Lowell’s community resource for cancer and grief support, Gilda’s Club Lowell, has officially moved into its new location. Its regular programming will now take place at the First Congregational UCC of Lowell which is located north of the city limits on Lincoln Lake Ave.
After being housed along with Senior Neighbors, a community group for older area residents, since 2009 in what is known as the historic “Hale House” at 314 S. Hudson St., Gilda’s Club Lowell is hoping to continue to educate and support those in the community who are experiencing grief and battling cancer.
Senior Neighbors, which owns the Hudson Street property, has also moved to the First Congregational UCC building. Both organizations began their regular programs in the new location this week.
Lindsay Jousma, Gilda’s Club Director of Program Operations and Relations, says she expects a near seamless transition to the new location, and Gilda’s Club Lowell will provide the same support groups that the community has received in the past.
Jousma says lack of space in the old location was the reason for the move, and they hope to expand their services with the new larger space.
“As beautiful as [the Hale House] is — and it is beautiful — we are really looking forward to the additional space that the Lowell UCC offers for our programming,” she explains. “We’re looking forward to that new chapter of potentially being able to have some more groups going on at the same time so more people are reached through the Gilda’s Club Lowell.”
“Through the Lowell UCC, we will be able to continue and sustain our programming and continue to look at how we can expand and grow our programming so we can reach more individuals who are impacted by cancer and grief right here in our community,” Jousma adds.
Jousma says the relationship between Gilda’s Club Lowell and Lowell UCC developed through strategic planning and conversations on how the community can best be served. The Lowell UCC hosts a variety of groups in its facilities, and the move to the church will offer Gilda’s Club more exposure to other groups also serving the community.
The Hudson Street property is now up for sale, and Jousma is curious and excited to see what it will be used for next in the community. She also says she will miss spending time on the property.
“It is a beautiful home with so much charm and history,” she notes.
Named after comedian Gilda Radner who died of ovarian cancer in 1989, Gilda’s Club Lowell is an affiliate of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization that offers cancer support and education for all ages.
Jousma says Gilda’s Club Lowell will continue their mission and passion, which is to serve the community.
“We are looking forward to the continued partnerships in the community and the growing of those partnerships so we can best serve people in our community who are impacted by cancer and grief.”
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