"Thank you for all the energy and love you put into the Co-Op and for the friendships that have evolved and grown as a result. My outlook on being a Caregiver has been shaped, to a large extent, by my participation in the Caregivers Support Group. I've met amazing people and have been privy to some incredibly touching stories. They are helping me to live and learn from loving someone with cancer. And they are teaching me that there is always Hope."
--Caregiver, Holly Rice of Portsmouth, RI
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| Helping to raise awareness while hoping for a cure for future generations. Photo by Julia Brigidi |
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Our Mission
To provide women and their families with a safe, supportive space where they may begin their own individual healing process through and beyond cancer.
To provide a balanced and holistic environment emphasizing the importance of the whole person as integration of body, mind and spirit. Encouraging a state of equilibrium amongst these parts of our being as well as those of the family.
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| Jehanne Burch, lung cancer conquerer. Photo by Julia Brigidi |
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Before the fruit....
As with everything in life, The Healing Co-Op had a beginning. For several years before the actual birth of our center, we existed in a more simple and abstract form. Our initial support group was loving and enthusiastic, which ultimately enable us to reach out beyond ourselves to others in need. It was not long before the vision of this center began to evolve and live in my heart as well as in my breath, and then in the hearts and breath of others. It quickly became clear to us that there are women and families in need of support while making the healing journey into life, and those needing our support while making the healing journey into death. The inevitable byproduct of The Healing Co-Op is its proximity to both sides of life's fragile and beautiful shoreline. It is my personal prayer that we, The Healing Co-Op, continue to provide the caring support needed to women and their families as they make their journey towards either shore with love, tranquility and gratitude. Personally having had made that journey through cancer, combined with the grace of God, I have learned that the experience, as devastating as it may be, can help us in discovering who we are and, in the process, remind us of the wonderful contributions we can make in the lives of others, and in the world as a whole.
Blessings,
Linda Phelan, Founder
| "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead
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| Founder, Linda Phelan |
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The Healing Co-Op is Rhode Islands first and only free 501 (c) 3 nonprofit center dedicated to supporting and celebrating the lives of women with cancer & their families. Founded in 1996 by Linda Phelan, then a 6-year survivor, the center has continued to grow. Serving all of Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, the Co-Op serves an average of 750 women annually.
Neither medically or academically affiliated, the Co-Op relies 100% on private donations from the community and fundraising. All donations are appreciated and welcome. Donations can be made by designating through the United Way, by visiting: www.justgive.org, Visa & Master Card, by clicking the PayPal button below or simply by check and mailed to us at: The Healing Co-Op 222 Mitchell's Lane Middletown, RI 02842. We can be reached by phone: 401.619-7558 or email HealCoOp@aol.com. We thank you for your support.
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Specialized Support Groups . Tending the Inner Life Day Retreats . Renewal Retreats . Art Therapy . Telephone Outreach . Healing Garden . Therapeutic Bodywork
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The Healing Co-Operative
Since 1996
www.thehealingcoop.org
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