25 years later, The Victory Center’s free cancer support services a success
The organization is still expanding and seeking out more opportunities for local cancer patients and their families.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Founded with the goal of ensuring those impacted by cancer are supported, and surrounded by positivity, The Victory Center continues to change lives 25 years later. Through support groups, holistic therapies, and high-energy classes, the organization is there for anyone, regardless of where they are in their cancer journey.
Having recently moved into a new location off of Central Avenue, their mission is now more important than ever, as we all know that cancer treatment can be expensive — which is why The Victory Center’s services are free.
“Cancer treatment is expensive, and a lot of folks who come through our door are looking for some relief from the financial stress — and we provide exactly that,” said Kimberly Newman, special events manager with The Victory Center. “We are entirely privately funded.”
For women in particular, Newman says, cancer can be a direct hit on someone’s identity and confidence.
“Cancer can be something that takes away who you are. And a lot of the women who come to our wig bank, and everyone who comes to The Victory Center, is taking back control of who they really are,” she added.
One of the newest opportunities being offered by The Victory Center is children’s art therapy and a teen support group, both of which alternate from week to week.
“You can either bring your younger kids or your teens, ages 13–18. And what we’re really trying to do is just bring the whole family in,” explained Newman. “The adults will come for the general cancer support group, and the kids will go into an art therapy session. It’s a really special way for the whole family to enjoy an evening together. And then, hopefully talk about those experiences and really open the conversation.”
As mentioned previously, these services are free and donor-supported. Newman tells me that the number one way people find out about their programming is through word-of-mouth. Even if you don’t know anyone personally who could utilize The Victory Center’s services, the organization still encourages you to make a donation. Whether that be monetary or even a wig and art supplies, every bit of help counts.
To learn more about the group’s needed and easily-accessible work, visit thevictorycenter.org.
