WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Orientation Meetings (No appointment needed)
Tuesdays, 7pm – 9pm,
Fridays, 10am – 12noon
Introductory meetings for adults with cancer, family members, and friends to learn about FREE programs at The Wellness Community and to share concerns.

Participant Groups (Requires attendance at an orientation meeting, a brief interview, and a commitment to regular attendance)
Tuesdays, 11am – 1pm, 6pm – 8pm
Wednesdays, 6pm – 8pm
Thursdays, 10am – 12noon
(Camarillo) Wednesdays, 6pm – 8pm
Ongoing weekly groups, led by licensed psychotherapists, in which people with cancer offer support to one another, explore ways of coping with the stress of cancer, and learn how to become effective partners with their healthcare team.

Family and Friends Drop-in Group
Tuesdays, 6pm – 8pm
Thursdays, 10am – 12noon
Drop-in group, led by licensed psychotherapists, providing support for loved ones of people with cancer.

Family Groups (Requires attendance at an orientation meeting, a brief interview, and a commitment to regular attendance)
Wednesdays, 6pm – 8pm
Ongoing weekly groups led by licensed psychotherapists, providing support for loved ones of people with cancer.

Bridge Club Inactive at present  (Please call to for details)

Kids Circle – Jump into Art and Other Creative Activities 
Tuesdays, 4pm - 5:30pm.
A program for children between the ages of 5 and 11 who have a parent or grandparent with cancer. Children feel less alone when they have the opportunity to express feelings and concerns through creative activities. Parents are welcome to chat.

Beginning Yoga Wednesdays 4:15pm – 5:15pm
Yoga, with its gentle stretching and deep-breathing, can increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, aid in relaxation, and promote a feeling of serenity. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, towel, or blanket to lie on.

Relaxation/Visualization Fridays 1pm – 2pm 
Visualization has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, decreasing anxiety, and boosting the immune system.

Qigong Saturdays 9am – 10am 
This centuries-old Chinese healing technique promotes health through movement and meditation.

BI-MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

Quilting Club Second Wednesday of the month,
Feb. 9, & Mar. 9, and fourth Saturday of the month, 
Feb. 26 & Mar. 26, 1pm-4pm.
Come and join this dynamite group of people who find the age-old art of quilting to be a wonderful outlet for creative expression, a great way to connect with others, and a way to give back to The Wellness Community. Quilting experience not necessary.

Knitting Club First and third Tuesday of the month,
Feb. 1 & 15, and Mar. 1 & 15, 2:00pm
This group is open to all – experienced knitters as well as those who want to learn. Come and enjoy the camaraderie and creativity - guaranteed to keep you in stitches.

MONTHLY CANCER-SPECIFIC NETWORKING GROUPS

Gynecological Cancer Group Temporarily Suspended
For women who have or have had any gynecological cancer

Breast Cancer Group Third Tuesday of the month,
Feb. 15, and Mar. 15, 7pm – 9pm
For women who have or have had any stage of breast cancer

Brain Tumor Group First Thursday of the month,
Feb. 3, and Mar. 3, 6:30pm – 8:30 pm
For people who have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, as well as for spouses/significant others

Prostate Cancer Group Third Saturday of the month,
Feb. 19, and Mar. 19, 10:30am – 12:30 pm
This group for men with prostate cancer helps raise issues and concerns about sexual functioning, job conflicts, family role changes, self-image and other quality-of-life issues. Spouses/significant others welcome.

Lung Cancer Group Temporarily Suspended
For people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, as well as for spouses/significant others.

SPECIAL CONCERNS GROUPS

The Wellness Connection
First and third Tuesdays, Feb. 1 & 15, and Mar. 1 & 15, 11am – 1pm
Second and fourth Tuesdays, Feb. 8 & 22, and Mar. 8 & 22, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
This drop-in group is for those who are no longer involved in the day-to-day cancer experience, but who want to remain connected and involved in the community and maintain their quality of life.

Transition Group
Second and fourth Thursdays, Feb. 10 & 24, and Mar. 10 & 24, 
6:30pm – 8:30pm 
For those who have experienced the loss of someone from cancer. (Please call Anne Gessert prior to attending.)

PROGRAMS IN SPANISH (Click here for listings in Spanish and in English)

SATELLITE PROGRAMS

San Fernando Valley
There is currently no English-speaking group meeting in the San Fernando Valley. A group will begin again as soon as there are enough participants. If you are interested in a group in the San Fernando Valley, please call 1-805-379-4777 for more information and to be placed on a waiting list.

Camarillo Every Wednesday, 6pm – 8pm
Support group for people with cancer and their family and friends. Meetings are held at the Camarillo Health Care District, 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Suite 117, Camarillo. Please call 1-805-379-4777 for more information.

FEATURED PROGRAMS

Yoga for Stress Management  Mondays, 11:30am-12:45pm
This popular course focuses on using the yoga tools of awareness, breathing, gentle movement, meditation, relaxation and imagery to reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being.  Please call for dates.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction  Mondays, Feb. 14, 21 & 28, Mar. 7, 14, 21 & 28, Apr. 4, 6:30-8:30pm
This comprehensive eight-week course in stress reduction is based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and helps participants to embrace the full experience of life.  Mindfulness is based on practices that teach us how to live more deliberately and fully.  Pre-registration is required and an orientation meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 7, 6-7pm.

Watercolor Art Class  Thursdays, Feb. 10 & 24, Mar. 17 & 31, 1-3pm
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore your imagination through the use of watercolors.  No experience (or talent) necessary.  Even if you’ve never picked up a paint brush, or can’t draw a straight line, you will feel right at home.

Ask the Doctor about Depression, with Dr. Ed Jesalva  Thursday, Feb. 24, 7-9pm
Here at The Wellness Community we offer many tools to deal with the stress surrounding a diagnosis of cancer; it is also important to know, in the fight for recovery, how to recognize and deal with clinical depression and crippling anxiety should they occur.  Dr. Jesalva is a psychiatrist in the Conejo Valley and his approach to treatment incorporates the integration of medicine, psychology, and sociology as well as spirituality.  Join Dr. Jesalva as he discusses these important topics and answers questions that you may have.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cancer Advocacy Now! Legislative Advocacy for Quality Cancer Care – Training Workshop  Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 9pm
The Wellness Community and The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship have joined forces to assure quality cancer care for all Americans by advocating for public policy change at the federal level.  This advocacy-training program is focused on cancer care and treatment and will give you the opportunity to tell Congress of the need to make positive changes in our healthcare system.  By taking action today, you can help assure that a friend, a co-worker, a loved one, or even yourself, has access to high-quality cancer care when it’s needed most.  Let Congress hear your voice.  Join the advocacy-training program.  Dinner will be served.  R.S.V.P. (805) 379-4777. 

Daniel's Day of Magic, Sunday, March 13th, 12:30 - 2:30pm
For families.  Join us, and a magician from “The Magic Castle”, for a magical afternoon of smiles, laughter and celebration. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this events, however reservations are required. Please call (805) 379-4777 to reserve your seat.

SPECIAL EVENTS

All proceeds from our special events are used to provide programs of psychosocial, emotional, and educational support for over 2,000 individuals with cancer and their loved ones in western San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. All programs and services are provided free of charge to participants, largely thanks to support from special events.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura Design Showcase
April 21 - May 22, 2005
Thursdays and Fridays, 10am to 5pm
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 6pm
Guests will have the opportunity to tour this magnificent, nearly 6,000 square foot, multi-level home on Lake Sherwood; see the latest innovations and styles featuring over 20 designers; enjoy lunch in a lakeside bistro; shop in a fabulous boutique; attend fashion shows, and much, much more.
To purchase tickets click here. For information click here. To volunteer click here.

Strides for Hope Adidas Vancouver International Marathon, May 1st, 2005.
The Strides for Hope team will depart on Friday, April 29th and return on Monday, May 2nd.
Get fit as you train for the experience of a lifetime and help cancer patients find hope! Join The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura’s Strides for Hope and walk or run a half or full marathon at the 34th annual Adidas Vancouver International Marathon on May 1st, 2005. For more information or to support our runners, contact Ellyn.wallen@wellnesscommunityhope.org.
To print flyer click here.

National Cancer Survivors Day Dinner and Auction,
Friday, June 3, time to be announced. Family Picnic, Saturday, June 4, 2005, starts at 1:00 pm
National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) weekend celebration will feature a dinner, auction, and special guest speaker on Friday evening, June 3rd, 2005 at the Hyatt Westlake and a family picnic on the lawn of The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura Westlake Village on Saturday, June 4th, 2005.
Ticket price for dinner and auction to be announced. Family picnic FREE of Charge
To purchase tickets, click here or call 379-4777.

Magic Night, Saturday, Sept. 24
The Magic Castle is coming to Calabasas! This magical evening features strolling magicians, magic performance, live auction, an Invitation to the Magic Castle, Hor d’oeuvres and a hosted bar. Attendance is limited.
Ticket price is $125.
To purchase tickets, click here or call 379-4777.

Holiday Homes Tour, Saturday and Sunday, December 3 & 4
Now in its 14th year, this two-day event is a popular highlight during the holiday season drawing; as many as 4,000 visitors from Conejo, Las Virgenes, San Fernando Valley, Ventura areas, and beyond.   The self-guided tour showcases beautiful homes that offer a unique view of custom and personalized holiday expressions of the homeowners.  There is also a Holiday Boutique, featuring unique vendors and a raffle for special holiday gifts.