Who We Are

Support for Cancer Patients & Their Families

Southeast Cancer Support Services (SCSS) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to alleviating the unique challenges faced by cancer patients residing in Southeastern Manitoba’s rural regions. We recognize the significant barriers that patients and their families encounter in accessing essential treatment and support services, particularly in the context of rising living expenses and potential reductions in work hours or even leaves of absence.

Limited healthcare infrastructure, transportation difficulties, and financial constraints can further complicate already difficult treatment decisions, causing further delay or even treatment abandonment. SCSS recognizes these challenges and aims to bridge this gap by providing crucial resources for cancer patients and their families.

Purpose Statement

We will promote patient care and health support services to individuals and families experiencing cancer through:

Transportation/parking for cancer-related appointments.
Accommodations associated with cancer treatments.
Financial assistance for incidentals incurred along the cancer journey.
Educational and informational resources on cancer-related topics.
Individual and group support.

Wellness programs, including ‘Kids With Courage’, ‘Mindful Movement’, etc.
Providing cancer prevention, screening, & treatment information.
Skin-screening clinics, lymphedema treatments, and radon testing.
Palliative support.
Wigs & head coverings.

Our First Phase

Phase One of our initiative prioritizes the alleviation of transportation-related costs, including parking, meals, and accommodations incurred during treatment trips. SCSS will establish a network of volunteer drivers to assist patients requiring transportation to treatment centres outside the immediate vicinity (i.e. from rural communities to treatment centres in Steinbach or Winnipeg).

What We Stand For

Our Vision

To partner with and provide support to patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

Mission

To be a community based not-for profit organization providing education, hope and support, for individuals and their families experiencing cancer.

Our Values

Respect

We believe in the worth and dignity of every individual and their right to be treated with respect, integrity, openness, fairness, and humility. We listen to and learn from one another in an open and trusting manner. Everyone has the right to access healthcare.

Community Focus

We believe in an inclusive individual/family/community focus. Our programs and services are delivered with compassion and sensitivity to individual needs, for all those who seek our support, through a vast slate of committed volunteers. Once a need is requested, we will commit to fulfilling it in a timely and capable manner.

Education & Growth

We continually work to improve on all that we do, and to deepen our understanding of our work on behalf of the individuals, families, and communities affected by cancer. We believe in lifelong learning and remaining current to ensure we are providing the best care and support possible.

Governance

Southeast Cancer Support Services is governed by an elected Board of Directors and operates as a not-for-profit organization. It adheres to the Corporations Act of Manitoba and maintains required corporated records and is registered with Revenue Canada as a charitable organization. Annual general meetings are held to connect with the community and promote SCSS’s activities.

SCSS is modelled after two not-for-profit cancer support services operating out of Morden, MB and Portage La Prairie, MB, both of which have provided much-needed services for more than 20 years.

Taste of Summer Charity BBQ - SCSS Board

Who We Serve

We support 88 communities in Southeastern Manitoba, including 11 cities and larger towns, 71 small towns, villages, and reserves, and 6 Hutterite colonies. Every demographic in our catchment region has access to our services.