Mission Statement
The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia
is dedicated to providing, at no cost to members, a
comprehensive and professional program of emotional
support and education designed to enhance the mind,
body, and spirit of people whose lives have
been impacted by cancer.

 
 
   
 

Programs at The Suzanne Morgan Center in Philadelphia
Support, Education, and Hope

The Cancer Support Community is dedicated to providing services to people with cancer and their loved ones that will enable and strengthen them to live as fully as possible through cancer and beyond. Through participation in professionally led programs that utilize the Patient Active Concept, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation, and restore hope. Our programs are free of charge and are designed as a complement, not an alternative, to conventional medical care. Each individual chooses what activities to attend.

The Community
Support and Friendship

Our home at the historic Ridgeland Mansion offers a safe and comfortable setting where people touched by cancer can gather, to learn together and from one another, and through shared learning find strength and hope for their journey.

Newcomer Orientation
A First Step in Learning

This is an opportunity to meet with CSCP staff and cancer survivors to learn about programs at CSCP. We ask anyone considering a support group to attend this meeting. There is no need to register ahead of time and meetings last about one hour.

Newcomer meetings are held:

In Philadelphia at The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland

First & Third Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 PM
Thursdays at 11:00 AM

By Appointment
 

Support Groups
Strength in Numbers

People with Cancer (mixed diagnoses) meet in weekly, ongoing groups to learn from one another and to find strength together in their journey through treatment and recovery. All groups are professionally facilitated. To join, attendance at a Newcomers’ Orientation and a short pre-placement interview are required. They meet:


In Philadelphia at The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland
Tuesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Tuesdays at 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

In Chester County (Paoli) at The Cancer Center of Paoli Hospital
255 West Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA  19301
Tuesdays at 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Family and Friends’ groups are held weekly on a drop-in basis for family members and caregivers of loved ones with cancer. This is an opportunity for family members and friends to learn how to best support loved ones and to manage the stress of caregiving. They meet:

In Philadelphia at The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Please read the section on our website to learn more about support groups and
to determine if a support group is a good choice for you.

Networking Groups
Common Issues

These are drop-in groups that meet monthly or every other month. They offer an opportunity for people with similar diagnoses or concerns to share information and experiences. All groups are professionally facilitated and are open to adults with cancer and their loved ones. Please refer to the calendar for current Networking Groups’ meeting dates and times.

Educational Workshops
A Learning Experience

Education is a vital tool for all people affected by cancer. CSCP conducts many educational programs featuring expert speakers who provide information on a variety of topics and offer opportunities for questions and answers. Please refer to the calendar for currently scheduled educational workshops.
 

Exercise and Stress Management
Taking Care of Mind and Body

These programs, such as T’ai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong, are offered each week to nourish the mind and body by improving strength, flexibility, and overall conditioning needed to combat fatigue, reduce stress, and promote health and well-being. All classes are designed to support participants at their individual level of fitness. Our weekly “Mind Body” classes teach relaxation techniques and meditation practices that enhance the capacity to manage stress and live more fully in the present. Please refer to the calendar for dates and times of these programs.
 
 

Nutrition Matters
Food for Health

These are educational programs offered several times each month that focus on specific nutritional concerns for people with cancer, as well as information about healthy eating and cooking. Participants can also share ideas, resources, and recipes. Light nutritious meals are typically included. Please refer to the calendar for current topics.
 
 

Creative Expression
Affirming Life

The creative process of art-making and other expressive arts, such as music and writing, offer tools to manage the cancer experience and can be a path to healing the mind and spirit. CSCP regularly schedules an eight-week “Open Studio” art-making series, holds monthly writing, scrapbook, and dreamwork groups, as well as a book club each calendar. Poetry, music, journaling, weaving, and beading are also offered at various times. All these programs affirm life through creativity and expression and enhance a connection through community. Please refer to the calendar for current programs.
 
 

Children and Family Services
Strengthening Families

Kids' Connection is a group for school age children who have a parent or grandparent with cancer. It is an opportunity for children to come together with others who have shared experiences. Through art and play activities they will explore thoughts, feelings and questions about life when a loved one has cancer. A concurrent group for parents and grandparents focuses on specific concerns around parenting while dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Kids' Connection is offered several times each year. Groups are offered in Philadelphia. Please refer to the current calendar, or contact Kathleen Coyne, Program Director, at 215-879-7733 to learn more.
 
 

Social Programs
Having Fun Together

Social events are an occasion to enjoy camaraderie and friendship and honor life that goes on through illness. All participants, their families and friends are invited to our seasonal gatherings and the annual “Jokefest”. These programs will also be described on our current calendar.
 
  Bereavement Services
Support for the Family Transition

This group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one from cancer is offered several times yearly and meets for ten weeks. It provides an opportunity for bereaved persons to share their feelings and experiences, get support and suggestions, and to learn how to go on with life. Being with others who can understand as well as tolerate the sadness, pain, and other feelings caused by a significant loss is a major benefit of the group. Please call 215-879-7733 to learn about the dates of the next group.
 
 
If you have any questions about programs and services at CSCP, please call to speak with a member of the clinical staff at 215-879-7733 any time during business hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday).  We can provide more information about our programs and inform you about other important resources. In addition, CSCP has a lending library with books on varied topics relating to the cancer experience as well as a computer with Internet connection for use by participants.
 
 
 
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Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia
The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland
4100 Chamounix Drive
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131
(215) 879-7733 ~ (888) 819-3553
Fax: (215) 879-6575
info@cancersupport-phila.org