Overstock.com Helps Redesign Salvation Army Women's Shelter

Overstock.com is internationally known as O.co, sponsored and furnished a retro modern living room at this past weekend's BlogPodium, Canada's largest conference for design and lifestyle bloggers. After providing the living room as a retreat for participants of the BlogPodium, the online retailer donated the entire contents of the space to The Salvation Army's Kate Booth House in Vancouver, B.C.

Kate Booth House operates as a confidentially located shelter, which provides a safe, caring environment for women and children at risk of or fleeing domestic violence. The furnishings donated to Kate Booth House by O.co will replace old furniture in a room designed for women to rest and revive as they gain strength to begin a new life away from domestic violence.

Kate Booth programs include daily counseling to educate women on issues such as parenting, assertiveness, the battering cycle, the dynamics of abuse, as well as provide skills training and employment assistance. Programs are also offered each week for children. Women can stay at Kate Booth House for 30 days, and the house provides refuge and support for approximately 800 women and 125 children every year.

Patricia Cuff, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army said, "Thank you to Overstock for your generous support, donations like yours allow The Salvation Army to continue to provide hope, dignity and opportunity to those in need across our communities."

Read the full report here.

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David Jeffrey, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

David Jeffrey is National Commander at The Salvation Army USA National Headquarters, a position he has held since 2013.  Mr. Jeffrey has served in a variety of roles at The Salvation Army since 1972.

He served from 2011 to 2013 as the Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and from 2007 to 2011, Mr. Jeffrey served as National Chief Secretary at The Salvation Army USA National Headquarters.

From 2001 to 2006, he served as the Program Secretary Salvation Army Southern territory, and then worked as a Divisional Commander for Texas, Kentucky and Tennessee from 1997 to 2001.  Mr. Jeffrey served as Divisional Secretary from 1985 to 1988 and Corps Officer from 1972 to 1977.  Mr. Jeffrey received his A.A. from Hagerstown Junior College and his B.A. from Liberty University.

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Retired General to Write Next Volume of Salvation Army History - Volume 9 to cover the years 1995-2015.

General André Cox has decided that the next volume of The Salvation Army’s official history will be written by General Shaw Clifton (Rtd). The new volume will be number nine in a series whose first volume was published in 1947.

General Clifton will not be the first international leader to write a volume of the Army’s history. Volume Seven – covering the years from 1946 to 1977 – was written in retirement by General Frederick Coutts. Like General Coutts, General Clifton will be writing about a period that includes his own term as leader of the movement.

He explains: “Volume Nine will begin with the year 1995 and take the account right up to the 2015 Congress event in London, at the request of General Cox. I am grateful to him for entrusting this task to me. The first eight volumes of the Army’s official history were compiled by gifted writers and it is somewhat daunting to be asked to follow in their steps. I will do my best, with God’s help.”

The first three volumes of The History of The Salvation Army were all written by Colonel Robert Sandall. The first two told the story of The Salvation Army from its birth in 1865 through to 1886, by which time William Booth’s fledgling Army was already at work in 16 countries, including the USA, Canada, India and Australia. Volume Three changed its approach somewhat, focusing on the ‘Social Reform and Welfare Work’ from 1883-1953. Volumes Four and Five, written by Lieut-Commissioner Arch R. Wiggins, took up the story in 1886 and continued through to 1914, and the start of the First World War.

The next two volumes were written by General Coutts, the first of which – covering the years 1914-1946 – included The Salvation Army’s approach and response to two world wars. The most recent volume (1977-1994), written by Colonel Henry Gariepy, was published in 1999.

“I look forward to delving into all the many facets of our witness and service across the globe in the last 20 years,” concludes General Clifton. “What a rich mosaic the Lord has produced in the life of his Army! My prayer is that this new volume will do justice to the fidelity of Salvationists everywhere and will prove an inspiration to both present and future generations.”

General Shaw Clifton became international leader of The Salvation Army on April 2, 2006, entering retirement in 2011. Born in the UK, his wide-ranging service as a Salvation Army officer included appointments in every Salvation Army zone. He has written 10 books, including the recently published history of The Salvation Army in wartime, Crown of Glory, Crown of Thorns.

Major Richard Gaudion, from the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, has been seconded on an occasional and part-time basis to help General Clifton with the work of research and compilation.

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That Homeless Lady and Dog in the Nearby Alley Need Your Help.

It’s a common sight here in Los Angeles; homeless men and women with a dog on a leash or a cat curled up on the blanket beside them. Who can blame them. In many cases, their animal companion might be their closest friend. The only one left who hasn’t mistreated, judged or rejected them.

Have you ever wondered where a homeless job searcher would keep their pet while looking for work? Showing up for an interview with a dog on a leash or a birdcage in hand probably doesn’t make a good first-impression. And for those who live in their car, leaving a pet inside is a major no no in many climates.

On an even more serious note, can you imagine leaving your beloved family dog with an abusive spouse so you could flee to safety?

In fact, almost half of women suffering domestic violence who have pets report that they put off entering a shelter because they were concerned about leaving their pet behind, according to the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection.

If there’s a pet parent in your life who needs to get away from a violent spouse, requires residential drug / alcohol rehabilitation, or is currently homeless here are some ways you can help them:

1) Offer to provide a temporary foster home for their pet while they get the help they need. All that’s required is a separate space – like a bathroom or laundry room – where the pet can stay for a few days while getting acclimated. Before letting it mix in with your pets, be sure it’s been tested and vaccinated.
2) Negotiate with a local pet boarding facility about a no fee or reduced rate for people who are in crisis then refer or take people there when they need help.
3) Offer to pay for updated vaccinations so that the animal will be welcome at existing pet-friendly facilities. Currently, there are about 40 pet-friendly shelters in the US. Click here to find one near you.
4) Talk to members or your church, Rotary Club, neighborhood, etc., about offering their homes or yards to the pet of a homeless person or someone in crisis and create a network of do-gooders.
5) Give to The Salvation Army programs that are already ahead of this emerging trend and allow pets at their residence programs!
:: The Salvation Army’s Crossroads Center in Denver, Colorado
:: The Salvation Army’s domestic violence safe haven in Pasco County, Florida

Tracy Brooks in our social services department in Denver said they decided to create a space for pets at the Crossroads Center shelter one cold, blizzardy night when a man came in with his dog and asked for help. Brooks said, “I wouldn’t want to choose between my dog and my life,” so she started figuring out what it would take to welcome pets and got the boss Lt. Col. Dan Starrett on board with the idea.

The Humane Society donated dog kennels and a member of their local police department got the necessary permits. Now there are a several dogs in residence at the shelter during the winter months when it’s too cold to stay outside.

We’re grateful for staff like Tracy Brooks who welcome new ideas. And we’re grateful to you for backing us up to make it happen.

Thanks for using your life to make the world better for someone else. God bless you.

Source: http://www.salvationarmyexpectchange.org/2015/06/18/the-homeless-lady-and-dog-in-the-nearby-alley-need-help-heres-how/

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L.A. Clippers & Chris Paul bless Salvation Army in Compton, CA

ere at The Salvation Army, we love a do-gooder! One of our favorites is Chris Paul of the L.A. Clippers.

Paul’s family foundation is responsible for a lot of good around Los Angeles as is the very generous team he plays for.

Last month, we got to see what the Chris Paul Family Foundation and Denise Booth’s crew from the L.A. Clippers Foundation did to create an environment for learning and play at The Salvation Army in Compton, California. Their gift included:

– new computers
– a SMART Board
– e-readers and tablets
– books
– fitness equipment
– furniture
– video games with consoles
– game tables
– televisions.

The photo above is of Paul’s mom and dad speaking to reporters at the unveiling of the family’s latest project.

Chris Paul was unable to attend because he was – surprise! – busy being a do-gooder, giving kids his time and talent at a summer basketball camp.

Please click here to read more about this story on our Salvation Army Southern California Division website!

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