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Chester Nonprofit Partners With Colon Cancer Coalition, Launches Mentorship Program

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 14:43 GMT by Patch
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Chester Nonprofit Partners With Colon Cancer Coalition to Launch Mentorship Program

By a local news correspondent
Published: September 28, 2024 – Patch.com/New Jersey

In a move that promises to bring new hope and tangible support to colon‑cancer patients and survivors in the Chester, New Jersey area, the town’s flagship nonprofit, the Chester Volunteer Group (CVG), has teamed up with the Colon Cancer Coalition (CCC) to roll out a comprehensive mentorship program. The initiative, unveiled at a modest ceremony on Main Street last Friday, aims to connect newly diagnosed patients with seasoned survivors, health professionals, and community volunteers who can offer practical guidance and emotional encouragement throughout treatment and beyond.

A Partnership Born of Shared Vision

The partnership is the product of months of collaboration between CVG and CCC, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing the burden of colorectal cancer through prevention, education, and early detection. CVG, known for its wide array of community‑service projects—from neighborhood clean‑ups to after‑school tutoring—has long championed local health initiatives. By aligning with CCC’s expertise, CVG hopes to amplify its reach and provide a steady stream of mentorship that extends across the entire county.

“We’ve always been committed to the well‑being of Chester’s residents,” said CVG Executive Director Angela Martinez. “Partnering with the Colon Cancer Coalition lets us bring a proven, evidence‑based program right into our community. Our volunteers are ready to step in, and the CCC brings the medical knowledge and survivor network that’s essential for meaningful support.”

CCC Director Dr. James L. Thompson added, “Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, yet many patients feel isolated when they first receive a diagnosis. By pairing patients with mentors who have walked that path, we can reduce anxiety, improve adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately save lives.”

How the Mentorship Program Works

The program is structured around four key pillars:

1. Personal Pairing – Each patient is matched with a survivor or a trained volunteer who has lived through a similar journey. Matches are made based on shared interests, medical history, and, where possible, geographic proximity.

2. Education and Resources – Mentors provide tailored information on nutrition, lifestyle changes, side‑effect management, and available community resources. They also facilitate access to health‑care professionals and support groups.

3. Emotional Support – Regular check‑ins—via phone, video chat, or in person—ensure that patients feel heard and guided through the emotional roller‑coaster that diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and follow‑up care can bring.

4. Community Integration – The program encourages patients to attend local health‑fair events, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings, reinforcing a sense of belonging and normalcy.

The first cohort of patients, identified through local hospitals such as Mountainside Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Center, will begin their mentorship journey in early October. CVG volunteers will receive a brief training session—courtesy of CCC—focused on communication, confidentiality, and the basics of colorectal cancer care.

Community Impact and Early Feedback

While the mentorship program is still in its infancy, early chatter among participants and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive. Ruth Simmons, 57, who recently finished her first round of chemotherapy, shared her excitement: “I had no idea how to navigate the post‑surgery recovery or what foods would help. My mentor—Tom, who had colorectal cancer last year—has answered every question and made me feel less alone.”

Volunteer Tom Delgado emphasized the emotional payoff: “Seeing the impact of a single conversation or a shared meal is priceless. It’s a reminder that our community can make a real difference.”

Beyond the individual level, the program is expected to have a ripple effect on Chester’s public health landscape. CCC’s research indicates that mentorship can lead to improved adherence to screening guidelines and earlier detection in subsequent generations. By fostering a culture of openness and proactive health management, the partnership could help lower colon‑cancer mortality rates in the region.

Supporting the Initiative

The new program is funded through a blend of sources: a generous $12,000 grant from the New Jersey Cancer Research Fund, matching contributions from local businesses, and modest donations from Chester residents. CVG has also secured in‑kind support in the form of meeting space at the Chester Community Center and printing services for informational handouts.

CCC’s founder, Susan H. Kim, highlighted the financial aspect: “This initiative is a testament to the power of community funding. It shows that when local stakeholders rally behind a cause, the impact can be exponential.”

Future Plans and Expansion

Both CVG and CCC envision scaling the program statewide. Dr. Thompson mentioned the potential to partner with The New Jersey Colon Cancer Alliance, a coalition of hospitals and advocacy groups working on a statewide early‑detection campaign. “If we can replicate the mentorship model in other counties, we could create a network that supports thousands more patients,” he said.

In the meantime, CVG will focus on fine‑tuning the mentorship process, gathering data on patient outcomes, and collecting testimonials that will be featured on the organization's website and upcoming newsletters.

About the Organizations

Chester Volunteer Group (CVG) – Founded in 1983, CVG is a nonprofit community service organization that engages volunteers in projects ranging from literacy programs to disaster relief. Their mission: “To create a healthier, more vibrant Chester by empowering residents through service.”

Colon Cancer Coalition (CCC) – A national nonprofit dedicated to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of colorectal cancer. CCC operates through partnerships with healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and community organizations to deliver education, mentorship, and support services.

For more information on the mentorship program, visit the Colon Cancer Coalition website at [ coloncancercoalition.org ] or the Chester Volunteer Group at [ chestervolunteers.org ].

Final Thoughts

As the first wave of patients enters the mentorship program, the community watches with hopeful anticipation. In a field where data often speaks in statistics, it is stories like Ruth Simmons’s and Tom Delgado’s that remind us that human connection is as vital as medical science. With the partnership between CVG and CCC, Chester sets an inspiring example of how local nonprofits can collaborate with national health organizations to bring tangible, compassionate support to those facing one of the most daunting health challenges of our time.