Salvation Army Today

Thank you so much for listening to Salvation Army Today. It's been an honor to share these incredible stories of Salvation Army work around the world. We have decided to discontinue this show to focus on our 4 flagship shows, Words of Life, Heartbeat, Palabras de Vida, and Latido. These four shows are going to now be a part of the LifeAudio Christian podcast network! Learn more at https://www.lifeaudio.com/ And subscribe to our other shows here https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/  

In response to the governor of New Mexico declaring a state of emergency, The Salvation Army Southwest Division has deployed an emergency disaster team to provide donation management to aid those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires burning near Ruidoso.   Donations of new items are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Roswell Armory, located at 1 W. Earl Cummings Loop, where The Salvation Army serves the surrounding area from its corps community center.   Donations accepted: Personal hygiene items, baby items, linens and blankets, socks and underwear, bottled water and sports drinks, nonperishable snack items, toilet paper and paper towels, cleaning supplies, toys and games.   Not accepted items are used items of any kind, such as household items, appliances, furniture or prepared meals.   Monetary donations can be made at newmexico.salvationarmy.org or by texting RUIDOSO to 51555.

The Salvation Army Western Division is responding to widespread flooding in Northwest Iowa.   A Salvation Army disaster-relief team from Western Divisional headquarters in Omaha arrived in Rock Valley, Iowa, to survey the damage and create a plan to provide support to those impacted by the flooding.   On Monday June 24th Salvation Army disaster-relief teams began serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Rock Valley – daily – to flood-impacted individuals and families, as well as first responders and cleanup crews. The Salvation Army has been serving hundreds of meals per day– and meal service will continue for as long as there is a need.   The Salvation Army has also distributed flood-cleanup kits for distribution in affected communities.   The Salvation Army will continue to assess community needs throughout northwest Iowa as its initial disaster-relief response unfolds.    To support The Salvation Army's continued efforts visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

Lost Bridge Village, a rural community of 400, prides itself on its kindness and generosity. However, when a tornado tore through the area, the residents found themselves in dire straits, lacking power, water, and sewer services.   "We are so far out that we get forgotten," said Stacey from Lost Bridge Water and Sewer. Even five days post-storm, more than 100 people remained without power.   The Salvation Army, informed by a local mayor about the community's plight, promptly sent a mobile feeding unit to Lost Bridge Village. News of the hot meals spread quickly among the residents. The Salvation Army's presence brought relief and comfort, offering hot meals, clean-up kits, and hygiene kits.   The support continued until utilities were restored, ensuring that the residents had the resources they needed.   To learn more about The Salvation Army's Disaster Services and offer your support, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

For young adults struggling to find their place, The Salvation Army in Guelph, Ont., offers connection and friendship.   The Young Adults Drop-In was an initiative that started in 2022. The goal is to create a wellness hub for young adults and build bridges between the community and The Salvation Army.   Drop-in attendees meet every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., to socialize, play board games and video games, practice sports in the gym, or simply relax. Each session begins with a home-cooked meal provided by Salvation Army volunteers.   The connections made go beyond just offering help to participants. Learning about the work of The Salvation Army motivates attendees to get involved. According to Rowena, many of them have gone on to volunteer for the Army.   To learn about opportunities like this near you visit salvationarmyusa.org  

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit reminds the public that anyone seeking relief from the scorching temperatures hitting metro Detroit, can visit their local Salvation Army corps community center to stay safe and cool.   As heat advisories have been in effect with heat indexes topping 95 degrees in metro Detroit. The nonprofit's 13 corps community centers are serving as cooling centers during normal business hours, as well as providing utility assistance to those having difficulty paying their electric bills.   Metro Detroiters can get respite from the dangerous temperatures, by visiting any of The Salvation Army's locations.   For assistance on finding the center nearest you, please visit SAmetrodetroit.org or call (248) 443-5500.   To contribute and help keep families and individuals safe in your community, visit helpsalvationarmy.org

With the prospect of a tropical storm causing extensive rainfall along the Texas Gulf Coast, The Salvation Army Texas Division is preparing to respond to the affected areas, supporting first responders and affected families with food, hydration and needed supplies.   Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of the Texas and Mexico coasts ahead of the disturbance, which is likely to become a tropical storm before tracking into Mexico. The storm is likely to impact the southeast part of the Lone Star state. Flooding rain, coastal flooding, rip currents and high surf will affect much of the western Gulf coast, from Texas to Mexico, with southeast Texas expected to get as much as a foot of rain.   The Salvation Army has sent a liaison to Austin to monitor the situation closely. The major concern is flash flooding in an area extending from Brownsville up to Victoria. Units have been placed on standby as a clearer picture of the situation develops.   To learn more and offer your support, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

This year marks 140th year anniversary of the Lansing Capital Area Salvation Army in Lansing Michigan. It all began in 1884, when The Salvation Army came to downtown Lansing. According to news archives, the arrival caused quite a stir in nearby Mason. On May 8th, 1884, the headline on the front-page of the Ingham County News, read “The Salvation Army”. The article went on to say how after three Army officers were spotted and starting singing... “numerous persons crowded about them to learn something of the remarkable organization they represent.”   To honor the anniversary, the organization is holding a series of events beginning in May and ending in late December. The celebration officially began May at Lansing City Hall, when Mayor Andy Schor read a proclamation declaring it Salvation Army Week.     Other events include those to promote its history and honor donors and volunteers.   You can also participate by donating online at SALansing.org.   To learn about National Salvation Army Week, visit Salvation Army Usa .org

Students often let their reading skills slide in the summer, but not if The Salvation Army's Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton, Ohio, has anything to say about it.   The popular Read and Feed program is back this summer with seven Monday events scheduled at the city's Stuart Patterson Park. Families can come together for a free lunch and book giveaway, and each week, a featured guest will read the spotlighted book.   This year's events are June 3, 10, 17, and 24, and July 8, 15, and 22. About 15 to 20 people came out for each Read and Feed day last year, including a growing number of immigrants from Turkey, Africa, and the Latino world.   Representatives from the Dayton Fire Department will read Firefighters Are Heroes! and the Dayton Police Department plans to present We Don't Eat Our Classmates, a book about bullying.   For more information on the Ray & Joan Kroc Community Centers visit kroccenter.org

In the wake of the powerful storms and tornadoes that have severely impacted Denton, Collin, and Cooke counties in Texas, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service (EDS) team, has mobilized three mobile kitchens from Lewisville, Fort Worth, and Sherman and a Rapid Response Unit from Irving to provide critical support to the affected communities.   The Salvation Army has established a presence in several areas affected by the storm. Each unit is equipped to deliver vital necessities such as food, water, and basic comforts directly to first responders and those in need within devastated areas. Trained personnel are also on hand to offer emotional and spiritual assistance, ensuring that survivors receive essential resources and comfort during this challenging time.   When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army disaster personnel collaborate with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies to monitor ongoing impacts and adapt response efforts as necessary.     For more information, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

Over 80 fatalities have been reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with the number expected to rise. Almost 150,000 people have been displaced from their homes.   The Guaíba river burst its banks in Porto Alegre, the state capital, flooding parts of the city and surrounding towns. As soon as the roads are clear, the Salvation Army's canteen and donation truck will be heading to Porto Alegre from territorial headquarters in São Paulo, with water, non-perishable foods, and cleaning and personal hygiene items, which have been donated by the general public.   Teams from The Salvation Army's headquarters in the area have visited local surroundings to assess the devastation and need. Clothes, water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies and food are being distributed to families experiencing difficulties.   With further rain predicted, Salvation Army emergency volunteers will continue with their rapid response in flood-damaged areas, carrying out further needs assessments on the ground as they work, seeking to provide emotional and spiritual support to those affected.   To learn more or offer your support visit https://www.sawso.org/  

The Salvation Army along with partner agencies are fighting hunger in North Carolina with the initiative called, Bucket Brigade.   This is a unique program for families to grow their own portable ‘Grow Buckets while learning how to grow vegetables themselves. This can even help families stretch their grocery budgets.   From budding young planters to seasoned master gardeners, attendees learn both the basics and finer techniques to make their gardens grow.   Many low-income households usually do not have a big yard to grow things, but they do have a patio or a front porch where they can place their buckets in the sunlight and keep the plants properly hydrated and tended.   Everything is free for participants, thanks to a state grant given to The Salvation Army.   Master gardeners are trained to do public outreach and to teach budding gardeners the basics.   Also at these events, cooking demonstrations complete the food production cycle, deemed “From the ground to the table.”

For 10 years, The Salvation Army Canoga Park Adult Rehabilitation Center in California has leased a nearby garden plot and brought beneficiaries to cultivate, nurture and harvest crops as part of their rehabilitation journey.   For the past decade, the Saturday morning practice of tending the garden for an hour and a half has supported beneficiaries' recoveries.   Weather permitting, a group of two to three men come to the garden weekly to plant seeds, pull weeds, water and eventually harvest crops. Providing an activity that many haven't experienced since childhood can evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting them back to a time before addiction.   As they work outdoors, a Salvation Army pastor imparts lessons of the soil, drawing from biblical parables to support men in their journey through recovery. They emphasize the phrase “redeeming the dirt,” utilizing the garden to transform lives and foster a sense of giving back and doing good.     Learn more about The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers at SalvationArmyusa.org

From July to December of 2023, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services team in London, Ontario., worked with other agencies to aid the vulnerable population.   The initiative was created by the City of London, who called upon The Salvation Army to assist them. The program, Service Depots at Encampments, provided daily basic needs to people experiencing homelessness, living in unsheltered areas.   Through this outreach, The Salvation Army provided hundreds of volunteer hours and delivered thousands of meals. The common feedback from individuals that were helped was that they were happy to be treated with respect.   In total, the EDS team provided 76 days of service to this cause, not only providing meals and daily essentials but also raising awareness about homelessness in the city.   In 2023, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services across Canada provided more than 69,000 meals when disaster struck.   Learn more at SALVATIONARMY.CA

The Salvation Army of Tallahassee, Florida spent the weekend serving their community following severe weather, including strong winds and tornados, that tore through the State Capital early last Friday morning. Parts of the city were heavily impacted by the storms, but the outlying areas of Leon County received major storm damages mostly due to the vast number of trees that were downed.   As the storm passed through the Panhandle of Florida, upwards of 50% of customers were without power in Leon County alone. With that fact in mind, the Leon County Emergency Management contacted The Salvation Army late Friday night with the request to deploy the canteen beginning Saturday on a day-by-day basis.   The Tallahassee Corps Canteen deployed Saturday and Sunday to the outlying portions of the County, serving hot meals alongside the County run Points of Distribution.   The Canteen served over 600 meals, as approximately 900 households received cases of water and ice from the distribution points. The Salvation Army will continue to communicate and coordinate with emergency management officials and will serve those still without power into the beginning of the new week, on a day-to-day basis.

The Salvation Army of Columbus Georgia commemorated a significant milestone in its mission to alleviate homelessness with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Center of Hope on March 25th.   Designed to accommodate up to 17 families in need, the Center of Hope aims not only to provide shelter but also to empower individuals with the tools necessary to transcend the cycle of poverty.   The project, nearly a decade in the making, signifies a profound commitment from The Salvation Army and its partners to address the escalating demand for assistance among homeless families in Columbus. According to data from 2022, approximately 15 families per week sought emergency shelter in the community, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like the Center of Hope.   As construction commences on the Center of Hope, The Salvation Army church in Columbus, alongside its advisory board and community partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to ushering in a new era of hope and opportunity for homeless families in Columbus and beyond.

After a local community kitchen was a victim of theft, The Salvation Army in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, stepped up to offer their support. A group of individuals broke into the church in which the Grand Falls Community Kitchen runs. They stole thousands of dollars worth of food and some cookware.   Although not a part of The Salvation Army, the kitchen and the Army have a wonderful working relationship. Community and Family Services Director, Daniel Kelly, is frequently in contact with the kitchen as they donate surplus food to each other whenever they can. As soon as staff at The Salvation Army found out about the break-in, they did not hesitate to reach out and help.   The Salvation Army stored excess food items the community kitchen received from donations after the theft. This not only helped the kitchen keep things well refrigerated, but it was also safe, away from another potential robbery. Thanks to the support of The Salvation Army and the community, the kitchen is back up and running normally.

Southern Oklahoma received a significant impact from one of the 25 tornadoes that swept through the state overnight on April 27th. Amidst the chaos and destruction, The Salvation Army quickly responded, arriving that Sunday evening to provide assistance.   Assigned to serve the Marietta Oklahoma area, the Chickasha mobile feeding unit, led by Lt. Bobby McFarland and his team, not only provided food and hydration but also offered hope. Assessing the needs of the community, they encountered a Senior Complex where the storm left a major impact on some of the most vulnerable residents. Many seniors were traumatized by their inability to reach the nearby shelter due to mobility issues, leaving them feeling helpless.   The Salvation Army provided assistance for replacement food to residents of the complex on Thursday morning. One of the residents, named Butch, said “The Salvation Army is Angels on wheels. You are truly a God send.”   To support The Salvation Army's continued efforts, visit helpsalvationarmy.org or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org  

Over the past several days the State of Texas has seen increased severe weather with isolated tornados and flooding around the state. Governor Abbot has declared a state of emergency which releases state assets to help local jurisdictions if needed.   The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services have activated to a level II (Escalated Response) as of Wednesday May 1st. As more supercell storms continue to make their way through Texas and the great plains, The Salvation Army continues to assess the needs of the affected communities.   Based on current and anticipated road closures The Salvation Army is now planning a feeding operation in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Texas Convention at The Salvation Army Houston Area Command Warehouse. This offers better access to multiple locations and allows for expanding the service footprint into greater Houston as needed. The Salvation Army will continue to support first responders and the community with Food, snacks and hydration while offering emotional and spiritual care.   If you would like to support The Salvation Army's efforts, visit helpsalvationarmy.org

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.  

After a catastrophic event, recovery comes in waves. First, comes the immediate needs, like food, water, and shelter. But once power has been restored, debris has been removed, and the community at large has slowly started the return to “normal,” there is still much to be done.   In fact, for survivors whose homes have been destroyed, the journey to a new normal has just begun. Even when they manage to find new lodging, they must slowly begin to replace everything else they've lost. To address these issues, The Salvation Army partners with government agencies and other non-profits to pool resources and fund long-term recovery projects as a group.   In Louisiana, this process is ongoing for many residents affected by Hurricane Ida in August of 2021. After months of initial response, The Salvation Army has continued to serve affected populations with over $800,000 paid out to survivors and overall, three million dollars have been allocated to Hurricane Ida long-term recovery.

While Victoria, B.C., is on average the “warmest city in Canada”, these past weeks' temperatures have not lived up to that title.   The city has experienced record-breaking low temperatures, and as a result, there's concern for people experiencing homelessness, who are not accustomed to dealing with this type of extreme cold.   During days of extreme weather, the city of Victoria triggers the Emergency Weather Response, which allows The Salvation Army to temporarily expand the capacity of its emergency shelter at the Addictions and Rehabilitation Center, becoming an extreme weather shelter.   The Extreme Weather Shelter is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Clients who access the shelter are registered and offered a hot meal and a place to have a good night's sleep.   The high demand brings logistical challenges for the staff at the shelter. Thankfully they have been able to deal with it so far. However, it is a reminder that they could use whatever support from the community that they can get.    

The Salvation Army is partnering with Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. and Helms Career Education on a first-of-its kind endeavor in Macon, Georgia. The organizations are joining forces in their mission to lift individuals out of poverty and homelessness by breaking down systematic barriers to employment and opening access to meaningful work opportunities.   This program is the first of its kind across the country. It offers hands-on training and even job placements. This is also the first formal partnership that we know of between Goodwill and The Salvation Army.   Classes are offered free of charge to qualifying individuals, with specific programs focusing on administrative and office skills, forklift operation and safety, construction safety, customer service and sales, and more. These classes are both practical and vital for individuals to gain experience and proceed toward sustainable career options.   As with any Salvation Army initiative, the overarching focus is not only helping people succeed in practical terms but doing so while focusing on the soul-saving mission.   Learn more at southernusa.salvationarmy.org