LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Women's Group Casts Wide Net, Catches Challenging Conversation |
by Fay Jacobs |
There's always something interesting happening at 5:30 every Thursday evening in the comfortable basement room of the Sand in My Shoes B&B on Canal Street in Rehoboth. That's where the Gay Women's Support Group, affiliated with the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project, holds its weekly meetings. With a variety of participants and potential discussion topics covering the entire spectrum of issues facing gay women, the group is proving to be a voice in the community. Started by counselors Penny LeCates and Libby Stiff, the group first met in December 1999 at a meeting place off Route One, offered by the Metropolitan Community Church. From there it took up winter-time residence at the Third Edition on Lake Avenue, and most recently moved to its current site. In the course of its travels, more than 50 women have participated in the support group, meeting other women, sharing experiences and looking some thorny and important issues squarely in the eye. From coming out experiences to issues of social isolation, child custody, relationships, discrimination and social service gaps, many people have spoken out, spoken up, listened and shared. "There have been people who stay with the group, and others who come and go, just as it should be with a support group," Libby Stiff says about the experience. "We've been able to talk about all kind of life issues about gayness, women's sexual orientation, and women's issues." All with refreshments. Ever since they've been at Sand in My Shoes, the owners, Donna Gibler and Joy Reese, have provided coffee and cake to their weekly visitors. With participants welcome from the entire area surrounding Rehoboth, Lewes or elsewhere in Sussex County, the group sports a diverse geographic and economic mix. As the group has matured, it seems to have attracted many women who don't tend to congregate at bars, tea dances or feel comfortable at those types of meeting places. It's a welcoming venue for women who are facing social isolation or who are still struggling with coming out issues. Whether as singles or couples, long-time community members or newcomers, the support group changes and morphs with the needs of its members. As an outgrowth of the support group, monthly pot luck suppers have evolved, and other activities have grown out of the requirements of group memberswith people jumping in to help those who need a hand. According to some of the participants, one of the most exciting and affecting meetings came from a discussion around coming out issues. "There were a lot of laughs, and a couple of people cried," says Libby. And as folks told their stories, it showed others that these were some very universal experiences. For women who might be hesitant to join a group already in existence, Libby says, "Don't be." The weekly participants are always welcoming newcomers and making them feel at home. The group gathers around a long table, shoulder to shoulder, and there's a respect for confidentiality. On the subject of who's welcome to attend, the answer is clear: any woman who wishes to discuss issues surrounding her sexual identity or gay life. The group members agree that ALL means gay women, women who think they might be gay, and transgender women, too. "If she thinks she belongs here, she will" says Libby. So if you have seen the ads for the support group and have wondered if you should attend, the answer is YES! You'll find support, some new friends, and coffee and cake. What are you waiting for? The Women's Project of CAMP Rehoboth Defines Its Mission by Maggie Shaw In the cold and the still of the winter, the CAMP Rehoboth Project Advisory Committee met and explored the future needs of our growing community. Out of that meetingand several that followedwas born the Women's Project of CAMP Rehoboth. Designed to be a program of CAMP Rehoboth and the future CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, the Women's Project has met formally on three occasions. Our goal has been to define the project's purpose and more clearly identify the immediate and long term needs of the women's community in and around Rehoboth. The Women's Project vision of "Embracing the Spirit of All Women in Our Community" goes hand-in-hand with the vision of the Community Center which is to be "The Heart of the Community." As defined, our mission is "to provide education, health and support services and a social environment which assures that the needs of the women's community are met". To date, we have developed a survey to better assist us with this process and have begun providing community outreach services. The Project, which is composed of women throughout our community, will continue to meet to further define its future goals and objectives. If you would like to volunteer for the Women's Project, or for more information, contact Maggie Shaw at CAMP Rehoboth, 302-227-5620. Maggie Shaw is Chair of the Women's Project of CAMP Rehoboth. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 12, Aug. 25, 2000. |