Dempsey Center

Cooking for Health + Healing [Rock Row]
2026-02-23 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Improve your skills in the kitchen and discover the role of food as it relates to overall health during and after cancer treatment. In this 4-week series, you will learn how food can be used to support health, regain strength, reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses, while discovering new ways to add nutrients to your diet. Each week, clients will participate in preparing recipes with assistance from our nutritionist.

Featured weekly topics include:

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eating for a Healthy Heart
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Adding Color to Your Plate

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

Open to all Dempsey Center Clients.
Participants are strongly urged to attend all sessions.

Please note that this class does require participation, which may include standing and moving about our demonstration kitchen. Sign up requires a telephone consult before attending.
Participants must bring their own containers to transport prepared food home.

Guided Meditation + Massage [Lewiston]
2026-02-23 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Experience a serene session of guided meditation and restorative massage. Allow yourself to be guided through tranquil meditation while our massage therapists offer soothing hand, foot, back, and neck massage. This distinctive blend provides an opportunity for deep relaxation, comfort, and rejuvenation.
Led by Liz Como.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-23 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.

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 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.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Lewiston]
2026-02-24 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.

Heal: Yoga + Cancer [Rock Row]
2026-02-24 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.

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-25 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.

The Next Chapter: Support After Cancer Treatment [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 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.

Tai Chi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 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.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 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.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Meadow [Lewiston]
2026-02-24 16:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Expressions of Loss: Writing + Community [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 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.

Transitioning Into Survivorship [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Dempsey Connects
Physical, emotional, and financial difficulties can often continue on after cancer treatment has ended. And for some, those difficulties can be lifelong challenges. Join others who are navigating life post-cancer treatment for this 6-week series to discuss strategies for managing anxiety and planning for life after cancer.
Led by Michelle S. Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are post-treatment.
Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2026-02-25 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.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-25 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.

Stretch + Strengthen [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-25 12:30 - 13:30 | Dempsey Connects
Join us for a progressive series that combines Pilates and Yoga principles to enhance core strength and stability to promote better balance. We will also focus on improving flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, posture, and alignment.
No experience required.

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

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.
Please note that participants must be able to lay on their backs and transition from floor to standing.

This class has a virtual and in person at Rock Row option. You are signing up to attend virtually.

Stretch + Strengthen [Rock Row]
2026-02-25 12:30 - 13:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Join us in-person for a progressive series that combines Pilates and Yoga principles to enhance core strength and stability to promote better balance. We will also focus on improving flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, posture, and alignment.
No experience required.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor and Certified Pilates 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 lay on their backs and transition from floor to standing.

This class is offered in person at Rock Row and virtually. You are signing up to attend in Rock Row.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Rudy [Rock Row]
2026-02-25 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!

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-25 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.

Sojourn: A Spiritual Care Series [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-25 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.

Tai Chi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Rock Row]
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
No class February 26 or March 5.

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 in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Morning [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 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 Massachuesetts.

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.

Virtual Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
Meet virtually with others impacted by a cancer diagnosis in this weekly support group. Whether you were recently diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or are in remission, this group is a place to discuss your diagnosis and its lingering impact with those who truly understand.

Led by Paige Moore, LCSW, CAGC, OSW-C.

Open to Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.
Participants must be Maine residents.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Forest [Rock Row]
2026-02-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Bruce [Rock Row]
2026-02-26 17:00 - 18:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Yoga for Cancer Care - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-26 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.

Young Adult Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-26 17:30 - 18:45 | Dempsey Connects
Work, relationships, sexuality, intimacy, finances, family, parenting, college…adulting is just different with a cancer diagnosis. This group is a place for young adults at any point in their cancer journey to connect and socialize with others who understand the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. We share stories, struggles and laughter and identify ways to cope day to day.

Led by Kristen Breault, LCSW and Libby Gordon, Volunteer Support Group Facilitator.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients ages 18-40ish with a cancer diagnosis, at any point in their cancer journey.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Qigong for Wellness [Rock Row]
2026-02-27 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
