Salvation Army: So much more than food and shelter
Ask anyone what The Salvation Army does and you’ll probably hear about our basic needs or emergency assistance programs that help those experiencing homelessness, hunger or a number of other life difficulties.
Yes, it’s true that we spend a great deal of time working towards hunger abatement and getting our fellow man off of the streets and into supportive programs, but The Salvation Army offers so much more than that across Minnesota and North Dakota.
Offering assistance during disasters
What many may not realize is when disasters strike, like last year’s floods in Northern and Southern Minnesota, the Army is there to help survivors and give them the support needed to rebuild their lives.
While on-site in International Falls, our emergency disaster services team provided more than 2,000 meals to volunteers as they piled thousands of sandbags to prevent further damage from rising waters. Simultaneously in Albert Lea and the surrounding community, our disaster teams provided financial assistance to people whose homes were lost or damaged.
We’re known for being the first ones to arrive and the last to leave. And our disaster teams don’t leave until the job is done. Staff and volunteers will often stay for weeks, months or even years until we’ve done all that we can to help.
Serving our community’s youth
Adults aren’t the only ones experiencing hardship, kids of all ages come through our doors to find solace or to learn a new skill.
For children and teens looking for a place to spend their time rather than going home to an empty house, we offer after-school programs and teen drop-in centers. Younger students receive the help they need with their homework and are given the support needed to grow their confidence. Teens, on the other hand, are given a safe place to spend time instead of finding trouble.
Additionally, we have a variety of programs for youth of all ages seeking involvement. For those with a passion for music, youth can take part in band, choir or both. They’ll learn new techniques and have the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded musicians.
We also make it possible for many kids, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, to experience the fun of summer camp at The Salvation Army Northwoods Camp in Finlayson, Minn.
Here, children are able to escape the stress of living in poverty or a troubled neighborhood in favor of swimming, crafts and learning about God’s love. Many of the kids who come to camp are able to leave with renewed spirits.
Helping many break free from chains
“While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight.”
These words were spoken by Salvation Army Founder General William Booth over 100 years ago and continue to ring true today through our addiction recovery and correctional care rehabilitation programs.
We realize that breaking free from an addiction is easier said than done. From the chronically homeless to the business professional struggling with drug addiction, we serve people from all walks of life. Through our programs, participants are given the support and guidance they need to take those first steps on the path to recovery.
And as in Booth’s quote, The Salvation Army is here providing spiritual support to the incarcerated, basic needs services and transitional assistance to those released through our correctional services program.
Sharing God’s good news
It’s surprising to many, but above all else, The Salvation Army is a Christian church dedicated to healing souls of people experiencing hardship through our spiritual ministry.
On Sundays our centers become a home to all looking to sing the glory of His name. But we understand that Sundays don’t always work, so we offer variety of programs on weekdays. There’s something for everyone – from men’s and women’s Bible studies to youth groups and social clubs for seniors, we provide plenty of opportunities to develop a personal relationship with God.
Sometimes people are simply looking for someone to talk to. Our officers, who are ordained pastors, are here to listen and available for individual counseling. We believe that no one should have to go through tough times alone. The Army offers special fellowship opportunities such as group prayer meetings, community care ministry and counseling for specific difficulties such as drug addictions.
Meeting Needs
So what does The Salvation Army do? Perhaps a better question is what doesn’t The Salvation Army do?
Whether it’s meeting the needs of someone experiencing homelessness or serving emergency responders in the wake of disasters, these are only a few examples of the vast services provided by The Salvation Army. Thanks to our supporters, we are able to meet the unique needs of each community without discrimination.