Celebrating Diversity
Diversity is something we seek—and celebrate—at CAMP Rehoboth. The range of opinions, perspectives, and ideas gained from a diverse group of people enriches our conversations, expands our thinking, and provides insights we might otherwise miss.
We also leverage opportunities to explore diversity wherever we can: If there’s a way to look not just at a big picture, but also at the smaller components contributing to the whole, we’re going to look. We know that sometimes it takes peering at the parts to reveal the whole.
One case in point: In our October 2017 survey, Assessing Our Community’s Needs, we asked questions to let us characterize those who participated by self-reported attributes such as age, sex, and gender. We also looked at groups of people by how they described themselves; e.g., as smokers or non-smokers, as being under- or overweight, or as followers (or not) of a healthful diet.
Using such information enabled us to tease out important nuances within our overall group of participants—nuances we would have missed completely, had we looked only at the group as a whole.
For example, we learned that while only 9 percent of our overall participants were cigarette smokers, 18 percent of people under age 55 were. That’s a difference worth knowing—a third of the people who took the survey fell into that age group.
Why does that difference matter? Well, we receive funds to offer tobacco cessation programs periodically. Knowing there is still a substantial number of smokers in our community helps document the need for those programs. It also helps inform scheduling: if we’re providing cessation programs to those who need them the most, we have to accommodate the fact that most of our “under 55” people work fulltime. The information also helps us reach out effectively to potential participants—i.e., we can focus on media channels to reach people in that age group.
Other examples:
⊲ We learned that transgender survey participants were markedly younger than participants overall, with a median age of 31 vs. 60. This has real implications for programming, outreach—everything!
⊲ We learned that 43 percent of people who described themselves as very overweight or obese felt their diets were somewhat unhealthy or very unhealthy. Just this past week, we offered a Mindful Eating workshop. And in late April we included some recipes in a program on gardening. Those are not coincidences. Participants spoke to us—and we listened.
⊲ Survey participants let us know they like to be physically active—but many reported conditions such as arthritis, which imposed limitations. So it’s no accident that many of our fitness-related offerings—e.g., BROGA, chair aerobics, and Tai Chi classes—are low impact.
⊲ Thirty-five percent of all participants—and 44 percent of those age 55 to 64—reported they serve as caregivers. That’s a pretty clear signal. We responded in several ways: a caregivers group meets monthly; on May 9, the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau will be at CAMP Rehoboth to present a “Social Security 101” program; and early this year, we—along with community partners—offered a four-part savvy caregivers series.
Our examination of the many sub-groups included among survey participants enriched our understanding of our community. We use that understanding every day to seek grants, develop programming, partner with other organizations, or simply connect people to resources. And each time we do, we say “thank you!” to all of you who participated in the survey and made these intentional efforts possible.
The following are some ways we are serving our community.
Upcoming Health & Wellness Classes AND Events
(All held at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center unless otherwise noted). Visit the CAMP Calendar for additional information.
AARP Defensive Driving for Drivers Age 50+: May 7 at 9 a.m. Six-hour course. Cost: $15 for AARP members; $20, non-members. Registration required.
In a continuing partnership, AARP and CAMP Rehoboth present a course leading drivers age 50+ through practical driving techniques. Save money on your car insurance. Bank extra points with the DMV. Understand the “three-second rule” and why driving with hands at ten and two isn’t the best choice anymore.
The course examines the effects of normal changes to vision and hearing caused by aging, and the effects of medications and alcohol on the way people drive. It also covers the latest “rules of the road” and how to operate vehicles safely in today’s environment and with today’s technology.
Social Security 101: May 9 from 3-5 p.m. Includes information on programs for retirees, individuals with disabilities, widows and children. Relevant to anyone age 18 or older. Cost: free. Registration required.
The seminar will cover the history and purpose of the Social Security Administration, as well as the eligibility criteria for all of its benefit programs. Besides retirement benefits, Social Security also offers disability benefits for individuals aged 18 years and older, and survivor benefits for children and widowed spouses. Concerns about the future solvency of these programs will be addressed. Finally, an overview of the online services available through Social Security’s website will be provided. Workers can use these services throughout their careers for financial planning purposes and later, while collecting Social Security, to manage their benefits. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. This program is relevant to everyone aged 18 years and older.
BROGA: Multiple Saturdays through August; check calendar for dates. Starts at 8:30 a.m. Next meets: May 18. Registration required.
Free HIV Testing: Whenever you need it! Testing is available at multiple sites—and at convenient hours—in Sussex County. Contact Salvatore at 302-227-5620
Health & Wellness-related Groups
Women’s Coffee Talk: First and third Saturdays of each month; starts at 10 a.m. Next meets: May 4 and 18. Provides a positive, non-judgmental place to share thoughts and perspectives. Cost: free.
Grief Group: Lead by Kevin Bliss, a certified End-of-Life and Grief Coach; meets monthly. Next meets: May 16; 3:00 p.m. For more information, email or call 302-754-1954.
Recovery Groups at CAMP Rehoboth: Meeting space is provided for a variety of recovery groups: Alcoholics Anonymous—Sundays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at noon; Young People’s Alcoholics Anonymous—Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ▼