Smith Center for Healing and the Arts was established in 1996, created from the extraordinary vision of Barbara Smith Coleman, an artist and cancer survivor, in collaboration with Michael Lerner, Ph.D. The first programs were week-long residential retreats for adults with cancer, based on the model pioneered at Commonweal, a health and environmental institute. As community need has grown for effective outreach programs and cancer care that includes a holistic approach, Smith Center has expanded to address those needs.
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is a nonprofit health, education, and arts organization with a mission to develop and promote healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental resources that lead to life-affirming changes for people living with illness and for the community at large. We are at the forefront of integrative cancer care in Washington, DC—providing a wide range of healing resources to individuals and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, their caregivers, health care providers, and the general public, through a broad range of programming offered for free or very minimal cost. We serve 4,000 individuals annually, and were showcased for the third time in the 2016-2017 Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the “best small charities” in the Washington DC area.
Current Programs & Activities
We offer empowering programs and activities for adult cancer survivors and caregivers, as well as support and creative resources for the community at large. Most of our programs are offered for free or very minimal cost; scholarships are also available—we do not turn anyone away from services.
- Cancer Support Programs
- Cancer Retreat Program
- Hospital Artist-In-Residence Programs
- Patient Navigation Services
- Community-based Navigation Program
- National Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care
- The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery
- Community Resource Center
Programs Partners Include:
- African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association
- Allen Chapel AME Church
- American Cancer Society
- American Red Cross
- Capital Breast Care Center
- The Dance Exchange
- Howard University Cancer Center
- Howard University Center for Urban Progress
- George Washington University
- Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church
- Max Robinson Center
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
- Plymouth Congregational UCC
- Union Temple Baptist Church
- United Medical Center
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
- Washington Cancer Institute
- Wendt Center for Loss and Healing
