Monthly Caregiver Support Group
2029-07-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Starting April 21, 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 ,
Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW

Organizer

Organizer

Outside the Lines
2029-07-18 10:30 - 12:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89703968439
Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

This program meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday from 10:30am-12:00pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

Cancer Support Program Director | Program Facilitator and Healing Circle Host ,
Kiersten Gallagher

Organizer

Knitting on the Couch
2029-07-18 15:00 - 16:30, 2029-07-25 15:00 - 16:30, 2029-08-01 15:00 - 16:30, 2029-08-08 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.

Facilitators

Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Ilene Gast

Organizer

Energy Balancing
2029-07-19 13:00 - 14:50, 2029-07-26 13:00 - 14:50, 2029-08-02 13:00 - 14:50, 2029-08-09 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 programs@smithcenter.org.

Facilitators

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

Program Facilitator ,
Anne Molofsky

Program Facilitator ,
Margaret Haggerty

Program Facilitator ,
Pat Spellman

Organizer

Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group
2029-07-20 12:30 - 13:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82753564455
This support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (including pancreatic, colon, rectal, anal, stomach, esophageal, liver, appendicular, neuroendocrine tumors, and gallbladder) and their caregivers. The group will incorporate educational lectures coupled with emotional support.

It meets monthly on the 3rd Friday of the month from 12:30-1:30pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

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

Organizer

Organizer

Nueva Vida Grupo de Apoyo (en Español)
2029-07-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2029-07-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2029-08-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2029-08-11 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

LGBTQIA+ Morning Meditation
2029-07-24 07:30 - 08:00, 2029-07-31 07:30 - 08:00, 2029-08-07 07:30 - 08:00, 2029-08-14 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.

If interested in attending, please email groundingpresence@proton.me for the Zoom link.

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Susan Salek

Organizer

Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group
2029-07-24 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

Lung Cancer Support Group
2029-07-26 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
Cyerra Wheeler, LGSW

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

Organizer

Organizer

A Healing Circle – Support Group for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer
2029-07-26 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

Outside the Lines: Social Hour
2029-08-01 10:30 - 11:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88249017381
Outside the Lines Social Hour is an informal gathering and does not include a guided art exercise. This monthly offering is intended for checking in, catching up, and connecting with others in the Outside the Lines community – whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting participants who are already active in the group. Participants are welcome to work on their own creative projects as we socialize.

If you are looking for a guided art workshop, please join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. It’s listed on our calendar as Outside the Lines (without “Social Hour”).

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm ET. The Social Hour sessions will only run from 10:30 – 11:30am ET.

Facilitators

Cancer Support Program Director | Program Facilitator and Healing Circle Host ,
Kiersten Gallagher

Organizer

Black Women with Breast Cancer Support Group
2029-08-02 18:30 - 20:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84361177435
The virtual group is for Black Women who have been diagnosed with any stage of Breast Cancer and is open to those newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in survivorship.

Come join other Black women dealing with the issues and impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis. All meetings are hosted using Zoom. Meetings are monthly on the 1st Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

This group is offered in partnership by the MedStar Georgetown Ourisman Breast Center, Cancer Support Community DC and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Abigail Osei-Tutu, LICSW

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Black Women with Breast Cancer Support Group
2029-08-02 18:30 - 20:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84361177435
The virtual group is for Black Women who have been diagnosed with any stage of Breast Cancer and is open to those newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in survivorship.

Come join other Black women dealing with the issues and impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis. All meetings are hosted using Zoom. Meetings are monthly on the 1st Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Abigail Osei-Tutu, LICSW

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Healing Circle: Grupo de Apoyo LGBTQIA+ con Cáncer de Próstata Para Hispanoparlantes (en Español)
2029-08-06 13:30 - 15:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85476346118
El cáncer de próstata (CP) es una realidad que también afecta a la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Es el tumor más frecuente en personas con próstata, siendo el segundo más común en todo el mundo y el quinto en mortalidad. No hay evidencias que relacionen el CP con la orientación sexual. La mayoría de los diagnósticos se dan en personas mayores de 65 años, siendo muy poco frecuente en menores de 40.

El colectivo LGBTQIA+ enfrenta un triple tabú en relación al cáncer de próstata. Por un lado, es un tumor silenciado en nuestra sociedad debido a que afecta el concepto tradicional de masculinidad. Por otro lado, este silencio se agrava por nuestra condición sexual. Esta situación puede afectar los tratamientos que recibimos, debido a la falta de información sobre los efectos secundarios de los tratamientos en relación a nuestra orientación sexual y nuestras prácticas sexuales. Y, para finalizar, existe otro condicionante importante: la edad. La generación que está siendo diagnosticada actualmente ha sido marginada y discriminada por lo que tiene muchas veces miedo a compartir sus dudas.

Lo que proponemos es crear un espacio para hablar de nuestras experiencias, de los tratamientos que recibimos, de nuestras emociones, de cómo nos sentimos, de cómo afecta el CP a nuestras relaciones y de las herramientas que tenemos para afrontar nuestras dificultades. Es muy difícil encontrar un grupo de apoyo para hispanohablantes pertenecientes al colectivo LGBTQIA+. En este grupo encontrarás apoyo.

Desarrollo 1 hora y media máximo, primer lunes de cada mes 19:30-21:00 (zona horaria de Madrid). (13:30-15:00 ET).

Prostate cancer (PC) is a reality that also affects the LGBTQIA+ community. It is the most frequent tumor in people with a prostate, the second most common worldwide and the fifth in mortality. There is no evidence to relate PC to sexual orientation. Most diagnoses occur in people over 65, being very rare in those under 40. The LGBTQIA+ group faces a triple taboo in relation to prostate cancer. On the one hand, it is a cancer that is not often spoken of in our society because it affects the traditional concept of masculinity. On the other hand, this silence is aggravated by our sexuality. This situation can affect the treatments we receive, due to the lack of information on the side effects of treatments in relation to our sexual orientation and our sexual practices. And, finally, there is another important condition: age. The generation that is currently being diagnosed has been marginalized and discriminated against, so they are often afraid to ask questions related to intimacy.

What we propose is to create a space to talk about our experiences, the treatments we receive, our emotions, how we feel, how PC affects our relationships, and the tools we have to face our difficulties. It is very difficult to find a support group for Spanish speakers in the the LGBTQIA+ community. In this group you will find support.

The Healing Circle for Spanish-Speaking LGBTQIA+ Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 1st Monday of each month from 7:30 – 9:00PM Madrid Time Zone/1:30 – 3:00 PM ET.

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Alfonso Luis

Healing Circle Host ,
Charles Domingue

Organizer

Breast Cancer Support Group
2029-08-07 18:00 - 19:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81773735928
This monthly virtual group is for Stage 0 – 3 Breast Cancer patients and survivors and is open to those newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in survivorship. Come join others dealing with the issues and impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis. All meetings are hosted using Zoom. This group meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday from 6:00-7:00pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW

Organizer

Organizer

Healing Circle for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers 45+
2029-08-08 17:15 - 18:45 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87063676942
This healing circle is for people who are 45 and older who are living and thriving with Metastatic Breast Cancer. This peer-led circle will provide a safe place to connect, support and share with one another.

This Healing Circle will meet Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 5:15-6:45pm ET.

What is a Healing Circle?

Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Lisa Hahn

Organizer

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group
2029-08-08 18:30 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86178236719
This monthly gathering is an opportunity to meet other young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Caregivers of young adult cancer survivors are welcome to join as well. This program is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups. This group meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Program Director | Program Facilitator ,
Erin Price, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Organizer

Prostate Cancer Support Group
2029-08-14 12:30 - 13:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85145104025
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Prostate cancer. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.

This group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 12:30-1:30 pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

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

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

Organizer

Organizer
