Programs & Services

The Wellness Community-Greater Washington, DC provides free programs of support, education and hope to adults with cancer and their loved ones.

For our June program calendar click here.

For our July program calendar click here.

Welcome to Wellness: Newcomer Orientation

We offer Newcomer Orientation twice each week to allow adults with a cancer diagnosis, family members and friends an opportunity to learn about The Wellness Community and the programs we offer.

Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Thursdays at Noon

The day and time may change due to special programming.

For reservations and to verify the date and time, please call 301-493-5002.

Support Groups:

Ongoing, professionally facilitated support groups are the heart of our program. We currently have openings in both our Wednesday noon and Thursday evening groups for individuals with a cancer diagnosis (Participant Groups) and in our Caregiver Groups for concerned family members and friends. Participant and Caregiver Groups meet simultaneously in separate rooms. Participation in a Newcomer Orientation and a brief preparation interview are necessary before joining a weekly support group. For additional information, please contact Barbara Shaffer, Program Director, at 301-493-5002,

Networking Groups:

Professionally facilitated monthly networking groups allow participants and their loved ones to connect with others who have a similar cancer diagnosis or similar life circumstances. These are drop in groups - no reservation is necessary to attend.

Ovarian & Gyn Networking Group - second Monday of the month from Noon - 2 p.m.
Breast Cancer Group - third Monday of the month from Noon - 2 p.m.
General Cancer Networking Group - first & third Wednesday of the month from 3 - 5 p.m.

Kids, Teens & Parents Connect

For children and teens ages 5-17 who have a parent or close family member with cancer. Simultaneous professionally facilitated groups will be held for children, teens and their parents. A parent or guardian is required to attend with their child or teen.

Kids, Teens & Parents Connect is on summer break. Check back in September for our fall schedule.

Educational Programs: Workshops, which provide participatory learning opportunities on a variety of topics related to fighting for recovery, are offered regularly.

Understanding Sarcomas Diagnosis and Treatment Updates
We will learn to understand the difference between a sarcoma and a carcinoma, the different types of sarcomas, when chemotherapy and radiation are indicated, and new and evolving treatment modalities.
Wednesday, June 4, 4-6 p.m.
Felasfa Wodajo, MD Summit Orthopedic Surgery, LLC

NUTRITION WORKSHOP: Updates on recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Wednesday, July 9, 7-8 p.m.
Lynda McIntyre, R.D. L.D.

Refreshments are served at all education programs . To register, call 301-493-5002.

Many thanks to Whole Foods Market Bethesda for providing nutritional meals and snacks for Lunch & Learn and education programs.

Stress Management: Sessions designed to teach techniques that provide skills to change the impact of stress in one's life, such as Yoga and Qigong/Tai Chi, are offered weekly. These are drop in classes - no reservation is necessary to attend.

Gentle Yoga led by Debbie Jensen, RYT

Two Monday classes: 10 - 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m - 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 - 11 a.m.

Qigong/Tai Chi

led by Wah Lee

Thursday: 5 - 6 p.m.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga offers us the opportunity to experience deep rest and relaxation. By following a sequence of supportive and nurturing physical postures, using blankets and other props, we will explore the art of "being" rather than "doing."

Tuesday, June 10, 6-7 p.m.

Kym Sevilla, Clinical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Teacher

Community Events: Opportunities to come together as a community, such as a National Cancer Survivor Day and a summer potluck supper, are offered regularly.

Survivors Day Celebration
Join us to celebrate our community, including a presentation by Nancy Horazduk, Director Mind Body Medicine Program, Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m.- 1p.m.