Lethbridge Family Services Partners with Wellspring Alberta
Sandra Mintz, Chief Executive Officer at Lethbridge Family Services, shares memories of her family’s experience with cancer.
Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) is proud to announce that it has partnered with Wellspring Alberta to help build a stronger and more accessible cancer support community in southern Alberta.
“Wellspring’s mandate is a natural fit for the services LFS provides. Specifically, we are both strongly invested in promoting health and wellness in the community; we share a common focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion; and like Wellspring, we utilize research-based programs to build connections, share information, and provide support to those we serve,” said Lisa Lewis, Director of Counselling, Outreach and Education for LFS.
Wellspring Alberta has been blazing a trail in cancer support in Alberta since 2007, and in the past four years, it has expanded its reach to include all corners of the province, bringing evidence-informed programs and services to all adults and families facing cancer.
“Wellspring Alberta is here to ensure no one has to face cancer alone. We provide a comprehensive range of programs, support, and resources aimed at improving mental health and the quality of people’s lives. All our programs are free for anyone living with cancer, caregivers, and family members,” said Rebecca Perkins, Outreach Manager for Wellspring Alberta.
With this new local collaboration, Wellspring’s monthly in-person Cancer Connect program will be offered at the Lethbridge Family Services, Counseling, Outreach and Education location. Utilizing trained in-house staff, the program provides a safe space for people living with cancer and their caregivers to connect, communicate, and receive strategies for supporting their emotional and mental health while living with cancer.
Rebecca Perkins, Outreach Manager (left) and Elizabeta Ligurić, Director of Resource Development and Communications (right) for Wellspring Alberta.
“This year’s World Cancer Day theme is ‘Close the Care Gap,’ and that is precisely the mandate of Wellspring Alberta’s outreach mission. We are doing all we can to extend our services far and wide to ensure every Albertan facing cancer has access to the mental and emotional resources they need to live as well as possible,” said Perkins.
In partnering with Lethbridge Family Services, Wellspring aims to raise awareness of its support services throughout the province, fortify its in-person presence in southern Alberta, work closely with the healthcare professionals in the region, and increase the accessibility of cancer support for patients and caregivers who would otherwise experience a disparity in cancer-specific resources in their area.
“We are glad to be a part of this health-affirming partnership,” said Lewis. “It dovetails perfectly with our vision for an inclusive and thriving community; and our mission to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals and families in our region.”
LFS hosted a gathering to officially launch the new partnership on February 1, 2024, with media representatives, LFS staff, Wellspring Alberta staff, and Cancer Connect program leaders and volunteers in attendance.
Those who are interested in attending Cancer Connect in Lethbridge can visit https://wellspringalberta.ca/portfolio/cancer-connect/.
Lethbridge Family Services provides highly-accredited health and social services to over 9,000 individuals and families in more than 30 communities in southwestern Alberta, through the professional services of more than 380 staff, and the support of over 550 committed volunteers. LFS's vision is a connected and inclusive community where people thrive.
Wellspring Alberta is a registered charity that provides a comprehensive range of programs, support, and resources aimed at improving mental health and the quality of life for those living with cancer. All programs and services are informed by evidence and offered free of charge at three community-based centres in Calgary and Edmonton, as well as through outreach (community hubs), and a full online community.
Media Contact:
Michelle Gallucci
Director, Advancement & Communications
Lethbridge Family Services
mgallucci@lsfamily.ca
403-915-8028
