The Salvation Army by: Sandy Stapleton

Objectives I hoped to learn and understand what The Salvation Army did to provide for the community. The Salvation Army is a local community center for the homeless/less fortunate. I wanted to get involved by volunteering at the soup kitchen or welcome desk.

The Salvation Army’s Mission The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Services provided Employment services: help them with finding a job, writing up a resume, help them with transportation to drop off applications, help them with online applications. Social Services: help them with any crisis they are having and refer them to a local mental health facility or health department. Meals: breakfast and lunch are provided by the center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A local church cooks meals on the other days. Dinner is provided by community volunteers Monday through Friday. Warming Center: This is an area in the facility where individuals are allowed to come and keep warm during the winter months.

Services provided Items: Anyone who wishes to shower will be given a towel, shampoo, soap, dental kit (toothpaste and tooth brush); they are welcome to do their laundry and their is a facility with washers and dryers with laundry soap. There is also a food pantry and anyone is allowed to welcome themselves to food their household may need. Blood Pressure checks: The Illinois State University nursing student come over periodically (usually once or twice a month) and perform blood pressure checks on anyone who would like one. Sleeping Arrangements: There are 18 beds for women and 40 beds for men. No families are allowed to stay there, they are directed to the Home Sweet Home ministries. They are allowed to stay as long as possible, but every friday they must take all their stuff and then on Monday it is a first come first serve deal.

Programs offered Emergency assistance: will provide financial assistance to such things as rent, gas, electric, utility bills that are past due. Transportation: provides either a bus ticket or funds for gasoline due to a medical need or a funeral. Diapers, Personal Grooming Items and Cleaning Products: individual will get assistance through social services to get into programs that are offered through the state such as Women, Infants and Children Program, PATH, or McLean County Health Department. They also will give out items like toilet paper, diapers, dish soap, cleaning products and kleenex based on availability. Rent Assistance: will provide rent assistance up to $250 for past due rent which is dealt on a case to case basis.

Programs offered Bell Ringing: during Christmas to raise funds they have bell ringers collect money. Toys: The Salvation Army are partners with the Toys 4 Tots where toys are collected to give out to kids during the holidays. Coats For Kids: coats, hats, and mittens are collected around the city and are distributed to families that are in need. Summer Camp: available for children through the Eagle Crest Camp. Kids participate in all sorts of outdoor activities that gets them social and learn the values and social skills needed to thrive in the community.

Statistics Most of the people who come to the center are either mentally ill or have substance abuse. 18 beds for women to stay on and 40 beds for the men

Donations The community and churches donate to the food pantry (which is on the left), they donate personal items and if you wish you can get a tax deductible on the items you donate. The Salvation Army is always in need of sugar, flour, eggs and perishable items. Personal items that are always needed are shampoo, soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundry soap, and deodorant. Other items that are needed donations are towels, clothes, and books.

Funding The Salvation gets most of their funding from local companies that donate. Some of the companies are State Farm, Country Companies and many of the churches and school donate as well. There is some state funding, but not a lot so they usually rely on the community for help. Most of the items that are needed are donated by individuals, schools, and churches.

Evaluation I really feel that The Salvation does a great job at helping those that are underserved get back on their feet. I think if more of the community used their resources they would be able to raise up and fulfill their life dreams. The community services offered are endless and I just hope to be apart of this community outreach soon.

Summary I learned that there is always someone to help you. The services provided can really make a difference in ones life and help them move forward. The Salvation Army provides more to the community than I’ve ever seen and it’s nice to know that your community is behind you when you need help more than ever. I signed up to volunteer, but they have not contacted me yet. They have more than enough help in the soup kitchen and are not in need of any more volunteers at this time. I did however collect a large amount of items to donate like soap, shampoo, towels, perfumes, books and more. I felt that since I wasn’t able to volunteer, but maybe in the future, I could at least donate as much as possible. I also donated items to the kitchen that they were in need of, like sugar, flour, and eggs. There was nothing that the service center needed, I was going to start a blanket drive, but they already receive those from the churches and community. Like I said, this center has everything anyone could need.

References Newbill, Melissa. Personal Interview. 17 Feb. 2012. The Salvation Army. Retrieved 6 Feb 2012. <http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/ww w_usc_bloomington.nsf/vw-dynamic- index/6DD4E6A690626DFE80256CF5004 A9041?openDocument&charset=utf-8>.