MCC Monthly Matters

January 2026

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Pays MCC a Visit

On Wednesday, January 21, The Mary Campbell Center had the honor of hosting U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester for a visit. The Senator was unable to make it to the EZee Street Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted here on December 4, 2025. The purpose of her visit was therefore to tour the new construction and The Center as a whole as well as sit down with MCC leadership to discuss how she can be of service to our mission.

The Senator is eager to help The Center in any way she can, and we look forward to working with her more in the future. The Mary Campbell Center is first, last, and always someone’s home, and the Senator was able to see that firsthand as she popped in to say a few words to Residents who were attending Good Morning MCC. She also made stops along the tour to chat with individual Residents. Resident, Bill Bancroft, told the Senator about his dream of an autonomous wheelchair while Resident, Ally Brennan bonded with the Senator over their shared passion for writing.

Thank you, Senator, for taking the time to visit us and see what we're all about here at The Mary Campbell Center. We look forward to working together in the future to Discover, Grow, and Celebrate ABILITIES.

IN THE HOUSE

Thank you, Alpha Delta Kappa

On November 7, 2025, the sisters of ADK hosted their annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction at Christ Church Christiana Hundred. All proceeds from the event support MCC Resident education and technology, as well as upgrades to The Center's Snoezelen Room.

The women of ADK visited The Center in January and presented a check to our Executive Director, Tarah Pappas. T0gether, the group helped raise over $12,000.00 for MCC Residents. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the women of ADK for the tireless work they put in each year to make the event not only fun, but successful. We are grateful for their continued support.

Written with Love

Seminole College graduate and MCC Resident, Allison Brennan, has always had a passion for the arts. She harnesses that passion in beautiful ways through her writing and colorful brush strokes.

Recently, Allison combined her two loves to write and illustrate a children's book about a butterfly who learns that our differences are what make us beautiful.

The book is lovingly dedicated to her niece. When asked why writing this book was important to her, Brennan replied, "Because I want to send a message of positivity and inspiration to my niece and to others. I want to send the message that you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter your circumstances."

Brennan does just that through the main character of the book, a butterfly named Sarah. The Beautiful Brave Butterfly follows Sarah as she navigates the challenges of being different. Sarah's broken wing makes her different from the other butterflies she knows, and this difference causes her doubt and fear.

The fear is so strong that it prevents Sarah from even trying to fly. Until one day, she realizes that even if she fails, at least she will know she tried.

Thank you, Ally, for sharing your wisdom and positivity with the world. Your words and art radiate optimism just like you.

“My disability is just a part of me, not all of me.”

"Her broken wing did not define who she was."

Behind the Scenes - The Brave Beautiful Butterfly

Lead Education Specialist, Kelley Franklin and Occupational Therapist, Jen LaGrande joined forces with Allison Brennan in the production of The Beautiful Brave Butterfly.

Kelley worked with Ally to brainstorm what she wanted to write about. Once Ally decided the story would be about Sarah the butterfly's struggles with adversity, she and Kelley collaborated further to organize the story. Franklin's favorite line from the book prompts us all to believe in ourselves. “Over time, she learned to embrace and adapt to her differences. She learned all you need is love, courage, and perseverance.” This line stands out for Kelley because, "...we all face challenges throughout life – some big, some small – but if you have courage, perseverance, and a love from those around you, you can get through anything."

Jen LaGrande assisted Ally in setting up a creative space stocked with paint, brushes, and canvas and worked with Ally to ensure her visions came to life.

When asked why it was important to her to help Ally tell this story, LaGrande remarked, "...Representation matters. It is wonderful to think that children and families could read this book and see something in themself within the pages..."

First Skills Fair of 2026

The Center hosted its first Skills Fair of 2026! Led by Director and Assistant Director of Nursing, the Skills Fair ran Tuesday, January 13 through Thursday, January 16, and was open to all staff. During the sessions, healthcare leadership provided interactive education on proper hand washing, documentation, and donning & doffing of PPE.

What you’ll see in the photos is a “germ gel” that glows in the dark. First, you apply the gel lotion to your hands to see what germs would look like on your skin if they were visible to the naked eye. Then you wash your hands for the count of two happy birthday songs, leave the water running as you fetch a paper towel, dry your hands, use the towel to turn off the faucet, and finally, go back under the black light. If you followed those steps, then your hands should show no residue of the imposter germs.

Fun fact you may not know, germs cling to dry skin more than they do to soft, smooth skin, so stay moisturized especially during these cold months!

35 Years of Service

In the first week of 2026, the MCC community celebrated the retirement of long-time RCT, Chris Heine (35 years!).

Activities Coordinator Sean Chandler created an interactive Chris-themed crossword for Residents to complete, and several honored her with words of appreciation. It was a fitting send-off for a beloved team member. Thank you, Chris, for your many years of dedicated service to MCC.

Staying Cozy and Active

This winter has been COLD! It can be difficult to remain engaged and active in the cold, dark months of winter, but The Mary Campbell Center staff work together with volunteers to keep Residents engaged and active.

From crafting, baking, singing, and even bocce ball, there's no time for boredom here!

For instance, did you know you can build a snowman indoors? When the MCC Activities team is involved, anything is possible! Volunteers and Activities staff worked with Residents to build, well craft, fluffy cotton ball snowmen with plenty of personality and pizazz.

Residents also worked with the Occupational Therapy and Education teams to assemble yummy snacks & warm beverages to be delivered to all MCC staff. The snack this month was perfectly on brand for the season…Melted Snowman trail mix that featured mini marshmallows, bite size chocolate chips, and crunchy pretzel sticks.

A Note from MCC Advancement -

Why "Where Needed Most" Matters

Gifts to The Mary Campbell Center can be designated for a specific program, piece of equipment, or project — and those gifts, referred to as restricted gifts, are deeply appreciated as they help MCC grow and enhance important services.

Unrestricted gifts, often called “where needed most," are just as vital. These donations give MCC the flexibility to respond to real-time needs — from adaptive equipment and therapy opportunities to facility improvements and everyday care. Because government funding and grants often come with limits, flexible support helps fill gaps and ensures MCC Residents continue receiving the highest quality of care and opportunities for growth.

Every gift makes a difference — and flexible gifts help us meet needs as they arise. If you've made restricted contributions in the past, we hope that in the future you’ll consider the value of making an unrestricted gift.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t conclude this by saying thank you. If you’re reading this newsletter, there’s a good chance you’ve supported MCC in the past and/or present. We would not be here today, approaching our 50th Anniversary if it weren’t for your steadfast and generous support. Thank you.

On the Road in Pictures

It may be the new year, but there were still a few days left of the holiday lights display at Longwood Gardens. Residents and Activities staff took in the spectacle of lights on January 8 as they savored every last bit of the 2025 Christmas season.

Residents and staff also made it to the cinema this month to see the new SpongeBob SquarePants movie!

Finally, to top off the January 2026 outings, WAWA! It’s no secret that a lot of MCC Residents LOVE Wawa, so you can imagine the excitement as they ventured out with Activities staff on a Wawa run. Resident, DJ Wilson, was especially pleased when Wawa staff asked if she was the manager. That's all for now. We will report back on more community outings in February. Stay warm folks!