Programs & Services

Support Groups
Ongoing, weekly groups in which people with cancer explore new ways to deal with the stress associated with cancer. Members learn from each other how to be an active partner with their doctors and how become part of an extended family of people who truly understand the impact of cancer in their lives.

Family Support Groups
Ongoing, weekly support groups help family members or significant others learn new ways to take care of themselves while supporting a person with cancer.

Drop-In Networking Groups
Monthly or bi-monthly groups which give participants an opportunity to connect with others who have the same type of cancer. Groups currently available include: Prostate; Brain Tumor; Leukemia, Hodgkin's, Lymphoma and Myeloma; Ovarian; Colorectal; Stem Cell Transplant; as well as a Pediatric Cancer Parents group.

Tai Chi
One of the Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi is a method of deep breathing, slow movements, poses and vocal expression. The work "Chi" could be translated "energy" or "life force." The intensity of Tai Chi movements combined with deep breathing result in a boost in one's feeling of vitality and inner strength.

Yoga
An ancient method of deep relaxation developed in India. The word "yoga" means "yoke" or "union with." This gentle exercise form yields a feeling of unity with the inner self. Slow movements and "asanas," or poses, stretch and strengthen the spine, which in turn calms the entire nervous system. Benefits of yoga include: improved circulation, increased muscle strength and energy level, and an overall calming effect.

Relaxation and Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is a popular form of "directed daydreaming" designed to help cancer patients positively envision their body fighting cancer and healing. Research shows that guided imagery not only works to relax, calm, and elevate mood, but also helps to elevate immune functioning, reduce pain and headaches, enhance intuition and creativity, and lower anxiety and depression.

Healing Touch
Healing Touch is an energy-based approach to health. Healing Touch uses a light, gentle touch to affect the human energy system. The energy system is the flow of energy through and around the body. The healing touch practitioner uses his/her hands to detect imbalances in the energy system and then uses light hand placements on the body to restore the system. Light hand placements on the body are then used to restore balance in the energy system. This program is done in a group session. Drop-ins are encouraged.

Healing Cuisine 
Sponsored by a generous grant from Procter and Gamble, two "healing cuisine" cooking classes are held each month, with each session lasting approximately two and a half hours. Dorothea Zivkovic, The Wellness Community's nutritional educator, conducts the hands-on cooking classes. Dorothea offers suggestions on how to develop a cancer-fighting diet and also prepares foods on site to demonstrate the specifics of preparation. RSVP is required for all cooking classes, as space is limited.

Cancer and Spirituality
This program is designed to get cancer patients in touch with their spiritual side and use that connection to aid them in their recovery. Drawing upon their personal and spiritual beliefs, cancer patients and their families are strengthened and given yet another tool towards their recovery. This program is led by Ken Czillinger, a renowned and experienced spiritual facilitator.

Ask the Doctor
Drawing upon the vast support The Wellness Community has received in the medical community, speakers from the medical community are invited to come to The Wellness Community and to speak on various topics related to cancer. Surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and nurses have all participated in the program. Topics have included new treatments in medical oncology, surgical approaches to cancer, and managing treatment side effects.

Walking the Dinosaur
Walking the Dinosaur, run in conjunction with Cancer Family Care, is a special program designed for children ages 5 to 18 who have a loved one with cancer. The program consists of four consecutive Wednesday evenings, with each session lasting from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Children's groups are subdivided according to age, and a parents' group runs simultaneously during this time period. Children who have participated in this program have found great success and support in dealing with their loved one's cancer.

Using the Mind for Recovery
Led by Martin Patton, this program teaches cancer patients how to use their minds to aid in their recovery. By the use of altered states of consciousness, the deepest reaches of the mind are accessed to release pain, improve quality of life and work towards recovery. The program introduces positive attitudes for wellness and teaches cancer patients how to remove negative thoughts that get in the way of healing.

Massage Therapy
The Wellness Community is fortunate to have massage therapy students who donate their time and energy to provide free massages to cancer patients and their families. Massages at The Wellness Community last for one hour and require a waiver form signed by a physician. Massages have proven to be of benefit to cancer patients and their support persons by improving their quality of life. This is achieved through promoting relaxation, circulation, and an enhanced sense of well-being.

Art for Healing
Subconscious events and beliefs can either help or hinder the body's ability to heal. Creative activities can stimulate positive feelings and help to release negative ones, as well as allowing intuitive wisdom to be expressed.

Fitness Fights Fatigue
This program consists of low impact resistance exercise using exercise bands designed to increase strength and muscle tone.

Social Programs
The Wellness Community offers a variety of opportunities for patients and families to gather together for food, fun and fellowship.  Talent shows, potluck dinners, our annual Jokefest, and holiday parties are just a few of the many good times shared.