BRIGHTER FUTURE

FROM PAGE 1 forgot where he came from. His love of his Central Valley home is what drove him to start Bay Valley Tech, aiming to empower the next generation to dream big, be creative and think beyond the familiar.

With The Salvation Army, Lan said he’s found an ideal organization to help fulfill his mission to make coding skills more accessible by sharing spaces like the Red Shield Center to provide classes. “An ancient African proverb reminds us to travel together if we seek to go far, and I cannot think of a better organization for us to ‘trav- el’ with than our friends at The Salvation Army,” he said. “Working together, we can give people hope for a brighter future and inspire them to help others.”

It’s that spirit of service that aligns with The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative, which was developed to help families break the cycle of poverty by addressing its root causes, said Morgane Dussault, Corporate Engagement Director for the Salvation Army Golden State Division.

“Through this program, we can help bridge opportunity gaps that exist for these students and provide a pathway to college and economic empowerment,” she said. “If we can inspire kids, expose them to different career fields to help them envision themselves in various sectors of industry that provide a path-

Find Your Place

FROM PAGE 1 part? Noble said they’ve already had new people coming to Sunday service, along with several new participants in Ladies Lunch and four new volunteers for their thrift store and food distribution.

The Find Your Purpose card is one of several customizable resources released by Commissioner Douglas Riley in September. The products include banners, lawn signs, postcards and posters that can bear the following phrases in English or Spanish: Find Joy, Find Hope, Find Your Place, Find Your Purpose.

“It seems that everyone is searching for something to make life better. I believe in many cases our neighbors aren’t even sure what they are looking for, and in many cases end up seeking happiness in the wrong things,” Riley said. “I am convinced that we have the with The Salvation Army Southern Nevada Director of Social Services Juan Salinas to learn about the needs of their community. They volunteer with The Salvation Army once a week for six weeks during the summer to get a better understanding of the population the agency serves.

“The goal was twofold. One, it really acted as an eye-opening experience so that a lot of the students who maybe come from more affluent backgrounds are able to see what the reality of what a lot of places in Las Vegas are like. Las Vegas is always glamorized in the news and all that, but in reality, there’s a lot of poverty here,” Toro said. “The second goal is to introduce us to different avenues of volunteer work that we can do for the duration of our medical school class and as well as after we graduate medical school and we become doctors.” way to financial stability, my hope is that we can mitigate the risk of them falling into at-risk behaviors, help them strive for college or career and eventually break the cycle of generational poverty so many of them face.”

The students do this work with The Salvation Army as part of an Emergency Response and Population Health course. Students break out into groups to study a zip code in their community and better understand its socioeconomic aspects.

In addition to the zip codes, students can also choose to study the Corridor of Hope—an area of Las Vegas where a large population of people experiencing homelessness reside. The Salvation Army Las Vegas Owens Campus neighbors the Corridor of Hope.

Modesto Corps Officer Major Maggie Laubach, agreed, adding that “this program will stir creativity and allow the participants to have the skills needed to reach a brighter future.”

The best part, Laubach said, is that any local corps can provide these opportunities with a strong partnership like the one that’s been cultivated in Modesto. And it’s not just kids who can benefit from a fresh start and an open door to new possibilities.

Bay Valley Tech recently expanded the partnership by providing a free answers. Our corps buildings, programs, outreach opportunities, are all designed to meet need at the point of need and bring people into a closer relationship with God. This is simply what we are about.”

With the announcement of the resources also came the opportunity for each corps to order up to $1,000 of resources at no cost to the local unit through the Printed Corps Resources App on the Landing.

“We ordered within the week, and got all the materials we have received in place right away because we saw the potential of implementing a unified and stylized strategy for communicating all that we do,” Noble said. “We’re grateful for the resources from THQ [Territorial Headquarters] that help people find out not just what we do and are, but how they can find their fun and fulfillment joining in the mission.”

For Farmington (New Mexico) Corps Officer Lt.

“They want to observe what the community needs and also what the medical aspects are,” Salinas said. “For example, [for] somebody who is homeless, ‘What is it that they face when it comes to the medical side of [homelessness]? Or what is it that the agency is doing on a daily basis?’”

This year, Toro and his group chose to focus their learning on the Corridor of Hope. Throughout the six weeks, the medical students helped with the back-to-school drive and feeding people experiencing homelessness at the Owens Campus and the food pantry at the nearby Henderson Corps. They also got to tour The Salvation Army facilities in the Las Vegas Corridor of Hope area.

The experience gave the students a fresh perspective into what was going on in their community and what The Salvation Army did to help.

“I think for some of them, they didn’t realize that The Salvation Army did all these services,” Salinas said. “It opened their eyes to really what happens behind the red shield.”

This was the case for Toro.

“Coming from a Hispanic background and not having the best upbringing when I was younger in terms of just money, and being a first generation person here in the United States, I could empathize with a lot of the problems that I was seeing,” Toro said. “The Salvation Army and their mission really aligned with my own.” tech training program for women coming out of prison at the Casper (Wyoming) Corps as part of their WYSTEP Up program.

Toro said he learned a lot from his experience about the community The Salvation Army serves.

“My hope is that this concept will grow and that our friends throughout The Salvation Army will take advantage of the opportunity to work with Bay Valley Tech, or start similar programs in their area,” Dussault said, adding that Modesto’s young participants have already accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time.

“What Bay Valley Tech is doing at the Red Shield for our kids is truly a gift,” Central Valley Donor Relations Director Joanne Ramos said. “Through Phil’s leadership, this program has and will continue to transform the lives of so many very deserving people.” NFC

Christopher Rockwell, the opportunity for the resources came at the right time. “For Farmington,” he said, “getting these resources is an absolute blessing.”

Rockwell said prior to the new additions, many of the corps’ old banners and signs were either lost or worn out.

“This completely refreshes our inventory so we have a much better visual presence not just at the corps itself, but anywhere where we will host events,” he said.

Rockwell said the resources are being used to promote the corps at events, to give to Family Services clients and to attract people for Sunday worship. He also said they will be a part of the kettle season.

“It will be important for all our ringers in the field to give these cards to anyone who wants to know more about our ministry and how we can assist them,” he said. “I believe these resources will get people through the door, and that’s what matters.” NFC

“The big takeaway for me was every one of these people they’re just like you and I. They’re no different than anyone else. They happened to have bad luck and now they lost their house and now they’re living in the street and that’s the only option that they have,” Toro said. “Being open and receptive to these populations and even just volunteering one or two hours of your time a month, it makes a huge difference.”

At the end of the six weeks, Toro and his classmates presented their findings.

“We decided to make a video and compile the two months of work and research…to show everyone what is really happening in the city,” Toro said. “Because unless you look, you’ll never see any of this. A lot of the homeless people are shuttled to specific areas and that’s kind of where they stay.”

Salinas was impressed by the enthusiasm of the UNLV School of Medicine this year. Some of the students, including Toro, continued working alongside The Salvation Army through Echelon.

“I really like working with The Salvation Army… I see myself working with The Salvation Army for the rest of my life,” Toro said. “With Echelon, we’re able to come together and find ways to bring in money or provide for the community in different ways and that’s a really big thing for me. I can genuinely make a difference in this environment.”

And Salinas believes the collaboration with the UNLV School of Medi- cine will have a long-lasting impact.

“These are students who are becoming doctors, so when it comes to the needs that [the community] has and the services that [The Salvation Army] provides, it opens their eyes that we’re just not providing a handout but a hand up,” Salinas said. “And once they go out in the field and they become doctors, then they’re able to remember those days that they spent at The Salvation Army.” NFC

Thrifting

FROM PAGE 5 ter working with Boyd and the store’s general manager, Wessendorf said everyone was “completely on board” and Dahan and Registre returned to make their final selections.

“I think a lot of shoppers who may never have thrifted before will find this more approachable,” Wessendorf said. “Hopefully the store really benefits from the added foot traffic and The Salvation Army benefits from a growing awareness of what the thrift stores and the ARC does.”

To debut the rack, a live event and ribbon-cutting Sept. 3 also drew some Thrifters Anonymous fans looking for unique pieces.

“It warms our hearts and makes us happy to thrift, obviously,” Dahan said. “But at the end of the day, it felt really good because we knew we were doing something really good.” NFC student. We believe every student can be successful as long as they have the right people and tools in place.”

Parents are encouraged to drop off their children as early as possible and pick them up as late as possible so the staff at the center can fully serve each child. But the team’s service goes beyond the kids. The center cares for entire family units, finding a way to connect with parents and children alike. This includes everything from hosting monthly family nights to encouraging family participation with bingo cards.

“Monthly heritage nights are our favorite times of the month,” Rios said. “We’re bringing everyone together and focusing on the parent-child positive relationship.”

It can be difficult for families to find quality time where they play games, relax together and create memories, Rios said. So the staff at the center plans the evening for them, providing dinner and activities

Welcome

people, rich Salvation Army heritage and firm belief in its ministry and mission to the world,” she said. “We have come here to learn, to listen and yes, we have come to lead as God directs us. We will do that by working with a great team and relying heavily on God to supply what we need.”

She read from Scripture, Micah 6:18, before the Staff Songsters sang “Take My Life and Let it Be.”

In his message, Eddie Vincent shared about the journey into justice, noting that while “justice” has many interpretations, “we do know that God is just.”

He pointed to Micah 6:8: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

First, to walk humbly, Vincent said, means getting to know God and un-

Next Steps From

so parents don’t have to worry about anything except showing up and having fun.

Each month focuses on a different culture. Staff will bring in food from different countries so students can try new things. They plan activities that match the culture of the month, like Bollywood dancing or baking new recipes. All of it is designed to bring families together.

“We do all sorts of activities, like breaking a pinata,” Rios said. “It’s great to see the parents get in there, enjoying themselves and laughing. They get to be a child again.”

At the end of the night, the center raffles off different prizes like a globe, book or board games related to heritage. Each prize is another way to encourage togetherness.

Other family events include movie nights, which are open to the entire community, and Krocventures, where families explore new places in nature.

“We’re in an urban setting where everyone is living on top of each other,” Rodriguera said. “Many families that come don’t have vehicles, and these are places that aren’t easily accessible by bus or Uber and Lyft. But now they have a way to explore the derstanding there is a God—and we are not him. “It means recognizing our place in the grand scheme of God’s kingdom,” he said, and surrendering to his will, which even Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Next, Vincent said the Christian should be the most likely of people to show mercy, “because we are the humble recipients of the undeserved mercy of God.”

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matt. 6:14-15).

“Established on the foundation of humility and mercy, we can do nothing less than be Defenders of Justice for those who are marginalized, abused, misrepresented, trafficked, shunned, excluded and whatever the reality

PAGE 6 many of the kids in this program…don’t even want to go to school. So why would we replicate a classroom kind of environment?”

Dunklin said they had several conversations about setting up the different sessions as individual workshops rather than as a prescriptive curriculum, thus allowing students to come and go if they so desired, based on their interests. And that’s what they did. The program included 14 participants, with a core group of eight who attended most sessions.

“Teenagers—they’re going through that transition in life, where they’re trying to figure it out themselves,” Vasquez said. “Giving them the opportunity to be independent and drive their own learning, that helps them think better, and it helps build better relationships.”

Dunklin and Vasquez encouraged the teens to open up and talk about what they want to do in the future. For instance, if they want to go to college, that takes a certain kind of financial planning; if they want to go straight into the workforce, that’s a different conversation.

“We really wanted to try as much as we could to personalize it for each individual kid,” Dunklin said.

For the job-shadowing day, 12 Kroc Center employees representing various departments—membership, human resources, business, lifeguards, camp counselors— volunteered to be shadowed by Next Steps students.

“They really got to see what it’s like to be on the job,” beautiful parts of nature they may otherwise not see, and they’re doing it as a family.”

Krocventures started during the pandemic as a way to get families outside together to hike and explore new parts of their community.

“It’s the most beautiful thing, watching the kids running up and down the hills, encouraging their parents and celebrating their experience afterward,” Rios said. “They come in the next week still talking about it, like ‘That was so hard, but we did it!’ They show up every single month.”

Rodriguera respects Rios not just as her corps officer, but as a mother of twins with disabilities who sees the care Rios brings to each and every interaction.

“Monica’s programs are ‘off the hook.’ She sees the unique needs of kids and families and seeks to accommodate,” Rodriguera said. “As a parent who is trying to seek outlets for my kids to socialize, there’s always a concern of am I bothering people? Is my family dynamic causing harm because they’re too loud?

“But here,” she said, “there’s a culture where you never have to apologize for who you are.” NFC that attempts to squeeze the life out of those created by God to live life in abundance,” Vincent said.

A time of prayer followed his challenge to attendees to consider what might be preventing their humility or surrender. Finally, the Rileys offered words of farewell to Lt. Colonels Kyle and Lisa Smith, Territorial Secretary

Dunklin said. “And we actually have two or three of our core group who want to be lifeguards here…That was a huge win for us.”

Fifteen-year-old Maddie Kleiber didn’t know anything about the Kroc Center when her mother signed her up for Next Steps after hearing about it from a friend.

“When I first came, I thought it was going to be like a rigid, scheduled thing,” she said. “But it’s really relaxed…We kind of do what feels best, but we always get the work done. And just meeting the people here has probably been the best part.”

Maddie found the sessions on resume building and mock interviews the most helpful. “It’s very real world and something you can take everywhere you go,” she said. “You have to make a resume and have an interview everywhere you try to get a job.”

She doesn’t plan to desert the Kroc Center now that Next Steps is over. Next Steps made it easy for the kids to keep coming to the Kroc Center by offering them a free membership.

“That plays into the social/emotional component,” Dunklin said. “They can come here and hang out and make friends and get exercise—and just have a safe space where they can really build community with their peers that’s outside of the pressures of a school system. So [Next Steps] is more than just a four-week class. It’s really about their lives and how we can invest in the whole person, and who the whole person is and help them to build better futures.” NFC for Communications Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Program, respectively, who soon take up new appointments in the Singapore, Myanmar and Malaysia Territory.

In closing, Colleen Riley led a closing song, “Are You Washed,” and Major Stacy Cross, CFOT Director of Education, led the benediction. NFC

Door Of Hope

FROM PAGE 5 onsite garden and Food Pantry].” Door of Hope also has a boutique where residents can find clothing for job interviews or other need-based circumstances.

The Optimism Project initially launched on social media, creating posts about mental health, discrimination and poverty issues in the regions they serve. The next step was providing resources, online programming and developing fundraisers, and connecting with local shelters.

“It can make a world of difference to provide women with assistance,” said Simran, adding she’d like to expand The Optimism Project to schools, to “inspire and educate” other teens.

“Just because we’re young doesn’t mean we can’t have an impact,” she said, adding that they’re always looking for people to start their own branch.

Gonzalez is proof places like DOH and youth organizations like TOP work. “I’m so grateful for this place; Door of Hope has honestly changed our lives,” she said, adding how inspiring she finds Simran, especially given her age. “She’s helping not only her community, but her county. I think my oldest daughter, who is 11, can learn from that, as well. I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude.” NFC

MAJOR RICHARD L. BEAVER

May 26, 1932–Sept. 16, 2022

Major Richard (Dick) L. Beaver was promoted to Glory Sept. 16 from his home in Bellingham, Washington.

Richard Beaver was born May 26, 1932, in Marion, Ohio, the first of seven children. When he was young, his grandparents introduced him to The Salvation Army. In 1944, when his parents purchased a fruit farm, the family moved to the country. During his teenage years, Dick stayed busy helping with the farm, and did not attend church.

In 1950, Dick joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. While stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, he found his way back to The Salvation Army, where he met Martha Tracy. After he left the Air Force, the two wed at the Inglewood (California) Corps June 30, 1954, and moved to Ohio. They attended Sandusky (Ohio) Salvation Army and eventually became corps assistants at the Canton (Ohio) Corps. The Beavers entered The Salvation Army training school in San Francisco in 1955 and were commissioned in June 1956 with the Sword Bearers Session.

They served as Corps Officers in Rock Springs, Wyoming; Pueblo and Greeley, Colorado; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Hobbs, New Mexico; Bremerton, Olympia, Bellingham and Yakima, Washington, and one divisional headquarters appointment in Denver. Both attended the Brengle Holiness Institute and the International Congress in London in 1978. They attended the Holy Land Congress with General Jarl Wahlstrom in 1985 and later were part of the first Holy Land tour from the Western Territory.

After 41 years of service, the couple retired to Bellingham, where Beaver enjoyed boating, fishing and crabbing.

He is survived by his children: LeRoy, Geraldine, Terri (Greg), Charles (Teresa), Elizabeth and Fina; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife, Martha, preceded him in death June 3.

A memorial service was held Oct. 12 at the Bellingham Corps. NFC

Major Donald Bowman

Oct. 2, 1940–Aug. 28, 2002

Major Donald Ray Bowman was promoted to Glory Aug. 28 in Oklahoma City, following a brief battle with cancer.

Don Bowman was born Oct. 2, 1940, in Oklahoma City, to Herbert and Clara Bowman. The family, including his older brother, Roger, attended The Salvation Army Oklahoma City Citadel Corps, where Bowman played BB bass in the corps band. He acquired a lifelong love for music and enjoyed teaching music to young people.

Bowman met his future wife, Rachele Holt, at the corps. On June 6, 1961, the couple wed. Over the years they welcomed five children: David, Donna, Daniel, Darren and Deanna.

In 1966, the Bowmans moved to Denver, where they attended the Denver Citadel Corps. Bowman served as bandmaster and later as Corps Sergeant-Major. While attending the National Seminar on Evangelism in 1973, he heard God’s call to full-time ministry. After being commissioned as Auxiliary Captains in June 1974, the couple took their first appointment, in charge of the Denver Harbor Light Center.

Other appointments followed, as corps officers in Pueblo, Greeley, Denver West Adams and Boulder/ Broomfield, Colorado; Ogden, Utah; Laramie, Wyoming; and Bozeman and Billings, Montana. The Bowmans retired in June 2006 and moved to Tehachapi, California, to be near their children.

In 2009, Bowman accepted a post-retirement appointment, leading the Bishop (California) Corps for one year. He then continued serving with the Golden State Service Extension department for another nine years. The Bowmans sold their home in California in 2020, and with daughters Deanna and Donna, returned to Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife, Rachele; five children; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held Sept. 9 at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, in Del City, Oklahoma. A luncheon fellowship followed at the Oklahoma City Citadel Corps. NFC

New Appointments Service Corps

Effective Aug. 31 unless otherwise noted:

NORTHWEST

Major Robert Covert, EDS Officer*

Captain Steven Pavlakis, EDS Officer*

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Captain Bonita Kelsey, Social Services Chaplaincy Programs Coordinator, Divisional Headquarters

SOUTHWEST

Captain Kristy Church, EDS Officer*

Lt. Johnathan Herzog, EDS Officer*

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

Major Janene Zielinski, Territorial Social Services

Secretary Designate—Effective, Nov. 2

*Additional responsibilities

Camp Business Director

The Spokane Citadel Corps has an opening for a business director to oversee operations at Camp Gifford.

The Camp Gifford Business Director will be responsible for the success of the Camp Gifford business, marketing and income plans. The individual will also be responsible to supervise all year round and seasonal operations staff at Camp Gifford. The Business Director will be the ministry leader for the staff and volunteers they supervise and will maintain the focus of presenting the gospel of Christ and providing a positive experience to all who visit Camp Gifford. The Business Director will be responsible for all rentals, operations, finances, and personnel requirements for Camp Gifford.

This is a Christian ministry position. Due to the nature of the programs that take place at the Salvation Army, scheduled work hours will be adjusted as program needs require and can change with minimum notice. This position and its direct connection with the spiritual purpose and goals of the Salvation Army. The employee must consider The Salvation Army Spokane their home Corps/church and work in conjunction with the leadership goals of the Corps Officer to see those goals move from objectives to reality. The Employee is expected to attend services every Sunday except those excused due to authorized program activities, vacation or illness.

Interested candidates should contact Traci Elliott at traci.elliott@usw.salvationarmy.org

FROM PAGE 7 this trip. It was great to grow closer with each of my teammates, and I think that we all helped each other in different ways; however, soon after becoming friends, I began to dread the countdown until we would have to say our goodbyes.

There were many ministry opportunities ranging from day camp, Sunday morning worship, playing in the worship band, delivering food boxes and sorting clothes at the thrift store.

It was shocking to see how little some children knew about the gospel—some to the extent of not knowing who Jesus was. It was great to share the good news that I have been fortunate enough to have learned from a young age. I had parents and grandparents who taught me how meaningful and life-changing a relationship with Jesus is. I was excited to share this with others.

It made me realize just how different people’s lives

COMMISSIONER PETER H. CHANG

May 12, 1932 – Oct. 12, 2022

Commissioner Peter Chang was promoted to Glory Oct. 12, from Redondo Beach, California.

Peter Chang was born May 12, 1932, to Oon Yong Chang and Ah Jee Lee in Seoul, Korea, where he was raised with seven siblings. A British missionary introduced his grandfather, a rice farmer, to The Salvation Army, inviting him to a meeting after assisting him in the rice paddy field. His grandfather later became a Salvation Army officer.

At age 16, Peter Chang made his commitment to life service in The Salvation Army during a youth councils’ meeting. After university, he became the first cadet from the Korea Territory to enter the International Training College in London. He later studied at New York Theological Seminary and at Columbia University, earning a master’s in Education.

Peter met his future wife, Grace, a high school music teacher, during The Salvation Army’s 50th Anniversary Congress in Korea. The two wed June 15, 1963, and they had two children, John and Miriam.

The Changs served in Korea, Singapore/Malaysia, Hong Kong, the United States Eastern Territory and International Headquarters. In 1986, they came to the U.S. Western Territory, where Peter served at the College for Officer Training as Training Principal from 1986–1990 before becoming Chief Secretary in 1990. In 1991 the Changs returned to Korea as territorial leaders. They headed back to the Western Territory in 1994 to serve as territorial leaders until their retirement May 31, 1997.

The couple settled in San Diego and eventually moved to the Silvercrest residence in Redondo Beach. The Changs traveled regularly to Korea to spend time with family.

He is survived by his daughter, Miriam Chang; sonin-law, Dr. Stephan Poulter; grandchildren: Matthew and Julia; and an extended worldwide family. He was predeceased by his wife, Grace, in 2018, and son, John, in 1980.

A memorial service took place Oct. 22 at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Suffern, New York. NFC are from mine. It was an excellent opportunity to help the less fortunate and try to put myself in their shoes. Little things I take for granted, like the clothes on my back or the food in my stomach, all had new meanings. Seeing the joy on a person’s face when we brought them a food box or gave them clothing and a toy at our carnival made me appreciate all I have. I finally understood why my mother always encouraged me to volunteer. Serving others does make a difference.

My only complaint about this trip is that it was too short. I wish we had more time to grow as a team and help the community. Fairbanks loves The Salvation Army, and our team enjoyed sharing that excitement.

Most of all, I think this trip changed fear into courage. I have never been the most social person, and being in Service Corps pushed me to come out of my shell. All my nerves and doubts about myself going into the trip were erased as soon as we landed in Fairbanks. God took care of all the fear, and in the end, all I can say is: Here I am; send me. NFC

PRESENTED BY seniors and families in need. During its 15 years, the event has raised more than $5.7 million. The Shake brothers, Sabu Jr. and Chris, received the “Others” award in 2013, the highest award The Salvation Army bestows on non-Salvationists.

Majors John and Judy Bennett are Monterey Peninsula Corps Officers.

Hawaiian And Pacific Islands

Teddy Bear Picnic supports local programs

The Alaska Division held its Teddy Bear Picnic Sept. 24 at the Anchorage Corps. The event, billed as an afternoon of "fundraising and friendraising," supported McKinnell House Family Shelter, King's Lake Camp and youth programs in Anchorage through a live and silent auction. Prior to the event, people could take bare teddy bears to dress up that were judged at the picnic across several categories, including family pride, bears at work and bears at play.

Lt. Colonels Douglas and Sheryl Tollerud are the Alaska divisional leaders.

Cascade

Coos Bay gymnasium reopens

The Coos Bay (Oregon) Corps held a grand reopening of its gymnasium, which had been closed for repairs and renovations since 2019; the pandemic delayed the restoration. The new gym features iron beams, a temperature-controlled air system, bleachers, state-of-the-art vinyl floors and a full-size Wi-Fi operable scoreboard. Cascade Divisional Commander Major Nancy Dihle spoke at the event, as did Major Steven Bradley, Coos Bay Corps Officer with his wife, Major Patti Bradley.

DEL ORO

Helping Handbags 2022

aims to ‘Color Our World’

The 18th Annual Helping Handbags fundraiser, themed “Color Our World,” took place Oct. 1 at the Citrus Heights Community Center, hosted by The Salvation Army Sacramento (California) Women’s Auxiliary. Proceeds from the event, which featured more than 250 bags for sale, support the Army’s programs for people in need throughout the greater Sacramento area. Kitty O’Neal from KFBK/iHeart Radio was master of ceremonies.

Majors John and Pamilla Brackenbury are Del Oro divisional leaders.

Golden State

Waioli Tea Room site celebrates centennial

The Waioli Tea Room, located in Manoa, Hawaii, celebrated its 100th anniversary Sept. 16. Originally, Waioli offered vocational training to orphaned girls living at The Salvation Army Girls Home in Manoa. When the home closed in 1970, the Tea Room stayed open. In 2019, Ross and Stefanie Anderson revived the restaurant, and its mission, after it had been shuttered for four years. The Andersons primarily employ graduates of The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center and formerly incarcerated individuals. "We use food to keep the mission going," Stefanie Anderson told Honolulu Star-Advertiser Majors Debbie and Phil Lum are the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional leaders.

Intermountain

person worship,” said Tacoma Corps Officer Major Randy Kinnamon, who mentioned the public event was the first to be held at the corps in over two years due to the pandemic.

Southern California

El Cajon Red Shield receives large donation

The Salvation Army East County Red Shield Community Center in El Cajon, California, received a large donation from the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation to help to support educational efforts in the community. Included in the donation were 450 new children's books, 114 pencils and 60 packs of coloring supplies.

Captain Sam and Lt. Leah Fowler are El Cajon Corps Officers.

SOUTHWEST Division brings hope with beds

On Sept. 15, the Southwest Division shared 50 Ashley Home Store beds with members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale, Arizona. The aim of the beds is to bring hope to families who need a little help.

Lt. Colonels Ivan and Jennifer Wild are the Southwest divisional leaders.

ARCC

Sabu’s Safari supports the Good Samaritan Center

The 15th Annual Sabu’s Safari fundraiser took place Oct. 1 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California. Funds raised go directly to The Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps to support the Sabu Shake Sr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City, which provides essential needs for individuals,

Centennial Corps hosts community outreach luau

The Salvation Army Centennial Corps (Colorado) held a community outreach luau. Included in the celebrations were the corps’ first “open-air” worship service in the parking lot, dance performances from Kalama Polynesian Dancers and Hawaiian music with fire dancing. Attendees also enjoyed authentic Hawaiian cuisine. “We thank God for such a beautiful day of worship and fellowship,” said Centennial Corps Officer Lt. Betty Vesikula.

Northwest

Modesto Thrift Store holds ribbon-cutting for reopening

The Salvation Army Thrift Store on McHenry Avenue in Modesto, California, reopened on Oct. 6, after a fire of unknown origin burned through the shop in June, destroying many donated items.

“We are so excited to re-open this critical location that helps to support the men who are part of our program at our Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Stockton,” said Stockton ARC Administrator for Business Major Sylvan Young. “The community of Modesto has always been here to support us and we are grateful for that.”

Tacoma Corps hosts Seattle Temple Band and Songsters

A free concert and worship service drew in nearly 100 people at the Tacoma (Washington) Corps on Oct. 4, featuring the Seattle Temple Band and Songsters. Longtime Seattle Temple Bandmaster Stefan Wennstig led a program with choir selections from Songster Leader Ken Lyons and piano accompaniment by Hil Lyons.

“We were pleased to see so many people reengaged in Christian celebration together for in-

Cadets converge on Las Vegas for fall campaign

Both sessions of cadets, the Reflectors of Holiness and the Defenders of Justice, traveled to Las Vegas for their “Fall Blitz” weekend. They ministered at the Adult Rehabilitation Center and the Las Vegas Citadel Corps, and engaged in community outreach—a biking ministry at the Las Vegas Strip and a youth carnival at the corps.

“When we were worshiping together at the Owens Campus chapel [unhoused people, cadets, officers] God said to me, ‘This is the worship that pleases me—where there is no distinction between rich and poor.’ It confirmed my calling to officership,” Cadet Ji Young Seo said.

Major Nigel Cross is Training Principal. NFC

Millions affected by Pakistan floods

The Salvation Army is providing essential supplies in Pakistan, where a mix of heavy rain and monsoon winds has caused one of the worst floods the country has faced in a decade. An estimated 33 million people have been affected by the flood, with one-third of the country underwater by late September.

More than 5,000 roads and bridges have been destroyed and at least one million homes have sustained some damage. Since June, the floodwater has claimed more than one thousand lives.

The Salvation Army has provided food including rice, lentils, flour, sugar and oil. In the Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces alone, more than 1,650 families received donations of food, hygiene products and other nonfood items. The Salvation Army will continue to provide relief as needed. NFC

Salvation Army assists in drought crisis in East Africa

For five consecutive years, Kenya has faced insufficient rainfall, causing the price of staple foods and water to become unaffordable to many. “The situation is worsening day by day,” said Emergency Officer for Kenya West Captain Benjamin Omugaht. “It has led to a sharp rise in food prices and a deterioration in food security.”

As families spend more of their income on food and water, schooling fees become more difficult to afford, forcing many children to drop out of school. To combat this issue, The Salvation Army is starting a “Food for Fees” initiative which will provide food to schools to feed students and in return the schools can cut school fees in the knowledge that they no longer have to find funds for school meals.

Initially, the project will provide food to nine secondary schools and 50 primary schools in northern Turkana to ensure each child enrolled in the program will receive three meals and two snacks each day for three months. NFC