Our Mission

The Wellness Community - Delaware is dedicated to helping people with cancer and their loved ones by providing professionally led programs of emotional support, education and hope as an integral part of conventional medical treatment. More than 80% of the money we raise goes directly to programs, and all of our programs are provided free of charge.

Our Purpose

There are over 18,000 people in Delaware who require ongoing health care for cancer. It is estimated that 4,000 new cases will be diagnosed in Delaware this year. Our services are unique as we are the only organization in Delaware dedicated exclusively to helping people address and handle the emotional component of cancer. We also focus on the cancer participant’s family and loved ones, including children.

Our History

The Wellness Community - National was founded in 1982 by Dr. Harold Benjamin. The Wellness Community - Delaware grew from a local, grass roots movement of people who were motivated by personal experience with cancer and with the knowledge that Delaware has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the nation. We were incorporated in December, 1993 and officially opened in Wilmington in April, 1996; in Dover in 2002; and in Rehoboth Beach in 2004.

Our Program

We provide weekly support groups facilitated by trained and licensed psychotherapists. At these meetings, adults with cancer create an understanding, extended family and explore new ways of dealing with the physical and emotional problems associated with the disease. In addition, the following is a partial list of our offerings:

Orientation Meetings; Family Groups; Networking Groups; T’ai Chi; Yoga; Educational Workshops; Exercise; Nutrition Seminars; Community Events; Kids’ Circle.

Our Participants

The Wellness Community - Delaware has experienced over 50,000 visits from people with cancer and their families.  Our participants come from all walks of life, and usually are referred to us by their health care provider.

Our Collaborations

The Wellness Community works collaboratively with The American Cancer Society in providing such programs as "Look Good, Feel Better" and with Delaware Hospice in programs such as "Exploring Our Mortality". We also work with Bayhealth Medical Center, the Christiana Care Health System, Beebe Medical Center and provide the support groups for the Leukemia Society of Delaware.

Our Vision

To provide the most comprehensive and beneficial psychosocial support services to all people in New Castle, Kent, Sussex Counties and the surrounding areas.