LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
A Conversation with SCAC's Steve Twilley |
by Fay Jacobs |
Steven N. Twilley was recently selected as Executive Director of SCAC, the Sussex County AIDS Committee. According to SCAC President Murray Archibald, "Steve has a wide range of professional experience in non-profit organizations. With this background he brings a new prospective, a proven track record and a fresh commitment to SCAC." CAMP Rehoboth's Fay Jacobs recently had the opportunity to spend time getting to know Steve. In the interview that follows, she helps us get to know a little about this Rehoboth newcomer. Fay: Welcome to town, Steve. How long have you been on the job? Steve: Just about five weeks, and I've spent most of the time listening and learning. What's your background? Most recently I was the chief operating officer for Delmarva Rural Ministries in Dover. Before that I worked in the area at Nanticoke Hospital in Seaford, Milford Hospital, and Delaware Hospice. I also worked in Baltimore for a while, but I've been working in Delaware since 1987. I have 20 years experience in non-profits, working in development, case management, housing and public relations. So, you're a Delaware native? Actually, I was born and raised on the Maryland side of Delmaryou could actually see the Mason-Dixon line marker from my window. I now live in Milford with my wife Robin and sons Brandon and Tyler. And actually, I've spent most of my time in the Dover area so I'm just getting to know Rehoboth. What are your initial reactions to SCAC and its work? My first impression, taking into consideration all the non-profits I've worked for, is that I've never seen such incredible commitment and supportfrom the volunteers, the clients and the community. It's an incredibly busy office with people truly committed to the cause. I'm impressed with the level of services provided by SCAC, and I also have to say I'm taken by the critical need for these services in Sussex County. Were you very familiar with HIV/AIDS issues? Yes and no. Technically, this is a very new arena for me, since I wasn't specifically working with HIV/AIDS clients before. However, I have worked with this same or similar populations to provide services. Like many people, I didn't realize how critical the problem is here in Sussex County and how crucial the need is for services. I have learned that Delaware's ranks fifth in the nation in AIDS cases per capita. One out of every 185 Delaware residents is infected with HIV, so we can't afford to become complacent in this battle. Besides listening and learning, what have you been spending time doing these past five weeks? Well it's always something different. This week has been food week. We went to the food bank of Delaware, then spent time bagging groceries and taking them to our clients. Then another few days were spent reviewing and approving financial assistance applications. We've given out over $45,000 so far this year. And we've been arranging for rides for our clients to go to doctor's appointments or social service visits. SCAC has already driven our clients 24,000 miles this year. Outside of work and family, what's your passion? I'm involved in community theatre. I'm on the Board of Milton's Second Street Players and I've done some acting. I enjoyed playing Uncle Billy to Glen Pruitt's George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. Acting is a great relaxation from work. You get to be another person and you are forced to leave the stress of work behind. Do you have one request that you would like to communicate to the community? Yes, never become complacent. We live in what I call a disease-du-jour society. Many times the media will look at a specific disease, the public will latch onto it and other causes will be left behind. We can't afford to have that happen with HIV and AIDS. While there have been tremendous advances, the battle is not being won; we have to fight it every day. Well best of luck with the new job...in theatre speak that would be "break a leg!" And we look forward to working with you in the community. You're already a great spokesperson for the organization. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 15, Nov. 22, 2000. |