Wellness Within

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$2,140 raised by 9 donors

3% complete

$75,000 Goal

"Wellness Within is a place to come where everyone is fighting, or has fought, a similar battle as you. It is a place that I could take off my itchy wig, where I felt okay to "look sick," where it was okay to sit and cry, and where a hug from other patients could mean the difference between a good and bad day. Wellness Within was my home for over 9 months. Finally, after months of paralyzing fear for my future, my family's future... I felt at peace.  That is what Wellness Within does for us... and it is truly and invaluable service."

- Kristen A, client

Welcome to the Wellness Within Cancer Support Center, a place of healing, hope, and support. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but those impacted don't have to face it alone. Our center is here to uplift individuals throughout their cancer journey, providing empowering tools and resources.

Here at Wellness Within we are in the trenches with people

as they navigate all the assaults on their mind, body, and

spirit. We wrap our hearts, expertise, support, and love

around each client who steps through our doors. We

understand the larger impact of what having a cancer

diagnosis means for each individual. We know the whole

person is affected, thus, our mission is to offer tools that

speak to the needs of each individual, to restore healing and

instill hope.

- Patti Brown, Founder


Wellness Within is a nonprofit wellness center for patients, survivors, caregivers, and families facing cancer and its aftermath. Located in downtown Roseville, California, our center offers a warm and inviting space for clients to relax, connect with others, and experience a sense of community. Our services are provided on a donate-if-and-what-you-can basis, ensuring that cost is barrier to no one. 

Wellness Within offers accessible complementary support that encompasses the whole person, addressing the emotional, mental and physical aspects of those impacted by cancer.  The delivery of our services are designed to cater to a variety of needs, allowing for participants to attend programs at the center or online from the comfort of their home. As such, we support those facing cancer through the greater Sacramento region, although due to this hybrid modality, will have attendance from across the nation as well. 

There are two categories of Wellness Within programming: Foundational and Pillar. Our Foundational programs provide a comprehensive introduction to empowering self-care approaches while navigating cancer.  These programs, most of which are in-depth multi-part series, are meant to create a "foundation" from which to initiate an exploration of self-care needs during this challenging time. Examples of Foundational programs including the Coping with Cancer series; the What's Next? Moving Forward after Treatment Ends Series; the Empowering Health and Wellness series; Navigating Uncertainty and Grief series; and Cultivating Joy and Purpose program.  In the words of therapist Francis Weller, these programs offer "ballast to navigate difficult times".  Additionally, they also provide a springboard from which to cultivate continued practice through the Pillar programs. 

Our Pillar programs provide individuals with a pathway for ongoing exploration of empowering self-care and coping skills and serves as a means for continued restorative practices. The pillars - Healing Movement, Nutrition, Meditation & Mindfulness, and Expressive Arts - form a comprehensive, research validated approach to supporting well-being throughout the cancer journey. 

Additionally, Wellness Within hosts periodic workshops and informational series featuring special guest instructors, along with our beloved community retreats. 

Finally, for those who wish to seek supportive resources at their own pace, our YouTube channel offers educational videos on nutrition, yoga, meditation and mindfulness, and more. Our podcast station boasts many insightful conversations with individuals impacted by cancer, informational podcasts by cancer-industry experts, and convenient, relaxing meditations to take "on the go." 

Wellness Within ultimately is a community: a community that fosters connection and understanding, where strength is derived from and by supporting each other. Together, we emphasize that a cancer diagnosis does not define an individual and cannot diminish the unique contributions each person brings to the world. Together, we explore resilience, and provide support in finding hope and joy even amidst the challenges. 

"Wellness Within provides invaluable services to patients, survivors and their families coping with a cancer diagnosis. I have been impressed with the results patients have experienced from participation in their programs. I have found Wellness Within's programs to compliment patient's medical treatments. I give my full endorsement to Wellness Within and am thankful for their incredible dedication and important work." - Ernie Bodai, M.D., F.A.C.S., Director, Breast Cancer Survivorship Institute

Mission

Wellness Within was founded in 2010 by Patti Brown, MS LMFT, CMBM with a mission to enhance the quality of life when facing the emotional and mental trauma of a cancer diagnosis. We serve patients, survivors, caregivers, and their families by providing support and teaching coping skills. Our organization offers tools, resources and services that speak to the needs of each individual facing cancer, restoring healing, cultivating resilience, and instilling hope.

Needs

In 2023 we supported nearly 2,000 class registrations, while our portfolio of on-demand resources (video and podcast) continues to grow in usership, with above 30k downloads total. In short, our very small team manages a diverse portfolio of services: on-demand (podcast/videos), online (Zoom) and in-person. Wellness Within has also started 'taking the show on the road,' in the form of day retreats, to locations in Sacramento County and Yuba County (in 2024). To manage all of this diverse programming modality, we are seeking financial donations to sustain these programs, and therefore be able to support even more people who register for our services in 2024.

Which means, ultimately, the need is to support people in our community facing cancer by financially supporting these programs.

"At Wellness Within, I have found a place

where I am listened to, understood,

supported and uplifted in a very real way." - Aurora, client

"I believe that angels have been put in

my path along my cancer journey, and

Wellness Within is one of those angels. My

life has changed so much in the last four

years and Wellness Within has been my life

saver. I don’t know where I’d be without all

the support and wonderful classes that they

offer." - Barbara, client

Additionally, we would be grateful for in-kind donations of products needed in all of our programming, available to view on our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3CMMN1BBZK73#

Finally, cancer impacts just about everyone, in one way or another. Please spread the word about our services!

Equity Statement

Wellness Within does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, provision of services, and dealings with the general public. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our board, staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Wellness Within is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Wellness Within

Year Established

2010

Tax id (EIN)

45-0929096

Mission Category

Health Care

Operating Budget

$250,001-$500,000

Organization Need

Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations, Other, Funding: Unrestricted

Demographics Served

General population, Women/Female-identifying

Local Counties Served

El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

609 Oak Ave
Roseville, CA 95678

Service areas

Placer, CA, US

Sacramento, CA, US

Nevada, CA, US

Sutter, CA, US

Yolo, CA, US

Phone

916-788-0333

fax

916-788-0333

Social Media