Single or Attached: Here are 8 Ways to Celebrate Love This Valentine’s Day

The annual day of romance is almost upon us, a holiday that’s hard to miss. Stores have helpfully reminded us since Christmas, covering shelves with all-things red, pink and impossibly cuddly. This tradition tends to stir a range of emotions from wistful appreciation for that special someone to dreary reminders of singledom. Some opt out [...]

To Our Veterans, Thank You

On Veterans Day we want to express our deepest gratitude to all the men and women who have served our great nation – may God bless you for the sacrifices you have made in order to protect our freedoms.

While we believe it is important to support our veterans with our words of thanks and encouragement, we also strive to support them with our actions.

The Salvation Army has a long history of caring for our service members, going all the way back to the days of WWI with our famous doughnut lassies. Today we offer a range of veterans programs and services across the country that are unique to each local community they’re found in.

Today I want to specifically highlight one found in Ann Arbor, Michigan called The Salvation Army Veterans Haven of Hope House, or Hope House for short.

Since it opened in 2004, Hope House has helped more than 70 homeless veterans find permanent housing, get a job, or enroll in school.

Director Jennifer Brown describes her responsibility as helping veterans create and meet short and long term goals for themselves. Some requirements such as contributing to work around the house helps nurture productivity and confidence in the residents. Additional support, such as mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and various groups are available to those who need them.

For those who honorably served, this program is just one of many ways The Salvation Army hopes to serve them.

Happy Veterans Day.

Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! As we recognize those who gave their lives in service to our nation, do you plan to participate in any events taking place around your community? The Salvation Army will be out and about, so make plans to join us!

Here are just a few of the many ways The Salvation Army will be serving others and recognizing Memorial Day:

San Francisco Bay Area, California – Since 1924, The Salvation Army has held an annual Memorial Day service at Cypress Lawn to honor our fallen soldiers. They will continue the tradition this Sunday, when they’ll remember service members with song, prayer, scripture, and an inspirational message. Click here for more info on this and other area events.

Nashville, Tennessee – Member s of the community are invited to honor veterans and their families at the National Cemetery on Memorial Day, where food and beverages will be served throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to share their war and Salvation Army service stories.

Davenport, Iowa – The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) will take members of its recovery program for a fun day at the county park, where they’ll be able to relax with their families and grill out. Plus, members of the Salvation Army’s Des Moines ARC will also join and challenge Davenport in a friendly game of softball.

Kodiak, Alaska – During the annual Kodiak Crab Festival, The Salvation Army will team up with the local fire department to serve delicious homemade doughnuts to festival attendees. They estimate that they’ll make and serve about 1,500 doughnuts!

Seattle, Washington – On Saturday and Sunday The Salvation Army will sponsor a community volunteer event at the State Convention Center to pack a million meals for Haiti earthquake survivors. Just a few hours of your time can make a huge difference for those in need. Follow the link to volunteer: http://salvationarmynw.org/haiti/ .

Recognizing Others Who Do “Good”

Today, the Daily Commercial reported that The Salvation Army in Leesburg, Florida, honored all current, retired and fallen members of the fire, police and EMS departments in the area. According to the article, the third annual Public Safety Sunday began as a way to “remember the tragic losses of 9/11.”  Now, every emergency responder who [...]

Waiting to Exhale

The New Jersey Newsroom is running a four-part series on the New Jersey Salvation Army. The third installment talks about Camp Tecumseh, a sprawling, 400-acre facility in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Entitled, “Camp Tecumseh Brings Salvation to New Jersey Kids,” the article follows the experience of a 19-year-old Newark man who believes the camp saved [...]