Salvation Army Today

Since the pandemic, food banks operated by The Salvation Army have become an increasingly critical resource. Before the pandemic, The Salvation Army in Saskatchewan Canada provided food hampers to about 10 clients a day. Now, with the rise of food costs, they have been serving up to 25 per day. Once a month, regular clients come in to pick up a bag of groceries, a bag of meat, and a hamper filled with basics like pasta, canned soup, and tomato sauce. The food bank also supports up to 30 additional walk-in clients. In addition to food, they always ask their regular clients, ‘Is there anything else you need?’ Because the food banks also provide shampoo, deodorant, laundry soap, dish soap and so much more. Maria Kolbaba, a volunteer for The Salvation Army says “I really want to thank our donors for making this food bank possible,” she adds. “I hope they never get tired of helping us keep it open so we can continue serving our neighbors in need.”

Asbury University recently hosted their second annual Camp Hiring Fair. Camp directors and leaders from over 25 Salvation Army camps arrived on campus, each hoping to recruit young people to work at their camp this summer. Camp directors pulled out all the stops to attract capable and energetic summer employees. This unique hiring fair not only showcased the diverse opportunities available across Salvation Army camps, but also emphasized the significance of faith in the camp experience. The camp directors and leaders emphasized to the students visiting their booths that working at camp will provide opportunity for building a variety of skills in a unique environment. Learning how to problem solve, work on a team, be held accountable, and how to interact with people of different backgrounds are all valuable skills to be gained from the camp experience. The camp fair not only exemplified the beautiful relationship between Asbury University and The Salvation Army, but fully showcased the profound impact a camp experience can have on both campers and staff.

As the 2024 Hurricane Season quickly approaches, Emergency Disaster Services professionals from The Salvation Army took part in a week-long territorial training intended to enhance their knowledge and overall service capabilities. Partner agencies, including FEMA and Send Relief also participated with presentations on updates to the FEMA Individual Assistance Programs and Disaster Case. Salvation Army Communications and Disaster Services specialists participated in a joint session on best practices to tell stories of relief work and survivors highlighting the humanity behind disaster work. Salvation Army teams from the Southern and Eastern Territories jointly presented on Emotional and Spiritual Care and the importance of caring for one’s own mental health with as much intent as we care for others. Another highlight of the week was the unveiling of a new custom bunkhouse trailer donated by Embassy Specialty Vehicles. The new bunkhouse provides housing for 12 people and will be positioned in Tampa, FL, ready to be deployed wherever needed. Learn more at Disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

Staff and volunteers from The Salvation Army joined community partners to dedicate two rebuilt homes in Port Isabel that were previously destroyed by a tornado. Homes and businesses in Cameron County, in South Texas, experienced considerable damage when a powerful storm struck in May of 2023. Working closely with other community partners, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team coordinated the construction of the homes. Funds were secured from the county and The Salvation Army in order to rebuild two houses and complete significant repairs to seven additional homes. Volunteers from the Port Isabel Service Unit were among the first to respond to the immediate impact of the tornado. They worked tirelessly to coordinate meals and emergency assistance for several days, and later helped secure and finance hotel rooms for 22 families displaced by the storm. For more information on The Salvation Army’s current disaster response efforts go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

A new canteen truck staffed by trained Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services responders from the Massachusetts Division entered into service in time for the 128th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15ththanks to the donation of a generous donor. The Salvation Army’s new custom canteen truck took 18 months to build and arrive. It was made possible by a $150,000 donation in 2022 by Dan Flatley, a Boston-based philanthropist and trustee of the Flatley Foundation. During the 128th running of the Boston Marathon, more than 60 Salvation Army staff and volunteers were stationed at 6 canteens along the 26.2-mile route. The Salvation Army teams served over 2000 meals, 2500 snacks, and 3000 drinks to first responders and volunteers between Hopkinton and Boston. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services has served thousands of first responders and survivors of many local disasters in the City of Boston since the official dedication of its first mobile emergency response canteen on March 25th, 1922. In the truck’s first eight years, The Salvation Army’s red emergency “canteen” truck responded to more than 500 emergency calls from the Boston Fire Department to distribute food and hydration to Boston’s firefighters. For more information visit SalvationArmyMA.org/EDS.

Two years after Hurricane Ian ravaged coastal Southwest Florida’s Port Charlotte Community, The Salvation Army of Port Charlotte celebrated National Volunteer Month. Their new mobile canteen was launched at the same time as they celebrated their army of volunteers in Charlotte and DeSoto counties. A grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation helped make the purchase possible. Debuting the new mobile canteen during national volunteer month not only showcases the organization's commitment to serving the community, but it also highlights the importance of volunteers in disaster response and recovery efforts. The canteen will enable The Salvation Army to provide essential food and resources to those in need more efficiently. The canteen is a symbol of hope and strength, showing those in need that The Salvation Army is always there for them. It will also provide a platform for volunteers to serve their community, restoring normalcy after a disaster. Learn more at https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams have continued to serve in the Texas panhandle as firefighters work to contain the wildfires that have ravaged the area. As residents return, many to homes that are completely lost, trained Emotional and Spiritual Care workers are on hand to encourage, pray and listen to those devastated by the tragic situation. More than 400 homes and businesses have been destroyed by the fires, and residents are just beginning the physically and emotionally challenging task of inspecting their properties and seeking resources to support the lengthy process of recovery. The Salvation Army of Borger participated in the first Multi-Agency Resource Center on Friday, March 8th, providing emergency assistance, food boxes and gift cards. The emotional and spiritual care team are praying with those seeking support at the resource center where survivors can receive practical and financial assistance from The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, and Texas Baptist Men, as well as assistance with lost legal documents, income tax forms, tetanus shots and more. To learn about The Salvation Army’s continued efforts and offer your support visit, https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/

As people in Ukraine and surrounding countries continue to navigate the devastation of the February 24th, 2022 Russian invasion and ongoing conflict, The Salvation Army remains committed to providing aid and support to affected individuals and families. Today, two years after the initial invasion, The Salvation Army reflects on the significant impact made on the lives of countless individuals and communities and prepares to serve as long as there is a need. Since the onset of the crisis, The Salvation Army World Service Office has been steadfast in representing the interests of The Salvation Army U.S.A. and has mobilized its global response network to help the millions of people in need. Since February 24, 2022, The Salvation Army has provided food, water, and other supplies to particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, women, and children. For more information on The Salvation Army's continued response during the crisis in Ukraine, visit https://salarmy.us/ukraine.

As dangerous wildfires continue to burn and spread rapidly in the Texas panhandle, volunteers and staff from The Salvation Army Service Units are actively serving firefighters, first responders and survivors in Gray, Carson, Roberts and Hutchinson Counties. Critical fire weather increased recently due to warmer temperatures and increased wind gusts. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, now the largest blaze in Texas state history, has burned more than 1.75 million acres since it began. Damage assessments are ongoing, and it’s estimated that more than 400 structures have been affected or destroyed, along with the tragic loss of tens of thousands of cattle. The Salvation Army Service Units continue to support first responders and those impacted in the community with meals, hydration, and relief supplies. For more information on The Salvation Army’s current disaster response efforts visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

Over the last decade, overdose deaths have surged nationwide as highly potent synthetic substances like fentanyl continue to flood the illicit drug market. In San Francisco, the crisis has spiraled even more drastically. The Salvation Army’s The Way Out is an on-demand recovery-focused homeless initiative. People can enter the program six days a week, with plans for seven-day access soon. They receive stabilization services and addiction treatment right away at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. The process begins with detox, followed by six months of residential care based on proven methods, which is phase two. After completing treatment, participants can move to the Joseph McFee Center, The Salvation Army’s supportive transitional housing program and the third and final phase in the model. They can secure housing for up to two years, all while receiving on-site services such as case management, career development and help reuniting with family members. To learn about recovery centers near you visit SALVATIONARMYUSA.ORG

Since its inception, The Salvation Army has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking around the world, including in the Western U.S., where the organization served 183 trafficking survivors in 2023. Globally, the International Labor Organization reported nearly 28 million people in forced labor situations in 2021. In the Western U.S., The Salvation Army’s efforts are supported by 13 anti-trafficking programs, bolstered by local and international partners. It’s through this collaboration, The Salvation Army can respond to provide aid in these often life-threatening situations. Last year, The Salvation Army Western Territory trained nearly 2,500 individuals, to identify and respond to trafficking situations. Additionally, The Salvation Army Western Territory reached nearly 5,000 people across 139 awareness, prevention and outreach events. Preparation is critical in providing aid to those affected by and in the midst of human trafficking situations. To learn more visit SAJUSTICE.US

The Community and Family Services team at The Salvation Army in Burlington, Ontario has a clear goal for the community events they’re hosting this year. Their objective is for everyone to connect, socialize, and take a break from the screens. The event to kick off this initiative for community connection was a family games night held at The Salvation Army’s Burlington Community Church. People of all ages attended the event. They had a chance to play various board games and enjoy delicious food and snacks. While many familiar community members attended, there were also some new faces in the mix. This allowed participants and staff to meet new people and build the connections they were hoping for. Thanks to the success of the community games night, the Community and Family Services is looking to build on this by possibly expanding this event in the future or introducing new programs that bring people together.

The Salvation Army’s music programs for children are legendary, but what about kids who don’t want to sing or play an instrument? At the Astoria, N.Y., Corps in Queens, they can join a children’s painting and art program known as “Brilliant Brushes” instead. Lieutenant Alex Vargas, the corps officer in Astoria bought canvases, brushes, and paint and started out instructing 10 kids. When another class started six months later, he had 15 eager kids sign up between the ages of 8 and 13. They meet at the corps on Wednesday nights. Parents love the class, Vargas says, because many of the budding artists have built up their confidence through painting. In the fall, the class painted pumpkins and learned that everyone is different and unique yet created in God’s image. The Astoria Corps is also home to a successful sewing program that involves 10 to 15 people on Thursdays. It was started several years ago under Major Claudia Germain, who still teaches the class. To see if there are programs like this near you, visit SALVATIONARMYUSA.ORG

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Bed & Bread Program serves more than 4,600 meals each day to men, women and children who would otherwise go without. That’s nearly 1.7 million meals every year. In addition, the Bed & Bread Program provides nearly 52,000 nights of shelter annually. Hats, gloves, socks, personal supplies and blankets are often distributed, along with the meals. The Salvation Army’s 37th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon just raised over $1.6 Million dollars to Combat Hunger and Homelessness Across Metro Detroit. The 27-hour radio fundraiser, held on Feb. 22 and 23, aired on 760 WJR. Throughout the day, appearances from special guests encouraged the community to donate and help those who are hungry and homeless in metro Detroit. Michigan natives Tim Allen and Lomas Brown also joined business and civic leaders to show their support of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has raised more than $44.8 million in 37 years. For more information, visit SAmetrodetroit.org.

The PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards honor the Pittsburgh area’s best public relations, marketing, and communications campaigns and projects. This year, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania and PMI Digital were recognized for their video spot for The Salvation Army’s LIGHT Project. LIGHT stands for Leading Individuals Gracefully out of Human Trafficking. Nicole Harell, director of marketing and public relations for The Salvation Army Western PA Division, says the video—which shows that local homes, businesses, and even health care facilities can be hubs for sex and labor trafficking—was made to raise awareness of how human trafficking affects all communities. Members from both PMI Digital and The Salvation Army accepted the award. Nicole says she was also happy to see more local nonprofits and their initiatives take part in the Renaissance Awards this year than in the past. For more information on the LIGHT Project, visit http://salvationarmywpa.org/lightproject and follow @TheLIGHTProjectWPA on Instagram.

Situated in Santa Monica, California, Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse and Society Kitchen restaurants provide dining experiences centered around vibrant cuisine and a warm atmosphere. But for a growing number of Salvation Army Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) graduates, the eateries serve an additional purpose. “This was the first step to the rest of my life,” said Samuel Valentine, Assistant Manager of Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse. Valentine graduated from the Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center in 2016. He said the ARC gave him tools to succeed and maintain sobriety and this job helped him re-enter as a functioning member of society. Over the last eight years, the restaurants have served as a next step for about 15 men coming from the program. The owners of the restaurants said that hiring men from the program has proven to be a favorable choice because of their established work ethic and desire to flourish in a new routine. To read the full story visit caringmagazine.org

March Madness season has arrived as football season fades and basketball has taken its turn on center stage. Meanwhile, the East Harlem Hoops program at The Salvation Army’s Manhattan Citadel is as strong as ever and making a huge difference in the community. “We get all kinds of young men from the community here for basketball,” says Lieutenant Alvaro Velasquez, an officer at the corps. Velasquez says the players also helped restore the gym after flood damage a few years ago and are invested in the program. Many have credited East Harlem Hoops with helping quell the gang problem in the neighborhood. Velasquez says. “There’s no safe space for a lot of people to just come and play sports and stuff like that,” “It’s either this or kind of out in the street. It’s also an activity for them to get involved in something. When people have nothing to do, they get into trouble.” To find opportunities like this near you visit SALVATIONARMYUSA.ORG

The Salvation Army remains dedicated to assisting survivors and first responders with critical services before, during, and after disaster events. To better their ability to serve, The Salvation Army Southern Territory, in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, recently hosted a Mental Health First Aid training for many of their Emergency Disaster. Mental Health First Aid focuses on providing individuals with the skills necessary to be the first line of support for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Participants are taught to recognize and respond to warning signs and to serve as the vital link between a person experiencing a new or worsening mental health challenge and appropriate professional support, self-help, or other support strategies. As disaster and emergency management professionals are often on the front lines of traumatic events, these skills will be an invaluable addition to their toolset. With this training, teams will not only be able to aid disaster survivors but also provide support to team members both in the field and at home. To learn more or offer your support visit https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/

Every Wednesday, The Salvation Army in Brockville, Ontario, hosts a fun initiative called the Kids’ Club. This program provides children with learning, games, and even a meal after school. Additionally, it serves as a bridge to connect new families with The Salvation Army. The program runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. And it’s open to students between Grades 2 and 6. During this time, children participate in games, crafts, and a biblical and moral teaching component. They are also served dinner. While the kids are split into groups during activities, the dinner brings everyone together where the first step towards family connections is taken. Hearing what the children have to say also allows the staff to learn about each child’s interests. Some of the attendees have connected to the junior band program, and were additionally able to attend music camp with The Salvation Army. Since its creation in 2022, Kids’ Club has been joined by nearly 80 children from seven different schools. Despite being a kid’s program, Kids’ Club helps The Salvation Army to connect with families and people of all ages.

Throughout the entire school year, The Salvation Army in Abbotsford, B.C., runs a program that allows students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade to have access to nutritious snacks at any time while at school. The program is called Pantry34. This initiative started over 15 years ago to fill a need and to complement other school meal programs. Once the orders are taken and prepared by staff at The Salvation Army, a community partner helps with the delivery to the schools. Teachers or school support workers have the discretion to select students who will benefit from the program. That’s something that differentiates Pantry34 from other meal programs, is that it is more discreet, and students can access the snacks upon request. A key highlight of Pantry34 is its focus on providing healthy options to students. This initiative helps students shift their appetite to healthy food and drinks by limiting access to processed products and by encouraging them to follow these nutritious ways outside of school.