Seven stories that show how we do it
May 18, 2016
Ever wonder how the Twin Cities Salvation Army uses your support to do the most good? Check out the seven stories below and wonder no more. Each is taken from, or similar to, stories in our 2016 edition of Scope magazine.
Start by reading “‘MyPillow’ founder opens up about addiction.” The story chronicles our partnership with Mike Lindell (pictured at top), founder of MyPillow. Lindell has a soft spot for Twin Cities Salvation Army rehabilitation programs because he, himself, spent decades battling addiction.
In “God Called, She Answered” you’ll delve into the psyche of Captain Katherine Clausell (pictured), leader of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter in Minneapolis. She went from growing up in the projects of Chicago to leading the largest homeless outreach facility in Minnesota.
All of the stories below offer unique examples of how your donations and volunteer efforts make a difference. Click the links to read each inspirational story, or view a digital copy of the magazine.
‘MyPillow’ founder opens up about addiction
Mike Lindell spent decades addicted to drugs. With God’s help, the MyPillow inventor is now clean and sober. He’s been using his business success to support the Twin Cities Salvation Army, such as donating 1,000 pillows to Twin Cities Salvation Army housing programs, and giving 2,000 pillows for resale at local Salvation Army stores. His story of pain and redemption is remarkable.
God called, she answered
Captain Katherine Clausell was raised by her grandma in the projects of Chicago. She stopped short of obtaining her Ph.D. and began working for The Salvation Army. Now she’s a Salvation Army officer leading Minnesota’s largest homeless outreach facility – the first woman to do so in 70 years.
Goodbye drugs, hello stability
Not long ago, Angella Peck was living in a Northern Minnesota domestic violence shelter with her two kids, while pregnant with another. The family spent years bouncing between shelters and temporary homes across the U.S. – a vagabond lifestyle nourished by Angella’s mental disabilities, former drug problems, and poor taste in men. Thankfully, Angella is now a different person with help from Salvation Army housing programs.
Humble doctor unashamed of why he volunteers
Dr. Luther Philaya, a former family doctor, lost everything to his addiction to prescription medications. Now he’s sober and starting anew, volunteering for The Salvation Army as part of his probation. Although he is required to volunteer, he wants to continue helping The Salvation Army long after his volunteer hours have been satisfied.
These thank you notes belong to you
The Salvation Army received countless thank you notes in 2015, written by kids and adults we served in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and North Dakota. If you support The Salvation Army, know that you’ve helped provide the life-changing serves given to each author.
Inner-city St. Paul teens inspire as volunteers
Twelve teenage girls who once attended the after-school and summer programs at the Payne Ave. Salvation Army in St. Paul are now giving back there as volunteers. In 2015 alone, they gave a combined 2,200 hours of time.
Decisions, decisions in North Minneapolis
Soon, hundreds of food shelf guests in North Minneapolis won’t have to wonder what’s inside their grocery bags. They’ll get to decide for themselves which foods they want, just like in a grocery store.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.
