October 14, 2004
Contact: Lisa Simer Executive Director
(612) 746-4890

Women’s Cancer Resource Center Announces New Additions

In September of 2003 the Women’s Cancer Resource Center was the fortunate recipient of a grant from the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. This grant provided funds to upgrade our library and to create a counseling room. The changes were made following the recognition that most of the center’s space was used for offices and there was a need for an intimate and comforting place to meet with women who come to the center for services. Some staff were relocated to other offices and with the generous support from the Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund a once office like room was transformed into a beautiful comforting space with a tranquil fountain, a plush sofa and calming art work and candles. The result is a peaceful, nurturing place that welcomes women.

In addition to the Shaver Counseling room, the support from the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and community fund also helped the center upgrade its resource library. Over the years many of books and resources in the lending library have been lost. We replaced some of the most frequently requested titles and have increased our resources for caregivers; children and teens; multi-cultural; and body, mind, spirit materials. The resources were compiled through the combined efforts of Elizabeth Mitchell, WCRC’S highly valued library volunteer, and Nancy Dahlberg. Another addition to the library is a new computer and printer where women can access the web and search for additional resources about their type of cancer, latest treatments and other related topics. This is especially important for women who may not have access to the internet at home. WCRC staff can assist women who are unfamiliar with using the computer to find information. Please stop in and see the great improvements!

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center, located in Minneapolis, was founded in 1993. Its mission is to support women in taking charge of their cancer experience.

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Women’s Cancer Resource Center Names Lisa Simer Executive Director

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center announces that Lisa Simer will become its new Executive Director effective September 7, 2004. Simer is currently Community Philanthropy Officer at the Minneapolis Foundation.

“We are very excited to welcome Lisa Simer to this leadership role at WCRC,” says Susan Hubbard, chair of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center Board of Directors. “She brings the right combination of nonprofit management experience, philanthropic knowledge, and personal commitment to the mission of our organization to lead WCRC into its second decade.”

Simer has 24 years of experience working with diverse groups and organizations in community settings. Before joining the Minneapolis Foundation, where she has been responsible for grant making and managing relationships with existing donors, Simer worked as an independent nonprofit management consultant. She has held executive director positions with the Minneapolis Youth Diversion Program (now YouthLink), Hiawatha Branch YMCA, and St. Paul Youth Service Bureau, and she also directed a neighborhood center through Pillsbury Neighborhood Services.

In addition to her professional work, Simer serves on the Board of Directors of the Rivers Council of Minnesota and the Ann Bancroft Foundation. She holds a B.A. from Carleton College and an M.A. in Community Education Administration from the University of St. Thomas.

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center, located in Minneapolis, was founded in 1993. Its mission is to support women in taking charge of their cancer experience.

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