OUR PROGRAM

Wings of Hope History

The concept of Wings of Hope began in October 1987 as a monthly cancer support group. A group of people who had been affected by cancer met to discuss issues concerning living with cancer. They began to learn from each other, ways to improve their quality of life. It became apparent that many people shared this need to express their emotions in a group or individual setting.

In 1994, a steering committee was formed to explore expansion of the Wings of Hope concept, to provide more comprehensive services for people with cancer as well as their family members. Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center was independently established as a non-profit organization in September 1994. Our goal is to provide emotional support and guidance for people, family members, and health professionals as they move forward in their cancer experience.

In the past several years, Wings of Hope has expanded their support services to better meet the changing face of cancer. Some of our newer programs include: counseling services for individuals and families; the Hope Chest Renewal Room, a comfortable room where patients can browse cancer literature, pick out a wig, or just chat with staff; and the HOPE Program, a financial assistance program that can assist patients with prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as gas vouchers.

All services and programs provided by Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center are offered free of charge to cancer survivors and their families.

Wings of Hope 2010 Contacts

In 2010, Wings of Hope made 1,528 contacts with cancer patients, survivors, family members and the community.

These services were provided to persons diagnosed with over 25 different types of cancers;

• 53 gas cards or bus passes

• 91 counseling sessions

• Prescription assistance to 20 patients

• 209 contacts through support groups

• Provision of wigs, hats, blankets, relaxation cd's, Healing Touch and/or survivor bags to 319 patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery or radiation

• 30 patients at a relaxing "spa day" experience

• Education of 328 community members with cancer information

• 162 contacts through after cancer treatment education programs, like A Time To Heal.

The Many Shades of Pink

Programming for breast cancer survivors. Young Women's Breast Cancer Support Group Support is provided in a group setting for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month. Breast Cancer Support Group Educational topics and speakers, as well as support, are provided at these meetings. We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month. "A Time To Heal" Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program A 12 week program assisting breast cancer survivors to regain physical, emotional and spiritual health. Held in the Fall of each year. Women Helping Women Breast Cancer Awareness/Recogntion Event Survivors and community members come together to increase awareness and celebrate breast cancer survivors. Our Annual Community Awareness Event is scheduled for October 15, 2009 at the St. Peter's Parish Hall. Reach to Recovery Wings of Hope coordinates the American Cancer Society of Councl Bluffs program that connects newly diagnosed brease cancer patients with brease cancer survivors.

A Haven of Hope

General Programming for persons diagnosed with any type of cancer Hope for Tomorrow Cancer Support Group Support for patients, spouses and family members. Meets with the Breast Cancer Support Group on the 3rd Monday of each month. Hope Chest Renewal Room This unique program promotes renewal for cancer survivors. We have wigs, hats, and survival kits. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 12:00. Spa days are scheduled several times a year. Counseling Services Counseling and mind-body techniques for cancer patients and their families. Licensed Mental Health Professional available on appointment basis. Men's Cancer Activity Group Men diagnosed with any type of cancer are invited to socialize with each other in casual settings. Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at The Center in Council Bluffs, to talk and get moving with Wii games. Women's Cancer Survivor Movement Group Newly diagnosed and long-time female survivors are invited to take exercise classes based on a therapeutic movement program called "Healthy Moves". Wendy Buchholz, an Occupational Therapist, is the teacher for this class. We meet at The Center on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Call 325-8970 with any questions. Healthy Survivor Classes This 8 week class focuses on physical fitness, nutrition and emotional coping. Wings of Hope sponsors the program in collaboration with Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Alegent Mercy Hospital. Meets in the spring. HOPE Program The HOPE Program provides financial assistance to pre-qualified patients during their cancer treatment. We can help with symptom management medications, nutritional supplements, and transportation costs.

HOPE Program Brochure

Healing Touch Services

Wings of Hope is pleased to offer Healing Touch Services. Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy that utilizes gentle touch to assist in balancing the physical, mental, emotional & spiritual well-being of clients. It works with the individuals energy field to support his/her natural ability to heal. Clients can make appointments by calling 712-325-8970 or click on the link below for more information.

Healing Touch Flier - What is Healing Touch

Wings of Hope offers Healing Touch

Everybody had a great time at our third annual Spa Night.

All 30 who attended the Third Annual Spa Day had a relaxing time and left invigorated and looking quite spiffy! The 2011 Spa Day was quite a hit! Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center offered manicures & hand waxing - provided by students from EQ School of Design, Chair Massages - provided by Peaceful Balance Massage Therapy & JOY MYN Massage Therapy, and a new item this year Healing Touch. Thank you so much to those who volunteered their services to make our Spa Day a success.

Healthy Snacks were provided by Wings of Hope Staff & Committee members. Check-in for the Spa Day was done by volunteers.

2011 Spa Day Check-in

Healthy snacks anyone?

Chair Massages - done by Peaceful Balance Massage Therapy & JOY MYN Massage Therapy.

Manicures & Hand waxing by EQ School of Design

Repeated this year Wings of Hope offered Healing Touch! Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. The gentle touch assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, working with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. Carolyn is a Healing Touch Practitioner Apprentice and will setting up Healing Touch appointments on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning June 14, 2011. Please call 712-325-8970 for an appointment.