WomenCARE - Support and Services

“In the 26 years that I have been working with people with cancer, I have been convinced that peer support helps in many ways that can't be easily shown with numbers” —Dr. Jennifer Choate
	WomenCARE client holds another woman's hand during chemotherapy.

WomenCARE is a community providing advocacy, resources, education and support to women with cancer, their families, friends and health practitioners throughout diagnosis, healing, surviving, or dying.

WomenCARE offers many FREE support groups, for women with all kinds of cancer. Each support group is led by a trained facilitator who follows the WomenCARE philosophy as she helps the group create a "safe haven" for sharing. Groups include drop-in, post treatment, advanced, and Spanish-speaking. WomenCARE can help you decide which group is right for you. There is a separate support group for friends and family, providing a place to meet others who understand.

WomenCARE's Healing Circle provides educational and experiental groups such as art for healing, complementary treatment, dream work, knitting/handcraft, and writing.

Individual support services for women with cancer include Sisters Offering Support (SOS). Entre Nosotras provides free assistance for Spanish-speaking women with cancer. For more information about Entre Nosotras, please call (831) 761-3973.

WomenCARE's other services include a lending and reference library, an email newsletter, practical support, a collection of online resources, medical research assistance, legal assistance (from WomenCARE Advocates, Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County), bodywork services from professional practitioners, phone support, and information and referral.

WomenCARE occasionally hosts workshops, lectures, and special events. Our WomenCARE speakers are cancer survivors available to speak to groups and classes about various cancer topics and their experiences with cancer.

Joining a new group and meeting new people can be very difficult, under the best of circumstances. If you are considering joining a group, but feel hesitant or nervous, please read these testimonials from support group members and facilitators.

All support groups and services are offered free of charge, but registration is required by calling WomenCARE at (831) 457-2273. All meetings are held at the WomenCARE office unless otherwise specified and are facilitated by many wonderful volunteers.

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This page was last updated 9/28/08.

WomenCARE, 1001 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 457-2273
Office Hours: MWF 9 - 1 and Tu 1- 5
Map and Directions
office@womencaresantacruz.org