New Day expands cancer resource navigation with Jewish Fund support

By AI, Created 4:42 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – New Day Foundation for Families is adding a dedicated resource navigator to help Michigan cancer patients, families and caregivers connect to outside support for transportation, lodging, insurance, medication access and care coordination. The expansion, backed by The Jewish Fund, comes as cancer-related financial strain and basic-needs insecurity continue to push many families into crisis.

Why it matters: - New Day’s expansion aims to close gaps that cancer treatment often creates beyond medical care. - The added navigation support is designed to help families find help faster for basic needs, which can affect access to treatment and day-to-day stability. - The move addresses a growing need in Michigan, where many households already struggle to afford basic necessities.

What happened: - New Day Foundation for Families is expanding its resource navigation services for cancer patients, family members and caregivers across Michigan. - The expansion is supported by The Jewish Fund. - New Day is adding a dedicated staff position for a Resource Navigator. - The new role will help connect families to additional support services outside New Day’s direct assistance.

The details: - The Resource Navigator will help families access partner nonprofit services for transportation, lodging, insurance, medication access and care coordination. - Cheryl Warstler, New Day’s program director, said resource navigation depends on knowledge and relationships and goes beyond sending families to a website. - New Day said the new position will provide continuous support by matching families with meaningful resources based on their needs. - New Day said it is recognizing increased demand for support during and after cancer treatment. - The organization said it already provides financial and emotional support to hundreds of Michigan families each year. - New Day pays critical living expenses directly to creditors for housing, utilities, transportation, groceries and other essential household costs. - The nonprofit also provides emotional support to cancer patients and family members. - New Day said hundreds of families who lose income after a cancer diagnosis rely on its help to meet basic needs. - New Day says it is the only nonprofit in Michigan that provides both financial assistance and emotional support to families dealing with any type of cancer statewide. - New Day said hospitals and cancer centers across Michigan rely on the organization to support families facing major income loss. - The organization holds a Charity Navigator 4-star rating, Platinum Level GuideStar status and top ratings from Great Nonprofits. - The Jewish Fund focuses on equitable access to services that promote health and well-being for vulnerable and underserved people in the Jewish and broader metropolitan Detroit community. - New Day directs readers to its resources page for a list of cancer support resources in Michigan. - The release cites research showing that one third of adults do not adhere to cancer treatment because of financial hardship. - The release also cites research showing that one in three families cannot afford basic needs during cancer treatment. - The American Cancer Society has advocated for resource navigation for cancer patients. - The release says southeastern Michigan has more than 40% of households struggling to afford basic needs.

Between the lines: - The expansion signals a shift from one-off financial help toward a more integrated care-navigation model. - That matters because cancer strain is often logistical as much as medical, with transportation, housing and medication access shaping whether treatment is manageable. - New Day is leaning on partner organizations to extend its reach without duplicating services.

What’s next: - The new Resource Navigator is expected to help New Day deepen referrals and expand support for families during and after treatment. - New Day is likely to use the role to strengthen coordination with nonprofit partners across Michigan. - Families can already look for support resources through New Day’s online resource listing.

The bottom line: - The Jewish Fund-backed expansion gives New Day another tool to help cancer families handle the practical costs that can derail care.