About Smith Center
Smith Center is a non-profit organization that unites arts and integrative wellness, with a focus on those impacted by cancer. Through classes and programs, emotional support services, and patient navigation we create space for healing, community, and empowerment. Further, we extend our offerings to the broader community through our art gallery and wellness programs.
At the Heart of What We Do
Smith Center is guided by the belief that healing is always possible, even when a cure is not. Our work is to create the conditions that support one’s ability to tap into their inner capacity to heal, and to live as well as possible.
The challenges faced by adults living with cancer and their caregivers impact every aspect of life. We begin by offering deep respect and care for every person who comes through our doors. We honor the fact that healing is unique to every individual, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Based on their own needs, participants choose from a variety of programs and formats to explore new resources, practices, connections, ways of self-expression, perspectives, and paths for navigating the day-to-day.
What Sets Us Apart
With nearly 30-years of experience in the field, we are a national leader in integrative oncology support and patient navigation.
Our doors are open to everyone. We offer low-cost and sliding scale programs, ensuring the greatest possible access to those who can benefit from them. We hold a safe, comfortable space to land in life’s difficult moments, surrounded by skilled practitioners and a community of support.
Smith Center emphasizes the healing power of art to facilitate healing and growth. Through our gallery, community-based initiatives, and creativity programming, we harness the language of art to awaken spirits, ignite creativity, and foster healing on an individual and community level.
Our Programs
For people impacted by cancer
Classes & workshops: Yoga and mindfulness, cooking and nutrition, arts & creativity, and more. Our programs are designed to foster healing and are open to everyone, but of particular value to those impacted by cancer.
Emotional & psychosocial support: One on one and group-based support groups and counseling are available for those living with cancer and caregivers with special programs designed for special needs of the young adult cancer community.
Patient navigation & resources: Smith Center’s team can help you take the first steps in your cancer journey, or provide ongoing assistance as you make decisions about your care. We have access to a wealth of experts and resources to share with you.
Retreats: Retreats offer a respite from everyday life with a cancer diagnosis and an opportunity to be fully immersed in healing. They are designed to empower participants to make life-affirming changes by offering tools, knowledge, and support in a safe and caring community of others facing a cancer diagnosis.
Hospital-based services: Smith Center’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program engages patients and clinical staff in creative arts activities as part of the healing process through the visual arts, creative writing, storytelling, music, creative movement, and guided imagery at 5 regional hospitals and cancer centers.
For everyone
Art gallery: The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery is a beacon for community healing. Embracing a dynamic exhibition calendar, the gallery welcomes contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds, each exploring a myriad of profound themes that encompass spirituality, societal evolution, cultural diversity, well-being, environmental consciousness, and the power of community.
Community healing: All are welcome at Smith Center. Join us at an exhibition in our gallery or at any of our classes, workshops, or our Healing Series to explore healing on your own terms.
For practitioners
Navigation training for professionals: Through our esteemed Institute of Integrative Oncology Navigation, we offer a groundbreaking national training for patient navigators and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding patient care on a nationwide scale. We believe that a well-guided journey can make a world of difference to individuals and their families.
Recognition of Our Work
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, we were honored to be recognized by the esteemed Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the region’s best small charities. This recognition serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication and the impact we have on the lives of those we serve.
So, let us embark on this journey together—a journey of healing, hope, and the transformative power of the arts.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop and promote healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental wellness and lead to life-affirming changes. We take pride in offering programs and initiatives to our community, with a special focus on serving those affected by cancer and utilizing the arts in healing. Through the transformative power of art, we strive to create a nurturing space where healing can flourish.
