Our Clubhouse and Cancer Caring Center, two of The Forbes Funds’ Management Assistance Grants (MAGs) partners, announced their merger on Thursday September 9th.
Please find their press release announcing the merger below.
Our Clubhouse and Cancer Caring Center Merge to Better Serve Pittsburgh’s Cancer
Community
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (September 9, 2021) – Our Clubhouse and Cancer Caring Center,
two of Pittsburgh’s most established cancer support nonprofits – have joined forces to better
serve those impacted by a cancer diagnosis. A merger agreement to combine the two
organizations was completed September 7, 2021.
Separately, the organizations have helped thousands of residents navigate their cancer journey
through free social, emotional, clinical and informational support, with roots beginning in the
Pittsburgh area 33 years ago. For many years, Our Clubhouse and Cancer Caring Center have
partnered and referred community members to each organization when appropriate. This
merger will allow greater efficiency and impact for the children, youth, adults, and families they
serve.
With funding, capacity building, and professional consultation provided by The Forbes Funds
through the Management Assistance Program, boards from both organizations took a deep dive
into the “why” for over two years to explore culture, programmatic fit, and opportunities to
expand reach and services to the community, medical facilities, and members.
“This merger is really a partnership that unites two agencies dedicated to helping everyone
affected by a diagnosis,” says Rebecca Whitlinger, Executive Director of Cancer Caring Center.
“We are stronger together and are excited about this formal collaboration.”
The merged organization is now working to seamlessly combine operations and departments.
All programs will continue, and all staff members have been retained from both organizations.
Dani Wilson will remain as Executive Director of the newly combined organization with Rebecca
Whitlinger serving as Associate Director. Currently, all services are being provided virtually.
When in-person programs can safely resume, they will be offered at the (formerly Our
Clubhouse) facility at 2816 Smallman Street in the Strip District.
“Together, we will build on our impactful programs, workshops, and services by reaching into
more communities across diverse populations,” says Dani Wilson, Executive Director of Our
Clubhouse. “We look forward to joining our supporters together and inviting new people into our
warm and welcoming space, no matter where they are on their cancer journey.”
The organizations will operate under the new name Cancer Bridges. This name represents what
both organizations work so hard to do – provide resources for anyone impacted by a cancer
diagnosis to move from one side of the crisis to the other, including the diagnosed, their friends,
family and caregivers, and those who are bereaved. Together, the organization will continue
working alongside those navigating a cancer journey so they emerge with increased social
connections, coping skills, and strengthened mental health and well-being.
More information will continue to be available at www.cancerbridges.org as we begin this exciting
next chapter of social and clinical cancer support for the Pittsburgh community.
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About Cancer Caring Center
Since 1988, the Cancer Caring Center has provided a wide variety of free supportive services to
patients and families. Pre Covid-19, general and specialized cancer support groups were
offered throughout the community at 14 locations and are now available through
Zoom. Individual, family and couples counseling is now accessible through telecounseling. Wellness (nutrition, yoga, art therapy and more) is also featured online.
About Our Clubhouse
Our Clubhouse provides a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who has been impacted
by cancer. Those living with cancer, as well as the friends and family who support them, are welcome
to join Our Clubhouse and receive social, emotional, clinical, and informational support at no cost.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Ciranni
412-338-1919
stephanie@cancerbridges.org
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