Dempsey Center

Fitness for Life [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-10 09:30 - 10:15 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Connects
No class May 25 and June 29.

Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch. Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Honoring Choice: Understanding Palliative Care + Hospice [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
Palliative care and hospice are two important forms of care that individuals and families may encounter while navigating serious illness. Although both are common, they are often misunderstood. Join us for an informative discussion exploring the differences between palliative care and hospice, when each may be appropriate, how to access these services, and what you can expect along the way.

Open to the public. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Led by Julie West, AGP CNP, Mercy Hospital Palliative Nurse Practitioner and Rinna Diaz, RN, BSN, Clinical Coordinator at MaineHealth CHANS Home Health.

Sojourn: A Spiritual Care Series [Rock Row]
2026-08-07 10:00 - 11:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Cancer can be a powerful force in our exploration and living into the deep questions of what it means to be human and mortal. For those looking to deepen this understanding in relationship, we invite you to join us for Sojourn, a 7-week spiritual care series. The word Sojourn means a temporary stay. In this context, Sojourn offers a pause for rest and renewal within the cancer experience —a reflective space that aims to create and provide space to question, wonder, identify, and express through peer support, expressive arts activities, and meaningful discussion.

“You will be graced with the necessary catastrophes. They will take away your hiding places and reveal unbelievable beauty.” — Andrew Harvey.

Led by Erin King, LCSW, OSW-C, CGP and Rev. Abby Pettee

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Participants must be residents of ME, NH, or MA.

Yoga for Cancer Care - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-06 17:30 - 18:30 | Dempsey Connects
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.
Led by Heather Edgerly Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Bruce [Rock Row]
2026-08-06 17:00 - 18:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.
Drop in and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Bruce is expected the 1st Thursday of every month.

Connect + Experience: Watercolor Mandalas [Lewiston]
2026-08-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Have you been looking for a chance to connect with fellow individuals impacted by cancer and share your journey? Let’s gather with a cup of coffee or tea, take a deep breath, and lose ourselves in the meditative art of simple watercolor mandalas. This session is perfect for beginners—no drawing or meditation experience needed. All supplies will be provided. Come ready to relax and leave with a beautiful piece of art that you’ve created!

Led by Michelle Small.

Open to the public ages 12+. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Chair Yoga [Lewiston]
2026-08-06 11:00 - 11:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
No class July 2.

Join us for a gentle, accessible form of yoga, open to all levels of experience. Chair Yoga utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. We will use movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, energy, sleep, and posture.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

This class will take place at 12 High St. (YMCA)

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Forest [Rock Row]
2026-08-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.

Body Mapping: Honoring Your Story Through Art [Rock Row]
2026-08-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Living with cancer changes the way we experience our bodies, our relationships, and ourselves. Body mapping offers a gentle, creative way to reflect on that journey and give it shape through art. In this two-part workshop, participants will create a life-size body map—a personal visual story that explores experiences of illness, healing, resilience, identity, and hope. Through guided reflection, conversation, and artistic expression, we will use color, symbols, words, and images to represent what cannot always be easily spoken.
Originally developed as a healing and advocacy practice for people living with HIV/AIDS, body mapping invites participants to create a visual representation of their experiences, strengths, challenges, relationships, and sources of meaning. Through guided reflection, conversation, and artistic expression, we will trace and transform the body into a personal map of resilience, identity, and healing.
No artistic experience is necessary. This workshop is not about making “good art,” but about creating space for self-expression, insight, and connection in community. The workshop will be co-facilitated by an artist (who lives with chronic cancer herself) and an oncology counselor, offering both creative guidance and emotional support throughout the process. Following the second session, participants will have the option to share their completed body maps in a private artist reception at the Center, celebrating the courage and wisdom each story holds.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.
Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, Christine Brome, LCSW, OSW-C, and volunteer Buzz Masters.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Morning [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
No group July 2 and November 26.

If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.

Led by Kailie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C and Judi Stevens, Volunteer Support Group Facilitator.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.

Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Tai Chi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Rock Row]
2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Tai Chi is a movement therapy that promotes the flow of energy in the body to improve health. Suitable for all ages, this class will emphasize the practice and cultivation of different exercises that provide benefits such as improved balance, range of motion, and core strength, as well as pain management and decreased stress and anxiety.
Led by Cal Clark, LMT, Polarity Therapist, Certified Qi Gong Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage and their primary care partner.

Fitness for Life [Lewiston]
2026-08-06 10:00 - 10:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
No class July 2.

Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch.
Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

This class will take place at 12 High St. (YMCA)

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Dempsey Connects
Start your day with presence of mind and improved focus through a guided meditation session. These ongoing series will help you incorporate meditation as part of your daily routine and is designed for both beginners and those looking to establish a more consistent practice.
Led by Karen Hayden.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-05 14:30 - 16:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space. This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.

Led by Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.a

Meditation + Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Dempsey Connects
Find comfort and calm with guided meditation and then connect with others in a support group setting during this eight week series. Here, we will offer a compassionate space to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with others during any part of your cancer journey.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Rudy [Rock Row]
2026-08-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.

Drop in and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Rudy is expected most Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00PM.

Celebrate the Harvest [Rock Row]
2026-08-05 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Want to spruce up your vegetable repertoire this summer? Our Dempsey Garden Volunteers harvest fresh produce for the Center each week from mid-July until the last of the squash ripens in September. If you are looking for new recipes or want to sample a vegetable you haven’t had before, drop in to Celebrate the Harvest! Join us to try something new courtesy of our guest cook!
Sign up for one week or every week!

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Morning [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-05 11:30 - 13:00 | Dempsey Connects
No group May 13, July 1, and November 11.

If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space. This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.

Led by Christine Brome, LCSW, OSW-C and Linda Coupe, LCPC.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Rock Row]
2026-08-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standingyoga

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
No group July 1 and November 11.

If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.

Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Chair Yoga [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-05 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Connects
No class May 13 + July 1.

Join us for a gentle, accessible form of yoga, open to all levels of experience. Chair Yoga utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. We will use movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, energy, sleep, and posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.

This workshop will have both a virtual and in-person audience. You are signing up to attend virtually.

Chair Yoga [Rock Row]
2026-08-05 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
No class May 13 + July 1.

Join us for a gentle, accessible form of yoga, open to all levels of experience. Chair Yoga utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. We will use movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, energy, sleep, and posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

This workshop will have both a virtual and in-person audience. You are signing up to attend in-person at Rock Row.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2026-08-05 09:00 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.
Drop into our Rock Row center and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!
Louise Cheese is expected most Wednesdays, 9:00-10:30AM

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Lilo [Lewiston]
2026-08-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.

Drop in and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Lilo is expected the first and 1st + 3rd Tuesday monthly.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-04 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Connects
No group June 30.

If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.

Led by Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.

Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Writing from the Heart I [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-04 15:00 - 16:15 | Dempsey Connects
Research has shown that expressive writing can help improve quality of life for people living with cancer, and doing so in a supportive community with others further enhances coping and resilience. Using therapeutic writing prompts we will explore journaling with the opportunity to share your writing with others through reading a selected piece. No writing experience is required to join this 8-week series.

Writing from the Heart I is appropriate both for those who have previously participated in “Writing from the Heart” and those who have not. The content and prompts are new and distinct from those offered in “Writing from the Heart II.

Participants must attend the first session to participate in the full series.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage and care partners.

Tai Chi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-04 14:00 - 14:45 | Dempsey Connects
No class June 30.

Tai Chi is a movement therapy that promotes the flow of energy in the body to improve health. Suitable for all ages, this class will emphasize the practice and cultivation of different exercises that provide benefits such as improved balance, range of motion, and core strength, as well as pain management and decreased stress and anxiety.

Led by Jason Ames, founder and owner of Maine Center for Taijiquan & Qigong.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.

Celebrate the Harvest [Lewiston]
2026-08-04 12:00 - 12:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Want to spruce up your vegetable repertoire this summer? Our Dempsey Garden Volunteers harvest
fresh produce for the Center each week from mid-July until the last of the squash ripens in
September. If you are looking for new recipes or want to sample a vegetable you haven’t had before, drop in to Celebrate the Harvest! Join us
to try something new courtesy of our guest cook!

Sign up for one session or all!

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, LD, CSO, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-08-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer. Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Lewiston]
2026-08-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
No class June 30 or July 28.

Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.
