ImpACT Story: CAMP Rehoboth—We’re Here for You
If our ACTions truly speak louder than words, then the ImpACT of CAMP Rehoboth is evident not only in our advocacy work, but in the day-to-day programs, classes, free counseling, and health testing we offer. This ImpACT story is just one among many that exemplify and celebrate the successes your Membership Gift makes possible. Stay tuned for more Membership Matters stories, to see how even a seemingly minor ACTion can have a huge ImpACT on one—or many—lives in our community.
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"June 13th would have been our 34th anniversary last year. She died on June 9, 2020. There are no words to describe the loss and feelings.” Dawn Kasow bravely shared the painful story of the sudden loss of her wife, Jean Schoellig, just one year ago. Jean suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. She was treated at Beebe Hospital, where she also had been employed, but then had to be transported to Christiana Hospital to undergo surgery. “Because of COVID, I wasn’t allowed to see or be with her from the time she left Beebe.” Dawn added: “Her sisters and I were only allowed in to see her nine days after her brain surgery, and that was to make the decision to remove her life-support.”
Tragic and heartbreaking are the immediate words and feelings that come to mind whenever we hear of a loss like this. “I can’t quite recall who suggested I reach out to CAMP Rehoboth in the fall of last year; depression has a way of causing you not to remember,” Kasow said, “but I am very glad I called.” Dawn spoke with Sal Seeley, the Director of Health and Wellness Programs at CAMP Rehoboth, and has benefited from the grief counseling and support offered to her by CAMP Rehoboth.
During one of her visits to her session with Sal, another staff member mentioned that there was a women’s group called Women in Circle. This CAMP Rehoboth program is a moderated group that meets biweekly, currently via Zoom. Group members discuss a variety of topics as they learn from and support one another. Dawn shared that the comfort from the counseling and the support group have been a lifeline for her during this difficult time.
“Sal encouraged me to try to branch out and get to know others,” she said. “CAMP Rehoboth has given me the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in the community. I volunteered at the Women’s FEST Handmade Market in April and met Anita Broccolino, a CAMP Rehoboth staff member, who connected me to several new people and told me about the women’s pickleball group, and urged me to get out to other events.
“CAMP Rehoboth, the people who work there, the volunteer opportunities, and the events have given me something to look forward to. I’m not someone who is immediately comfortable around strangers, but I know being around people is very important for me at this time and I appreciate the opportunities CAMP Rehoboth has provided and made possible for me.”
This is what membership at CAMP Rehoboth makes possible and we sincerely thank our members for their generosity, and their ongoing volunteer and financial support of CAMP Rehoboth events and programs.
If you are not a member, or maybe your membership has lapsed, now is an excellent time to consider joining—or re-joining—us. While we always hope you are able to join us for our happy and celebratory occasions and events, please know that your membership dollars are also hard at work in support of our community during anyone’s difficult time, as well. If you need us, we are here.
If you would like to become a member, upgrade your membership, volunteer for events, or meet to discuss a donation, legacy, or planned giving gift, please call the CAMP Rehoboth office at 302-227-5620, or email: anita@camprehoboth.com. ▼
Anita Broccolino is Development Director for CAMP Rehoboth.