Home Away from Home (HAFH):
Alumni Projects
The alumni group is a transition into young adulthood, focused on becoming more independent mentally, physically and emotionally. This summer we each worked on our individual projects that reflected our personal goals and interests. These projects challenge us to take responsibility for our own growth, push beyond what is comfortable, and build confidence in what we can accomplish independently. We hope to use what we’ve learned to give back to SFAH and continue making a positive impact in the community.
Kamya Rose
I was a camper at SFAH for 13 years, and in 2022 I became part of the alumni program, giving me the chance to give back to a place that helped shape who I am today. This summer, I worked on the alumni section of the SFAH website, created the camp yearbook, mentored campers, and supported staff with daily tasks. What means the most to me is making campers feel seen, welcomed, and knowing they always have someone in their corner. One of my favorite memories was winning Prom Queen when I was an OG, which means Older Girl. Everyone looked forward to that moment each year, so being chosen meant a lot to me and is something I’ll always remember. Camp has given me independence, freedom, confidence, and taught me the importance of caring for others. I’m passionate about content creation, fashion, entrepreneurship, and inclusion, and I want to help create a world where people see the person before the disability. My goal is to grow my businesses, bring disabled and non-disabled people together, and use what I build to make a real difference.
Emily has been a camper at Southampton Fresh Air Home since 2012 and has been part of the Alumni Mentor Program since 2022. Her favorite year as a camper was her second year at camp. Over the years, camp has helped Emily grow in many ways, especially by encouraging her to step outside of her comfort zone. One of the biggest ways camp has impacted her is by helping her prepare for adulthood. It has given her the confidence to become more comfortable being on her own, exploring new places, and learning how to navigate new experiences independently. Camp has also helped Emily become more comfortable with public speaking. Although it is still something she struggles with, it has gotten easier each time she does it, and she feels much more confident speaking in front of others than she did before. Outside of camp, Emily is currently looking for work so she can become more financially stable and eventually have a place of her own. She hopes to continue building her independence and reach her goal of being able to live on her own. In the future, Emily hopes to accomplish many personal goals, including getting her driver’s license, having her own family, and continuing to grow.
Emily Martinez
Calvin Gonzales
Calvin is 25 years old. He was a camper from 2013-2021 and has been in the Alumni Program from 2023-present. This alumni program has helped me learn a lot about myself and my creativity as a person. It also teaches me skills that are necessary for getting a job, such as time management, teamwork, communication, office work, cleaning, and planning. I joined this program because I saw it as an opportunity to see the camp through a different lens as a pseudo staff member, doing tasks, mentoring the younger kids, and helping them learn what it means to be a camper at the Southampton Fresh Air Home. I enjoy spending time with the campers and counselors and getting to know them on a personal level. Some of my favorite memories are all the times I’ve gone sailing and mini golfing. It’s taught me that no matter who you are, you are capable of so much. Don’t let your limitations stop you from doing what you are passionate about. It’s also taught me the importance of friendship and family, because this place will make you feel as if you have a huge family. I’m currently thinking about going back to school to study writing because I want to have an impact on people and help them realize that they can do what they set their minds to, no matter the circumstances.
My Name is Francisco Olivares, I am 24 years old. I was a camper from 2014-2021, I was 12 years old when I started attending Southampton Fresh Air Home. I joined the SFAH Alumni Program in 2024 and have been mentoring the campers ever since. During the year, which is referred as The offseason I help the staff with mini sessions which is a overnight or 2 day session, I’ve also been apart of holiday events. I have helped with Halloween mini sessions and I’ve been part of the Holiday party, where I get assigned a certain activity to play with the campers. Currently during this session I have been assisting the counselors by helping the campers in many different ways such as feeding and dressing etc. Southampton Fresh Air Home means so much to me, I literally feel like SFAH is my second home. This camp has made me grow as a person in so many ways, it has made me feel more confident and most importantly this camp has made me feel like I belong and that I have a purpose in the world. In my time at SFAH as a camper I have developed some amazing friendships that I consider Family and I have made many unforgettable memories. I am forever grateful to Southampton Fresh Air Home for it.
Francisco Olivares
Savannah started as a camper in 2010 and is now an alumni mentor since 2024. This summer she focused on doing a special training the staff project, cleaning at mealtimes, helping out during activities, mentoring in her bunk as well as outside of her bunk, keeping the camp grounds clean, assisting campers with writing letters, helping to complete tasks in the office & etc. Savannah is very passionate about disability advocacy, she enjoys creating content and loves to express herself through fashion.Modeling is something she aims to further her success in. She truly enjoys being an integral part of the SFAH team.
Savannah Grayson
I'm kervin and I'm 20 years old. I've been a camper since 2019-2025, this year is my first year as an alumni. I joined the alumni program because I wanted to do something more than just being a camper and learn new skills in my life. Those skills include teamwork with other alumni members, accountability, cleaning, being sociable and office work. I think this program can help people become more disciplined and a better person than they were yesterday.
Kervin Colon
Jerel Johnson’s time at Southampton Fresh Air Home has helped him grow in confidence, independence, and self-advocacy. One of his favorite memories was meeting Francisco and Christian and winning Proud Prince in 2019. Seeing how they embraced their disabilities and enjoyed camp showed Jerel the importance of togetherness and the impact camp can have on people. Camp has also helped him meet people from different backgrounds and become more comfortable communicating his needs. Now living in Tennessee, Jerel hopes to continue his college education and earn a bachelor’s degree in social work. In the future, he wants to work with teenagers and young adults with disabilities, helping them feel confident, accepted, and supported.
Jerel Johnson
Kervin Colon
This is Mary Ogbo’s first year as an alumni, and she is excited to continue being part of the camp community in a new way. Camp has helped her grow in her independence and strengthen her self-advocacy skills. As she begins her sophomore year at Adelphi University, where she is majoring in accounting, Mary hopes to continue growing, helping others, and staying connected to the camp community. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, especially crochet, and hopes to eventually graduate with a degree in accounting and pursue a crochet business on the side.
Mary Ogbo
Alex Gonzalez is a first-year alumni who says one of his favorite camp memories is hanging out at the pool, having fun, and spending time with everyone. Camp has helped him with his social anxiety and made him feel more comfortable connecting with different people. He is currently in school and participates in a basketball program for people with disabilities. Looking toward the future, Alex hopes to accomplish his own goals while seeing his friends and family have opportunities to achieve amazing things too.
Alex Gonzalez