Major Mark Anderson, Lincoln Salvation Army gave us an overview of the Salvation Army and it's international programs, as well as, the Lincoln Area programs.
A little bit of history on the Salvation Army and it’s international presents there are 5 Zones, they are in 132 Countries, and 61 Territories, Commands, or Regions. Their mission statement is as follows: 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.
One of their areas is Health where they have 16 general hospitals, 8 hospices, 26 maternity hospitals, 10 other specialty hospitals, 32 specialty clinics, 108 general clinics/health centers, 4 convalescent/long term care homes, 139 mobile clinics/community health posts, and 61 community health programs (HIV, etc.).
Another area that their target is Education. They have more than 4,500 Salvation Army Schools & Education Establishments: Kindergarten/Preschools, Primary & secondary schools, Special schools (e.g., disabled & blind), Children's homes & community centers, Vocational schools, colleges & universities, Responsible for providing quality education to more than 600,000 children & youth, and they are responsible for supporting more than 20,000 teachers.
Yes, they do have offices in Russia and Ukraine. The Russia and Ukraine response is:
- The Salvation Army is currently providing services to individuals and families that have been displaced and who are seeking refuge in Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Russia.
- Many of our facilities have been converted into shelters and feeding sites.
- Services being provided include food, shelter, transportation, hygiene kits, clothing, blankets, and emotional and spiritual care to those who have been displaced.
- SAWSO will be sending personnel to assist with the current response and, when the conflict has ended, to assist with strategic planning, recovery and rebuilding efforts as opportunities are presented.
The Salvation Army has several programs that target several different areas here in Lincoln. Some of these are:
Poverty - The number of people living in poverty in Lincoln has increased approximately 45 percent over the past decade. More than 15 percent of Lincoln residents live at or below the federal poverty line. Several neighborhoods in Lincoln are experiencing extreme poverty, with 40 percent or more of residents in these areas living below. There ways that the Salvation Army helps those who do live in poverty.
Pathway of Hope
The goal of Pathway of Hope is to guide families with children 18 years and younger through crisis and instability to a place of security in order to ultimately break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. We offer strengths-based casework, providing services such as: financial counseling and planning, goal setting with manageable action steps, job training, referrals and employment assistance, assistance with securing housing and childcare, and emotional and spiritual support.
The goal of Pathway of Hope is to guide families with children 18 years and younger through crisis and instability to a place of security in order to ultimately break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. We offer strengths-based casework, providing services such as: financial counseling and planning, goal setting with manageable action steps, job training, referrals and employment assistance, assistance with securing housing and childcare, and emotional and spiritual support.
Material & Utility Assistance & Seasonal Services
We serve low- to no-income individuals and families by providing household items, prescription medications, diapers, gas, clothing, laundromat vouchers, utilities and rent assistance, and funds for car and home repairs or medical expenses. Seasonal services include the Summer Fan Program, Back to School Backpack Program and Christmas and Thanksgiving Assistance. Each year, approximately 300 households receive utility assistance and more than 850 families receive holiday assistance such as toys, gifts, winterwear and food baskets.
We serve low- to no-income individuals and families by providing household items, prescription medications, diapers, gas, clothing, laundromat vouchers, utilities and rent assistance, and funds for car and home repairs or medical expenses. Seasonal services include the Summer Fan Program, Back to School Backpack Program and Christmas and Thanksgiving Assistance. Each year, approximately 300 households receive utility assistance and more than 850 families receive holiday assistance such as toys, gifts, winterwear and food baskets.
Food Program
The Salvation Army has a Food Program that helps meet the needs of those who are in need of food. Lack of food impacts approximately 14 percent of Lincoln residents. They provide healthy food in our pantry and hot, nutritious meals through our wintertime mobile canteen to thousands of individuals and families in need in Lincoln.
There are two ways they help with food and they are: Food Pantry and Winter Night Watch. The pantry serves more than 8,000 individuals each year who are homeless, at risk of being homeless or low-income by providing a selection of nutritious food. Individuals and families are able to choose the foods most appropriate for their particular needs. The Winter Night Watch is done through mobile food distribution service is stationed at Center Point on Saturday nights from October through April to provide a hot meal and beverages, as well as winter outwear to people in need. Winter Night Watch serves nearly 5,000 meals during the six months it operates each year.
After School Programs for Youth
The Salvation Army has a program for youth and it makes it a safe haven for them especially after school. Research shows that in Nebraska and across America, 1 in 5 kids are alone and unsupervised from 3 to 6 p.m. Our after-school basketball and fine arts programs benefit both children and parents, offering kids a safe place to work on their homework, receive tutoring, socialize with their friends, exercise and enjoy music and art classes. Moms and dads can enjoy peace of mind at their jobs, knowing their children are safe and well cared for after school is dismissed.
How to Empower our Youth -- Many of the elementary and middle school students who participate in our after-school, sports and music programs would not otherwise have access to such opportunities. These programs provide unique, enriching experiences, offer the benefits of positive mentor relationships and expand the worlds of those enrolled.
Our after-school program provides comprehensive educational activities, such as homework help, exercise, tutoring, literacy-building, Bible study, organized sports, and arts and crafts as well as nutritious meals to nearly 100 kids in kindergarten through 5th grade during non-school hours. There is the character-building programs offer the opportunity for kids to develop strong communication and leadership skills, grow their minds, and explore God's Word, all while having fun and connecting with their peers.
They also offer a music group. Music teaches discipline and creativity, encourages self-confidence and helps to develop interpersonal skills and responsibility. We offer instrumental lessons and classes free of charge, including the use of an instrument, to 70-80 children and adults in brass, guitar, ukulele, percussion, piano and music fundamentals. There is the Small Fry Basketball where Approximately 300+ kids in third through seventh grades participate in Small Fry Basketball. The program, which has been in operation for nearly 60 years, focuses on building character, along with teaching basketball skills and offering competition under the direction of experienced coaches.
The Salvation Army has an Anti-human Trafficking Program
Its mission is to help survivors of all forms of trafficking build their lives in a way that is empowering and meaningful to them.
Via its corps leaders, The Salvation Army works to support individuals in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota who have experienced or are experiencing human trafficking. Our vision is to see survivors of human trafficking supported in accessing services that support their safety, well-being and self-sufficiency. We provide resources such as emergency or long-term housing, food, clothing, emotional support and counseling, healthcare, drug and alcohol treatment, childcare, transportation, help navigating the immigration system, education and employment opportunities, legal assistance and help setting goals.
They also have programs for permanent, traditional and shelter housing. They also have a program that helps with mental illness. There are many other programs that the Salvation Army offer to the residents of Lincoln and surrounding area.
They also help with permanent, traditional and shelter housing. They also have a program that helps those with mental illness.