Name change allows organization to maintain its mission of providing social and emotional support to anyone touched by cancer
Pittsburgh, PA, April 8, 2014 - Gilda’s Club Western Pennsylvania (GCWPA) announced today that it has officially changed its name to Our Clubhouse. The change comes after the organization made the decision to become independent from the Cancer Support Community (CSC), as a way to preserve its ability to continue its mission of providing social and emotional support to anyone touched by cancer.
“While change is never easy, we are very excited that Our Clubhouse will continue to offer the same programming and services to the local community,” said Robin Bernstein, board chair.
In 2009, Cancer Support Community was created by a merger of The Wellness Communities and Gilda’s Club Worldwide. As a result of the merger, CSC owns the license to all of Gilda Radner’s intellectual property, including her name.
The newly minted Our Clubhouse will continue to offer its programming and services in the greater western Pennsylvania community.
“We’ve always been known as a welcoming place, where anyone touched by cancer can come to socialize or seek support free of charge,” added Carol Lennon. “It was very important to our board and staff that our new name reflect this deep part of our history. Furthermore, Gilda Radner was the inspiration that formed our organization in the first place, moving forward as Our Clubhouse, we will always strive to maintain her legacy, as it is a key component of our history and the very reason we do the work that we do.”
Our Clubhouse will continue to operate out of its Pittsburgh office in the Strip District and programs will continue to operate, but under the new name. As an independent organization, Our Clubhouse hopes to be able to expand its footprint to offer additional services to meet the growing needs of the community.
The board and staff of Our Clubhouse invites members of the community to attend a special open house on Wednesday, April 16th from 2-4 p.m. and from 5-7 p.m. at their headquarters, 2816 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh. Light refreshments will be provided and guests will have the opportunity to meet and talk with staff and board members and have their questions addressed.
About Our ClubhouseOur Clubhouse provides a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who has been touched by cancer. Those living with cancer at any age, as well as the family and friends who care for them, are welcome to join Our Clubhouse and receive the social, emotional and informational tools they need, free of charge. Our innovative programs are an essential complement to medical care, providing support groups, workshops, education and social activities for all those diagnosed with cancer and the people who support them. For more information, visit
www.ourclubhouse.org or find us on
Facebook and
Twitter.
