White Pine Center for Healing

12/13/2025

All shapes and sizes deserve respect – without exception.

The recent public commentary surrounding the Wicked film stars and their bodies is not just celebrity gossip. It reflects a much deeper issue: how normalized weight stigma has become in our culture, regardless of body size. Comments framed as “concern,” “compliments,” or speculation still cause harm. They reinforce the false idea that a person’s health, worth, or story can be determined by appearance alone.

Weight stigma affects people across the spectrum – those in larger bodies, those in smaller bodies, everyone in between and those experience invisible illness. It fuels anxiety, disordered eating, and shame, and it creates an environment where no body ever feels “safe” from scrutiny.

We explore this more deeply in our latest blog post, including why these conversations matter, how they impact mental health, and what we can do differently – starting now.

👉 Read the full blog post (link in comments)

11/26/2025

On October 22nd, our team at White Pine Center for Healing had our second Lunch And Learn event at Erie’s Commonwealth Charter Academy to share our Confident Body, Confident Child program, an evidence-based initiative focused on preventing poor body image in children and nurturing lifelong confidence.

The turnout was amazing. We were blown away by the number of educators, parents, and supporters who showed up ready to learn, connect, and have honest conversations. A heartfelt thank you to Debbie Uht, President at PCMSI, whose generous sponsorship made this event possible. Your dedication to the wellbeing of young people is truly appreciated. 💚🌲

We’re deeply grateful to every participant who showed up with openness and vulnerability. These kinds of conversations (where we name the hard stuff, hold space for each other, and explore new ways to support our kids) are invaluable. This is how strong, confident communities are built.

Because of the enthusiasm and thoughtful engagement we witnessed, we’re already planning more Lunch & Learns on this empowering topic in the future. Stay tuned because there’s so much more good work to come.

Together, we are raising a generation that feels strong in their bodies, secure in their worth, and confident in who they are.

11/14/2025

NEDA celebrates and thanks for this incredible advocacy win!🎉 BREAKING: Congress just passed EDC’s report language into law! Schools are now requested to include eating disorders education in local wellness policies. USDA must report on progress within 120 days. A huge step forward for prevention and education.

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

In the 1950s, every kindergartener knew the ritual: crayons down, lights low, and the soft hum of a record spinning through the air.
Naptime wasn’t a break — it was part of learning.

Teachers dimmed the lights, tiptoed between mats, and whispered, “Close your eyes.”
Kids rested, dreamed, or just stared at sunbeams dancing on the ceiling — learning something we’ve since forgotten: that rest is part of growth.

Then came the tests.
The “readiness.”
The race to get ahead.
By the 1980s, naps were gone. The mats rolled up. The lights stayed on.

Today, five-year-olds spend more time in structured lessons than third-graders did in the 1950s — no pauses, no quiet, no chance to just be.
And we wonder why they’re anxious.

Maybe it’s time we remembered what our teachers once knew:
You don’t grow by running all the time.
You grow in the stillness too.
Even big kids need naptime sometimes.

11/13/2025

Mercy Center for Women has officially opened Brandy’s corner, a new transitional housing in Erie.

10/12/2025

What is something your body allows you to do that you’re grateful for? 🤔

During Bullying Prevention Month, let’s shift the focus from how bodies look to what they do for us! 🙌

Our bodies let us laugh, learn, move, and connect — and that’s something worth celebrating 🧡

10/08/2025

🌟 Space is limited, RSVP now 🌟
Don’t miss out on our next Lunch & Learn hosted during Body Appreciation Week! This upcoming presentation is about the Confident Body, Confident Child (CBCC) program and is meant for any adult that has young people in their lives.

Confident Body, Confident Child is an evidence-based resource that helps adults support children in developing positive body image, healthy eating, and physical activity.

Join us for a light lunch on October 22nd from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Commonwealth Charter Academy!

⭐ RSVP by emailing marym@whitepinecenter.org ⭐

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/19dUJmwA3J/

Add to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/event/EC26865267

10/05/2025

Today is World Teachers’ Day! Who was your favorite teacher, and how did they shape the way you see yourself? Tell us in the comments below! 👩‍🏫

We want to celebrate the teachers who help young people look beyond the mirror—reminding them that true value comes from within, not from appearance 🙌

Teachers encourage young people to recognize their strengths like creativity, kindness, problem-solving, empathy, and so much more– reminding them that what’s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside.