Golden String’s Gabba Camp Opens Its First 5 Cabins

COITSVILLE, Ohio – A cabin with an outdoor wooden patio, framed with a corral fence, overlooks a small lake, presenting a panorama of autumn’s peaceful, natural brilliance.

It’s one of five completed cabins nestled in a wooded 33 acres just off McCartney Road that comprise Gabba Camp, a new campground that is designed especially for families and those affected by developmental disabilities.

“We started thinking about this around 2018 – providing a respite for families,” said James Sutman, director of operations for Golden String Inc., a nonprofit that provides services and activities to adults with disabilities. “We do a lot of work with neuro-divergent folks,” such as autism, Down syndrome or traumatic brain injuries, he said. “We thought the families and clients might need a break in a safe environment, where they could be around their peers,” he said.

On Thursday, Sutman was surrounded by dozens of supporters and clients to celebrate the opening of the first five cabins at the site during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Donations from foundations, grants, individual contributions, government funding and in-kind support have helped bring Sutman’s idea to fruition. “There’s been a lot of different people who have reached out and been helpful all around,” he said.

Initially, Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation – then headed by Michael Senchak – contributed $750,000 that was used to build a half-mile wheelchair path around the lake and into the woods, extend utilities into the area and construct the foundations for the five cabins.

The camp is named after Senchak’s granddaughter, Gabrielle.

“It went from pipe dream to reality really quick, one step at a time,” he said.

Thus far, approximately $1.4 million has been spent to develop the camp, Sutman said. “We still have some savings, but we’re always looking for more.”

In addition to the Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation, the project has received $250,000 from the pandemic-era Cares Act through the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners and $100,000 from the Youngstown Foundation, as well as donations through corporate support and fundraising efforts. 

Jim Hammond, president of Valley Industrial Trucks, Boardman, said his company donated funding for one of the five cabins.

“We had a longtime employee who had Down syndrome,” Hammond said. “I’ve known Jim a long time, and I thought this was a great idea. I just wanted to be a part of it.”

The project, Hammond said, helps fulfill a void for this community. “It’s a great cause that is much needed,” he said. “I don’t know how many facilities like this there are across the country. They did an awesome job.”

Others donated their time working on the project, while local companies provided materials at cost, Sutman added.

Construction began in earnest in 2021, Sutman noted. “We have five cabins completed. We have five more ordered.” The initial goal is to build a total of 15 at the site, and eventually incorporate amenities such as a swimming pool and equine therapy, where clients can learn to care for and understand horses.

The camp could also be made available for community rentals.

Gabba Camp complements Golden String’s Farmer Casey’s Ranch, which fronts the property along McCartney Road.

“So many people here today helped us out,” Sutman said at the event. “The hard work that people have done before us, we’re here today because of them.”

Pictured at top: James Sutman, director of operations for Golden String Inc.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.