At The Gathering Place, our Children, Teen and Family programs are here to support children and teens living with cancer, who have cancer in the family and who experienced a death of an adult loved one from cancer. Our free programs and services help children, teens and families cope with the emotional, social, spiritual and physical impact of cancer.
At The Gathering Place we recognize that when a parent, grandparent or other significant adult in a child or teen's life is diagnosed with cancer it can profoundly impact the family's coping. Our staff, specially trained to work with children, teens and families, are here to provide support through this challenging time. Our programs help children, teens and families enhance current coping skills and build new ones, strengthen communication and build resilience.
Our programs include:
Groups for families with an adult with cancer, using art, play and discussion to process emotion and enhance coping skills as a family. Facilitators: Michelle Miller, LISW-S, ACHP-SW, Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS, Tori Matejka, MA, CCLS
This interactive and creative group is designed to connect and support the entire family (caregivers, children, and siblings) in coping with the impact of cancer. Families can also connect with each other to know they are not alone in this experience. Meets at The Gathering Place East the second Saturday of each month, 11:00am-12:00pm. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS
Group for parents/caregivers of a child/teen with cancer currently on or post treatment. This group will provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties of having a child/teen dealing with cancer and its impacts, and to receive support from a community of others facing similar experiences. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS
Group for siblings of a pediatric cancer patient.
Held online on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30-7:30pm.
Groups for parents and children who have experienced the death of a loved one due to cancer. Sessions include expressive age-appropriate activities. Facilitators: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS - Tori Matejka, MA, CCLS
Group for children who have experienced the death of a sibling to childhood cancer. Includes expressive age-appropriate activities. Facilitator: Michelle Miller, LISW-S, ACHP-SW
Join us for various activities for the whole family! Held monthly.
Please refrain from wearing perfumes and scented lotions while a The Gathering Place. Many people undergoing treatment are sensitive to smells and find it makes them feel ill. Thank you.
"TGP started off as a support system, but over the course of our journey it became much more. The staff did an amazing job of helping me through my chaos, but even more importantly was what they provided my children - normalcy and support. We found community and support. I don't know how may family and I could have made our journey without The Gathering Place." - Participant