Author name: Jessica

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been surrounded by the most beautiful colors of fall—gold, amber, and fiery reds lighting up the trees around us. Each year, I’m reminded that embracing this season takes a bit of intentional recovery work for me. It’s easy to let worries about the cold months ahead sneak in, but again this year I’m practicing gratitude and presence—pausing to breathe in the crisp, cool air and appreciate the beauty that nature offers in this fleeting moment. I invite you to do the same—step outside, take a deep breath, and let yourself be reminded of all there is to be thankful for.

Camden Life Center welcomed Reaching Rural coaches Kathy Rowings and Rebecca (Becky) Rose on September 24 for a Strategic Partnership Planning Forum, bringing together local and county leaders to chart the next chapter of service expansion in rural western Oneida County.

As summer begins to wind down, I find myself grateful for the amazing sunshine we’ve been blessed with these past few months and am looking forward to the crisp air, vibrant colors, and cozy routines that fall brings. This season feels especially bittersweet for me as a mom—my youngest is heading off to his first

Summer Is Here—Let’s Make the Most of It!
After a long stretch of snow and spring rains, we’re finally basking in the warmth of summer—and what a joy it is to be
outside again! Whether you’re tending a garden, taking a walk in the woods, or just enjoying the sun on your face, this
season invites us all to slow down and reconnect with nature.

When life hits us hard, whether through loss, trauma, or unexpected change, it can feel
like the world has shifted beneath our feet. But in many cases, something else can quietly take
root in the aftermath: strength, meaning, and resilience. Positive psychological changes…

Hello Friends,
I know you typically hear from Jessica in this spot, but I wanted to personally welcome you to the May/June
edition of our newsletter in Queen Central News. This issue was a labor of love, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Moving forward, our newsletter will be published every other month to deliver even more meaningful updates and resources.

Dear Friends, April is here, and with it comes the long-awaited signs of spring—longer days, warmer air, and the return of green grass. This season of renewal is especially meaningful for us at Camden Life Center as we step forward with the demolition of our garage and dream about the future of our community café space.

Jessica Perusse, Director of The Camden Life Center was the recipient of the School of Social Work’s prestigious Social Justice Award at last week’s School of Social Work’s annual Dan and Mary Lou Rubenstein Social Justice Award program on March 27th where Perusse was also the keynote speaker.

Dear Friends,
First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support and compassion shown in the wake of the garage collapse at Camden Life Center. We know that this winter has brought devastating losses to many farms and homes in our rural community, and witnessing this hardship has been deeply difficult for all of us.