About Path to Progress

Grow stronger as a community

Path to Progress was created to bring young women in the Elmhurst, IL area together in a safe space where they can navigate the challenges of eating disorders without feeling alone. We host monthly meetups for girls to connect and share, plus activities every other month—like team-building workshops or discussions about healthy eating—to help us grow stronger as a community.

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OUR MISSION

Our goal is to turn a tough journey into one filled with support, understanding, and hope for brighter days ahead.

A young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes is wearing a blue sweater.

FOUNDER'S MESSAGE

A message from Allison

I am Allison Kocinski, a 17-year-old junior in high school and the founder of Path to Progress. I have spent years navigating my own eating disorder, feeling the isolation and fear that so many young women face—a reality I reflect in my photography, which captures the raw, dark moments but always seeks a path to hope. Through this nonprofit, I want to create a space in the Elmhurst area where girls can find the understanding I craved during my hardest days. With monthly get-togethers and bi-monthly activities like team-building workshops or eating-focused discussions, we’ll build a community that empowers us to heal and rise together. I’m here to help lead us toward brighter times, and I hope you’ll join me on this journey.


These photographs were taken during some of my hardest moments—times when I felt unseen, unheard, and uncertain of my way forward. Photography became my voice when words fell short. Sharing them here is my way of honoring the pain that led me to create Path to Progress. While these images reflect struggle, they’re also proof that even in the dark, the path to healing begins.