Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

Canceled - The Struggle Continues...: Artist Talk
2026-04-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
This event has been canceled.

The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is pleased to host the exhibition “The Struggle Continues…” This solo show features the works of Tim Davis, a multidisciplinary artist born in Chicago, IL and based in Washington, DC.

Artist Tim A. Davis presents The Struggle Continues…, a powerful exhibition featuring works from his ongoing Power Room Series and his immersive Black Box Installation. Through painting and sculptural assemblage, Davis confronts urgent social realities while inviting viewers into a space of reflection, reckoning, and dialogue. At the heart of the exhibition is the Black Box Installation, a narrative environment grounded in the idea of being “in between.” Davis reflects on the current state of the United States as a nation suspended between extremes—political, social, and moral—resulting in uncertainty and fractured growth.

Using repurposed drawers and cabinets, he constructs symbolic containers that hold the layered truths of housing inequality, discrimination, racism, mass incarceration, migration, and other defining issues that shape America. Through carefully chosen symbols, Davis encourages viewers to engage in meaningful dialogue, seeking collective healing and forward movement.

The Power Room Series, begun in 2020, reflects Davis’s internal responses to social upheaval and lived experience. In these rooms, viewers encounter layered narratives rooted in the human experience and, more specifically, the Black experience as it relates to truth, memory, and identity.The exhibition’s title, The Struggle Continues…., echoes a phrase that has resonated throughout Davis’s life and within liberation movements worldwide. Repeated across generations, these words function as prayer, protest, and promise. The exhibition invites viewers not only to witness but to participate in the ongoing dialogue required to heal communities and address the challenges facing the nation.

The Struggle Continues…. underscores Davis’s commitment to using art as a catalyst for awareness, reflection, and transformation. Tim Davis was born in Chicago, Illinois and is recognized as an artist, a curator, and an educator. He is a mixed-media painter working primarily with narratives on social justice, activism, identity, and the Black experience. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States and abroad, including the American University Museum—Katzen Arts Center, the New Orleans African American Museum, the ARWI International Art Fair in San Juan, Puerto Rico,and the Spectrum Miami Fair at Art Basel in Miami. His work has been on loan at the United States Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Abuja Nigeria (2020-2024). Davis’ work is included in many private and corporate collections such as: the Freddie Mac Corporation, the Commission on the Arts and Humanities—Washington DC, the Hampton University Museum, the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, Stellar Communications, Martha’s Table Head Quarters, the Community of Hope Marie Reed Health Center in Washington DC, the University of Maryland Global Campus, and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Davis received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois where he studied art education and fine art. A National Endowment for the Arts fellow, Davis has worked extensively with public school education, DC, Arts Works and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. He is also the founder of International Visions Gallery and Consultancy, where he encourages cross-cultural engagement with diverse collections of artists from the Washington area and underrepresented parts of the world. As an artist, educator, and curator, Davis believes art can be used to make statements, engage, inspire, and to take action for the growth, history and identity of peopleeverywhere.

For press inquiries, images, and additional information, please contact: Sara Khambalia, Gallery Director, Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, sara@smithcenter.com

Venue

Organizer

The Mindful Cancer Journey
2026-04-20 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-04-27 11:30 - 12:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84680736059
This group will examine a different topic each week relevant to members’ lives. We will explore meditation and mindfulness practices that can be applied to life experiences in a supportive way.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Monthly Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Phebe Duff

Organizer

Room for Grief
2026-04-20 12:00 - 13:30
Room for Grief: A Monthly Space for Loss From Bereavement

“Each person’s grief is as unique as their fingerprint. But what everyone has in common is that no matter how they grieve, they share a need for their grief to be witnessed.”

-David Kessler

If you’ve lost a loved one, a healing circle for those in grief is an opportunity to share what’s on your heart and mind, to listen, and be listened to deeply and generously.

Our healing circles are a safe and supportive space to walk with each other through these times. Each circle is a blend of sharing and silence, compassion and curiosity. Our agreements ensure acceptance and confidentiality. We honor our own unique paths to healing and respect the choices of others.

This is an ongoing circle. Therefore, you are welcome to join at any time.

Please Note: Healing circles are groups of peers who support one another through deep listening and compassion. Circle participants abide by agreements, including agreements around confidentiality. The volunteers who host healing circles do not provide medical or psychotherapeutic advice or treatment. Participation in a healing circle does not replace the care provided by a qualified healthcare professional.

This circle meets on the third Monday of the month.

In order to register and receive the Zoom link, visit the <Healing Circles Global Registration Page>

Facilitators

Grief Team Healing Circle Host ,
Laqwa Matilpi

Grief Team Healing Circle Host ,
Mark Malinak

Organizer

Organizer

Cancer Support Group
2026-04-20 18:00 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84286097059
This bi-monthly cancer support group provides participants with the opportunity to explore their experience with cancer in a safe group setting with a trained social worker and to connect with others who are facing a similar challenge. This group is designed specifically for individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Monthly Passes – Enroll for a full month of meetings

Facilitators

Program Facilitator ,
Lauren Broschak, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator | Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Mindy Brodsky, LCSW

Organizer

Caregiver Support Group
2026-04-20 18:00 - 19:30
Our Caregiver Support Group is currently closed to new members at this time. To be added to the waitlist and to learn about other caregiver support group offerings, please email Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

This cancer caregiver support group, led by a licensed psychologist, is designed to provide cancer caregivers with the opportunity to meet other caregivers, learn about useful tools for self-care, and explore ways to thrive in the caregiving role.

Julia’s Caregiver Support Group meets Bi-Monthly on Mondays from 6:00 – 7:30pm ET.

Facilitators

Senior Strategic Advisor | Program Facilitator ,
Julia Rowland, PhD, FAPOS, FASCO

Organizer

LGBTQIA+ Morning Meditation
2026-04-21 07:30 - 08:00, 2026-04-28 07:30 - 08:00
Come together as an LGBTQIA+ community for a weekly morning meditation sit.

We will settle in for a few minutes, then meditation (guided and silence) for 20 minutes and end with around the virtual circle with a few words of gratitude.

Note: Because this is an online sit, participants are encouraged to find space of relative quiet, limiting the amount of interaction with others in the environment as much as possible. Participants may join by internet or via phone.

No registration is required to join this program. Please join the meeting using the Zoom information below.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88468692145?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 884 6869 2145

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Susan Salek

Organizer

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group
2026-04-21 12:30 - 13:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81890351245
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and their caregivers. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.

The Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 12:30-1:30pm ET.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Sara Richman, LICSW, OSW-C

Organizer

Organizer

Coming Home to Our Senses Meditation
2026-04-21 18:00 - 18:45 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83774856887
Are you seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life? We invite you to Coming Home to Our Senses Meditation. Learn more about the session from the facilitator, Candida: Program Overview: If I were to describe this program to a stranger, I’d say it’s a journey into basic meditation techniques aimed at slowing down our minds. The goal is to foster greater awareness and presence in our everyday lives. Participants often express that the highlight of our sessions is the release of tension and an experience of profound peace and stillness. What to Expect: During our time together, we’ll delve into practices designed to expand our capacity for awareness and joy each day. My aim is to provide you with tools that can empower you to embrace a more present and serene existence.

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Candida DeLuise, LICSW

Organizer

Gentle PM Yoga
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:15 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81987068529
Enjoy a greater sense of well-being and enhanced energy in our gentle yoga classes. Learn various yoga postures, techniques in progressive relaxation, breathing practices, and meditation to help reduce stress, as well as balance mind, body, and spirit.

Our classes are specifically designed for adults facing stress, cancer, or other illness and are open to anyone interested in attending. All levels are welcome.

In addition, our yoga classes are listed with the National MS Society and we welcome patients and caregivers of those with multiple sclerosis to our gentle yoga classes.

Classes are twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. ET on Zoom.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RMT, MS

Organizer

Knitting on the Couch
2026-04-22 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-29 15:00 - 16:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82965385575
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms.

Knitting is:

relatively easy to learn,

requires no artistic talent or prior experience,

portable,

and results in a useful product.

Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.

Trained volunteers will provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.

Our Knitting Circle meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Monthly Passes – Enroll for a full month of sessions

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Ilene Gast

Organizer

Mindful Musings
2026-04-22 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-29 17:00 - 18:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84524449424
This class offers an inviting approach to mindfulness practice by blending meditation with the reflective power of journaling. Each session includes gentle breathwork and a guided meditation designed to help participants center their thoughts and relax theirbodies.

After the meditation, participants are given dedicated time for a guided journaling exercise. This practice encourages mindful processing of the insights, emotions, and experiences that arise during meditation. The combination of quiet introspection, expressive writing, and optional group discussion creates a meaningful opportunity to foster connection and build community.

Open to all experience levels, the class provides a supportive, non-judgmental space for exploration. Participants will leave with practical tools for bringing mindfulness and self-reflection into their daily lives.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Monthly Passes – Enroll for a full month of sessions

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Phebe Duff

Organizer

Loss of a Parent to Cancer Support Group
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89843016733
The loss of a parent from cancer brings with it many complex feelings. Sadness, anger, and regret are just a few of the feelings you may experience. Sometimes friends – and even family members – don’t understand these feelings.

This support group provides a monthly opportunity to join a group of people who may understand.

The Loss of a Parent to Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on a Wednesday from 6:00-7:00pm ET.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Andrea Levine

Organizer

Lung Cancer Support Group
2026-04-23 11:00 - 12:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83128541650
This monthly support group is open to adults with lung cancer, survivors, and caregivers. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, the group will offer emotional support and educational talks.

The Lung Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday from 11:00am-12:00pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Organizer

Organizer

Energy Balancing
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:50, 2026-04-30 13:00 - 14:50
Our Energy Balancing Program addresses the subtle energies of our body. When these energies are out of balance, all our body systems can become askew. One key to bringing us back into balance is deep relaxation. This is just what our volunteers provide – a half-hour of stress reducing relaxation to calm the body and enhance our well-being.

Most likely you are familiar with many of the body’s systems such as the respiratory system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the skeletal system and so on. But are you aware that we also have subtle energy systems, systems that cannot be seen, cannot be measured, cannot be felt. Perhaps you know of some; the most familiar are the aura (also known as the biofield), the meridians, the chakras.

These subtle energy systems were very familiar to the ancients. They used them regularly to bring the body into energetic balance. When the body’s energies are in balance, we function at a higher vibration and are more relaxed, more joyful, more centered and able to enjoy life more productively. Many of the age-old techniques are now being used to bring calm to the body and to optimize one’s well-being.

Energy Balancing is offered Weekly on Thursdays in 1/2 hour appointments.

By appointment only.

Time slots:

1:00-1:30pm

2:20-2:50pm

The Energy Balancing team continues to offer distance sessions. If you wish to receive, please email olivia@smithcenter.org.

Facilitators

Program Facilitator ,
Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T

Program Facilitator ,
Anne Molofsky

Program Facilitator ,
Margaret Haggerty

Program Facilitator ,
Pat Spellman

Organizer

A Healing Circle – Support Group for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84868437263
We are a group of gay men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or who are recovering from treatment that offer support to each other. In a peer-led community, we share our experiences and understanding to help one another best deal with our own personal situations.

The Healing Circle for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday from 7:00pm – 8:30pm ET.

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Kenneth Johnson

Organizer

Nueva Vida Grupo de Apoyo (en Español)
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00
Nueva Vida es una organización independiente, sin fines de lucro, que proporciona servicios integrales de cáncer gratuitos, a las familias latinas en el Distrito de Columbia, Virginia del Norte (hasta el sur de Prince William County), Suburban Maryland (Condados de Montgomery y Prince George), Richmond, y Baltimore. Otros servicios incluyen educación y divulgación en la comunidad latina, asi como navegación de pacientes para exámenes de detección y tratamiento de cáncer.

En asociación con Smith Center, Nueva Vida tendrá grupos de apoyo que se enfocan en el apoyo al trauma asociado con el diagnóstico de cáncer. Estos grupos proporcionan a las latinas la oportunidad de identificar y expresar sus sentimientos, en un lugar seguro, y lleno de empatía, así como compartir sus sentimientos con otras personas que están o han pasado por similares circunstancias. Las reuniones semanales, se combinan con una actividad de reducción del estrés (Zumba o Yoga).

Este programa se ofrece prácticamente a través de Zoom. Regístrese en Claudia al 202.384.8342 para recibir el enlace Zoom para participar.

Nueva Vida is an independent nonprofit that provides free, comprehensive, culturally competent cancer services to medically underserved Latino families in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia (as far south as Prince William County), Suburban Maryland (Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties), Richmond, and Baltimore. Other services include outreach to the Latino community and Patient Navigation for cancer screenings and treatment.

In partnership with Smith Center, Nueva Vida provides support groups that are focused on supporting the trauma associated with a cancer diagnosis. These groups provide Latina women the opportunity to experience a catharsis of feelings, where they feel safe to identify, verbalize, empathize, and share their feelings with others who are in similar circumstances. All support group meetings are paired with a stress reduction activity (either Zumba or Yoga).

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. Please register to Claudia at 202.384.8342 to receive the Zoom link to participate.

Facilitators

,
Nueva Vida

Organizer

Painting for Life
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00
You are invited to work from the heart and express your drama in forms and colors. As you paint, you process your emotions and liberate yourself from the psychological and physical disease they may cause. This is a workshop for processing feelings through painting and group sharing. It is not a good space for finishing existing projects and using other mediums.

By intentionally focusing on the emotional process rather than the artistic product, participants are able to unleash their creative powers and produce striking works, while by sharing their creative process they gain the insight and wisdom often hidden in works created in a state of letting go.

For more information about Painting for Life and what you can expect during a session, please explore this manual:

PFL MANUAL

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88037430513?pwd=[REDACTED]

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session and attend as many sessions as they would like.

Session Schedule:

The Painting For Life workshop on Zoom consists of a 1-hour painting session framed by a 30 minute opening circle (which can often be 45 minutes) and a 30 minute closing circle.

Opening Circle – In the opening circle we build a safe and powerful We-Spacecommunity characterized by “presencing,” sharing with honesty and integrity, deep listening, and resonating in harmony with each other. Noelle will start this opening circle by giving a quick prompting and end it with a 3-minute meditation before sending people off to paint for exactly 1 hour.

1-hour Painting Session – Participants paint at home, using cheap materials such as paper, tempera paints, watercolors, acrylics, or pastels, Crayolas, and even color pens. When the hour is over, people take a picture of their painting and text it to Noelle before coming back to the Zoom room.

Closing Circle – Noelle then shares each painting on the screen as people explore their process while the group may offer feedback and further insights get sparked. We end this closing circle with a group hugs as we shout “May all beings be happy!” thus fusing personal and collective healing together.

Facilitators

Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Noelle Imparato, PhD

Organizer

Painting in Community: Landscapes in Watercolor
2026-04-27 17:30 - 19:15 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86592438570
Painting in Community

Landscapes in Watercolor

During this series, we will explore wet-on-wet watercolor techniques for landscape painting. In this session we will continue to explore techniques for painting water in watercolor.

Those new to watercolor may choose to just play with the ideas and techniques Liz introduces. Others who are more advanced may decide to work on a painting of their own inspiration or from slides that Liz shares during the class.

We will paint, listen to soothing music and share our creations. There will be opportunities to ask questions during and at the end of the session.

Bring yourself and your favorite painting supplies. (Also see suggested materials below).

Here are the upcoming session dates:

-April 27

-May 4

From Liz: I highly recommend that you have a 9×12 inch cold pressed Arches watercolor block or larger. The pages are adhered to the block and allow for wet in wet washes essential to watercolor landscapes so that the paper does not warp. If you just have a watercolor sketch pad or loose sheets of watercolor paper it will be very difficult to accomplish the washes and techniques I am introducing. I also recommend that you have the type and size brushes recommended in the announcement for this session.

**Limited to 12 participants

Some Suggested Materials*:

Liz recommends Blick Art Supplies: dickblick.com for supplies. High quality watercolor supplies are needed to achieve many watercolor effects.

Acid-free white flat tape

Arches Watercolor Pads (9×12” cold pressedor size of your choice Quality watercolor paper is essential for the best wet on wet effects and Arches is a high quality but reasonably priced paper. I recommend the pad for testing and experimentation while the block is essential for wet on wet paintings. (see below)

Arches Watercolor Block (9x 12 inch cold pressed or size of your choice) essential for wet on wet watercolor paintings

Watercolor Paint Van Gogh or Winsor and Newton pocket box set). Pocket boxes or field box sets are the best way to start out as they provide all the basic colors you need for a very affordable cost,(or bring paint you have on hand). High quality paints are highly recommended to ensure the effects unique to watercolor painting.

Watercolor Brush, round size 6 or 8

Watercolor Brush, Flat Wash, size 3/4” or 1”

Squeeze bottle for water

Soft eraser (Tombo Mono Erasers).

Small plastic palette

Pencils: standard and/or mechanical

3 small jars or containers for water 4-6 ounces is sufficient

Paper towels

Daniel Smith Masking Fluid with five drawing tips

Grafix Liquid Frisket Remover

Facilitators

Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Liz Lescault

Organizer

Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group
2026-04-28 11:00 - 12:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83942821577
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.

This group is open to people of all ages (18+) who are at any stage of the disease process.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday from 11:00am-12:00pm ET.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Sara Richman, LICSW, OSW-C

Organizer

Organizer

Parents with Cancer - A Place for Healing
2026-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89384648753
Parents with Cancer – A Place for Healing is a peer-led virtual support group for parents who are newly diagnosed, in active treatment or in survivorship experiencing challenges with their role as a parent during their cancer journey. As this is a peer led support group, the co-facilitators can best support parents who have children from 0-18 years old.

This group is not about giving advice (although facilitators will share resources after group and encourage this type of sharing outside of group). Instead it is about sharing our stories (the heart ache that comes from parenting with cancer) without judgment and listening with love. There will also be periodic in-person playdates for parents, partners and their kids in the DMV.

What Members Are Saying:

“Crucial resource for parents — an invaluable source of connection.”

“I’m reaching out today to share with you how helpful yesterday’s program was for me. It was the first time I had joined a support group specifically for parents. That topic alone was worth attending and what really impressed me was the format. I found so much value in the way that we held space for each other, listened, and used silence as part of the process. I look forward to attending again. I am so grateful to the Smith Center for providing this resource.”

“I have been attending this healing circle as much as I can and it has brought me so much comfort and peace– and truly a sense of belonging and healing.”

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Lauren Sauer

Healing Circle Host ,
Tracy Steffek, MPA

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Chair Yoga
2026-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89596265703
When life gets hard or movement and meditation would be helpful, come to yoga! Our chair yoga class offers a place to relax and let go mentally while stretching and exercising physically. We’ll start with a simple warm-up that you can do standing or seated, then move through stretches and exercises for your whole body, all with the support of your chair. We’ll finish with a deep calming relaxation. You’ll leave feeling balanced and ready to take on the rest of your day!

All levels welcome.

Chair Yoga class meets on a twice-monthly basis, on the 2nd and 4th weeks of each month from 12:00 – 1:00pm ET on Zoom.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Monthly Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Beth Lawrence, RYT500

Organizer

A Funnel to Love: An Expressive Writing Workshop
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84800351855
This expressive writing program provides an opportunity for all of those connected to cancer whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, etc to bring any emotions in, whether that be resentment, anger, fear, gratitude, hope, or anything else, and funnel that emotion into love through the process of letter-writing.

This program will include 3 opportunities to create love letters to yourself, another person, and your future self. During the hour and a half you will be invited to write, share what feels comfortable for you in the group, and reflect on how others’ writing resonates with you.

Overall, this program aims to channel any cancer-related emotions that have come up for you and funnel those into love letters through a nonjudgmental writing process, in hopes that you will leave with a stronger sense of self-compassion and love.

The host of this group will be Madison Shaw, an intern at Smith Center through George Mason’s MSW program.

Organizer

Monthly Caregiver Support Group
2026-04-28 19:00 - 20:00
Please note, the group will meet on the 4th Tuesday this month only.

Starting April 28, 2026, join a monthly Caregiver Support Group offered by Cancer Support Community DC, a supportive space for those caring for someone affected by cancer.

This group meets virtually via Zoom, making it easy to join from home.

Connect with others who understand the caregiving journey, share experiences, and explore strategies for self-care and balance.

This group meets every third Tuesday of the month from 7:00–8:00 PM ET on Zoom.

To register, visit <this link>

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Crystal Joseph, LCPC, LPC, ACS

Organizer

Organizer

Grieving Together: A 6-Week Series
2026-04-30 13:00 - 14:30
Please join us in a series Healing Circles for Grief “to discover the extent and limits of what is lost, what is left and what is possible.” – John Schneider

If you have lost a loved one, this is an opportunity to share what is on your heart and mind right now, to listen and be listened to deeply and generously. Together we create a safe space for listening to messages from our inner experience.

Our healing circles are a safe and supportive space to walk with each other through these times. Each circle is a blend of sharing and silence, compassion, and curiosity. Our agreements ensure acceptance and confidentiality. We honor our own unique paths to healing and respect the choices of others.

To register for this program through Healing Circles Global, please click <here>

Some Assumptions about Grief

The experience of grief is unique for each individual. While we can make some general assumptions, there is no template that describes the experience for all people.

Grief is cumulative. That is, each time loss is grieved, the grief encompasses the lifetime of loss and the remnants of each experience.

Grief following a significant loss is most often a lifelong process, with each pivotal point in life bringing the grief back up to be processed from a new perspective.

Grief, loss and suffering fundamentally changes and reshapes the individual.

Grief is not about forgetting or disconnecting. Rather, healthy grief is about remembering the parts of self that get lost amidst the experience and reorienting the individual in their relationship with self, the world and others.

Grief is a whole body experience: emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual. Each have a wide range of expression which can cue us that grief is present.

While grief and trauma are often intertwined there are significant differences between them. Trauma should be addressed with trauma specific interventions that often go beyond what is possible in circles.

Adapted from Khris Ford

Grieving Together Healing Circle will meet Weekly on Thursdays from 1:00-2:30pm ET from April 30 – June 4

Grief Circle Dates:

April 30

May 7, 14, 21 & 28

June 4

Grief Team Healing Circle Host ,
Connie Murphy

Grief Team Healing Circle Host ,
Trish Garland

Organizer
