2-1-1

Population served: Everyone in the U.S. (check the website for availability in your area)
Mission:

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

• Basic human need resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance
• Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention
• Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs
• Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities: home healthcare, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services
• Support for children, youth and families: childcare, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.

2-1-1 Canada

Population served: Certain sections of Canada (check the website for availability in your area)
Mission:

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

• Health services and support
• Financial and social assistance
• Housing and utility help
• Food assistance and meal programs
• Senior services and home care
• Government program assistance
• Parenting and family programs
• Disability support services
• Volunteer organizations
• Newcomer services
• Mental health support

ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center (ARCH)

Contact: 703-256-2084
Population served: Patients and caregivers in the U.S. needing assistance in finding respite care in their community
Mission:

To assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs in the U.S.; to help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities; and to serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums

• Offers a website tool, National Respite Locator, to help caregivers and professionals locate respite services in their community
• Offers A Consumer’s Guide for Family Caregivers with information and guidance regarding the various types of respite care and where they are found.

Camp Kesem

Contact: 260-225-3736
Population served: Children ages 6 to 16 who have a parent either in remission from cancer, currently battling cancer, or that have a parent that has passed away from cancer in the U.S.
Mission:

To provide children affected by a parent’s cancer with a supportive, lifelong camp community that recognizes and understands their unique needs; in addition, to empower college students to make a difference and build invaluable leadership skills by developing and managing every aspect of their Camp Kesem chapter.

• Provides a free week of summer camp as well as opportunities to get together throughout the year with the Camp Kesem local communities we create.

Camp Mak-A-Dream

Contact: 406-549-5987
Population served: Children (beginning from age 6) and adults affected by cancer in the U.S
Mission: To provide a medically supervised, cost-free Montana experience in an intimate, community setting to children, young adults and families affected by cancer. • Offers ten camping programs throughout the year to children, teens, young adults and women with cancer, as well as programs for children who have a sibling or a parent with cancer • Provides onsite speakers that address a number of topics such as grief and loss, relationships, employment, etc.

CancerCare

Contact: 800-813-4673
Population served: Individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved in the U.S. affected by a cancer diagnosis
Other language(s): Spanish
Mission:

To provide free, professional support services to individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved to help them cope with and manage the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

• Oncology social workers are available for telephone counseling services to provide support, information and resources to help in coping with cancer
• Offers online support groups and educational publications
• Connect Education Workshops in which leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information in one-hour workshops over the telephone or online
• Door to Door Program for patients with multiple myeloma provides grants to cover transportation costs such as gasoline, taxi, bus or train fare to and from their doctor's office; must meet certain eligibility criteria
• Financial assistance for transportation, medications, home care, child care, or durable medical equipment may be available for patients in active treatment. Eligibility guidelines vary depending on diagnosis, gender and geographic location. Call for details
• Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp - a free retreat for families with children coping with the loss of a loved one to cancer

• Financial assistance for insured cancer patients in treatment in the US to help with co-payments for chemotherapy and targeted treatment medications who meet certain financial, medical and insurance eligibility criteria. Check the website (http://cancercarecopay.org/) or call 866-552-6729 for details.

Family Reach

Contact: 973-394-1411
Population served: Children and young adults (ages 18 to 30) significantly impacted by a cancer diagnosis; parents with cancer who have children age 17 or younger
Mission:

To help families with cancer manage the overwhelming financial and emotional burdens of the disease.

• Patient (or family) must be represented by a social worker or resource manager; be in active treatment or within one year of treatment; and be able to demonstrate financial hardship.  As funds are available, financial assistance may be considered for necessity items such as household bills, child care, uncovered medical expenses, treatment-related travel, etc.
• Provides free Financial Guide after registering with organization.

First Descents

Contact: 303-945-2490
Population served: Young adults with cancer in the U.S. diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 39 years; also cancer fighters and survivors ages 40 to 49
Mission:

Offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.

• Offers various levels of adventure programs such as whitewater kayaking, rock climbing or surfing. Participants cover their own cost of travel. All food, lodging, gear and instruction are included with the activity.
• Travel scholarships may be available.

Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

Contact: 860-429-3444
Population served: Children ages 7 to15 years with a serious medical condition and their families
Mission:

To ensure that every child with a serious medical condition has the chance to experience the world of possibilities that camp has to offer; to provide a unique healing experience to kids in need and their families.

• Dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to seriously ill children and their families throughout the Northeast, free of charge
• Campers come from many different states in the U.S. and even different countries
• COPE (Change of Pace Experience) is offered to parents of first-time campers. It is free of charge and is held off site at a hotel and retreat center. The weekend not only provides respite, renewal, laughter and fun, but also an opportunity for couples to reconnect with each other while also forming new and lasting friendships with other camp parents.

Well Spouse Association

Contact: 800-838-0879
Population served: Caregivers, professionals, general public
Mission:

To advocate for and address the needs of individuals caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled spouse/partner. We offer peer to peer support and educate health care professionals and the general public about the special challenges and unique issues "well" spouses face every day.

• Coordinates national network of support groups, hosts website, provides publications, holds conferences, and organizes respite weekends for caregivers.