Gildas Club Of Northern New Jersey Inc

Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Human Services

Mission: Our mission is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer - men, women, teens and children - along with their families and friends. Our innovative program is an essential compliment to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.

Programs: Noogieland serves children ages 5-12 who are either cancer patients themselves, are dealing with the uncertainty of a loved one in treatment, or who have lost a loved one to cancer. Noogieland is currently serving 423 children. Weekly sessions provide the children opportunities to express the emotions relating to their individual cancer journeys through modalities such as art therapy, role playing, guided imagery, etc. In addition, events are held throughout the year that give the entire family an opportunity to come together in a fun atmosphere to heal such as summer sizzle in the park, annual noogiefest halloween party, annual holiday party, and family fun nights.

support programs - we had 358 support and networking groups scheduled with 1790 members attending. There groups are facilitated by licensed and certified behavioral health professionals to support members who are either living with cancer, have a family member who is diagnosed with cancer, or they have lost someone to cancer.

social programs - we held 316 social programs with 1908 members attending. Social programs include all group activities that are not categorized as support programs. This includes art classes, yoga, tai chi, reading club, knitting group, and educational lectures.

other program services: volunteer programs, workshops, outreach programs and other programs - we had 424 members join our clubhouse in 2013 to participate in groups, lectures, workshops and special events to help them learn to live with cancer. Research shows that emotional and social support actually increases prognosis when there is a cancer diagnosis. We provide cancer support for the entire family since whole families are affected when one person in the family is diagnosed. Cancer support is a compliment to medical care for anyone diagnosed with cancer. We also provide educational lectures that are open to the public on prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. Other topics such as nurtrition and stress management are offered as well.