Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

Meditation and Mindfulness
2026-09-02 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-09-16 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87431130084
Developing mindfulness skills can help combat stress, anxiety, and uncertainty in everyday life. Join us for regular sessions to help you better understand and transform your mind.

All experience levels are welcome to attend! Open to patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals and the community. This group welcomes all levels, including those who have not tried Mindfulness and Meditation before.

The Mindfulness & Meditation Group meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30pm ET.

Facilitators

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

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

Organizer

Knitting on the Couch
2026-09-02 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-09-09 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-09-16 15:00 - 16:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89703968439
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

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group
2026-09-02 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

Energy Balancing
2026-09-03 13:00 - 14:50, 2026-09-10 13:00 - 14:50, 2026-09-17 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

Black Women with Breast Cancer Support Group
2026-09-03 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

Nueva Vida Grupo de Apoyo (en Español)
2026-09-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-19 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

Office Closed
2026-09-07 00:00 - 23:59
Our office is closed today in observance of Labor Day.

Organizer

Healing Circle: Grupo de Apoyo LGBTQIA+ con Cáncer de Próstata Para Hispanoparlantes (en Español)
2026-09-07 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 EST.

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Alfonso Luis

Healing Circle Host ,
Charles Domingue

Organizer

LGBTQIA+ Morning Meditation
2026-09-08 07:30 - 08:00, 2026-09-15 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

Chair Yoga
2026-09-08 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.

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Beth Lawrence, RYT500

Organizer

Prostate Cancer Support Group
2026-09-08 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

Survivorship Support Group
2026-09-08 18:30 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83631497042
This group is designed for cancer survivors who have completed their primary cancer treatment(s) and are now either post-treatment or on maintenance medication (such as hormonal therapy). Cancer can be emotionally and physically draining — many times we aren’t able to fully process the experience until after treatment is over and we are trying to get back to our “normal” lives. The struggle and expectation to find “normal” again can also be an overwhelming process. This group is a space where you can talk openly about these issues and process the trauma of cancer with other survivors.

The group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

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

Organizer

Organizer

Healing Circle for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers 45+
2026-09-09 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

Individual Event - Test
2026-09-14 10:00 - 11:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81858883485
Program Description

Facilitators

Cancer Support Program Manager ,
Olivia Gonyea

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

Organizer

Organizer

Room for Grief
2026-09-14 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 ,
Trish Garland

Organizer

Organizer

Caregiver Support Group
2026-09-14 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 our Programs Team at programs@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

Cancer Support Group
2026-09-14 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.

The group meets bi-monthly on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm ET on Zoom.

Facilitators

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

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

Organizer

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group
2026-09-15 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 on Zoom.

Facilitators

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

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

Organizer

Monthly Caregiver Support Group
2026-09-15 19:00 - 20:00
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 ,
Crystal Joseph, LCPC, LPC, ACS

Organizer

Organizer

Outside the Lines
2026-09-16 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

SC Writes: A Place for Radical Writing
2026-09-18 11:00 - 12:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83108634604
Wherever you are on life’s journey, there are times when it can feel impossible to commit to a recurring program like a workshop series. Radical Writing Space is our answer to this conundrum of wanting to attend for some radical self-care, but struggling to commit.

Clinical studies have documented the healing psychological and psychical impacts of writing within a safe and sacred space. On the second Friday of each month, drop in for one hour for Radical Writing Space and join us for inspiring writing prompts, time to write, and time to share with one another about your experience of putting your most radical emotions, feelings, and experiences on paper.

The part that makes this writing so “radical” is that we create a safe space for it all — raw feelings, emotions, experiences — and, together, we give voice to them in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

This healing program offers a place for supporting one another and we stay clear of writing critique. Come and experience writing and sharing together.

Facilitators

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

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

Organizer

Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group
2026-09-18 12:30 - 13:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82753564455
Please Note: The group will meet on the 4th Friday this month.

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
