It’s been a transition year for CAMP Rehoboth

Typically done in conjunction with Pride Month, Sen. Tom Carper made his annual visit to CAMP Rehoboth Aug. 13. Staff and board members reported they had been able to focus on growing the organization as a whole in the year since the senator last stopped by.

CAMP Rehoboth Board Vice President Leslie Ledogar said this past year has been a transition year, focused on beginning to create redundancies so the organization is in a good place if something happens or someone leaves. As examples, she said that in addition to bringing on Executive Director Kim Leisey, CAMP has also hired Deputy Director Mark McDaniels and Program Manager Matt Castrina.

“We’ve never been so sophisticated,” said Ledogar.

CAMP Rehoboth Board President Wesley Combs said the organization is beginning to explore ways to work with local healthcare providers as a way to leverage its services, without having to hire more people or get more space. The organization’s area of help has changed to include more than just Rehoboth, because the population continues to grow, he said.

Leisey said there are still challenges for the LGBTQ+ population, but overall, things are going really well at CAMP Rehoboth.

One of the issues that continues to be a struggle is helping people who are housing-insecure, said Leisey. Finding secure housing is one of the keys to helping with mental health issues, she said.

Another issue, said Leisey, involves individuals she described as trans refugees. Delaware is seen as a safe place to come, she said, but sometimes an individual gets to the area without any money or way to get trans-affirming care.

In recognition of his continued support and pending retirement, Leisey showed Carper a limited-edition print by CAMP Rehoboth co-founder Murray Archibald that he will be receiving after he officially retires. She said the print was made in 2001, which is the same year Carper was first elected as senator.