Salvation Army Providing Food And Drink To Storm Victims

 


The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is providing food and drink in the areas most affected by Tulsa's storms.

The mobile feeding unit is currently roaming neighborhoods in the Tulsa metro stocked with sandwiches, water/Gatorade, snacks and lawn/debris bags to help bring a little relief to those affected as well as those who are responding to the emergency.

Captain Jay Spalding leads the disaster preparedness program for the Tulsa Area Salvation Army and he pointed out if needed The Salvation Army can also provide other essential items in a disaster such as cots, blankets, household clean-up kits containing mops, brooms, bleach, other cleaning supplies, and flashlights .

The Salvation Army in Tulsa relies upon a pool of trained disaster volunteers to provide services to the community when it is needed most.

These volunteers are trained in crisis intervention, emotional and spiritual support and canteen operations. There are also currently eight Salvation Army officers in the Tulsa area who are extensively trained in disaster response work and have firsthand experience operating in a crisis.

The Salvation Army has a tradition of going to help in a disaster without having the funds ahead of time. “We go in to help and hope and pray that the community will support us,” Captain Jay Spalding said.

SALVATION ARMY REHABILITATION STARTS WITH THE HEART


Grady Mosby, a living testament to God’s healing
and author of “A Near Death Experience”.

Grady Mosby started experimenting with drugs and alcohol in Junior High as a way to escape feelings of anger and abandonment.

Reality was a plaguing reminder of loss; his twin brother dying as an infant, the divorce of his parents, his father’s desertion of the family, and as a final straw, breaking his femur so badly he would never play sports again.

But he was having fun partying, he thought, and as he says, “I justified smoking pot because I was making good grades.”

After high school, he welcomed twin boys with his girlfriend and worked full time as an Engineer at a petroleum company, but even these events couldn’t stop his downward spiral toward severe cocaine dependency. “I lost my job because I was still self-medicating and living for the moment.”
And on Christmas Day of that year, his heart stopped.

A SPIRITUAL PAST

There was never a question about church attendance when Grady was a child, and although he didn’t enjoy it then, he’s thankful his mother cultivated a faith within him that he would later cling to in times of crisis.

“In a sense, when I needed it most, my mother gave me second birth [through her teaching of faith].”
But years of drug abuse had hardened his heart and skewed his understanding of reality and his need for faith.

On Christmas Day of 1988, he neglected his family for a cocaine binge at a friend’s house where his heart stopped beating. He says at that moment he began “floating upward while angelic voices sang,” when suddenly he came back alive, fell and cut his arm.

“I believe God decided to give me a second chance.”

While Grady was off drugs for a short time, he was soon living as a functional user, succeeding in a car business yet filling a spiritual void with substances. In a period of his life he calls, “desperation,” Grady wrote a suicide note to his wife and kids.

“I was overwhelmed with guilt that I couldn’t get clean on my own.” Thankfully, God eventually intervened, and Grady decided against taking his own life.

ONE MORE CHANCE

Grady Mosby, a living testament to God’s healing and author of “A Near Death Experience”.
Deep down, Grady knew he needed spiritual healing, and asked his probation officer for rehabilitation through a faith-based program.

“My wife took another leap of faith and drove me to The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Tucson, AZ. She told me, ‘get clean or don’t come back’.”

It was there that Grady was able to change in a lasting way: from the inside out. “The ARC program is brilliant. It provides a structured, protected environment where men and women can learn good habits and patterns.”

“A lot of people with these afflictions blame God and others for their problems. They’re mad at religion and think they have everything figured out. Addiction is truly a sickness, but God heals.”
The six-month program provides housing, work, and group and individual therapy. Years later, Grady is now completely clean, successfully employed and closer than ever with his wife and children.

As a way to help others – including The Salvation Army – Grady wrote the book, “A Near Death Experience: I Died and Came Back From Hell,” which highlights his experience, one that he hopes will help parents understand their children’s behavior and give hope to the addict still suffering. He is donating a portion of proceeds to The Salvation Army.

“If God can heal me, He can heal you. He will never give you more than you can handle. He will always give you a way out.”

To learn more about how you can join or support The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers, please visit www.SATRUCK.org.

Two New Ways To Do[nate] Good[s]



With you in mind, we’ve recently introduced two new ways to find us using your smart phone.

Pictured above is The Salvation Army Family Store app you can download to your iPhone using the App Store button. Type “Salvation Army Family Store App” in the search bar and to install it on your phone.

Or, use your smart phone to find the mobile version of our www.satruck.com website.

Type satruck.com in the search field on your browser and you’ll get a screen that looks like this —->

Just click “Schedule a Pickup” and we’ll come to you. Or, click “Find a Drop-off Location” and pop by one of our stores or drop-off sites.

You already know that gently-used clothing, household goods, furniture and appliances you donate to The Salvation Army are sold in our Family Stores to generate funding for our no-fee drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

And now you know how easy we’ve made it for you to find one of our stores or drop off locations or even to schedule a pick up at your home!

Everything you donate to or buy from a Salvation Army Family Store helps us provide residential rehabilitation to men and women who are waging a battle with addiction at one of our Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

Thank you. When you donate goods, you do good!

The Salvation Army Today

A fire at a Salvation Army camp; News from Brazil; Salvation Army Radio goes mobile.

Army Responds To Plane Crash



Bilingual officers provide a key link to passengers and officials in San Francisco
The Salvation Army continues to offer support and aid to responders, survivors and affected families of Asiana Airlines Flight 214’s crash landing July 6 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which killed two people and injured nearly 200 others.
The Boeing 777 jetliner was carrying 307 individuals from Seoul, South Korea. South San Francisco Police requested The Salvation Army’s assistance within hours of the incident. A team of bilingual Salvation Army officers and volunteers answered the call, providing translation support and emotional care in SFO’s “Reflection Room.”

“Serving as language support is a unique role for a Salvation Army Disaster Services team,” said Major Wayne Froderberg, local disaster coordinator for The Salvation Army. “However, the opportunity demonstrates our ability to provide compassion and aid in more than one language.”

Officers from the All Nations, Sunnyvale and Chinatown corps forged a vital communication link between Korean, Cantonese, and Mandarin-speaking passengers and English-speaking government and airline personnel––translating the passengers’ needs to the officials as the processing of passengers continued into the early hours of the morning. A team of Salvation Army officers even went to St. Francis Memorial Hospital to translate for several injured Korean-speaking passengers.

The Salvation Army has since set-up a special “clothing room” inside the Family Assistance Center, to allow Flight 214 passengers to hand select clothing items and basic essentials while they are housed in a Bay Area hotel. The room is stocked with brand-new shirts, slacks, sweaters, sweatshirts, socks and hygiene products. In addition, The Salvation Army has purchased undergarments to supply in the clothing room and has made arrangements to supply luggage for passengers to help manage their belongings. Toys and games are also available to youth to help ease the tension of this stressful situation.

“New underwear, socks and hygiene kits are a luxury when you have lost everything,” said Claire Dunmore, program coordinator for The Salvation Army. “What a privilege to be able to provide such basic supplies and know that comfort and relief has been given to so many families and children. We hope some clean clothes and quiet place to rest will bring some comfort to these individuals who have had a very difficult 48 hours.”
The Salvation Army has been providing care to Flight 214 passengers since the day of the crash and will continue to support this effort in close coordination with local, state and federal authorities to determine how to best meet the evolving needs of passengers and their families.

For continued updates and more information from The Salvation Army, visit blog.salvationarmyusa.org.

For Vintage Lovers, Tips for Shopping Vintage



• Disregard sizes all-together! Throughout the decades, sizing has changed dramatically. Just try on anything you like. If it’s too large, you can think about accessories to help it fit better, altering it yourself, or dropping it off at your dry cleaner or tailor to fix it for you.

• Check for stains and holes. If the items has any of these, skip it.

• Look for classic brands and designer labels.

• Think about washable fabrics vs what you’ll have to immediately take to the dry cleaner.

• Look for one of a kind and unique pieces that will work with your wardrobe.

• Check for missing buttons and working zippers. These are both replaceable though buttons far easier than a zipper. You can always take the item to your tailor to fix.

• Many times you find brand new items in thrift shops. Just think of all the items in your closet with the tags still on them. At thrift shops, you can really make out with a new wardrobe at a fraction of retail prices!


Source: Babble.com/Style

Sizing Up the Cyberbully



Today’s bullies are heartless, online and virtually untraceable.

“Gimme your lunch money!” The phrase may conjure up the stereotypical image of the child bully—usually a boy—with more brawn than brains who terrorized other children for a variety of assumed reasons. He may have come from “the wrong side of the tracks” and this was his way of getting back at the world. Among school-aged children, bullying took place near the lockers outside the classroom or perhaps on the walk home from school. Victims experienced taunts, name-calling and physical abuse. Whether it happened five or 50 years ago, few things can harm a child more than bullying; the effects can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, while this kind of child-to-child bullying was terrible for those who experienced it, the bullying experienced by children today is worse.

The same elements of traditional bullying still exist. You’ll still find name-calling, verbal harassment and physical violence, only now it is coupled with technology. The popularity of smart phones has seen bullying transition from the real world to the virtual one. Bullying has gone cyber with devastating effects.
On April 7, 2013, 17-year old Rehtaeh Parsons from Dartmouth, N.S., died as a result of suicide. The victim of an alleged sexual assault by a group of boys from her school back in 2011, Parsons’ horrific ordeal was further compounded when one of the assailants took a picture of the assault and sent it to other youths in the community. Just days after the event, classmates began harassing her online and through social media. Called derogatory names and then propositioned by other boys at her school, Parsons sank into a deep depression which ended in the taking of her own life.

In 2012, the eyes of the world came to rest on Port Coquitlam, B.C., with the tragic case of Amanda Todd. The 16-year-old also committed suicide due to cyberbullying, but before doing so, uploaded a YouTube video with the remarkable title, “My Story: Struggling, bullying, suicide and self-harm.” In the video, which has been viewed 7.6 million times, Todd used flashcards to describe her experience of being bullied, blackmailed and physically assaulted by her peers. Over the course of many months, Todd was constantly harassed by someone online to expose herself on camera. When she did, the cyberbully used the photo to blackmail her. The anxiety and isolation she experienced ultimately led to her death.
Though extreme, the Todd and Parsons examples have galvanized the nation to begin dealing with cyberbullying, pressuring legislators in provincial and federal governments, as well as school board and municipal officials, to enact laws that will hopefully eliminate these scenarios.

Dr. Shaheen Shariff of Define the Line, an advocacy group that promotes responsible digital citizenship, defines cyberbullying as “ … the use of a range of digital media and/or communication devices to post or distribute offensive and demeaning forms of expression. Cyberbullying contains all of the elements of traditional bullying, but extends them into a highly public, online environment. Cyberbullying can include using cellular and smart phones, e-mail, or social media to post or distribute insults, threats, gossip, modified and/or intimate photographs, and videotapes of beatings or unauthorized films of intimate sexual acts. The purpose of these acts is to embarrass or threaten targeted peers or authority figures.”

Cyberbullying is not only more malicious than regular bullying; it’s also more prevalent. Images of little Johnny running away from the neighbourhood toughs to the safety of home is no longer the only bullying scenario. With the access that smart phones, e-mails and social media affords bullies, a child can be tormented while their parents sit in the same room, totally oblivious as to what is going on.
Bullies no longer conform to any one social demographic or stereotype. The anonymity that technology provides has given rise to the social phenomena of “trolling”—where someone posts negative, sarcastic or abusive comments online for no real purpose other than maliciousness. It’s akin to a group of bystanders who may encourage a bully to carry out his threat of violence against a victim. In these situations, the negative bystanders, or online trollers, also exhibit bullying behaviour.

So what can be done? The Salvation Army is uniquely poised to be an agent of change. Our mandate, to be a transforming influence in our communities, should cause us to take the rise of cyberbullying seriously. In one of the strongest statements ever made by Jesus, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). Inaction in the face of bullying can be as damaging to a child as the physical, emotional and mental abuse caused by the bullying behaviour. We would be wise to heed the words of Jesus and protect the children God has entrusted to us.

Salvation Army programs such as Red Cap (an anger management course for children) are great ways to encourage young people to talk about their feelings and express themselves in healthy ways. Red Cap is being run by the Army in various public school programs throughout the country. Clearly our schools need as much community support as possible and their willingness to partner with religious organizations to run these quality programs affords us a unique opportunity to not only reach out to victims of bullying, but to the children that exhibit bullying behaviours.

There are many opportunities within the day-to-day life of a corps where children can be encouraged to resist cyberbullying. Youth group leaders and corps officers may want to take a novel approach in communicative technologies—not by banning them outright from corps events or services, but by promoting their use in a way that fosters understanding of the Christian message. Some corps officers are doing this by encouraging young people to text them questions related to a Bible study or even to engage with them during the Sunday sermon. Talking with children about cyberbullying and acknowledging that it is a problem will go a long way in reducing its harmful effects. Corps and social service ministries can be a resource to parents to help establish safe use of these technologies. For example, the family computer should be centrally located so parents can easily monitor its use. Facilitating the discussion between parents and their children on the appropriate use of smart phones and social media is one way that the church can fulfil its historic calling to serve the present age.

Parry Aftab, executive director of WiredSafety, notes how “Christianity is very good at making it ‘real.’ The New Testament is written in parables to teach people through example. Faith-based organizations need to take real stories of real lives affected by bullying. We need to encourage the kids within the church to tell their own stories, so their peers can support them.”

Look for ways that you can support youth in your community who may be experiencing cyberbullying. It may be unrealistic to think that we can block out all the negative influences in our children’s lives, but let’s work hard at being their biggest positive influence.

Grounds for Hope



By keeping a pot of coffee brewing, a Salvation Army thrift store is changing lives.

“Coffee connects people,” declares Kyle Brennan, a Salvation Army thrift store manager in Parkdale, a suburb of Toronto. “All of us need others for support and to feel valued.”

For many in this community who live on a fixed income, the thrift store is more than a place to buy items at a low cost. On any given day, a steady flow of guests are drawn to the smell of coffee at the back of the store. Here a couple of soft couches nestled amongst shelves stacked with books invite you to relax, meet new people and engage in conversation.

Jonny’s Story

“The coffee corner is a place where I feel I belong,” says 27-year-old Jonny. “Here I can temporarily avoid focusing on my current situation.”

Jonny grew up staring out his window, wondering if he’d ever be happy. His father disowned him at birth, and his mother immersed herself in her work, leaving Jonny to fend for himself.

“I’ve always done things on my own,” he says. “It’s harder than you might think.”
With lack of parental support, Jonny questioned his self-worth. He tried to reach out for help, but when he spoke, no one listened. Jonny has never experienced genuine peace and love.

The coffee corner is the place where I belong,” says Jonny

Today Jonny is unable to work due to chronic health issues. He calls the streets home and sleeps in places that are well-lit to avoid mugging. He memorizes soup-kitchen schedules and his wrinkled, dirty clothes remind him of the beating he has taken in life.

But thanks to a cup of coffee and a listening ear, Jonny has hope for a better future.
At the coffee corner Jonny met Major Doug Hammond, a Salvation Army pastor in the community. “We need to get you off the streets,” Major Doug said to him.

Trust is an issue for Jonny and he was hesitant to respond. However, he saw that Major Doug was genuine and accepted his business card. Jonny wanted nothing more than to make loneliness and homelessness a thing of his past.

“This card makes me happy,” Jonny replied. “Let’s talk.”



Salvation Army Teaming With Save A Lot For Food Drive



Shoppers at a local grocery store will soon have the opportunity to help the Salvation Army restock its food pantry and expand its food ministry so it won’t have to turn away anymore needy families.

FOF Christopher Blackmon announced this week that the Salvation Army is cooperating with the Save a Lot Food Store in Union on a month-long food drive. Blackmon said that from July 22 to Aug. 22, Save a Lot customers will be able to purchase and donate canned goods and other food which will be collected by store employees and picked up daily by the Salvation Army. He said the donated food will be used to restock the Salvation Army’s pantry which he said has not had enough food in recent weeks to meet the needs of all those individuals and families seeking assistance.

“We helped over 200 families last month but we turn away over a 120 a month because we don’t have enough food,” Blackmon said. “We need the food so we don’t have to turn anyone away.”

The lack of food sufficient to meet the needs of all the families that come to its social services department every day seeking assistance was first brought to Blackmon’s attention when he began serving as manager of the Salvation Army Store on Mountain Street.

“When I first got here two weeks ago I was talking to Dawn, our social services director,” Blackmon said. “She informed me how there had been a lack of food donations.”

To try and change that, Blackmon said he sought out Save a Lot Store Manager Mickey Wright about doing a food drive and Wright agreed.

“We organized together a canned food drive for the month of July 22 to Aug. 22,” Blackmon said. “We’re going to have a barrel at the store they can place food in and we’ll collect it every day.”

The donations will be made at the checkout corner where Wright said customers can designate which of their purchases are for the Salvation Army.

“Once they scan it, the customer can let the clerk know ‘I want this portion to go to the Salvation Army,’” Wright said. “The cashier will then take it to that area and place it to be picked up.”

Wright said the store’s participation in the food drive is part of its commitment to getting involved in the communities it serves.

“This is to help out the community,” Wright said. “We try when we can to get involved. This is a locally-onwed store and the owner likes getting involved in the community as much as possible.”

While canned goods and other non-perishable items will be the focus of the food drive, Blackmon and Wright said that frozen foods can also be donated. Wright said that if a customer donates meat or other frozen foods the store will put it in a freezer until the Salvation Army can collect it.

That community involvement is also a hallmark of the Salvation Army as Claudia Floyd, public relations director for the Salvation Army in Union and Spartanburg counties, pointed out.

“Every day our social services department is giving food to our community,” Floyd said. “Already we have served 1,206 families in the past six months. We’re here for the community. We’re offering a hand up, not just a handout.”

Blackmon reiterated this, pointing out that the Salvation Army seeks to not only minister to the spiritual needs, but also the physical needs of those who need its services. In fact, Blackmon said the Salvation seeks to minister to those spiritual needs by ministering to those physical needs.

“We feel that it’s easier to minister to one’s spiritual needs if their physical needs have been met,” Blackmon said. “Jesus shows us this in the scriptures by feeding those he ministered to spiritually.”



Read more: Union Daily Times - Salvation Army teaming with Save a Lot for food drive

The Salvation Army on WTOP


Click here  to listen to Major Michael Vincent talk with WTOP and learn how  a vehicle donation can save a life!

A Salvation Army Summer Favorite Recipe

The Salvation Army Holds Barbeque For Flood Victims



One thing the residents of the flood-affected areas have not had is any semblance of normalcy. Every day since the floods swept through their communities, taking with them homes, vehicles and memories, the people have had constant reminders of their plight. Most of them haven’t been able to enjoy a single summer moment without being reminded that their lives and homes are still damaged, two weeks after the initial flooding.

The Salvation Army has been at the forefront of relief efforts since the disaster first happened, immediately bringing relief in the form of hot meals, health services, and a shoulder to cry on.

Today, the Army took on another need that has been creeping up in the flood-worn areas: summer fun. Those of us who don’t live in the flooded areas only have what we’ve seen on TV to tell us how bad it was. For the people still barred from their homes, for those who still can’t make a home-cooked meal because of the damage to utility services, the Salvation Army has been a life-line of food and support. For us, a barbeque is a normal occurrence during the summer, but not for the flood victims.

The Salvation Army wanted to inject some of that care-free summer fun into the community by having a free barbeque. Residents and volunteers were welcome to come out and have some hot chicken, a cold drink, and a laugh with other members of the community that have been right there with them.

"We're inviting residents who have spent more than a week cleaning out and repairing the damage to their houses to take a break, share stories with their neighbors, laugh, cry and eat together," said Major Karla Clark, of The Salvation Army's Empire State Division Headquarters.

"As the Army transitions from mass feeding and supplies to long term recovery support, we will continue to meet the needs of the Oneida community," she added.

This was truly a showing by the Central New York community, as Syracuse Chef David Radzyminski volunteered to cook at the event. Other Central New York businesses donated to the event, including King's Catering in Canandaigua, Dinosaur BBQ and MaineSource Food and Party Warehouse.

Source: CNY Central

Salvation Army, Ace Hardware Team Up For Fan Drive

NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |

We've climbed back near triple digits for the second day in a row in Green Country. For people without air conditioning it's not only miserable, but also dangerous.
In light of the scorching heat, the Salvation Army is in desperate need of fans. They've partnered with Ace Hardware to collect as many as they can over the next week, not only to provide relief for people in need, but to help keep air conditioning costs down when the temperatures go up.

"I couldn't imagine [not having air conditioning.] My A/C went out a couple times temporarily," said Tracey Guzman, Assistant Manager of Westlake Ace Hardware.

Guzman said the recent blistering summers caused them to approach the Salvation Army about holding a fan drive.

That store, at 41st and Peoria, and five others in the community are the drop-off spot for donations this month.

"We've had people bring in fans here and there, but not as many as we'd like," Guzman said.

"We all know heat is coming, and people have to be able to manage in this heat," said Major April Taylor, with the Salvation Army.

Taylor said they agreed to help, hoping to provide relief to the elderly, small children and especially those who are sick.

"When you're not well, and you're running a fever, and you're just melting in this heat, that fan can just help so much," she said.

On a hot day, any sized fan can make a huge difference inside of a home, and while you're not limited to buying from Ace Hardware, they are running promotional deals, like a 20-inch box fan for $16.99.

The Salvation Army already helps provide air conditioning to nearly 3,000 people around Tulsa who can't afford it.

Taylor said these fans would allow them to stretch the service to those individuals further, helping them cut down on their cost.

"This piece is just one more piece on the pile to help," Taylor said.

She said donated fans will go out as fast as they come in, and they'll make sure they get to the people who need them most.

"We want those fans to go to particular special cases and special needs," Taylor said. "Really, do the donors diligence and give it to the right people for the right reasons."

Westlake Ace Hardware will be holding an official fan drive Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Salvation Army's Emergency Financial Assistance Program, also helps people pay their utility bills in emergency situations.


Artists Transform Pianos Into Eye Candy For The Community



Not only is this art visual; it's also playable.

Three months ago, Play Your City, a new art program, popped up in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Five Salvation Army pianos were transformed into one-of-a-kind masterpieces and displayed at area hotspots.

"Anything that is unexpected draws attention and gets people to interact," said Rebecca Bradley, co-founder of Cadence, which organized the event.

The pianos were covered in color and personality by artists Brian Buzzella, Luzalma Gonzalez and Richard Vergez, as well as students from the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale art school.

The pianos then rotated between Cadence, Brew, MOAFL, City Hall, Riverhouse, Radioactive Records, Huizenga Park, Trading Post, Riverside Hotel, The Archives, and Museum of Discovery and Science.

But this is no hands-off exhibition. The public is welcome to tickle the ivories.

"It was most surprising that you don't know how many know how to play a piano until there is one out for them to play," Bradley said.

After three months of traveling and public use, she said three of the five pianos are still in pretty good shape. Though, one experienced some sun and water damage, and the piano created by Vergez was stolen (pictured at left, by Joe Caveretta).

But all and all, Bradley said Play Your City has been a great success.

"The ongoing videos and pictures [the public] has shared through social media has been super cool," she said. "We've got lots of messages and emails thanking us for doing it and people are super excited that something like this came to Fort Lauderdale."

The program will come to a close July 27 at "Revel on the Block" in FAT Village Arts District. The four remaining pianos will be on display at the biannual event.

To take the place of the fifth piano that was stolen, Vergez will present an improvised and experimental performance based on pre-recorded tape of piano sounds, which will be amplified and further manipulated live through electronic means.

The pianos will not stop playing after their appearance at "Revel on the Block." The pianos that are still in good condition will go to yet-to-be-determined permanent homes.

Play Your City was made possible by Cadence – a full service urban design and landscape architecture firm focused on projects that reimagine the way South Floridians experience their outdoor living environments – the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department and Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/ftlplayyourcity.



Help Keep Our Pantries Filled



The Salvation Army has a long history of assisting individuals and families through a wide array of services including life-sustaining nutritional support. Just as it was in 1865, today’s goal remains the same: meet the needs of those in need in His name. This means providing sustenance to prevent children, women and men from going hungry.

The reality for many of the people we serve is that they are cash strapped. Simply put, they have limited or insufficient income to handle a financial crisis should one hit their household. It is the difference between keeping a roof over their heads and having an empty cupboard or, better put, paying rent and going hungry.

According to the U.S. 2010 Census, nearly 96 million Americans are at risk of or suffer from hunger.
In the last three years, The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command is has experienced more than 40% increase in the number of meals distributed to keep local individuals and families nourished. There were over 179,400 meals were distributed in 2012, a significant jumped from 138,800 the year before.
Annually, across the geographic footprint of the NCAC, the average the number of Grocery Orders Filled during each of the last three calendar years was more than 8,800.
The good news is, thanks to your support, The Salvation Army is preventing hunger one meal or box of groceries at a time. However, the summer months are especially challenging on our food pantries. The demand for this service increases and shelves empty more quickly. But, your help will make a difference because the donations we receive are ensuring our neighbors will never go without nutrition especially children.

Every day The Salvation Army distributes prepared meals and groceries are provided to those in need through programs around the region. This includes youth, camping and daily lunch programming, a year-round homeless patrol, an in-patient addiction treatment center for women and men, disaster response, grocery store gift cards and food pantries. The latter, a food pantry, gives The Salvation Army the flexibility to provide this compassionate support to the hungry immediately.

There multiple food pantries throughout the region including DC and City of Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland where hungry families can turn for grocery assistance.

Eligible individuals and families may visit The Salvation Army in Fairfax, Prince William and Prince George’s counties, and DC Social Services to apply for a box of non-perishable groceries. A concerted effort is made to ensure the boxes or bags contain items from the major food groups: canned vegetables and fruits, wheat including pasta, dairy, and protein. In Woodbridge, at the Prince William County Corps, fresh produce given away as well when it is available. Each box (or bags) contains approximately $30 in grocery items. However, the value of its contents is priceless for the recipient.

Without your support, none of this would be possible. The Salvation Army depends on monetary gifts, grants, local food drives and help from community partners to keep these pantries well stocked. In the National Capital Area, this valuable support is making a real difference in the lives of people in need.

Make a monetary donation today by clicking on DONATE, or drop off a box of dry groceries at your local Salvation Army. Watch this space for an upcoming video edition of Field Journal that focuses on several local food pantries.

Source:

The Next Generation of Giving and Volunteer Action



24 hour matching campaign oversubscribes with $28,396 in donations. Inspired by a $24,000 match pledged by Muslim Lakhani, the community helped The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command raise $28,396 on June 6 during Do More 24, an initiative sponsored by the United Way of the National Capital Area. Donors from around the country joined Muslim Lakhani and The Salvation Army compassionate action with their giving.

Even though an overwhelming response crashed the United Way’s Do More 24 website, The Salvation Army was able to oversubscribe the $24,000 match commitment.

The match offer was presented by Muslim Lakhani of ML Resources. The Pakistan-born American citizen, entrepreneur and philanthropist – living in Washington DC – has provided the sole support for Grate Patrol for the past five years. The year round program provides compassionate care through nutritional support and case management to the city’s most vulnerable community, the homeless.
As part of its ongoing ministry, Grate Patrol distributes about 150 free nutritious dinner meals and bagged lunches nightly to those women and men who have no permanent place to call home. The route covers a wide section of downtown Northwest DC.

Additionally, with the help of a case manager in the field, homeless clients can receive referrals for vital services including medical, mental health and substance abuse issues, career assistance, supportive housing and more.

Utilizing only social media and email to engage the next generation of giving, in The Salvation Army raise much needed resources in 24 hours to help local individuals and families in need.
In addition to participating in the Do More 24 campaign, Muslim Lakhani recently played a role in providing volunteers to The Salvation Army as part of an ongoing compassionate action initiative that brings together people of faith to make a difference in their community.

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The Salvation Army Luncheon and Fashion Show



The Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show is a wonderful event that brings together over 600 of the region’s compassionate men and women. In its 64th year, the Fashion Show has raised millions to support Salvation Army programs that enrich the lives of homeless women and their children. Combining the creativity and excitement of a fashion show with awards to community leaders and recognition of women role models, the event is Washington’s compassionate fashion event.

Proceeds from the 2013 Fashion Show & Luncheon will support the creation of a new learning center at the Turning Point Center for Women and Children. Turning Point is a regional transitional housing program that serves young homeless women with children and provides the support and education they need to succeed in employment and housing.

Date: October 4, 2013
Time: 11am to 2pm
Location: Ritz Carlton Tyson’s Corner
Designer: LK Bennett London presented by Bloomingdale’s

Click here for event details and for tickets.

The Salvation Army Today (VIDEO: July 11, 2013)



The Salvation Army provides translation assistance; A little girl's dream of helping the homeless; A Salvation Army hospital in southern India; A processional for the 19 fallen firefighters.

New Salvation Army Officers Report For Duty

There’s a change in command for The Salvation Army here, and the two new officers have reported for duty.

Capt. Kati Chase, 31, comes here from Jackson, Miss., having worked at the Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters in the finance department. She’s served with The Salvation Army 13 years, with six of those as a captain.

Lt. Sarah Birks, 29, is a seventh generation Salvation Army officer. She has served as an officer for five years, with her last appointment in St. Albans, W.Va.

A reception is set for 12:30 to 2 p.m. today at The Salvation Army worship center, 1700 Arendell St.

They replace Captains Anthony and Elizabeth Juliana, who received a new assignment in Durham.

Capt. Chase and Lt. Birks said the Juliana’s helped train them while they were in The Salvation Army officers training college.

Capt. Chase and Lt. Birks are part of a new generation of leaders in The Salvation Army. While the new officers bring a youthful perspective, they are quick to say they still believe in The Salvation Army’s values of helping the hurting and needy.
“I think because we’re young, people tend to think we’re different,” said Capt.

Chase during an interview Friday. “But I’m probably just as traditional as my grandmother. I think the big difference today is with technology. This is a big part of how we communicate with people and get information out, with Facebook and social media.”

Lt. Birks agreed.

“Technology is definitely the biggest change,” said Lt. Birks. “A lot of what we were founded on in our mission statement is still very important to follow. We have always been about helping the alcoholics and the broken. That’s still important to serve and help people turn their lives around.”
Capt. Chase said she’s excited about her new appointment and looks forward to serving in the community.

“I’m ready to love on people and meet the community’s needs,” she said. “I’m going to do my best to be faithful with what you (the community) entrusts to us.”
Lt. Birks, too, said she’s ready to serve.

“My passion is serving people. I love working with people, youth, older people and I enjoy working with our canteen (mobile food canteen) ministry. I’m thankful and blessed to be in Morehead City. I think I loved it when I pulled in,” Lt. Birks said.
Capt. Chase said the first order of business would be getting to know the community and building on the programs that are already proving successful in the county.
“I love Christmas and the bell ringers, so we are definitely continuing that. One thing I would like to do is grow our nursing homes ministries. The Bible talks about taking care of the widows and orphans. I definitely will be getting around and getting to meet the people,” said Capt. Chase.

Both Capt. Chase and Lt. Birks say they want to focus on youth ministries, as well.
Capt. Chase said she started her college career at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., with plans of becoming a math teacher. But during that time she started attending Salvation Army church services.
“My first year of college I went to a youth retreat and I felt God was calling me to be a Salvation Army officer,” she said.

She continued her college education and obtained her degree in secondary education, with a major in math. But as soon as she graduated she entered the two-year Salvation Army officer-training program. Upon completion of the program she was ordained as a pastor and officer.

She hasn’t looked back since, serving in Tampa, Fla., as an assistant youth director, then in Grafton, W.Va., as a corps officer. She then transferred to the Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters in St. Albans, W.Va., before being transferred to Morehead City.

Lt. Birks was raised in The Salvation Army, with her parents currently serving as majors in Charlotte, and her grandparents retired majors. That Salvation Army lineage goes back seven generations.

“I was born in Hickory, but have lived in 11 different states because of my parents. I did love serving in The Salvation Army as a child, but thought I might want to do something different as I got older,” she said.
That all changed when she did an inner city missions trip with The Salvation Army in Fort Worth, Texas.

“That’s when God called me and reminded me of how much I loved serving people. I knew this is what God wanted me to do,” she said.

There is a shortage of young people entering the leadership ranks of The Salvation Army, and both women say the Army needs to do a better job of reaching out to the youth, something they want to do more of while in Morehead City.
Capt. Chase said, “One of my goals is to send more young people to camp (Salvation Army youth camps). It’s the best time to work with people, while they’re young and you can help them build a good foundation.”

Lt. Birks agreed.

“I think what we need to do is focus on this age and generation and inspire them with the word of God,” she said. “Everyone is gifted in different areas and we need to help them seek out what God has gifted them in and let them use and develop those abilities.”

Program Combating Iliteracy To Have Offices In New Library

Milton Thorpe describes the more than four decades of his life spent not knowing how to read as "hiding behind the mirror." When he finally decided to embark on his journey to literacy a year-and-a-half ago, he decided to face himself head on and "look through the mirror."

Thorpe decided that things had to change. In a moment of desperation, he found out about the READ Center, his solution to the problem. The center for Reading and Education for Adult Development, helps Central Virginia adults to become literate.

"That same day I was praying, it came across the radio:the READ Center," he said.

And when the new Petersburg Library opens this fall, the READ Center will have a home there. That will be a key tool in the city's long-term plan to fight adult illiteracy, supporters say.

Thorpe used the READ Center to change a lifetime of not reading. The 49-year-old had received his high school diploma after spending much of his time in school in special education classes but never learned how to read. Thorpe said that he didn't receive much help and encouragement from his teachers who identified him as having a problem but continued to promote him without the extra help he needed.

"I always thought something was wrong with me because I didn't get it as fast," he said.

Thorpe was raised by his grandparents, who did not have much formal education themselves, so they were not truly aware of his issues.

"They thought that if they sent you to school then you were getting it," he said.

Throughout his adult life, Thorpe learned to excel while hiding his illiteracy from others. At his job as a tractor-trailer driver, he was promoted to a supervisory position. Thorpe would delegate clerical tasks to others, while he focused on skills such as maintenance that were weak points for others.

Thorpe plans on improving his literacy skills to obtain his master's in theology. He is currently a minister at Now Faith that works Christian Center.

"I've done everything else and now, I will do this too. I'm going to get to where I need to be," he said.

Thorpe can now read the Bible in front of his congregation without embarrassment. "Now if I get up and mess up, so what? I am still on my way," he said.

Thorpe said that nothing about learning to read was shameful except for putting it off.

"The only shame that comes out of it is when you don't do it," he said. "When you sit on the couch and say 'no' - time is slipping."

Thorpe now encourages other adults to take the first step of seeking help.

"I tell anybody that's hiding behind the mirror that they will always live in torment," he said.

The READ Center helps 300 adults annually to become literate. The organization has classes in Petersburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hopewell with tutors in Colonial Heights and Hanover. It was founded in 1982 as the Literacy Council of Metropolitan Richmond by Altrusa International of Richmond, a professional women's business club and became a non-profit in 1984. The name was changed to the READ Center in 1995.

In Petersburg, the program currently holds classes at Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Salvation Army Education Center but will now have an office in the new Petersburg Public Library. Harriet Scruggs, executive director, said that the organization is weighing whether to close the two locations when the library opens. It is projected to do so in the late fall.

Aside from being a relevant fit with the mission to improve literacy, Scruggs said that the new location is surrounded by less stigma.

"Everyone going into the library can read," she said. "They will be able to maintain their anonymity and make it possible to keep their secret from the rest of the world until they are ready to let it know they are struggling, if ever."

She said the new library's location on Washington Street across from the Petersburg bus station is convenient for students using public transit.

Scruggs also pointed out that the library has the added benefit of children's programs and books that can entertain them while parents are in class.

"It's a beautiful one-stop shopping center the whole family can experience," she said.

Laura Schoolcraft, a READ Center teacher, said that the library also provided the most obvious: books and reference materials.

Students at the Hopewell program are required to hold a library card, which is something the READ Center is planning for Petersburg.

Schoolcraft said the library environment itself is enriching and opens people up to another world.

"People that don't read well tend to have a small life," she said. "It could be a movie shown or a knitting class that gets them out of their tight circle."

As for the need of such a program in the Tri-Cities, the READ Center points to 2010 census data of adults without GEDs or high school diplomas as prime indicators of illiteracy. Petersburg has the highest number adults who do not have either a high school diploma or GED at 27.82 percent, followed by Hopewell at 24.44 percent.

Schoolcraft said that everyone has their own reasons for starting late. On average, her students are in their 40s with a range from 18 to 70.

Some say it's their turn now after putting children through school. Others are grandparents raising their grandchildren who are at a loss as to how to help with homework.

But no matter the reason, each student has personal goals to work toward with a tutor and larger one's to accomplish with the class.

Larger goals include learning how to use a checking account and how to address letters. They also build computer literacy with tasks such as how to type, erase and save documents.

As far as individual goals, many have received jobs or have been promoted. Some have obtained their driver's license because they can now read the test. Others can read food labels in the grocery store to avoid certain products for health reasons. One woman learned to read the bus routes so she could transfer from Hopewell to Petersburg.

Despite the goal, Schoolcraft said the moment that each student gets it feels the same.

"There's those aha moments where you've made a connection and they get it," she said. "It's when you're explaining a spelling or phonics skill and they are not just mimicking back to you."

- For information about the library project or how you can help, please go to the website of the Petersburg Library Foundation at www..petersburglibraryfoundation.org or call 804-733-2387 ext. 35

Salvation Army Seeks Donations For Uninsured Fire Victims


In phases over the past few weeks, The Salvation Army has been working to provide various forms of assistance to victims of the Black Forest Fire.

When the flames were active, the Salvation Army supplied food and other essentials for first responders and evacuees, and collectively contributed over 2,000 hours of volunteer work. In the direct aftermath of the fire, the Salvation Army took on the colossal task of supporting Black Forest residents with both physical and emotional care.

Now that the embers have cooled, the Salvation Army is facing their most financially challenging mission yet — providing recovery assistance to home and business owners who lack adequate insurance.

Recent estimates show that 28% of the homes destroyed and 95% of the businesses were not insured. The Salvation Army wants to accommodate everyone in need, but it is monetarily impossible given the amount of donations received up to this point, especially in combination with the funds needed for ongoing recovery efforts after last year’s Waldo Canyon Fire.

For these reasons, the Salvation Army is sending out a plea for help. If you wish to aid the Salvation Army with local disaster relief operations, click here, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text GIVEHOPEIM to 80888 to donate $10.

Happy Independence Day From Your Friends at The Salvation Army of Northern Virginia

The Salvation Army Today (VIDEO)

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Professional Chefs Serve Burgers Out of The Salvation Army's Canteens


“We’re grateful to The Salvation Army for lending their trucks and letting us do some cooking,” said Nafees Alam, Vice President of DRG Concepts.

On a hot sunny day in Moore, Oklahoma, tornado victims stopping by the Multi-Agency Resource Center were greeted by savory smells drifting from the mobile kitchens inside The Salvation Army’s canteens.

“Everybody wants to help, wants to give, and for us it was a natural,” explained Fran Gallagher of DRG Concepts.

The burgers were straight out of Dallas, compliments of Chop House Burger located downtown. Four professional chefs got up bright and early in order to make the three hour drive and have hot-off-the-grill burgers ready by noon.

Working out of a mobile kitchen is not normal for the guest chefs, but that didn’t seem to be a problem.

“You make this look easy. Everything is set up, lined up,” Alam said of the canteen.

“For our chefs here, they’re working in this truck on commercial kitchen equipment. They’re not trying to make do with what you [The Salvation Army] have available. Our chefs work on equipment like this every day. They know the stove, they know the temperature, and this helps them to get the burger right every time,” says AJ Joglekar, Corporate Executive Chef.

The fresh burgers took time to cook, but guests didn’t seem to mind. By day’s end 985 people had been served.

For the canteen guests who traveled three hours one way to serve tornado victims, it was a trip well-worth the time on the road.

“…just seeing the devastation on the way in, that’s going to stay on my mind a long, long time. This has been a really humbling experience,” said Gallagher.

YOU CAN HELP STOCK OUR FOOD PANTRIES!

 
It’s no secret that nutrition is a key component to a healthy and happy life. This is true for everyone and is especially crucial for children and their development. Food insecurity has become a widespread issue across our nation. Too many families are unsure about where and when their next meal will come from.
Feeding America reports that in 2011, 50.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, comprised of 33.5 millionadults and 16.7 million children.
The Salvation Army recognizes the severity of this issue and has long been dedicated to helping families meet this basic need. This is why our food pantries, which provide groceries for individuals and families in need, are so crucial in helping us combat food insecurity.
But we need your help to keep these pantries stocked!
Macomb, Michigan is a prime example. In May of this year, the Macomb Salvation Army assisted 99 families with food boxes in McDonough County and count on donations to keep their good work going.
Due to their food pantry stock running uncomfortably low, The Salvation Army of Macomb petitioned the community for food donations to help restore their inventory. Specifically, canned essentials such as soup, fruit, meats, peanut butter and crackers are needed. If you live in Macomb, click here to learn more.
If you’d like to donate a bag (or more!) of nonperishable foods to your local Salvation Army food pantry, check out our main website for a list of locations near you:  www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
For monetary donations and other ways to give, visit: www.donate.salvationarmyusa.org.
Learn more about The Salvation Army here.


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