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

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

Smith Center es ahora el anfitrión de los Grupos de Apoyo para la Comunidad Latina en Español

Estamos muy felices de anunciar que seremos los anfitriones de los grupos de apoyo de Nueva Vida para la comunidad latina. 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 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).

Para registrarse, llame a Claudia a Nueva Vida: 202.223.9100.


Smith Center Now Hosting Support Groups for the Latino Community in Spanish

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.

At Smith Center, Nueva Vida will be providing 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).

To register, call Claudia at Nueva Vida: 202.223.9100.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Ketty M Urbay

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

Ketty’s desire to bring the healing and transformative power of music and dance into women’s lives has birthed her new community, Simply M The Movement. Ketty won’t stop until every woman’s heart is free to express the truest expression of who she is. Mind, body and soul. So let’s dance!

Dance and music can heal your mind, body and soul.  This is a 1 hour dance class set to a carefully curated musical playlist that will inspire and elevate.  Have fun following easy to learn dance steps and creative movement exercises that will spark your joy and creativity.  Every week is a new theme and a whole new set of moves to a variety of music.

Recommended audience:  Everyone who loves to dance and thinks they can’t do it! Everyone who loves to dance and wants to keep dancing in a fun and safe space!

Simply M the Movement is offered on weekly on Thursdays.


About Ketty M Urbay

Ketty M Urbay was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida. Ketty has a double bachelors in Dance and Psychology from Florida International University. She facilitated movement and creative writing workshops for 15 years with at risk teenage girls through a program created by her Dance Professor Leslie Neal called ArtSpring.

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing erin@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group

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.*

Click here to review our Online Group Participation Rules.


Beginning in January 2024, the DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up & Support Group meets Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm.


*A warm thank you to our partners that have allowed us to provide a supportive community to more young adults in the DC region:

  • Bella Warrior
  • Cancer Support Community
  • GWU Medical Faculty Associates
  • First Descents
  • Hope Connections for Cancer Support
  • Howard University Hospital
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Life With Cancer
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • Nueva Vida
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Stupid Cancer
  • Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Young Survival Coalition

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Erin Price

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C and Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

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 is hosted in partnership with Medstar Washington Hospital Center , Cancer Support Community, and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

You can also register for this group by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.


The Breast Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 1st Tuesday from 6:00-7:00pm ET.


About Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

Rachel Ress

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker serving as Cancer Support Community Washington DC’s (CSC DC) Community Navigator. Prior to working at CSC DC, Rachel was an oncology social worker with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for three years. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice where she interned at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel uses an eclectic approach in providing support and compassion to cancer patients and their families, and she is passionate about the intersection of chronic illness and mental health.

About Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

Erin Price

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A ten-year+ breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through the Association of Oncology Social Workers, the Young Survival Coalition, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

This program is being hosted in-person. To register, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

With Chef Kara Garrett

In the second part of our series, we will focus on essential cooking skills needed to support your own healing kitchen. After you have revamped your pantry and refrigerator, the next step is to learn how to properly prepare these items to create healthy and delicious meals. Chef Kara will help you build confidence in the kitchen and share tools to boost nutrition in your everyday meals. Our discussion will include:

  • Introduction to common cooking techniques with regards to plant-based foods
  • Review of knife skills, including how to cut commonly used vegetables and how to utilize scraps
  • Introduction to common plant-based proteins (tofu, tempeh, seitan), how to prepare them, and substitute into your favorite recipes
  • How to easily incorporate cancer-fighting herbs and spices into meals
  • Review baking techniques to reduce sugar and boost nutrition in easy desserts

The class will end by assisting Chef Kara with making a healthy meal using your new cooking techniques and sharing our delicious meal together.

Address: 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15/session or $45/series


About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

PART 1/2. This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you are interested in joining, please register by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA & Kiersten Gallagher

offered in partnership with the Ulman Foundation

SC Writes for YACS

SC Writes for YACS

Welcome back to SC Writes for YACS, where we will deepen our writing and sharing in a safe and supportive environment. No writing experience required. Activities will include mindfulness practices, writing exercises, and reflective practices.

Stay tuned for the theme of this SC Writes series.

Group members are encouraged to attend all sessions, but missing one session is fine. This series has limited capacity and therefore attendance is important. To illustrate, we use all sessions to foster community and build an open space for sharing.


SC Writes for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) is a 2-part program series that will meet on Tuesday, May 7th and May 14th from 1:30-3pm EST.

Suggested Donation: $10/session 


About Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

Mindy Brodsky

Mindy Brodsky specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. Mindy honors her clients as the experts of their lives, and she strives to provide a supportive and safe environment.
After a career in social justice advocacy and her own challenging health journey, Mindy aspires to meet her clients where they are to help them achieve their goals.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is hosted and offered in partnership with GW Cancer Center.


Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.


About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

About 2Unstoppable

2Unstoppable is a non-profit whose mission is to encourage and support exercise among women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Free online fitness buddy matching, oncology fitness resources, and community events at www.2unstoppable.org. Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/ for a list of upcoming events.

This dance party is hosted via Instagram live through Tigerlily’s Instagram (@tigerlily_foundation). You do not need to RSVP.

with DJ Dimepiece

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

Dance Party is hosted by DJ Dimepiece, a professional DJ in LA, California who will help you groove in your own home with a unique playlist each month. This party happens via Instagram live through Tigerlily’s Instagram and is an interactive night “in” with participants all over the country!

Follow Tigerlily Foundation on Instagram: @tigerlily_foundation

Dance Party is offered on the first Saturday of each month.


About DJ Dimepiece

DJ Dimepiece “The Mixin’ Vixen” is an award winning DJ and radio personality from Los Angeles, California. She’s best known for her work in radio across the South and Midwest as well as being a cast member on VH1’s “Master of the Mix” DJ Competition.  Beauty and the Beats best describes Dimepiece today.  Her music industry background has led her to opportunities that solidified her spot within the beauty industry.   Dimepiece is also a beauty expert and content creator for national brands such as Macy’s, RastAfri, Fashion Source and more.  Dimepiece’s passion is to inspire and motivate masses through music and feeling beautiful from within.  Whether it’s from hearing their favorite song or helping them find the perfect skincare routine. When she’s not being a beauty advisor to clients or content creating, DJ Dimepiece is curating her Mixshow “Dime Time Radio” that’s heard nationwide online and on iHeart Radio.

 

Stay connected: @DJDimepiece

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

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

Smith Center es ahora el anfitrión de los Grupos de Apoyo para la Comunidad Latina en Español

Estamos muy felices de anunciar que seremos los anfitriones de los grupos de apoyo de Nueva Vida para la comunidad latina. 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 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).

Para registrarse, llame a Claudia a Nueva Vida: 202.223.9100.


Smith Center Now Hosting Support Groups for the Latino Community in Spanish

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.

At Smith Center, Nueva Vida will be providing 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).

To register, call Claudia at Nueva Vida: 202.223.9100.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking <here> or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Michaela Bekenn

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

We come together in community to be supported by the soothing vibrations of breath, silence, and sound. The session begins with setting an intention for your practice, followed by gentle stretches and breathing techniques to guide you into deep relaxation and surrender. The remainder of the journey is a sound bath guided by crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drum, guitar, and vocal toning channeling the frequencies of love.

Join Michaela on the first Friday of every month for an opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself the gift of loving care, attention, and a space to relax and release at the end your day. Sweeten your sleep by entering this sanctuary of self love and connection.

No prior experience with meditation or sound healing is necessary. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable, have a cushion and blanket near by. Bring a curious mind and an open heart.

Virtual Community Sound Bath is offered on the first Friday and 3rd Wednesday of each month. In May, the dates have changed and it will be held on May 9 and 22.


About Michaela Bekenn

Michaela Bekenn (she/her/they) is a Toronto-based certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and singer-songwriter. She is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. Michaela offers a variety of wellness-focused experiences that are always informed by the needs and goals of each client and group. Her extensive interdisciplinary training in theatre, music, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows for an eclectic approach in her practice. Michaela sources great joy from serving a wide range of demographics including youth, neurodiverse adults, corporate groups, and seniors. She is currently expanding her practice through a Master’s in Music Therapy & Psychotherapy. Michaela believes in the power of integrative community wellness. She is committed to holding inclusive space for participants to feel supported and nourished, wherever they may be in their personal journey.

Stay Connected: @michaelabekenn