Salvation Army Today

The Salvation Army Responds to Wildfires in Maui

Following an unusually dry summer and spurred on by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, spontaneous wildfires emerged and rapidly spread across multiple communities on Maui.
 
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has declared the initiation of federal assistance for Hawaii in response to the wildfire crisis that began on August 8th. This aid is aimed at helping both state and local recovery endeavors in the regions impacted by the fires.
 
On August 11th, The Salvation Army made a local announcement about its ongoing initiatives to provide- essential supplies, food, and other essential services to those evacuated in Hawaii amidst the destructive wildfires.
 
Tragically, these fires have already led to the loss of 80 lives and have forced over 11,000 individuals out of their homes. The Salvation Army is actively collaborating with local emergency management, leaders, and other nonprofit organizations to extend support to evacuees and first responders.
 
To support The Salvation Army’s continued efforts, you can visit Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org or easily make a secure donation through your mobile device by texting "MAUI" to 51555.

The Salvation Army in Canada to Assist Evacuees Due to Wildfires

As a safety response to the massive wildfires currently threatening the Northwest Territories in Canada, officials in Yellowknife had ordered the residents to evacuate the city by noon last Friday.
 
To ensure that those that are being evacuated have a place to go, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team has been working hard to ensure Salvation Army locations in BC and Alberta, are prepared to receive citizens fleeing the smoke and fire.
 
Dan Millar, assistant territorial director for Emergency Disaster Services, says EDS teams have been set up in nearby provinces, as the mass evacuation continues.
For those within the center of the emergency, the priority is to assist everyone in getting out of the city, especially the most vulnerable.
The best way to assist The Salvation Army in their work is through monetary donations. The funds received for this cause will be used to aid the communities impacted by the wildfires across Canada this year.
To offer your support, visit donate.salvationarmy.ca

FBI Honors Baltimore Shelter Program

Catherine’s Cottage, a special anti-human trafficking ministry of The Salvation Army in Baltimore Maryland, was recently honored by the FBI for its partnership in protecting the most vulnerable in their community and working to reduce violent crime in America.
The house was donated to The Salvation Army by a local charity. Its perfect use as a unique shelter was quickly identified by local Salvation Army leadership. The home was remodeled and repurposed to meet the desperate needs of trafficked women needing a quick escape from their difficult and dangerous circumstances.
On May 5th, 2023, Catherine’s Cottage was formally honored at a ceremony at the FBI headquarters in Washington D.C. for winning the FBI Baltimore Division’s Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence.
 
Learn more about Catherine’s Cottage at https://sa-md.org/
 

Hope is on the way (A Documentary)

"Hope is on the Way" is an Emmy® Award Winning Documentary created by The Salvation Army of Central Maryland that explores what The Salvation Army does 365 days a year once Christmas season ends. All the money raised from the Red Kettles goes into bringing hope to your nearest neighbor. Our Pantry on the Go, CSFP program, Boys and Girls Clubs, FeedMore mobile canteen, Summer Camp, Churches, Volunteers, Feeding programs, and so much more, impacts people living in Baltimore, Carroll County, Howard County, Glen Burnie, Harford County, and Cecil County.

Responding to Tragedy: The Salvation Army’s Support for Maui Fire Victims

In the wake of the devastating fires that recently swept through Maui, Hawaii, leaving destruction and heartbreak in their wake, The Salvation Army has once again stepped up to provide critical support to those affected by the disaster. As the flames engulfed homes and landscapes, close to 100 lives were tragically lost, and over 11,000 residents found themselves displaced, their lives forever changed.
The Salvation Army has launched widespread efforts to provide food and other essential items and services to evacuees in Hawaii.
The Salvation Army is actively partnering with local emergency management and leaders, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and other nonprofit organizations to serve evacuees and first responders.
 
For those seeking to support The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in Maui, there are several ways to get involved. Donations of any amount can contribute to providing meals, shelter, and emotional support to those who have lost so much.
Visit helpsalvationarmy.org to offer your support.

Come to The Well Program Helps Seniors Boost Physical and Mental Health

The COVID 19 pandemic had a significant impact on many people’s mental and physical health. Realizing that more individuals were coming to The Salvation Army for counseling, The North Street Citadel/church in Hamilton, Bermuda, created the “Come to the Well” program.
The program promotes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and soul. With the assistance of a physical therapist and a professional counsellor, participants learn about stress management, anxiety, meditation, and physical health. Come to the Well takes place twice a week. One day focuses on mental health, while the other is outdoor and focuses on the physical component.
Find a Salvation Army location near you https://salvationarmy.org/ihq
 

Salvation Army child care center in Syracuse introduces STEM, ‘calm room’, and more

The Salvation Army’s Cab Horse Commons Child Care Center in Syracuse, New York has new amenities that will give families and their children new ways to learn, relax, and grow.
 
About 30 percent of children at the day care are receiving some type of response to intervention or (RTI), which identifies struggling students early on and gives support needed to thrive in school.
 
The Child Care Center has also incorporated new STEM activities for children, such as tube connectors that can be built into tents and tunnels, and light-up boards where a child can make their own designs.
 
To decorate the new spaces, the art department from Bishop Ludden High School in Syracuse painted two large hanging murals, illustrating characters from various Dr. Seuss books.
 
The murals from Bishop Ludden are more than beautiful decorations; this connection with the high school could open partnerships for future collaboration and introductions to the work of The Salvation Army.

Salvation Army in Kalamazoo Celebrates a new Basketball Court

On July 27th, The Salvation Army in Kalamazoo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling their newly renovated outdoor basketball court. This exciting occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter for the community.
To make this project even more special, The Salvation Army collaborated with a talented local artist, Mackenzie Kyles, who at just 13 years old, brought a beautiful mural to life on the basketball court.
Captain Ronnie Amick, local Salvation Army corps officer said, "As you step foot on the re-surfaced court today, let’s all remember that it is not just a playing surface, but a sacred ground where dreams are nurtured and realized,".
 
The refurbishment of the court was made possible through the support and generosity of the community.
 
Major Ronnie added, "When we think of a basketball court, we envision a space where physical activity takes place, and where competition thrives. But our refurbished court represents a profound symbol of togetherness and resilience within our community.”
 

Toy Lending Library Helps Children Develop New Skills

The Salvation Army in Guelph, Ontario, in collaboration with Hand Print Kids, offers a free Toy Lending Library to support families who need toys to promote their child’s development. The toys can be borrowed for two weeks, and the toy selection is rotated every seven weeks.
All the toys in the library are analyzed for their potential therapeutic benefit. The toys help children with different stages of their development. This initiative also helps parents that may not be able to afford to buy toys for their children.
 
The toy library is run by dedicated volunteers who maintain a database that categorizes all the toys available. Each toy comes with a description card that identifies its potential benefits and includes tips to promote family fun time.
 
With the Toy Lending Library still being relatively new, The Salvation Army in Guelph continues to get the word out to parents, grandparents, and community partners about this service.
 
Learn more at https://salvationarmy.ca/
 

The Salvation Army Activates Disaster Relief in the Northeast

After experiencing torrential downpours and unprecedented flooding in Vermont and other parts of the Northeast, The Salvation Army swiftly activated its Emergency Disaster Services response to provide critical assistance to the affected communities.
After a series of storms, the region faced devastating 1 in 100-year floods, leading to widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. In light of the pressing need for support, The Salvation Army mobilized its network of trained disaster experts and volunteers to offer aid on the ground.
The best way to support those impacted is by making a financial contribution, which allows The Salvation Army to meet immediate and long-term needs. During emergency disasters, 100% of designated gifts are used to support specific relief efforts. Those who can donate can do so through a variety of convenient and safe methods:
Visit SalvationArmyUSA.org or Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.