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July 16, 2021 - Membership Matters by Marj Shannon

ImpACT Story
CAMP Rehoboth Opens Doors



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.

“I’m a servant. I love to help,” says Rob Jasinski, a longtime member of CAMP Rehoboth’s Men’s Discussion Group—and oh, so much more. 


Rob sought out the group five years ago, after a long-term relationship—that culminated in his move to Rehoboth to embark on a new life—foundered, and he found himself alone, with no local friends or familiar activities. 


A visitor to Rehoboth for years, he was aware of CAMP Rehoboth and regularly read Letters. He recalled reading about the Men’s Discussion Group, and reached out to Salvatore Seeley, CAMP Rehoboth’s Director of Health & Wellness Programs. Sal extended his characteristic warm welcome and invited Rob to attend the group’s next meeting. 


“That meeting began as they all do,” says Rob, “with introductions around the circle of attendees. But when my turn came, I just began to cry. Everyone immediately gathered around me to offer support and comfort. There went the agenda for that evening’s meeting! The meeting turned out to be ‘all about me.’” 


The group continued to be supportive and uplifting across many meetings, says Rob, as he continued to adapt to his new community and circumstances. “At some point, the guys began to encourage me to start volunteering; they thought it’d help me take the focus off myself and put it onto others.” It turned out to be exactly what he needed to hear.


Knowing he liked music, one man suggested Rob reach out to Clear Space Theatre. That led to an ushering “gig” two or three nights each month, with subsequent opportunities to volunteer in other capacities. He now volunteers at Milton Theatre as well. 


Another man pointed him toward Epworth United Methodist Church, where he became active in the weekly soup kitchen. 


He’s participated in the AIDS Walk, and with the reading of the names. He’s a volunteer at Rehoboth’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.


And CAMP Rehoboth, of course, offered its own opportunities as Rob fashioned his new life and claimed his new community. “I’ve worked with the CROP [CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program] Team; I’ve helped with Women’s FEST and VegFest. (I’m a vegetarian, so that’s a great fit!) I’ve worked in the auction room, with Sal, at Sundance; I’ll help this year with the Sun Festival.” 


Rob has stayed active in the Men’s Discussion Group, too, noting that “the group was a big turning point for me; I want to help it be that for others.” 


Five years from that fateful first meeting with the discussion group, Rob says, “I love CAMP. The people I’ve met here opened doors for me throughout the community, and gently pushed me through them. I now know loads of people through volunteering. I’m a firm believer in paying it forward; CAMP Rehoboth helped me find so many ways to live out that belief.” ▼

‹ July 16, 2021 - Words Matter by Clarence Fluker up July 16, 2021 - Who's That?.... That's CAMP! by Anita Broccolino ›

Past Issues

Issues Index

  • December 17, 2021 - Issue Index
  • November 19, 2021 - Issue Index
  • October 22, 2021 - Issue Index
  • September 24, 2021 - Issue Index
  • August 20, 2021 - Issue Index
  • July 16, 2021 - Issue Index
    • July 16, 2021 - Cover to Cover with Issuu
    • July 16, 2021 - The Way I See It by Beth Shockley
    • July 16, 2021 - In Brief
    • July 16, 2021 - Out in Delaware by David Mariner
    • July 16, 2021 - Intentionally Inclusive by Wesley Combs
    • July 16, 2021 - CAMPNews
    • July 16, 2021 - SUN FESTIVAL 2021
    • July 16, 2021 - It's My Life by Michael Thomas Ford
    • July 16, 2021 - Community News
    • July 16, 2021 - Volunteer Spotlight by Karen Laitman
    • July 16, 2021 - Summer Treats by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Words Matter by Clarence Fluker
    • July 16, 2021 - Membership Matters by Marj Shannon
    • July 16, 2021 - Who's That?.... That's CAMP! by Anita Broccolino
    • July 16, 2021 - Health and Wellness by Marj Shannon
    • July 16, 2021 - Health & Wellness Classes
    • July 16, 2021 - COVID-19 & HIV by Ashley Innes
    • July 16, 2021 - Out & About by Eric C. Peterson
    • July 16, 2021 - LGBTQ+ YA Column by Ella Walker
    • July 16, 2021 - Candidate Forum
    • July 16, 2021 - Dining Out by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Out & Proud by Stefani Deoul
    • July 16, 2021 - CAMP Houses by Rich Barnett
    • July 16, 2021 - Celebrity Interview by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Music from the Heart by Matty Brown
    • July 16, 2021 - Cover Story: Historic Poodle Beach by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Straight Talk by David Garrett
    • July 16, 2021 - CAMPShots
    • July 16, 2021 - Summer Treats by Michael Gilles
    • July 16, 2021 - Booked Solid by Terri Schlichenmeyer
    • July 16, 2021 - Historical Headliners by Ann Aptaker
    • July 16, 2021 - Spotlight on the Arts by Doug Yetter
    • July 16, 2021 - Summer Treats by Ed Castelli
    • July 16, 2021 - The Real Dirt by Eric W. Wahl
    • July 16, 2021 - Theatre Is Back by Michael Gilles
    • July 16, 2021 - View Point by Richard J. Rosendall
    • July 16, 2021 - Visiting View by D'Anne Witkowski
    • July 16, 2021 - We Remember
  • June 18, 2021 - Issue Index
  • May 14, 2021 - Issue Index
  • April 16, 2021 - Issue Index
  • March 19, 2021 - Issue Index
  • February 19th, 2021 - Issue Index

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