You've seen it before-The Salvation Army red kettle at Christmas. Perhaps you've even thrown a few coins in the bucket.
And although this welcome symbol appears in your community for just a
short while, its impact extends far beyond the holiday season-changing
lives, one at a time, every day, all year long.
The scope of The
Salvation Armys influence is vast, touching nearly every segment of
society and providing help, hope, and healing for those who come within
its sphere. It is at work in more than 113 countries around the world.
And although programs vary from country to country and community to
community to help people most effectively, its mission is constant: to
share the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ and meet needs
without discrimination. This focus, established by its founder William Booth in 1865, remains the guiding principle for its cutting-edge and award-winning work in contemporary life.
Growing Together
At the heart of The Salvation Army on the local level is the corps community center.
Chances are there's one in your community, making a world of
difference. These are action-packed centers where people are living out
their faith. They are centers of worship, learning and service which
incorporate a vast range of programs that encompass people of all ages.
They are great places to enrich your life and where your family can
grow together. So, whether you're looking for meaningful volunteerism, diverse music opportunities, uplifting women's ministries , lively seniors clubs or after-school activities for your child, Salvation Army corps community centers are a place you can belong.
Leading Change
Realizing
the future of a society is never brighter than the present for its
children, The Salvation Army places a great emphasis on families and
offers a wide array of children's services such as quality daycare, tutoring, basketball leagues and summer camps. There are character bulding programs
that help kids get off to the right start in life and develop attitudes
and skills which can lead to success. In many cities there also are
specialized programs to aid children in crisis.
In fact, The Salvation Army is recognized as one of America's foremost leaders in social services and dramatically alters the lives of hundreds of thousands each year
who face daunting circumstances such as unemployment or homelessness.
From making the holidays happier for less fortunate families with
seasonal assistance to providing quality housing for low-income
seniors, offering free health clinics or teaching children to read, The
Salvation Army is intrinsically involved in people's lives and your
community. Where there are no corps community centers and other
Salvation Army facilities, often in very rural areas, dedicated members
of our service extension units fill the gap.
By the time many people reach our doors, their lives have hit a dead end.
But at The Salvation Army they learn there's still hope. There are
still opportunities for u-turns, chances for change and new directions.
For instance, tens of thousands of people each year take the first step
to breaking alcohol and drug addictions at adult rehabilitation centers.
Others begin to find the strength and resources they need to break the
vicious cycle of homelessness. And for many who are incarcerated, The
Salvation Army shows them the way to spiritual freedom and practical
skills needed to start over through correctional services.
Meeting Needs
Each year many other people, who never dreamed they'd need help, suddenly
find themselves in overwhelming situations and turning to The Salvation
Army. A tornado, hurricane or some other natural or manmade disaster
has torn apart their lives and ravaged their homes and community. When
disaster strikes The Salvation Army is often the first emergency relieforganization on the scene, providing nourishment, shelter and other
practical assistance but just as importantly instilling hope and
helping people cope with tragedy, pick up the pieces and begin again. In all of its services, The Salvation Army believes that meeting
immediate needs is important but addressing larger, long-term issues is
vital for real life change. Its ministry is holistic; it addresses the
whole person-body, mind and spirit. This creative and compassionate
approach has made The Salvation Army not only "America's favorite
charity," but a leader in world services.
Yet,
The Salvation Army could never accomplish all it does alone. To
maximize its service, it often networks with governments, other
agencies, churches and advisory organizationscomposed of community leaders who bring their wisdom and expertise to
the organization. They, along with more than a million other volunteers
across the country, join with us to improve the landscape of our nation
by changing one life at a time.