So Much to Be Thankful For
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we often reflect on the past year and hopefully find reasons to be grateful for things in our life. For some, that can mean good health, being employed, or having enjoyed time with friends and family. Simple enough, right?
At a time when there is adversity all around us, it can be challenging to focus on the positives when you consider the alternatives. I again draw on my executive coaching tools to shift my perspective away from going down any number of negative rabbit holes (fill in the blank for your misery of choice). Instead, I am comforted by what I have been able to accomplish despite any setbacks personally or professionally.
As you might imagine, what happens at CAMP Rehoboth influences my day-to-day life in both obvious and unexpected ways. My husband Greg often says he can tell when things are going well based on my mood. Since assuming the role of Board President in January, there certainly has never been a dull moment.
Like each of the other board members, I know serving in a leadership capacity is not only an honor and privilege, but also comes with a huge responsibility—especially during this time of transition. CAMP Rehoboth is the heart of the community for a reason, and it is our job to keep it as healthy as possible.
Regardless of the task at hand, I am fueled by witnessing the ways CAMP is providing life-changing support to those across our community and by the support we receive from our members all year long. I was overwhelmed with gratitude by the positive response and words of thanks CAMP received as we walked in the Sea Witch parade for the first time. We know none of this would be possible without the passion of our dedicated staff and countless acts of generosity.
Beginning on page 94 of this issue, you can learn much more about our work in the 2022 Impact Report. It provides a holistic view of CAMP Rehoboth’s operations and the outcomes we can achieve because of generous contributions of time, talent, and—yes, dollars—from our members, foundations, and the state of Delaware. Here are some of the highlights and reasons why I am feeling especially thankful:
• More than 260 volunteers provided support at CAMP Rehoboth’s community center and events throughout the year.
• CAMP Rehoboth was awarded $160,000 by the state of Delaware, as part of the General Assembly’s Community Reinvestment Fund. The dollars will fund high-priority capital repairs.
• CAMP Rehoboth distributed 80,499 condoms between January and October via 27 distribution sites and at 19 events across Delaware.
• Women’s FEST and SUNFESTIVAL (combined) drew over 3,300 participants.
• The 84-members of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus returned to in-person performances at Epworth United Methodist Church in May to present a Great American Songbook concert.
Finally, I want my husband Greg to know how much his unwavering moral support helped push me forward when it was most needed.
On behalf of the staff and board of directors at CAMP Rehoboth, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. ▼
TRANSITION
Executive Director Search: On October 19, CAMP Rehoboth commenced the search for its new Executive Director by issuing an RFP inviting qualified executive search firms and consultants to submit a written proposal to conduct an executive recruitment. A copy of the RFP can be found on the CAMP Rehoboth website.
To be eligible for consideration, the proposing firm must demonstrate that it, and the principal(s) assigned to the project, have successfully completed similar services to those specified in the Scope of Work section of the RFP, with institutions similar in size and complexity to CAMP Rehoboth.
To guide the process, the board has formed a Search Committee that includes Board President Wes Combs (chair), Board members Pat Catanzariti and Jason Mathis, Interim Director Lisa Evans, and former Board member Glen Pruitt.
The successful vendor will work directly with CAMP’s Search Committee and with any other CAMP representative selected to be involved with activities associated with this project. As of Letters’ deadline, CAMP had received four proposals from prospective executive search firms and the Search Committee hopes to make a selection before Thanksgiving. Once an agreement has been signed, work is tentatively set to begin in early December.
Strategic Plan: The Strategic Planning Task Force met on November 9 to officially commence the process. Members of the Task Force include Board Vice President Leslie Ledogar (chair), Board member Leslie Sinclair, Board President Wes Combs, Interim Director Lisa Evans, and Communications Manager Matty Brown.
To prepare for the meeting, the Task Force provided MMP Associates (the selected vendor) with background information about CAMP Rehoboth, including the work product from the strategic plan conducted in 2018. At the meeting, Dr. Michela Perrone reviewed the project schedule and together with the Task Force developed a task plan for the data collection portion of the process.
Wesley Combs is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.