Welcoming Interim Director Lisa Evans
CAMP Rehoboth’s Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Lisa Evans as Interim Director. Lisa had been serving as Acting Manager of day-to-day operations since mid-April.
The CAMP Rehoboth Board chose to hire an Interim Director to proactively chart a course that ensures it continues to meet the needs of today as well as the future and to help provide the next Executive Director with a strong foundation to carry the organization forward.
Following a two-month search and after interviewing a nationwide group of highly qualified candidates, Lisa was selected because of her nonprofit management expertise. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Baltimore nonprofit One House at a Time. Lisa and her spouse have had a home in Rehoboth for 25 years and moved here full time in 2020.
“Because CAMP Rehoboth is the largest community center serving the needs of LGBTQ people in Rehoboth, greater Sussex County, and throughout the state of Delaware, our number one priority was identifying the best candidate who could help assess the current and emerging needs of CAMP in this rapidly changing world,” said CAMP Rehoboth Board President Wesley Combs. “Not only does Lisa bring more than 40 years of nonprofit and government experience leading transformational change in her previous roles, but she also has a long history with CAMP Rehoboth as a volunteer,” added Combs.
“The issues and challenges facing the LGBTQ community make CAMP Rehoboth as relevant as ever. CAMP’s mission of creating a more positive Rehoboth through an inclusive and positive environment for all resonates strongly for me. I hope that my experiences in the nonprofit world can add value to that mission,” said Lisa Evans. “After spending two months as the Acting Manager, the dedication of the staff, the Board, our donors and supporters, and CAMP’s amazing history reinforced my decision to apply for and accept the Interim Director position. Rehoboth has been my weekend and now permanent home for over 25 years and CAMP has been my community. I am very pleased to be an active member of that community.”
With Lisa on board, the Board will next engage in a strategic planning process that it plans to accomplish over the second half of 2022. The Board is committed to engaging members of the community to help the Board develop a roadmap for the future. In addition, The Board will work with a search committee and the community at the appropriate time to begin the process of hiring a permanent Executive Director. Get to know Lisa better on page 10. ▼
CAMP Rehoboth Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Board of Directors and Interim Director Lisa Evans issued the following statement in response to the six to three United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturns the constitutional right to abortion as recognized for nearly 50 years in the landmark cases of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey:
Celebrating diversity, building a strong sense of community, and ‘creating a more positive’ environment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities has always been at the heart of the CAMP Rehoboth’s mission. That is why CAMP Rehoboth Community Center is devastated and angered by the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion formerly guaranteed by Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. This decision will have devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ people, who all need safe access to reproductive care.
Additionally, it is abundantly clear that the table is now set for more SCOTUS opinions that may allow states to eventually reverse marriage equality, outlaw contraception, criminalize same-sex relations, and even ban interracial marriage. Because reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice are inextricably grounded in the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Dobbs decision raises alarm about the Court’s ability to dismantle other rights related to LGBTQ+ families that are also grounded in the 14th Amendment and for which LGBTQ+ people have fought long and hard to win, including the right to marry.
“The Court’s opinion is appalling, shocking, and frightening because it opens the doors for a dangerous assault on all constitutional rights involving privacy, liberty, and autonomy,” said CAMP Rehoboth Interim Director Lisa Evans. “At a time when the introduction of anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country is at an all-time high, we need to ensure that every person has access to the care they need, and the power to control their own body and life.”
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center is incredibly thankful that Delaware’s General Assembly has already codified Roe v. Wade and marriage equality in our state law. Now it is up to members of Delaware’s LBGTQ+ community to further safeguard rights by standing with all persons who fear the dangerous consequences of this decision, many of whom are already organizing a response. Anyone having their rights threatened will always have an ally in CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. CAMP Rehoboth urges all to use anger to advocate in the legislatures, in the courts, and in the streets, while still continuing to provide a safe and welcoming space in the heart of Rehoboth Beach and in the heart of Delaware. ▼
CAMPsafe in the Community
On June 23, CAMPsafe staff member Patricia Clear visited the Laurel Commons’ Appreciation Luncheon for its Senior Community. “The residents appreciated the information provided on the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center and other vital resources,” said Sant’ea Taylor, Community Manager at Laurel Commons.
While CAMPsafe was built to promote sexual health and well-being through county-wide HIV testing and counseling, our staff members understand the importance of connecting community members to other resources as well. “Our seniors need resources they can reach out to in crisis counseling and sexual assault services as they are sometimes afraid to tell family members that are closest to them. Again, thank you for introducing your services, your compassion, and confidentiality in the programs,” said Taylor. ▼
Handmade Market Kicks Off Summer Season
On June 10, CAMP Rehoboth celebrated the return of the Handmade Art Market in its courtyard. Ten artists exhibited their works for sale, whether it was stained glass, beaded bracelets, jewelry, digital photography, or CBD body care products. Plus, Robb the Uke Guy provided the perfect summer soundtrack with acoustic covers of classics like “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” and “Like a Prayer,” of course each with Robb’s own Hawaiian flair.
This monthly arts event runs on the second Friday of each month, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth. Are you a craftsperson, vendor, or musician who’d be interested in participating? Please email matty@camprehoboth.com for more information. ▼
On the Cover
On the cover this issue, René Smith and her sons Tony and Lucien. René and Lucien are active in CAMP Rehoboth’s YouthUp program. As summer gets into full swing, the family enjoys Funland—which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year—on the tea cup ride and the merry-go-round, which was one of Funland’s original five rides.
Some of their Rehoboth and Funland favorites:
René: Favorite boardwalk food/treat?
Lucien: Who doesn’t love Thrasher’s fries and bubble tea?!
R: Favorite Funland activity?
L: Probably crane games! It’s always so satisfying when you can finally grab the prize you want.
R: Beach or pool?
L: The beach, by far. Love making me a good sandcastle.
R: Favorite beach or pool toy?
L: As cliche as it is, beach balls. Nothing hits like being able to mess with your friends by throwing them at ‘em. As well as the normal way of using them, but that’s not as fun! ▼
Read more about Lucien and René in CAMP News.