Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Parks Ball
Hi Christine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was 15, I started my period. As a perfectionist and ballet dancer always striving to be the best, I decided to try and delay my period from coming back (or not have one altogether) by being a little “healthier.” I would restrict my calorie intake, avoid foods I considered “bad,” and exercise more often aside from dance. What started out innocently, albeit disordered, quickly spiraled into something more serious. I struggled with binge eating disorder from age 16 to 21 and started my recovery process while in college, seeing a therapist and dietitian for a couple years. My recovery was a lonely journey at first and very few people knew what I was going through. I was filled with guilt and shame and couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone. But I also knew what a difference it would’ve made for me for my teenage self if I would’ve heard people talk about body image and eating disorders. I probably would’ve sought help much sooner. So, in 2019, I posted a blog post about my eating disorder. It was terrifying, but relieving at the same time. The response was overwhelming and it lit a fire within me. The next year, I got a job as a care technician at Center for Change, an eating disorder treatment center, to help other girls and women who were in the thick of their eating disorders. While working there, my coworker Ellie and I talked about the lack of resources for those who struggle with their body image, before it reaches the level of an eating disorder. We wondered what a difference it might make if there were more preventative resources available to girls and women. So, with that in mind, Every Body was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At the start, we knew nothing about creating or running a nonprofit organization. We googled quite literally everything– how to make it official and get 501(c)(3) status, how to get funding, how to market ourselves, etc. It was a gradual learning process.
All of us are volunteers and have our own careers. I am a full-time accountant and my cofounder is a full-time nurse. We have a team of six women. I would say our biggest struggle has been allocating resources, figuring out marketing, and building our organization while juggling our busy lives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Every Body?
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to body image education and resources. Our mission is to help everybody understand that EVERY BODY is worthy of love, respect, & care. We host in-person and virtual events, speak to schools and community groups, and offer trusted resources to support people in their body image journeys.
Utah can be a breeding ground for disordered self image. Driving along I-15, you will see dozens of billboards advertising weight loss, sculpting, plastic surgery, an array of beauty products and “fixes”, all with the goal of achieving an aesthetic ideal. Women are taught to value their bodies as objects from an outside perspective, rather than as instruments–incredible tools that allow us to experience life. We are on a mission to change the way women see and value their bodies and ultimately, prevent eating disorders.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Salt Lake City! I have lived here for almost 3 years. The accessibility to the stunning mountains is by far my favorite part. If I had any complaints, it’s a quirky one – I hate all the billboards! I grew up in Oregon and we just didn’t have billboards like they do here in Utah and I think it’s over-stimulating, distracts from the beautiful mountain scenery, and often perpetuates subtle but harmful messaging around womens’ bodies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://everybodyretreats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/every.body.retreats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everybodyretreats
