Smith Center focuses on a single profound idea: everyone harbors the innate ability to heal, even when facing life’s most serious challenges. Specializing in psychosocial support, the center helps those affected by cancer and other illnesses to improve their well-being. Workshops, classes, retreats, and tailored support groups (including Spanish-language and young adult groups) focus on creativity, stress reduction, nutrition, physical activity, and coping strategies – all of which have been shown to improve patients’ prognosis and quality of life. Trained patient navigators provide individual support throughout the cancer experience, from diagnosis through survivorship and end-of-life. Smith Center serves 600 patients and caregivers each year; meanwhile, thousands of people visit its public gallery featuring artwork and events that explore the innate connection between creativity and well-being – because even when a cure is out of reach, healing is always possible.
COVID-19 Impact:
Quickly pivoting to move 100% of in-person programming to an online format; Smith Center developed and distributed new community-minded content through its existing channels. Programs in “compassion cultivation training,” healing in the face of infertility, support groups for those who have lost a loved one to cancer, “chair yoga,” and a writing program for young adults to explore inspiration through the written word.
Learn More
