recognized globally. We provide education, outreach, support and always a fresh cup of coffee and lots of chocolate.    It is a place filled with stories of struggle, determination, recovery and hope.   It is a place filled with color and depth... it is a place where helplessness is transformed to hopefulness.

Hope is tangible.

We invite you to join us on this journey... to share your stories and celebrate your colors.

Mary Ellen and Dan Clausen

 

To read more about Our Mission and Values, please click here.