A Nonprofit Organization Bringing Hope, Healing, and Connection to Those Impacted by Eating Disorders in Vail Valley.
The Why Behind BodyKind Vail
At BodyKind Vail, we believe in the healing power of community—especially in rural areas, where support for eating disorders is often limited. These communities face unique barriers: fewer resources, persistent stigma, and profound isolation. BodyKind Vail was created to meet this unmet need with care, connection, and compassion.
Eating disorders are incredibly complex mental illnesses—often co-occurring with trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use—and yet they remain widely misunderstood and overlooked. That’s why we exist.
Rooted in lived experience, we provide nonclinical, community-based support through peer mentorship, education, and early intervention. Our programs are shaped by local voices and grounded in trust, respect, and belonging. We center trauma-informed practices, equity, and body liberation—ensuring everyone has access to nourishment, healing, and the experience of being truly understood, no matter their background, body type, or lived experience.
We don’t just see the struggle. We see the strength it takes to seek help, to heal, and to hope. And we’re here to build a culture where recovery is supported—and no one has to face it alone.
This body is worthy of kindness.
·
This body is worthy of kindness. ·
Our Programs
-
Our weekly peer support groups offer a safe, welcoming space for open conversation, connection, and shared healing for anyone impacted by eating disorders.
-
Our certified peer support specialist provides one-on-one support for individuals facing eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image challenges. Whether just starting or further along in recovery, participants connect with someone who’s been there. Sessions offer a safe, understanding space—and when additional care is needed, we help guide next steps and referrals.
-
BodyKind Vail’s Meal Support Program meets once a week to prepare and share a meal, followed by supportive time to help participants through the vulnerable moments after eating. This safe space fosters connection and confidence in recovery.
-
Children can express concerns about body image by age 5, making early intervention vital. BodyKind Vail’s Youth Outreach Program promotes positive body image, challenges harmful stereotypes, and reduces stigma through age-appropriate education and activities to build self-worth and prevent eating disorders.
-
Individuals in Vail Valley affected by eating disorders want greater community understanding of this complex illness. BodyKind Vail uses education—through monthly public events and tailored presentations—to foster compassion, reduce stigma, and create safer, more supportive environments for all.
-
Our monthly workshops provide a supportive space for creative activities that promote positive body image and empower healing. Participants reconnect with their bodies, build self-trust, explore underlying issues, and learn healthy coping strategies.
-
BodyKind Vail helps connect individuals to trusted programs, treatment centers, and support services, ensuring they receive the right care for their recovery journey.
At BodyKind Vail, our programs are built in direct response to the voices of our community. We believe those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. That’s why we actively listen, invite feedback, and create space for ongoing dialogue. Our offerings are designed to evolve—with flexibility and intention—so they remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of those we serve. Community-informed, always.
What Community Members Want You to Know
“Talking about it helps.”“Eating disorders are serious! Second deadliest mental illness after opioid addiction.”“Recovery is not linear.”“We wished our brains didn’t work like this it’s totally exhausting trying to mask these issues. As much as we wish we could stop at the same time, it’s extremely scary to see life without it.”
“Since I myself have not personally dealt with an eating disorder, I feel I have limited knowledge and space to speak on it but I will say there are more people out there suffering the same thing when you are battling an eating disorder and trying to find community can really help with the battle. Also, the people who care about you don't want you to suffer in silence and want to help you in the way you need.”
“Thank you for speaking up for all of us. I no longer feel alone. I'm completely ready to kick some eating disorder butt!"
“I would love for the Hispanic community to learn about what eating disorders are and how we should change the way we speak to our future generations so we don’t create traumas. Make it not taboo anymore.”
“It’s okay to ask for help and it’s really important if you aren’t educated about ways of supporting others to find resources to help learn and listen.”
“I’ve seen my friend's younger sister struggle with bulimia (mostly untreated) since she was 14. She's now in her mid-30's, has a ton of serious health problems, and she barely has any relationships with her family members. I hope people learn that it's psychological and unfortunately many aspects of disordered eating are glorified and praised in our culture.”
“They are not about food at all - It's about the overwhelm of life and stress and the inability to cope or know the tools to direct that stress or regulate emotions so unhealthy behaviors with food develop.”
“It doesn’t all look the same.”
“I know people who have suffered with eating disorders and just like substance abuse I think being able to speak about it publicly reduces the stigma and allows people to recover.”