Children, Teens and Families Program (CTF)
Cancer affects the entire family. Gilda’s Club Westchester offers the area’s only ongoing support for children and teens who are living a life affected by cancer – their own diagnosis, that of loved one, or the loss of a loved one- through age-appropriate support groups, individual counseling sessions, social events, camps and workshops. The Children, Teens and Families Program (CTF) is designed to be a place for children and teens to learn, have fun, care and share, while being supported by our professional staff and trained volunteers.
Children (Ages 5-12)
Short-Term Counseling
Short-term individual and family counseling are available for children and families impacted by cancer. Counseling is provided by a licensed mental health professional who is an expert in addressing issues commonly experienced by children affected by cancer, such as anxiety, loss, isolation, and uncertainty.
Group Support
Open-ended group support is provided based on how the child is impacted by cancer (their own diagnosis, a loved one’s diagnosis, or the death of someone to cancer). Each group is facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and provides a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for kids to share their experiences, receive social support, and learn coping skills.
Healthy Lifestyle and Social Activities
Fun, age-appropriate classes and workshops are offered throughout the year to provide kids with an opportunity to learn new skills and make meaningful connections with others. These activities are open to children in the CTF program and children of Gilda’s Club Westchester members.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Deerfield Foundation, GCW is collaborating with Wellbotics and the Westchester Children’s Museum in 2023 to offer free workshops at the Museum. To learn more, see below.
Teens (Ages 13-17)
Short-Term Counseling
Short-term individual and family counseling are available for teens and families impacted by cancer. Counseling is provided by a licensed mental health professional who is an expert in addressing issues commonly experienced by teens affected by cancer, such as anxiety, loss, peer challenges, and self-esteem.
Group Support
Open-ended and time-limited group support is provided based on how the teen is impacted by cancer (their own diagnosis, a loved one’s diagnosis, or the death of someone to cancer). Each group is facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and provides an engaging, safe, and supportive environment for teens to discuss their experiences, receive social support, and learn coping skills.
Healthy Lifestyle and Social Activities
Fun, age-appropriate classes and workshops are offered throughout the year to provide teens with an opportunity to learn new skills and make meaningful connections with others. These activities are open to teens in the CTF program.
Teen Cancer Story Contest
This annual multimedia contest is open to teens in the Westchester, Rockland, and Fairfield County areas who are impacted by cancer and want to share their story. Submission types include: essay, poetry, artwork, and video.
Youth Committee
Made up of volunteer high school students, Youth Committee is an opportunity for teens to raise awareness about Gilda’s Club Westchester and the importance of psychosocial support. Youth Committee Members assist in fundraising efforts, outreach events, and volunteer events. Interested teens are required to apply for the program term (Sept-May).
Families
Short-Term Counseling
Short-term individual and family counseling are available for children, teens and families impacted by cancer. Family Counseling is structured to support the whole family. It may mean family meetings, sessions with siblings, addressing communication within the family, or consulting with parents/guardians to discuss the best ways to engage in age-appropriate conversations about cancer.
Educational Workshops
Educational workshops on topics related to cancer and loss in the family offer parents/guardians a chance to acquire skills, tools, information, and techniques. These workshops may cover areas such as talking to your children about cancer, parenting after loss, talking with children about death, and healthy sleep and eating habits for children with cancer.
Family Events
Opportunities for children, teens and parents to come together to connect, socialize and have fun are offered throughout the year. These events are open to any child in the Children, Teens and Families program (and their family). Themes for the events vary include dinners, baking, cooking, flower planting, Pizza in the Park, and Noogiefest, our annual Halloween event which takes place in the fall.
