Mission
Our mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.
Through participation in professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle activities and therapeutic programs, people facing cancer have opportunities to learn valuable skills to regain control of their care, reduce stress and isolation, and restore a sense of hope for a better quality of life during treatment and in survivorship.
The Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley was founded in 2004, originally as the Wellness Community. The name changed in 2009 when the national Wellness Community (founded in 1982 by Dr. Harold Benjamin) merged with Gilda's Club Worldwide, a similar organization, to become the Cancer Support Community. Although we are an affiliate of a global network, we are an independent nonprofit organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors with a small staff focused on the needs of people affected by cancer. We operate entirely on contributions, and all of the funds raised are used locally in our region, serving the Pennsylvania counties of Berks, Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, Monroe, and Warren, New Jersey.
The benefit of our network affiliation provides access to research and best practices, information shared by fellow chapters, curriculum materials, and adherence to distinctive standards for psychosocial cancer programs. Our programs are uniquely defined as professionally-led, evidence-based, serving all cancers, and always free to anyone affected by cancer – patients, family members and caregivers. The hallmarks of Dr. Benjamin's concept still drive our grassroots efforts to continue providing free emotional support, education and wellness activities in a compassionate and caring environment that nurtures health and healing.
We engage an average of 300 people every month, representing all ages, races, ethnicities and socio-economic groups. We host up to 60 program offerings each month that include support groups, healthy lifestyle and meditative classes, educational workshops, creative outlets, and opportunities for social connections. Support groups are facilitated by licensed counselors, educational programs are led by clinical and oncology professionals, and wellness activities are led by highly qualified instructors. We also have special programming for children and families, provide printed materials in English and Spanish, and offer a monthly Latino support group.
Operating entirely on contributions, our programs are made possible through fundraising efforts and the community's generosity. Private grants, corporate contributions and individual donations are sought on an ongoing basis, and fundraising events are held throughout the year. Programs are always free, because the last thing one needs is the burden of additional expenses when striving for wellness during their cancer journey.
