West Bay Wins with Bingo at Whispering Pines

For the past five years, West Bay Case Manager Marjorie “Marge” Shortway-Pavao’s family has made it a summer tradition to camp at Whispering Pines campground in Hope Valley, RI. The camp organizes a game of Bingo twice a week throughout the summer. At the beginning of the summer, Marge proposed the idea of having individuals, who West Bay provides supports to, run the games. It was a great opportunity for the individuals who participated to enjoy a fun activity.

It was almost immediate that many of the campers hit it off with the staff and individuals supported through West Bay. After the first night, it was clear the campers enjoyed having the new callers run the games as much as they enjoyed running them.

The response of the campers was overwhelmingly positive. Diane Lima, of Brockton, MA, observed that “Bingo grew every weekend, because people wanted to spend time with the people from West Bay, and because we could see that we were meeting some great people.” These sentiments were shared by those who managed the games. When asked about her experience running Bingo, Cathy Keithan emphasized how she enjoyed “getting to meet [the campers] who were really nice, and welcoming.” Diane was sure to note that “Kathy had a fun-loving personality and was a pleasure to talk to.” After the first night, the campers unanimously asked to have the individuals supported through West Bay to manage the rest of the summers’ games.

Many campers had nothing but positive comments regarding this new arrangement for the games. Michelle Luther, of Middletown, RI, seconded that. “It was great to play the games, and to participate with the people [from West Bay] who were running the games. Yet, in turn they didn’t realize what they were giving back to us. Additionally, the West Bay staff who attended was so accommodating and helpful.”

The enjoyment of the games was a mutual gift, with individuals having as many nice things to say about the experience as the campers. Laurie Mathias said of her experience, “It was a lot of fun holding up the cards, and calling out the numbers.”
When asked about the experience, Whispering Pines Camp Director, Cameron May, said, “We like to use Bingo as an opportunity to benefit people who need it, while at the same time providing an entertaining activity for our guests. It’s wonderful to hear such encouraging words from the West Bay staff and individuals who participated. It was clear the individuals took so much pride in hosting our weekly games every week. As well, the positive feedback from our customers has been overwhelming.” Not only did the individuals who managed the games get to enhance their employment skills as well as participate in a fun, activity, while a percentage of the proceeds went to the individuals who worked the games.

A large amount of West Bay’s community activities have begun similarly, with human connections that lead to mutually beneficial relationships. Executive Director Gloria Quinn, offered her support, noting “West Bay thrives on community connections such as that which Marge formed with the staff at Whispering Pines. We welcome more community organizations and businesses to seek collaboration with West Bay and enjoy the benefits of creating diverse and inclusive environments in the community.”

West Bay Residential Services, Inc. provides residential, employment and day support services to more than 130 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. West Bay supports individuals in making life choices, maintaining friend and family relationships and having fun while establishing their role within their community.