Effective Jan. 1, 2013, Stillwaters will expand its services to cancer patients and their families by assuming responsibility for key programs now offered by Cancer Support Community Greater Milwaukee, according to a news release.

“The missions of our two organizations are similar, both of us focusing on providing free psychosocial and emotional support to those effected by any type of cancer,” Theresa Reagan, executive director of Stillwaters, said in a news release. “After thoughtful discussions, we decided that the community would be best served through a single organization.”

Waukesha-based Stillwaters will take over The Wellness Group, a professionally facilitated support group for those who are recently diagnosed or are in treatment for cancer, and Cancer Transitions, an evidence-based six-week program for cancer survivors that is held in conjunction with area health care systems starting Jan. 1.

Stillwaters also will offer its professional counseling services to individuals and families formerly served by the Cancer Support Community. Other programs offered by the Cancer Support Community will be discontinued.

“By offering services through a single organization, we will reduce redundancies and make optimal use of the funds we receive from individuals, foundations and corporations,” Reagan said in the release. “We plan to send a very clear message to the stakeholders of both organizations – that no one who is struggling with a cancer diagnosis needs to do so alone.”