Welcome to Community Connect - January 4, 2026

Big Goals and a Big Anniversary!


Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara has BIG plans for 2026 and we invite you to come along with us.


  • We are celebrating our 35-year anniversary this year! Follow along in our newsletter for announcements and how we will celebrate this milestone throughout the year.
  • NEW in-person All-Cancer Support Group - beginning this month!
  • New Workshops scheduled – see our calendar.
  • New Wellness Classes will be added to our calendar throughout the year.
  • New social events planned for the year and there’s something for everyone!
  • New dates for our fundraising events!
  • Bowl to Strike Out Cancer – February 28th at Buena Lanes in Ventura – Registration now open!
  • Hope Walk – June 6th at Cal Lutheran University
  • Celebration of Hope Garden Party – September 13th at Los Robles Greens Event Center


Subscribe to our social media and this weekly newsletter for the latest updates for the year.


See you soon,

Monica Murrietta

Executive Director

Vision Board Making

led by Art with the Heart

Friday, January 9, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107

Westlake Village, CA 91362


Bring your goals to life by joining us for a vision board making workshop! A vision board can be a powerful visual reminder to stay focused on your goals. Use it to clarify your intentions for the new year, foster growth, and empower yourself. Feel free to bring any magazine clippings, quotes, pictures, etc. All ages welcome! Click here to download the flyer.


Click here to register for this social event.

Thursday Morning All Cancer Support Group Is Now In‑Person!

with Anne Gessert, MS, LMFT

Beginning January 8th, 2026

Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107

Westlake Village, CA 91362


Responding to high demand, our Thursday 10:00 AM All Cancer Support Group—facilitated by highly experienced psychotherapist Anne Gessert—will transition to in‑person meetings starting in January at our main facility in Westlake Village. Registration and a brief pre‑group meeting are required.


Click here to inquiry about joining this group or call our office at (805) 379-4777.

Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Understanding Bladder Cancer and Your Options

with Behdod Katebian, MD - Adventist Health Expanded Urology Services of Simi Valley

Thursday, January 22, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

In-Person & Online (via Zoom)

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107

Westlake Village, CA 91362


Join us for an informative presentation covering key aspects of bladder cancer, including staging, signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, and treatment options. We’ll also address concerns and care following diagnosis and treatment. This workshop will be held in person and via Zoom. Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Click here to download the flyer.


Click here to register for this workshop.

Beyond the Diagnosis: Embracing Family Resilience & Caregiver Well-Being

with Jennifer Drew, MSW, LCSW, SEP ~ The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, at Cedars-Sinai

Thursday, January 29, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Online (via Zoom)


In this enlightening presentation, we delve into how cancer impacts more than just the individual diagnosed; it touches the lives of every family member. Discover the interconnected journey of families facing cancer and explore the pivotal role of caregivers. Learn strategies for nurturing resilience and the essential aspect of caregiver self-care to sustain strength and hope. Join us to empower families to thrive through adversity, ensuring that no one walks this path alone. Click here for the flyer.


Click here to register for this workshop.

Coming Soon: Qigong

with Yuko Hagopian

6 Session Wellness Series

January 20, 2026 - February 31, 2026

Every other Tuesday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107

Westlake Village, CA 91362


We are excited to re-introduce Qigong for a six-week series for the new year! The ancient Chinese healing art of Qigong is a practice that integrates gentle movement, breath awareness, and mindful focus to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. Designed especially for cancer survivors and caregivers, this workshop offers a gradual and supportive introduction to Qigong’s core principles and techniques. Participants will learn simple movements to improve circulation, balance, and flexibility while cultivating calmness and vitality. No prior experience is necessary. All levels and physical abilities are welcome.


Click here to register for this series.

2026 CSVP Wellness Fest: Highway to Health

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Goebel Adult Community Center

1385 E. Janss Road

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360


2026 CSVP Wellness Fest is right around the corner, and we would love for you to join us! This free event will feature 60+ vendors, including local businesses, nonprofits, and public service organizations. You’ll also find health screenings, volunteer opportunities, Master Gardener tours, raffle entry, and much more. The VCAAA Advisory Council Job Fair will also be a part of this wonderful day. Click here to download the flyer.


Click here to learn more.

2026 Bowl to Strike Out Cancer

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cancer Support Community!

Saturday, February 28, 2026

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Buena Lanes, Ventura

 

Join us on Saturday, February 28, at this year's Bowl to Strike Out Cancer presented by Ventura Downtown Lions Club at Buena Lanes in Ventura. Tickets are $35/each and include 3 casual games of bowling, BBQ lunch, event t-shirt, and more! All bowlers are welcome!


Click here to purchase tickets and when checking out, add CSC and/or your team's name under "Bowling Team name".

 

Download the flyer for more information. 

Newcomer's Welcome Orientation

Mondays at 12:00 PM (or by appointment)

Online (via Zoom)


Are you or is someone you know impacted by cancer? You are not alone. We are here to support you! Please come to our Orientation and we will walk you through our different programs like support groups, counseling, and mind/body classes. Remember these are at no cost!  

 

Click here to get started or email our Program Team.

For more information or to attend any programs, please contact us at Programs@cancersupportvvsb.org 

or call (805) 379-4777.

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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info@cancersupportvvsb.org | phone 805.379.4777