Dempsey Center

Writing from the Care Partner's Heart [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Connects
A 6-week expressive arts series for care partners of loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. Through therapeutic writing and drawing prompts, participants will explore their care partner experience in a supportive space. Sharing is encouraged but never required.
No prior writing or drawing experience needed. Please bring writing utensils and paper.
Led by Kristen Breault, LCSW and Erin King, LCSW, APHSW-C, OSW-C.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients caring for a loved one with cancer.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-21 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.

Strength After Breast Cancer [Rock Row]
2025-07-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC) is an 8-week exercise program open to clients with any cancer diagnosis in active or post-treatment. Presented by Seacoast Hand Therapy, this series is designed to teach individuals about the benefits of slow, progressive exercise and how it can reduce the onset and/or severity of lymphedema. SABC is also designed to improve strength and energy through safe upper and lower body stretches and strength exercises. Please note that this class is not restricted to clients with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Led by Hilary Hayner MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT and June Leary PT, CLT.

Open to Dempsey Center clients with any cancer diagnosis in active-treatment or post-treatment.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-21 11:00 - 12:00 | 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. Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-21 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 adult Dempsey Center clients.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Rocco [Rock Row]
2025-07-21 10:00 - 11:30 | 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!

Rocco is expected most 1st + 3rd Mondays, 10:00-11:30AM.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Lewiston]
2025-07-21 09:30 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States

Honoring Choice: Being Mortal Viewing + Discussion [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

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

Making the Move to a Plant-Based Diet [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Connects
Are you considering a move to a plant-based diet? Moving away from animal-based foods can result in nutrient deficiencies and discovering new sources of protein and other micronutrients is important. This two-part workshop will look at different types of vegetarian diets and the benefits they offer to those with a cancer diagnosis or those looking to improve their health. Follow along as we demonstrate the preparation of plant-based items to get you started!
Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, LD.
Open to the public.

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

This series will have both an in-person and virtual audience.

Making the Move to a Plant-Based Diet [Rock Row]
2025-07-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Grief After Cancer Loss [Rock Row]
2025-07-17 14:00 - 15:00
Coping with the death of a loved one can be one of the most difficult times in life. Grief is a universal experience and yet no one grieves in the same way. In this 8-week series, find support through others who are also grieving and explore how to move through this new life landscape.

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

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer at least three months ago and within the last two years.
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.

Chair Yoga [Lewiston]
2025-07-17 12:00 - 12:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, 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 treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

Fitness for Life [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-17 11:00 - 11:45 | 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 Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

Fitness for Life [Lewiston]
2025-07-17 11:00 - 11:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Morning [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-17 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.

Tai Chi + QiGong for Energy + Health [Rock Row]
2025-07-17 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 in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-17 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.

Connect + Experience: Essential Oils for Aromatherapy [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Have you been looking for a chance to connect with fellow individuals impacted by cancer and share your journey? Let’s gather for a cup of coffee or tea as we explore how various essential oils can support mood management, boost immunity, and offer comfort and relief. Certain scents can even help with nausea, and we’ll have a selection of aromatics to experience together. Roxanne Wheeler, MS, RN, with 14 years of expertise in teaching about essential oils, will guide us on how to safely and effectively incorporate them into your life.

Led by Michelle Small and Roxanne Wheeler, MS, RN.

Open to the public.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-16 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]
2025-07-16 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!

Knitting Group [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Join our group of survivor and care partner volunteers who gather to replenish our knitted and crocheted comfort item inventory, including such items as afghans (blankets), hats, and knitted knockers.

Led by Michelle Small.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.

Do you prefer to volunteer knit or crochet from home? Please call Michelle Small at 207-376-9669 or email msmall@dempseycenter.org.

Women's Cancer Support Group Series [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-16 13:00 - 14:30 | Dempsey Connects
Women facing cancer…you are not alone. This 12-week support group offers a compassionate space to share your thoughts, feelings, and worries with other women during any part of your cancer journey.

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

Open to adult female Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis, at any point in the cancer journey.

Participants must be residents of Maine.

Celebrate the Harvest [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 12:15 - 12:45 | 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 the public. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-16 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.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 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 standing.

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-16 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.

In-Person Cancer Support Group Series [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Meet in person at our Rock Row location with others impacted by cancer in this 12-week support group. Whether you were recently diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or are now with no evidence of disease, this group is a place to discuss your diagnosis and its lingering impact with those who truly understand.
Led by Christine Brome, LCSW, OSW-C and Jennifer Keefe, MSW Intern.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Chair Yoga [Dempsey Connects]
2025-07-16 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Connects

Chair Yoga [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 09:45 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2025-07-16 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.
