ImpACT Story
A Perfect Fit
If our ACTions truly speak louder than words, then the ImpACT of CAMP Rehoboth is most evident not only in our advocacy work, but in the day-to-day programs, classes, free counseling, and health testing we offer that touch individual lives. The Membership Matters team is bringing you one story monthly to help celebrate the successes your membership gift and matching donations make possible. Stay tuned each issue to see how even a minor ACTion can have a huge impact on one—or many—lives in our community.
Lisa Eline, a native Delawarean and long-time Rehoboth Beach resident, found what has become her “sacred Tuesday morning ritual” in CAMP Rehoboth’s weekly newsletter. That’s where, early in the pandemic, she came across mention of Erin Shivone’s Chair Yoga and Meditation classes, offered weekly via Zoom.
“The scheduling was perfect for me! I watch my grand-niece and -nephew several days a week while my niece teaches, and I also am my mom’s caregiver. But my Tuesday mornings were open—and I made sure they stayed that way. Once I started classes with Erin, I even rescheduled appointments so I could be with her—on Zoom—on Tuesday mornings.”
Lisa—like so many of us—found the pandemic challenging. “Trying to juggle my grand-niece’s kindergarten classes, her younger brother’s activities, and my mom’s care—it was a LOT. When I started classes with Erin, I thought, ‘This is exactly what I need.’”
Lisa’s missed just one session in over a year: “I went to my grand-niece’s kindergarten graduation. I’m a retired kindergarten and first-grade teacher, so there was no way I’d miss that!”
Lisa’s thrilled that Erin’s Zoom classes are continuing this summer and hopes they will into the fall. “My mom is vaccinated (so am I) but her health is compromised, and we had a real scare in January when her other caregivers developed COVID. My mom—thankfully—did not, but we’re still really careful. I love being able to do these classes via Zoom, though I’ll be excited to go into Erin’s studio one day.”
Lisa also has taken some of the other Zoom events that CAMP Rehoboth has offered. “I especially like the nutrition and health-related webinars. I just so appreciate all that CAMP does!” She continues, “I also appreciate all that Sal [CAMP Rehoboth’s Health & Wellness Program Director] does. He’s always been just great, and so helpful. He even comes on Zoom to let people know what all’s going on at CAMP.”
Lisa passes along CAMP Rehoboth’s weekly email to young people she knows who have come out or who she thinks may be interested in CAMP Rehoboth and all it has to offer. “They’ve sometimes asked me, ‘Why did you even get this? You’re not gay!’ I just tell them, ‘the A in LGBTQA stands for “all.” I’m one of the all.’ And that’s how I feel: CAMP Rehoboth is doing so much for the community, and I’m just so grateful to be part of that community.” ▼