Dempsey Center

Honoring Choice: Being Mortal Screening + Discussion
2026-02-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Connects
Conversations surrounding death and dying can be difficult. Medical providers often struggle with these conversations, as well. Dr. Atul Gawande shares his own path, as a physician, in this 60-minute documentary, and urges us all to look closely at our cultural understanding of the dying process and how we can support one another better. In this 2-hour workshop, we’ll view the 60-minute documentary with additional time for questions and discussion. Attendance at other Honoring Choice workshops is not required.

Led by Allison Osgood, Hospice Liaison, of Beacon Hospice.

Open to the public.

Sojourn: A Spiritual Care Series [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-04 15:00 - 16:15 | Dempsey Connects
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 new 8-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 Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW and Rev. Abby Pettee

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.
Participants must be a Maine state resident.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-04 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 and Jennifer Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to 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.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Rudy [Rock Row]
2026-02-04 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!

Spice Around the World [Rock Row]
2026-02-04 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
The use of spices when cooking can be intimidating and when taste sensation has been impacted by treatment, spices can be either helpful or more challenging to incorporate into dishes. So let’s explore spices together! In this workshop, we’ll discover new spices that can add interesting flavors to food while providing health-supporting nutrients. Each week, we’ll make a quick recipe featuring a different spice profile and, of course, sample and chat about food! Your taste buds will thank you!

Open to the public.

Led by Judy Donnelly and a team of volunteer assistants.

Spice Around the World [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-04 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Connects

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-04 11:30 - 13:00 | 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 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.

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
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.

Chair Yoga [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-04 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Connects
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 Dempsey Center clients.

Chair Yoga [Rock Row]
2026-02-04 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
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 or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

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

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2026-02-04 09:00 - 10:00 | 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 into our Rock Row center and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Interested in spending some time with one of our Dempsey Dogs teams individually? Call 877-336-7287 to schedule your private Paws Together appointment with one of our therapy dog teams.

Expressions of Loss: Writing + Community [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-03 17:30 - 18:30 | Dempsey Connects
This 8-week series combines peer support and expressive arts to help individuals navigate grief after the loss of a loved one. Through therapeutic writing and drawing prompts, participants will explore their emotions and share their work in a supportive group environment (sharing is encouraged but optional).
Please have writing utensils and paper; no prior writing experience is necessary to join.

Led by Erin King, LCSW, APHSW-C, OSW-C.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who have experienced loss of a loved one to cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Connects
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 and Jen Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to 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 [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-03 14:00 - 14:45 | Dempsey Connects
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 Dempsey Center clients.

The Next Chapter: Support After Cancer Treatment [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Connects
Do you have questions about navigating life post cancer treatment? Are you looking for ways to care for your physical and emotional well-being after treatment has ended? Do you want to connect with others who ‘get it’?

Join us for this 4-week series to learn techniques for coping with the new physical and emotional reality of your post-treatment cancer journey. While connecting with other survivors, learn the importance of eating well coupled with strategies to optimize your diet; identify how movement and fitness can care for your body and mind; and explore how complementary therapies can improve your well-being.
Attendance at all four sessions is highly recommended.

Week 1 – CONNECT: Meet with others in a similar place in their cancer journey.
Week 2 – FEEL WELL: Discover new ways to move your body and learn about how complementary therapies can care for your body and mind.
Week 3 – EAT WELL: Learn how to optimize your diet and eat well through survivorship.
Week 4 – FEEL: Discuss the emotional realities post-treatment.

Led by Allison Burt, LCSW, OSW-C; Judy Donnelly, RDN; Tish Caldwell, Certified Oncology Fitness Instructor; Liz Como, LMT; Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C.

Open to Dempsey Center clients who are no longer receiving ‘active’ treatment (ex. Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, etc.)
We acknowledge that the ‘end’ of cancer treatment can look very different from person to person. If you are not sure if this program is right for you, please contact Allison Burt, LCSW at aburt@dempseycenter.org to learn more.

Reflections in a Cup: An Exploration of Life [Rock Row]
2026-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Join us for a transformative series that invites you to explore life through the imagery of your favorite tea or coffee cup. Bring your cup, settle in, and enjoy a soothing beverage as we embark on a journey of reflection and connection.
In a safe and welcoming environment, you will listen deeply—to the world around you, your inner self, and the stories of others. Together, we will rediscover our narratives, particularly in the context of those who have faced cancer, and seek spiritual insights through shared experiences. This workshop is an opportunity to connect with your spirit, reflect on your journey, and gain new perspectives amidst life’s challenges.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients impacted by cancer.

Led by Judy Braun.

Heal: Yoga + Cancer [Rock Row]
2026-02-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
This series includes yoga postures, flowing movements and focus on breath to help students achieve relaxation and mobility in everyday life. Conscious effort to link breath with movement helps relieve tension, helps students gain flexibility and improve mobility and strength in the body. No yoga experience necessary.
Led by Jamie Navarro, Yoga in Action Certified Yoga Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Lewiston]
2026-02-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, 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 standing.

This series will be taking place at the YMCA located at 12 High Street (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-03 08:00 - 08:30 | 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 Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-02 17:00 - 18:30 | 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 Jen Dimond, LCSW, OSW-C and co-facilitated with Volunteer Support Group Facilitator, Judi Stevens.
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 [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-02 10:30 - 11:30 | 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 Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

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

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Lewiston]
2026-02-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 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!

Interested in spending some time with one of our Dempsey Dogs teams individually? Call 877-336-7287 to schedule your private Paws Together appointment with one of our therapy dog teams.

Fitness for Life [Rock Row]
2026-02-02 09:30 - 10:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
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.

Fitness for Life [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Dempsey Connects
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 all Dempsey Center clients.

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

In A Fog: Chemo Brain Q+A [Rock Row]
2026-01-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
If you are unable to remember certain things, have trouble finishing tasks, difficulty concentrating or learning new skills, or managing emotions you may have “chemo brain.” This informational session breaks down the characteristics of chemo brain, as well as strategies to help manage symptoms.
Bring all your questions about chemo brain and Dr. Miller will answer questions after the presentation.

Led by Thomas G. Miller, Ph.D., QBISP and Clinical Neuropsychologist with Goodwill Northern New England NeuroRehab Services.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Qigong for Wellness [Rock Row]
2026-01-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Qigong 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.
Open to Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage and their primary care partner.
Led by Ronnie Wilson RN/NP Certified Tai Chi + Qigong instructor

Yoga for Cancer Care - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2026-01-29 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]
2026-01-29 17:00 - 18:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
