Spotlight: Ann’s Place
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The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center is proud to partner with Ann’s Place, a community-based cancer support team that offers the Art Therapy and Living with Stage 4/Incurable Cancer support groups held on-site at the Leever Center.
Mathew was a 54-year-old man who came to me for individual art therapy when he was given three to four months to live. By then, his cancer had metastasized to his brain. This piece was a response to what he believed (and hoped) would be waiting for him after death.
Ann’s Place is a compassionate nonprofit serving Connecticut and New York’s Hudson Valley, offering professional counseling, support groups, wellness activities, and educational resources, all at no charge. The programs offered by Ann’s Place have enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people facing cancer.
“It’s not really convenient for folks in the Greater Waterbury area to attend in person in Danbury. So after COVID, when we started going in person again, we teamed up with the Leever Center to offer sessions that are better off in person,” said Debbie Mendez, ATR-P, LPC-A, Bilingual Clinician (pictured above in an art therapy session with a patient) who runs the two support groups at Leever.
“It brings me so much joy to be able to offer just a snippet of the services that we have at Ann’s Place at the Leever Center so that folks are aware that support is out there. The hope is that by participating in these group sessions, you can utilize the skills you learn when you need them — if you are having insomnia, for example, or waiting for the results of a scan.”
For more information or to register, email clientservices@annsplace.org or call 203-709-6568 x109.
Living with Stage 4/Incurable Cancer Support Group: 2nd/4th Tuesday of the month, 1:30 - 3pm
A support group for individuals with stage 4 or incurable cancer, offering a space to connect, share, and find strength together.
Sofia is a 31-year-old woman who is in treatment for a rare type of bladder cancer. She is resentful when people who know about her cancer say things
like “You look great!” On the inside, she feels poked and prodded, stripped of agency over her body. We explore these feelings in art therapy. The outside of the mask is perfectly composed, bold and strong (above left). The inside of the mask is raw, vulnerable, and vein-like.
Art Therapy Cancer Support Group: 2nd/4th Tuesday of the month, 3:30 - 5pm
Open to anyone on their cancer journey, this support group will utilize the art-making process, helping to bring thoughts and emotions into the conscious mind. Modalities include painting, drawing, sculpting, mixed media, and more. Art Therapy is beneficial for all ages and does not require any previous art experience.