Salvation Army Today

Neighborhood Streets of Honolulu Get A New Look Thanks To Volunteers With The Arc

The Salvation Army Honolulu Adult Rehabilitation Center or ARC, is nestled into a compact and busy stretch of town. With community and life around every block, there comes a need for cleanliness and upkeep of the outside areas.
During plans for the March 25 health and safety clean-up, the Honolulu Police Department reached out to the public for any volunteers willing to assist in an organized community clean-up.
“We wanted to give The Salvation Army a good name by showing [Honolulu PD and city council] what we do over here and how men in recovery help out the community,” said Dustin Woodard, Honolulu ARC Resident Manager.
Part of The Salvation Army ARC program incorporates community-based work that can further develop life and social skills, making it easier for someone to transition into the workforce.
Once the clean-up was complete, there was a visible difference in the appearance of the outside areas. Also impressed by the outcome of the clean-up were Honolulu City Council members, who requested a tour of the ARC. The result? Further plans for another, larger Honolulu beautification event.
 

GNY takes part in “Don’t Walk By” outreach

Salvation Army volunteers from the Greater New York Division joined a coalition of groups that brought hope to 254 people experiencing homelessness at this year’s “Don’t Walk By” outreach event on Feb.18th in lower Manhattan.
 
“Don’t Walk By,” an annual winter outreach to the homeless, happens every February and this year’s focus was between 46th Street and Battery Park City.
 
This event brings together hundreds of volunteers and puts them in street teams to canvas the streets and subway platforms.
 
The volunteers connected with the homeless and invited them back to a warm meal complete with centerpieces and vegetarian options at Oversea Chinese Mission. Everyone also was offered clothing, medical care, and connection to ongoing support such as Medicaid and other government services.
 
“Don’t Walk By” began in 2008 and encourages New Yorkers to emulate the parable of the Good Samaritan in the book of Luke. Volunteers have scoured the streets of Manhattan and connected with more than 10,000 people in the last decade.
 
Learn more at SACONNECTS.org

Philadelphia Salvation Army to Host Hope Luncheon

On Wednesday, May 10th, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia will be honoring individuals at the Celebrate Hope Annual Luncheon for their work in improving the lives of others through health care, the arts, and more.
 
The ‘Others’ Award will be presented to Stephen Fera, Executive Vice President and Head of Public Affairs for Independence Blue Cross. Through federal and state government relations, Fera has worked to provide better access to care for millions of Americans.
 
Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and her husband Senator Vincent Hughes will receive the Doing The Most Good Award. Through their DIVA foundation, they host an annual benefit concert to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
 
The Eliza Shirley Women in Leadership Award will be given to Romona Riscoe Benson. She has produced the PECO Energy Jazz Festival and a career fair for urban youth looking for careers in hospitality.
 
For more information about the Celebrate Hope Annual Luncheon and its honorees, visit SACONNECTS.org

Others Trade for hope celebrates 25 years

Others Trade for Hope – a social enterprise of The Salvation Army – is celebrating its 25th anniversary of promoting hope, independence, and dignity for more than 800 Kenyan and Bangladeshi women and men, many of whom have experienced vulnerability and exploitation. 
Since 1997, Others has been combating social injustice by using fair-trade principles to fight poverty for people in vulnerable communities. 
Its artisan partners create beautiful products that are available for purchase in the US, Norway, Canada, Iceland and New Zealand. 
 
Others helps combat widespread poverty, creates sustainable employment, educates the next generation and, above all, provides freedom from exploitation.  
 
Others Trade for Hope’s mission aligns with seven of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities. 
 
​For more information, visit tradeforhope.com. You can also find Others on Instagram: @othersnorway and @othersusa. 

Oklahoma Senator and Congresswoman Serve Survivors of Tornadoes

The Salvation Army has been actively responding to the devastating tornadoes that struck Cole and Shawnee, Oklahoma on April 19th.  In the wake of this disaster, Senator James Lankford, his wife Cindy, and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, as well as several staff members, came out to serve meals to storm survivors in damaged neighborhoods on Friday, April 21st.
Senator Lankford and Congresswoman Bice distributed lunch alongside The Salvation Army to those who were impacted and listened to survivors share their stories. Senator Lankford even offered to pray with those who wanted it. Their willingness to assist brought hope and comfort to those who were struggling in the aftermath of the disaster.  The Salvation Army is very grateful for their support.
 
The Salvation Army has been working to provide meals as well as emotional and spiritual care to those impacted by the tornadoes. 
 
Financial donations can be made at www.helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY to support response efforts.

‘Walk for Justice’ to Support The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic

Registration is now open for The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic’s 11th annual Walk for Justice fundraiser.  The event will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan.
 
In addition to exploring a world class zoo while supporting a worthwhile cause,
Walk for Justice participants will enjoy family-friendly activities and the opportunity to bid on exciting items and experiences during a silent auction.
 
Early registration is $40 for adults and children are admitted for free.
All proceeds benefit The Salvation Army’s William Booth Legal Aid Clinic – the only Salvation Army- free legal aid clinic in the world – which helps to resolve more than
1,500 legal issues every year affecting low-income families and U.S. military veterans.
The Clinic provides quality guidance and advocacy in a wide variety of
areas involving homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and
consumer advocacy.
 
For more information about the Walk for Justice fundraiser visit walkforjustice.org,
email info@walkforjustice.org or call 313-361-6340.

Salvation Army and Southern Baptists Partnership

The partnership between The Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is a shining example of what can be accomplished when organizations work together towards a common goal. The two groups have a long history of collaborating in the aftermath of major disasters, providing aid and assistance to those affected. First joining efforts in New York City during the 9/11 aftermath, their partnership has grown and flourished..
 
One of the most significant benefits to this partnership is the ability to be the best stewards of time, money, and resources, allowing both groups to provide aid to those impacted by natural disasters. This allows both organizations to provide much-needed support to individuals and communities struggling in the aftermath of a disaster, while still maintaining the necessary infrastructure and resources to respond to emergencies effectively.
 
The Salvation Army and the Southern Baptists have now been serving the communities devastated by a tornado that swept through parts of Arkansas.
 
To support The Salvation Army’s continued relief efforts, visit helpsalvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Sisters Help The Salvation Army Answer the Call In Tornado Relief Response

Volunteers have always been referred to as the backbone of The Salvation Army, playing a vital role in its activities, especially during disasters.
Recently, two sisters — Doris Gleason and Charlotte Cates — were on their way to attend a surprise birthday party, when they were approached by the Disaster Resource Manager from The Salvation Army in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The sisters were asked to lend a helping hand in responding to the tornadoes that hit Arkansas the previous Friday. Despite being so close to their destination, they instantly agreed and began to make alternate arrangements.
 
Upon reaching the base command in Little Rock, they were assigned to serve 300 meals from a canteen that was serving first responders and survivors of the storms. They ensured that residents and responders were being provided the food, hydration and emotional care that is critical to those who have been affected by the devastation that these storms left behind.
 
“This work is very, very rewarding,” said Charlotte. “When you help others, it reminds you of how truly blessed you are.”
 
To make a financial donation to support ongoing tornado relief efforts, visit helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

New Community Kitchen Opens in Prince Rupert

In partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, The Salvation Army in Prince Rupert, B.C., has opened a newly renovated community kitchen.
The main reason for the upgrade was to be able to meet client demand. The former community kitchen was about the size of a regular household kitchen, and it was not conducive to serving large groups of people.
One of the major improvements to the kitchen includes the addition of several industrial appliances such as a walk-in freezer, walk-in cooler, dishwasher, stove, and an indoor griddle. These new features allow the kitchen staff to serve more guests.
This project was possible thanks to the generous grant of $450,000 from the Port Authority, as well as a donation from Farm Credit Canada, which helped fund the purchase of the industrial appliances.
The Prince Rupert Community Kitchen is open from Monday to Friday, serving breakfast and lunch. Cash, gift card, and produce donations are accepted and volunteers are always welcome.
 
Learn more at SALVATIONARMY.CA

The Salvation Army Continues to Serve in Arkansas Tornado Recovery Efforts

In the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes that hit the City of Little Rock and surrounding areas, The Salvation Army has been providing support to those who have been impacted the most. The organization remains dedicated to serving the community, providing food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to those who are hurting after the storms.
 
At a hard-hit apartment complex and around the Amboy neighborhoods in North Little Rock, The Salvation Army has been instrumental in helping residents cope with the aftermath of the storm.  Many people have been without power for over 10 days, but The Salvation Army has been there to provide much-needed relief.
 
Since a tornado tore through parts of Arkansas on March 31st, The Salvation Army has provided over 19,000 meals, and provided emotional and spiritual care to over 800 individuals.
 
For more information on how to support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts, visit helpsalvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY