Affirmations is an LGBTQ+ community center that provides a welcoming space for people to learn, grow, socialize, and access support services. Affirmations offers a wide range of health services, support groups, community events, and education learning labs.
The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan offers comprehensive resources and services for people affected by blood cancer. Programs provide educational resources, professionally facilitated emotional support, financial assistance for medical and non-medical expenses, social support, and a holiday toys program for pediatric patients and children of adult patients.
Michigan residents who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood related disorder are eligible for BCFM services. There are no income or age requirements to enroll.
Cactus Cancer Society offers free online discussion groups and support programs for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer. Their accessible, age-appropriate services are offered through their website, Cactus HQ video chat, or Zoom, ensuring support is available regardless of diagnosis, location, finances, or inpatient status.
Individuals must be young adult cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers between the ages 18-45 and must reside in the United States.
The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor offers free professionally-facilitated support groups for cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones. Support groups are offered in virtual, hybrid, or in-person formats.
Survivors and loved ones can choose from a variety of support groups to suit their cancer experience, including groups for LGBTQ+ survivors, young adult survivors, Black or African American survivors, and other cancer communities. Interested individuals can register online.
Crossroads of Michigan provides community resources to low-income individuals and families. Support services include transportation, coaching to find and maintain permanent employment, food assistance, clothing assistance, childcare, personal hygiene products, and personal coaching for crisis reduction and long-term stability.
To get help and identify available resources, interested individuals can call (313) 831-2000.
The Dear Jack Foundation offers several support programs for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. The Breathe Now program offers healing retreats for individuals and couples that include yoga, meditation, and therapeutic conversations. Their LifeList program supports those with life-threatening diagnoses by granting wishes and fostering community. The Dear Jack Foundation also provides a digital community forum for AYA cancer survivors to access virtual events, resources, and mental health support.
Eligible applicants must be between the ages of 18-39. Individuals can access program services through online applications or through referrals from healthcare teams or support organizations.
The Detroit Area Agency on Aging is a nonprofit agency that serves older persons, adults with disabilities, and caregivers living in Detroit, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park, and Grosse Point. DAAA provides information and resources related to Meals on Wheels, caregiving assistance, housing resources, transportation resources, support groups for family caregivers, utility payment assistance resources, and guidance in finding additional resources for seniors and people living with disabilities.
Initial calls typically last 15-20 minutes. Callers may be asked to provide information related to demographics, income, assets, and the level of care needed in order to determine what resources they may qualify for.
Elephants and Tea, a program of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation (SGCF), is a unique publication created for and by the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community to reduce isolation and build community through storytelling, education, wellness, and research. Elephants and Tea also hosts virtual events and support groups for AYA survivors nationwide.
Digital issues of the Elephants and Tea magazine are publicly available online. Content standards apply to those wishing to submit content. Individuals interested in attending virtual events can register on the Elephants and Tea website.
Escape is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting adolescent and young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers who identify as LGBTQIA+. Escape offers Zoom events, confidential support groups, and educational resources to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ folks within the cancer community.
Interested individuals can sign up for support groups and see Escape’s upcoming events.
Friends Together is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to help people in Northeast Lower Michigan during and after a cancer diagnosis. Friends Together offers an average of 30 support group opportunities each month, educational & fundraising events throughout the year, and a thriving transportation & lodging program that removes barriers to treatment.
The only eligibility criteria to receive services from Friends Together is a cancer diagnosis, and residence in Northeast Lower Michigan, including Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle Counties.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids offers free support groups to help patients, survivors, and caregivers find community and support in the wake of cancer. Support groups include diagnosis-specific groups as well as community groups for those with similar cancer experiences.
To sign up for a support group, view the monthly program calendar or contact Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids directly via phone or email.
Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit offers free support groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals to help patients, survivors, and caregivers honor and express their feelings around cancer. Support groups include diagnosis-specific groups as well as networking groups for those with similar cancer experiences.
To sign up for a support group, view the monthly program calendar or contact Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit directly via phone or email.
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to improving access to health care for underinsured Americans by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. HealthWell provides financial assistance to help with prescription copays, health insurance premiums, deductibles and coinsurance, pediatric treatment costs, travel costs, and behavioral health services.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must have some form of health insurance that covers part of the cost of their treatment. HealthWell also considers applicants’ household income, the number of residents in the household, and the cost of living in in particular cities and states. Assistance is available to individuals with household incomes up to 500% of the Federal Poverty Level and is contingent on the type of disease and the availability of resources.
Imerman Angels offers free, personalized one-on-one cancer support for survivors and caregivers. Each survivor or caregiver is matched with a “Mentor Angel” who shares a similar cancer journey.
Interested individuals can complete the application form online. Applicants will be connected to a Mentor Angel whose story mirrors theirs. Applications to become a Mentor Angel are also available.
Malecare is a national organization dedicated to fighting men’s cancer. Malecare offers online support groups for those affected by men’s cancer, including specific groups for gay men with prostate cancer, caregivers and partners, and people living with early or advanced stage prostate cancer.
Visit Malecare’s website to browse and join available support groups.
The Center for Seniors helps older adults maintain healthy, enjoyable, independent lives. Available services include assistance with transportation to medical appointments, home caregivers, and programs to help older adults remain active through Detroit recreational centers.
Sign up through the Senior Services Sign Up Form.
Aging services provided through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services help older adults live in the setting of their choice for as long as possible. Through its local Area Agencies on Aging, MDHHS provides services to help older adults maintain independence at home and in their communities, provide nutrition support such as Meals on Wheels, and support caregivers of older adults to allow them to care for their person for as long as possible.
Contact information is available for local Area Agencies on Aging.
Formerly SAGE Metro Detroit, MiGen provides a supportive community and a variety of services for LGBTQ+ folks ages 45+. MiGen programs include support groups, behavioral health referrals, community navigation services, food delivery, and affirming housing assistance.
Interested individuals can fill out a client application form and see upcoming events.
Mission of Hope Cancer Fund provides direct financial assistance to cancer patients as well as educational information, emotional, and grief support. Assistance is available to help cover the costs of prescriptions or co-pays, lodging, travel costs, insurance premiums, medical equipment and supplies, medical expenses, and help locating grief and emotional support groups.
Support is available to cancer patients in MIchigan and their families. Evaluations typically take 15-20 minutes over the phone. These evaluations include questions related to the original date of diagnosis, dates and information about treatment (e.g., surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation), and insurance information. Assistance is provided on a case by case basis, as funds are available.
The National Brain Tumor Society holds an online Support Conversations group created by and for the brain tumor community. Facilitated by individuals who have firsthand experience with brain tumor challenges, including caregivers, this group provides a welcoming environment for open and supportive discussions about the brain tumor journey. The Grief Support Conversations is another group that provides an open environment, a listening space, as well as tools and resources to support participants through their grieving process. Led by a professional facilitator, this space allows individuals who have lost a loved one to a brain tumor to share their experiences with peers.
The online Support Conversations group are held on the third Sunday of each month from 7-8 pm ET/4-5 pm PT. The Grief Support Conversations group meets virtually on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT for approximately an hour.
The National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network is a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and those at risk. The Network provides free peer-support groups for LGBTQ+ patients or survivors, databases of LGBTQ-welcoming cancer providers, and educational resources for the LGBTQ+ cancer community.
Individuals can access resources online and sign up for peer-support groups.
Through its Emotional Support Program, New Day Foundation facilitates access to emotional care to support people with cancer and their families. Care may be provided by licensed therapists, grief consultants, and other mental health professionals. Sessions may take place in the physical location where the health professional sees clients, or via telehealth platforms.
Individuals may be referred to the Emotional Support program by their medical team, or interested individuals can contact New Day through their website or over the phone. If participants have insurance that fully covers mental health services, the mental health professional may bill the participant’s insurance. Otherwise, the New Day Emotional Support Program award covers the cost of up to 8 50-minute sessions, held up to once per week.
OutCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ health equity. OutCare has a variety of resources for LGBTQ+ patients, including peer support groups, healthcare navigation services, prescription savings programs, and a national directory of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers.
Interested individuals can visit OutCare’s website to view online resources and sign up for available programs.
OvarCare provides support for ovarian cancer patients, including financial grants of $200, psychosocial counseling sessions via phone, genetic counseling sessions, $100 gas cards, and $100 grocery cards.
Support is available for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients who meet financial eligibility guidelines.
The Ruth Ellis Center is a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed services for LGBTQ+ youth. The Ruth Ellis Center offers a variety of support programs, including permanent supportive housing and safety-net programs, primary and behavioral healthcare, HIV prevention, and family support programs.
Young people aged 13-30 are eligible to participate in Ruth Ellis Center programs. Interested individuals can visit the Drop-In Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-8:00 pm or Thursdays 11:00 am-2:00 pm, or can contact the Ruth Ellis Center by phone or email.
Stupid Cancer supports adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer by fostering connection, reducing isolation, and providing access to educational resources. Through educational programming, peer engagement, and storytelling initiatives, Stupid Cancer empowers AYAs to navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Anyone affected by AYA cancer may access Stupid Cancer’s educational resources or attend virtual discussions and events.
WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging offers a 6-week cancer-support program via Zoom. Program topics include: dealing with difficult emotions, managing pain and fatigue, getting better sleep, eating healthy, staying active, and living with uncertainty or fear of recurrence. Connect with others and learn tools to help you with the struggles of managing cancer. Sessions meet 2.5 hours once a week for 6 weeks on-line using Zoom.
Participants will need a webcam and a microphone to participate.
The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) addresses the unique needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers national “Face 2 Face” local networking groups, including groups in Detroit and Lansing, MI. YSC also provides a dynamic online community and free educational resources, including the Breast Cancer Navigator series, which guides individuals through treatment and survivorship.
Services are exclusive to AYAs with breast cancer and their caregivers. Interest forms are available on the YSC website.