Donors and supporters of Camp Haven sparkled with generosity at the Diamonds in the Rough Gala at Bent Pine Golf Club to benefit the transformational shelter for homeless and at-risk men.
During a sumptuous dinner, guests heard via videos from several Camp Haven graduates, who spoke about the impact Camp Haven has made upon their lives.
Dan Bradley said his life began to unravel after he responded to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, turning to alcohol and drugs to soften the effects of PTSD. When he finally hit “rock bottom,” he turned to Camp Haven, where its structured environment helped turn his life around.
Tim Slocum became homeless six days after graduating from high school and remained so before discovering Camp Haven. Through counseling sessions, he was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and over time changed his behaviors.
“I’m very thankful for this place. When they get people in, they can rehabilitate them. It’s a real positive thing,” said Slocum.
Alumnus Mike Digman, who attended the event with his wife and children, said he became addicted to painkillers after a series of sports injuries. Unable to hold a job or manage his life, he became homeless, but today he is married, has a newborn and a stepdaughter, is employed and has plans for the future.
“If you are at the end of your rope and running into a wall every single time, give Camp Haven a shot. You’ll be able to become a productive member of society and a good family member,” said Digman.
Camp Haven board member Steve Pelletier said that while he has never been homeless, he did once struggle with alcoholism.
“I only made it this far with a lot of help from a lot of people,” said Pelletier, now 30 years sober.
“The fact that men do come to Camp Haven is in and of itself an expression of their hope for something better in their lives. Hope is great. It’s beautiful. It’s wonderful. It’s the start of recovery, but it only becomes meaningful when it’s backed up by commitment and action,” said Pelletier.
The evening was a stunning hit, with more than $110,000 raised through auction items and donations made during a Call to the Heart led by auctioneer Wesley Davis.
Among the fantastic auction items, one stood out: a bonsai-style bougainvillea lovingly tended to by another graduate, Jerry Ross, who had dug up the struggling tree from Camp Haven, tending and shaping it over the years.
“This was his absolute prize possession. It was the one thing that he loved out of all his bonsai trees more than anything. It held tremendous value to him. He was proud of it,” said Adam Logemann, board member.
Gordon Stewart, board president, announced that this year’s Diamond Award recipient was Louise Hubbard, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council executive director.
“Louise is a true friend of the homeless. She helps all the homeless. The kind that we take care of and that nobody takes care of,” said Stewart.
Stewart also said they have instituted a fund to continue counseling and support services to graduates of the program for a year or two as they transition back into society. Additionally, they plan to ease the stress for graduates willing to sign a pledge during their transition period, by assisting with unexpected expenses such as skyrocketing rents and medical emergencies.
“Camp Haven is about providing services to homeless and at-risk men. Our job is to help them rebuild their lives so that they can get reestablished in our community,” said Chuck Bradley, executive director.
Since opening eight years ago, 241 men have benefited from programs and services such as psychological and life skill counseling, personal finance education, and employment assistance.
For more information, visit camphaven.net.
Photos by Kaila Jones
