The Salvation Army wins Health Justice Award
Award highlights impact of homeless outreach program in California.
The Salvation Army Western Territory was awarded the Lloyd Dean Institute of Humankindness Health Justice Award during the inaugural Humankindness and Health Justice Virtual Summit Sept. 19.
The Humankindness and Health Justice Awards celebrate individuals and community partners who demonstrate a deep commitment to health equity, social justice and compassionate care.
According to the Lloyd H. Dean Institute for
Humankindness and Health Justice (LHDI) at CommonSpirit Health, The Salvation Army was selected from a pool of nominees from across the country, all of whom embody LHDI’s core values of kindness, empathy and leadership in driving health justice.
"We are deeply honored to receive the Lloyd Dean Institute of Humankindness Health Justice Award,” said The Salvation Army Western Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley. “Our partnership with Dignity Health has enabled us to serve thousands of individuals across California in
West adopts Register to Ring for 2024 kettle season
Tool aims to streamline volunteer experience for organizers and participants.
BY HILLARY JACKSON
In 2023, The Salvation Army’s red kettles raised more than $104 million in the U.S.
The fundraising effort is critical to furthering The Salvation Army’s mission and sharing its story. And carrying it out takes just that—effort. Locations have to be secured, along with bellring -
ers—volunteer and paid, in some instances. And it all happens in weeks filled with Christmas distributions and other services.
This year, leaders approved Register to Ring as a tool for The Salvation Army to use at its kettles across the U.S. In the Western U.S., its adoption spans 13 Western states, Guam and Micronesia..
The Register to Ring website aims to streamline a key
Hilo opens Overnight Safe Space
Emergency shelter provides support in the downtown area.
BY HILLARY JACKSON
Hilo, Hawaii, is often called the wettest city in the U.S. Each year, it receives some 130 inches of rain, according to U.S. Climate Data. The storms often come and go quickly, but for those sleeping on the streets, the precipitation adds additional challenges.
That’s where the Hilo Overnight Safe Space comes in. With it, individuals can spend the night underneath a tent on the grounds of The Salvation Army Hilo Corps. The low-barrier, pet friendly shelter aims to give guests a safe place to stay—away from the elements—from 7 p.m.-7 a.m.
“It's really for them to come in and sleep and not have to worry about getting abused, getting their belongings stolen and just getting a good night's rest,” said Captain Felicia LeMar, who with
Commissioner Douglas Riley holds the Lloyd Dean Institute of Humankindness Health Justice Award.
The tradition of Salvation Army kettles began in San Francisco in 1891 with Captain Joseph McFee.
(L-r ) Hilo Corps Officer Captain Felicia LeMar, Advisory Board Member Stacey Williams and Corps Officer Captain Sam LeMar at the Overnight Safe Space opening event.
COURTESY HILO TEMPLE CORPS
UP FRONT
The red Christmas kettle debuted in San Francisco in 1891 in the guise of a crab pot. A depression had thrown many out of work, including hundreds of sailors and longshoremen. The campaign proved so successful that by 1900 it was imitated nationwide. Kettles are now used in Korea, Japan, Chile and throughout Europe.
Veterans and Family Center cuts ribbon on new renovations
The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center (VFC) in Beaverton, Oregon, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour Oct. 1 to celebrate the completion of renovations totaling $5.4 million.
The renovations will allow the VFC to better serve veterans with 75 single-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms, 24 double-occupancy rooms for veterans with a partner or child, and three family units with updated kitchenettes. In addition, the building received new windows and paint.
“The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center is committed to providing up-to-date, comfortable, and dignified housing to honor our veterans who have sacrificed to serve our country,” said VFC Executive Director Major Rhonda Lloyd.
Guests and speakers included Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beatty, Beaverton Police Chief Stacy Jepson and Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley. The Hillsboro Veterans of Foreign Wars led the presentation of the colors. NFC
THE SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO HELENE, MILTON
In the southeast United States, The Salvation Army mobilized its Emergency/Disaster Services to serve those impacted by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall Sept. 26 in Florida before moving north across the southern U.S. and through the southern Appalachians, causing unprecedented flooding with dozens of deaths and hundreds of people missing. As recovery continued, The Salvation Army in Florida prepared and then responded to the devastation left by Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9. NFC
DIRECTOR OF GIFT PLANNING AWARDED
Territorial Director of Gift Planning Jeff
Hesseltine received the Gift Leader Award at the Crescendo Practical Planned Giving Conference in San Diego Sept. 24. It was the only award presented at the event involving hundreds of gift planning professionals.
“I accept this on behalf of my team,” Hesseltine said. “This is a team effort.”
Join the Hopefuls Collective
and find a place of low-pressure, high-encouragement and love anytime you need it, whether you know it or not. Get in the group today at caringmagazine.org/collective. Let’s see goodness and spread goodness together.
FIND MORE WAYS THE SALVATION ARMY DOES GOOD AT CARINGMAGAZINE.ORG.
The 12 most important days of Christmas kettle season
NOV. 29 (Black Friday)
Funnel volunteers to your 12 focused days within Register to Ring.
NOV. 30
Schedule carolers, singing groups and musicians alongside your regular ringers to ring in Christmas on a musical note.
DEC. 3 (Giving Tuesday)
Promote #GivingTuesday and virtual kettles.
DEC. 6 (Flashback Friday)
Pull a list of ringers from 2021 and invite those who haven’t rang the bell in a while to return.
DEC. 7 (Mayoral Challenge)
Will it be police vs. fire department or parks and recreation vs. municipal court in your community?
DEC. 13 (School Groups)
Band, cheerleaders, football team, honor society, chess club, PTA...
DEC. 14 (National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge)
Can you raise more money during a four-hour bellringing shift than National Commander Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder?
DEC. 19
Make tonight special with a new family fundraising tradition. Bring the kids!
DEC. 20
Concentrate on civic groups who want to be seen in the community. Find a way to make it fun or competitive for members.
DEC. 21
Last minute shopping is on! Ask your Advisory Board members (past and present), their families and companies to cover this busy day.
DEC. 23 (Christmas Eve Eve)
Ask corporate partners to engage their staff for a day of giving or a holiday outing.
DEC. 24 (Christmas Eve)
Invite corps and church groups to serve joyfully on this special day, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
General launches ‘Compass’ global strategic framework
General Lyndon Buckingham launched a new international framework called Compass to guide The Salvation Army’s mission and ministry in the future. Compass focuses on three key areas: People, mission and legacy. “[Compass] sets our direction, and we want everybody to be involved,” Buckingham said. NFC
EDITORIAL STAFF
Christin Thieme, Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary
562/491-8723 • christin.thieme@usw.salvationarmy.org
Hillary Jackson, Managing Editor
562/491-8330 • hillary.jackson@usw.salvationarmy.org
Karen Gleason, Senior Editor 562/491-8332 • karen.gleason@usw.salvationarmy.org
Haley Osness, Editor
562/491-8345 • haley.osness@usw.salvationarmy.org
Caring is a magazine from The Salvation Army for people who care about making an impact for good. As a Salvation Army officer or employee, you’ll also find a curated collection of inspiring news for you in the New Frontier Chronicle print edition and our email newsletter, the Weekly.
ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Cory Gaudaur, Digital Operations Director
562/491-8326 • cory.gaudaur@usw.salvationarmy.org
Emily Anderson, Social Media Editor 562/491-8793 • emily.anderson@usw.salvationarmy.org
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Kevin Dobruck, Art Director 562/491-8328 • kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org
On this show, we’re reclaiming the meaning of ‘doing good,’ of giving, of volunteering— of action. Because you don’t need to do anything ‘big’ to have a big impact. The fact is, making the world work better for everyone does not require anything grandiose. And it isn’t naive. Instead, it’s about being ready. Hope is the sum total of a ton of very small motions forward. It’s the collection of choices that make a mark—any of which you could make.
—Christin Thieme, The Do Gooders Podcast Episode 202: What are you choosing to be hopeful about?
Subscribe to The Do Gooders Podcast in your favorite podcast player or find it at caringmagazine.org/podcast.
caringmagazine.org
new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org
newfrontierchronicle @nfchronicle
New Frontier Chronicle founded 1983 Bob Docter, Founding Editor ISSN 2164-5930 • westernusa.salvationarmy.org
|PHOTO COURTESY CASCADE DIVISION
What a testimony
BY LYNDON BUCKINGHAM, GENERAL
Ihad the privilege earlier this year of attending the Testify Congress in The Salvation Army USA Western Territory. There were many highlights that weekend, but what stood out for me were the amazing stories of transformation. Men and women whose lives had been radically transformed when they encountered God’s love for them in the person of Jesus Christ.
“For God so loves the world…” – yes, I changed the tense. The verse actually reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Yet God’s love is as real, true and deep today as it was on that first Christmas Day. This remains the greatest evidence of God’s love and his plan for all people—the gift of his Son, the gift of our salvation—not just in the past, but for the present as well. This is the good news we celebrate at Christmas.
That news was first declared by the prophet Isaiah long ago: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (Is. 9:6-7, KJV).
It was declared again by the angels at the birth of Jesus: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone
THE SHEPHERDS RECOGNIZED JESUS FOR WHO HE WAS—THEIR SAVIOR—AND THEY LOST NO TIME IN GOING OUT AND SHARING THE GOOD NEWS. “
THE GENERAL'S 2024 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and
lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:8-14, NIV).
The Bible tells us the shepherds immediately went to
where Jesus was, and having seen him they right away began to spread the word. I love that! They immediately began to share their experience. The shepherds recognized Jesus for who he was—their Savior— and they lost no time in going out and sharing the good news. What a testimony!
Believers ever since have carried on the mission of spreading the word of God’s saving, forgiving, redeeming work through his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I saw and heard evidence of this at Testify—people sharing the good news of God’s transformative power in and through their lives, just as the shepherds did on that night so long ago.
In his book, "Sacred Risk," General Shaw Clifton (Ret.) writes: “Christmas is summed up in Jesus. The very name of Jesus serves through all history to declare that there is a Savior. It follows logically therefore that if there is a Savior it is because we need to be saved. However, even before we realize our need the Savior is there. It is he who reveals to us our deepest needs, gently urging us by his Holy Spirit to make a response to his offer of salvation. Christmas is therefore discovering or rediscovering or reaffirming Jesus as Savior, and in discovering him we discover ourselves and our true condition.”
God can still change the hearts of men and women and make them live again. And like the shepherds, we can testify of that good news with those around us.
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of the Savior, let’s ask God to empower us with Holy Spirit zeal to spread the word concerning Jesus, that still more might come to experience the love of God as revealed in the gift of his precious Son and our Savior, Jesus, the Son of God.
Commissioner Bronwyn joins me in praying God’s blessings for you this Christmas season. NFC
Construction program empowers youth and helps the unhoused
The Salem Kroc Center launches I-Build, a new workforce development program for youth.
BY KAREN GLEASON
“Mainstream education wasn't working for me,” said Jose Lopez, 15.
So this summer, he tried something different: I-Build, The Salvation Army Salem (Oregon) Kroc Center’s new youth construction skills program. The eight-week program launched in July with 24 students from the Salem-Keizer School District, all of whom had fallen behind in school.
The group met Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
“The biggest draw, really, was that we were offering high school credit recovery,” said Kroc Center Director Tony Frazier. “As a student, you have a choice. You can go to summer school, or you could come to our program and have fun learning.”
For Jose, the program marked a turning point.
“It helped me advocate for myself,” he said.
After I-Build, he asked for, and received, permission to do online school. Once considering dropping out, he now attends daily, working online at the Kroc Center’s education lounge, where kids can study on their own, receive tutoring and even work toward their GED.
This summer 24 youth completed the Salem Kroc Center’s new I-Build program. Each received
belt at their graduation celebration.
WYStepUp guides women for life after incarceration
In 2021, the Casper (Wyoming) Corps introduced the transitional living program.
BY HALEY OSNESS
In Wyoming, 33.8 percent of incarcerated individuals will reoffend and return to prison for the same or a similar offense within five years, according to the World Population Review.
The recidivism rate caught the attention of Major Trish and Captain Timothy Simeroth in 2018, when they were appointed as Casper (Wyoming) Corps Officers.
"We recognized that there were no transitional living programs for women coming out of prison in the entire state of Wyoming," said Trish Simeroth, now the La Cruces (New Mexico) Corps Officer. "The prosocial dynamics that The Salvation Army can offer through our ministries, services and programs is the best fit to break the chance of recidivism."
In 2021, the Casper Corps introduced the WyStepUp transitional living program for women, pulling from structures and methods utilized by Salvation Army social services and the Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
WyStepUp program managers communicate with the Wyoming Department of Corrections reentry program to ensure participants keep up with any parole requirements.
After an interview and a one-time fee of $350, participants can join the six-month program from prison. If anyone has challenges paying the fee, sponsors are available to cover it until the participants find a job and can pay it back.
Simeroth said this helps instill habits of being responsible and self-sufficient. “We don’t want participants to get back into a lifestyle of not paying bills,” she said. “We want them to learn how to be in control to break that cycle.”
Once women enter the supportive living environment, they learn to transition to a self-sufficient lifestyle and avoid the circumstances contributing to recidivism.
“We see these large recidivism rates because of a lack of options and resources for women exiting prison,” Simeroth said. “These women can now start a different path with the support and guidance of WyStepUp.”
According to Simeroth, the program assists an average of 20 women each year, with 90 percent of those who complete the program attaining self-sufficiency through stable employment and housing.
“We connect them with the community, welcome them into a supportive family and help them distance themselves from the life that led to their incarceration,” Simeroth said. “They learn to find joy in helping others and themselves.”
Each week, the women visit the Casper Corps
SOME PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR ADDICTION THINK NO ONE WILL CARE ABOUT THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR SITUATION. I TELL THEM RIGHT AWAY THAT I CARE.
—J'azmin Smith
‘Lifesaver’ in opioid overdose crisis
The Aspen Program Administrator J’azmin Smith has saved 15 lives using Narcan.
BY HALEY OSNESS
Just weeks after accepting an administrator position at The Aspen, a low-barrier shelter operated by The Salvation Army in a converted Denver-area hotel, J’azmin Smith saved someone from an overdose for the first time in his life.
Then it happened again—and again—until nine months later, he had saved 15 individuals at the shelter by administering Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses.
“It soon became second nature to just get to that person in need,” Smith said.
His efforts earned him a Lifesaver Award from The Salvation Army and a Pulse Award from Cintas, a company that trains staff at The Aspen in CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Nathan Parrot, Assistant Director at The Aspen, said that the shelter’s operation in an area with high drug use has proved instrumental in offering aid and support to those at risk of overdose.
“With Narcan, AEDs and trained staff available, we can respond rapidly to an overdose,” Parrot said. “The Aspen's location is critical because it’s serving a community where overdoses are already occurring."
Parrot noted that clients undergo bag checks to prevent substances from entering. However, as a low-barrier shelter, sobriety is not required.
All staff members at The Aspen carry Narcan and walkie-talkies, and Narcan is fully stocked in the offices for clients to request. Parrot said the effectiveness of Narcan in each overdose case points toward the use of fentanyl and other opioids.
According to the CDC, fentanyl was involved in over half of all overdose deaths across the U.S. in 2019, and by 2022, it accounted for nearly 70 percent of all drug overdose fatalities.
Data released by the CDC in August 2024 indicated a 10 percent decline in opioid-related deaths in the U.S.— the first significant drop in over a decade.
While experts have not yet determined the exact cause of this decrease, research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests overdose education and
PAGE 13
Silvercrest internship program pairs interns, older adults
BY CARAMIE PETROWSKY
Fresno Silvercrest Service Coordinator Maria Garcia launched an internship program last fall at the Silvercrest Residence, pairing high school seniors with the senior housing community's residents.
Fresno Silvercrest offers affordable housing to some 160 low-income seniors in Fresno, California.
Garcia, a mother of two teenage boys, initiated partnerships with McLane High School and Fresno High School after learning about its internship program through her son, a senior at Fresno at the time. She reached out to the internship coordinators to set up partnerships.
Four interns began in October 2023, assisting in various roles— property maintenance, leasing, office work and service coordination.
An intern from Fresno State University also joined the team. The interns worked 90 minutes a day, training with staff and engaging with residents during events. Garcia aimed to teach them workforce skills, focusing on verbal communication and customer service.
The overall goals, Garcia said,
mimicked those she has for her own sons.
“I wanted them to be able to go out into the world and get a job and have an understanding of the workforce and what it takes to be successful,” she said.
Garcia emphasized soft skills, especially the importance of connecting with the residents.
“I taught the interns that if a resident is going to come and talk,
you’re going to stop whatever you’re doing and give them your full attention,” she said. “I would remind them, ‘you are here because they are here.’”
The most heartwarming moments came because of the interactions the teens had with the senior residents, many of which took place around the holidays when there are lots of events.
Carrie Creager at Home League crafting a flower arrangement. |PHOTO BY CHRISTI POWERS
David Walsh (left), Case Manager at The Aspen shelter run by The Salvation Army, presents the Lifesaver Award to J’azmin Smith. |PHOTO COURTESY INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION
LIFESAVER
At the Fresno (California) Silvercrest Residence, interns interact with residents.
|PHOTO COURTESY MARIA GARCIA
Kids in Ridgecrest, California, are rediscovering reading for pleasure, thanks to the local Salvation Army’s Reading Zone, where they can select a new book weekly, free of charge, and receive a treat—often ice cream—upon finishing a book. This summer, the Reading Zone distributed more than 800 books.
Inspired by a Camp Redwood Glen program that encourages campers to spend 30 minutes a day reading or resting, Ridgecrest Corps Officers Captains Chris and Gina Noble started the Summer Reading Zone in 2022. They created spaces in the corps’ thrift store and its social service lobby where kids could relax with a book. Recently, the Reading Zone became a year-round program, potentially helping kids develop a new habit while supporting literacy.
“When I was a child, a book was a treasure—and it still is a treasure,” thrift store regular Lahoma Boyd said, pausing at the Reading Zone nook as she entered the store. “It's so important. And once they start reading, they get enthusiastic, and they read more…You can go on adventures. You can learn.”
Boyd said she always notices the kids at the Reading Zone. She likes seeing what they’re choosing and sometimes offers a recommendation. It’s encouraging, she said, in a time when many kids don’t seem to enjoy reading.
Research shows pleasure reading has decreased, particularly among middle-schoolers. The Reading Zone is doing its part to avert a trend that children’s publisher Scholastic calls the “Decline by Nine”—while 57 percent of 8-yearolds read for pleasure, only 35 percent of 9-year-olds do. Scholastic also found that as kids grow older the trend continues; rarely is there a rebound.
Some analysts blame social media and screens for the decline, since middle school is often when kids get their first smartphone. Others suggest a breakdown in peer recommendations that occurred during the pandemic and hasn’t resumed, or the possibility that as kids get older their schedules get too full for pleasure reading.
Scholastic suggests it's possible to re-engage a child in reading. This is where a program like the Reading Zone can make a difference, allowing kids to choose books and giving them a space where they can comfortably read and share their favorites, bringing back the lost practice of peer recommendations.
Local schools also support the Reading Zone.
KEEPING LITERACY ALIVE
BY KAREN GLEASON
"We highly encourage students and parents to participate in the Reading Zone,” said Melanie Branson, science teacher and At-Risk Socio/Economically Challenged Specialty Counselor for the Sierra Sands Unified School District. ”Literacy is so important to youth and teen success, which allows them to access all subjects and careers later on in life with such a strong foundation.”
This year the corps received a grant from the Harrell Foundation of Bakersfield (California) for its literacy program, allowing the Reading Zone to continue year-round. The grant designated funds for purchasing books and for beautifying the reading spaces.
Gina Noble purchases all the Reading Zone books at Ridgecrest’s only independent, family-owned bookstore, Red Rock Books.
Store owner Ann Rizzardini and staff prepare orders by age group in a monthly rotation. Noble said they choose books of literacy excellence, focusing on spiritual awareness and growth, life skills, social advocacy and empowerment.
“It is a great partnership that supports a local small business and inspires our whole community,” Noble said.
Among the regulars at the Reading Zone are Lynette Minnick and her daughters, Elise (7) and Eva (5).
“The girls read every night, instead of watching TV,” Minnick said. “Elise wakes up at 7 a.m. and asks if she can please read. Eva knows all her letters and is beginning to sound out the words…The girls pass their books along to others after they’ve read them.”
As the site of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Ridgecrest is home to
many military personnel. Noble said one military family, new in town, has been making weekly trips to the corps’ thrift store as they unpack, donating no-longer-needed household items. Meanwhile, the children visit the Reading Zone, where so far they’ve received 12 books. Noble said she’s also linked the family to Red Rock Books and the local library.
“Reading knows no neighborhood or need,” she said. “Reading can connect families, schools and community.”
Others frequenting the Reading Zone are a home-schooling family who appreciate the free books, and kids arriving at the corps for youth events, where early arrivals can select books and settle into the Zone.
READING KNOWS NO NEIGHBORHOOD OR NEED. READING CAN CONNECT FAMILIES, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY.
—Captain Gina Noble “
Along with supporting literacy, Noble said another program goal is to teach children to pay it forward.
“The kids know we’ll give them a new book,” she said. “With those they’ve finished, I tell them, ‘If it’s your favorite, hang on to it. But when you outgrow it, give it away. Share the magic.’”
Noble anticipates the program will continue to grow. Meanwhile, she said a local daycare center now participates, and three neighborhood lending libraries have started because of the Reading Zone.
“We are blessed by books and reading,” she said. “It’s so easy; anyone can do this.” NFC
• PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER
Ridgecrest (California) Corps’ summer Reading Zone goes year-round.
Engaging with teens in West Oahu
Kroc Center, Echelon team up to care for and inspire teens.
BY HILLARY JACKSON
Every day after school around 60 kids from Honouliuli Middle School cross the street to hang out by the Hawaii Kroc Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
Kroc Center Corps Officer Major Lynn Stewart noticed the trend and knew the Kroc Center team should do something.
The result? Teen Club, initially a weekly gathering for the students held on Wednesdays, when the school has early dismissal.
At the club, students receive snacks, help with homework and participate in creative stations and conversations with staff members. Participants can also stay for teen Bible study and dinner.
While some students are members of the Kroc Center, the Teen Club activities are free to anyone who makes the journey across the road. Now, the offerings have expanded to include open gym on Mondays and Fitness Fridays, when they can use the facilities.
“We’re trying to holistically meet their needs and just really love them,” Stewart said, noting 10 teens from the group recently attended The Salvation Army’s teen camp. “We’re just glad to partner with the middle school to do this.”
Honouliuli Middle School Principal
Todd Fujimori said in addition to the typical teenage pressures of “fitting in, finding themselves, finding their purpose and who they are right now,” many of the school’s students face challenges navigating social media.
Additionally, a large segment of the population live in single-parent households, which he said is not a barrier to
success, but simply a situation with a unique set of challenges.
According to the 2023-2024 Strive Hawaii School Performance Report, 45 percent of Honouliuli Middle School’s students were considered to be “economically disadvantaged.”
And this is all happening during a large window of the development process, Fujimori said. Research shows ado-
THEY DON'T WANT TO BE TOLD, THEY WANT US TO WALK WITH THEM.
—Todd Fujimori “
lescence is second only to infancy when it comes to dynamic brain development.
“They don’t want to be told, they want us to walk with them,” he said. And that’s the aim of the collaboration with the Teen Club.
Recently, the Kroc Center and Echelon West Oahu, its young professionals board, hosted Inspire Day at the school. The event, held Aug. 15, featured booths from around 25 businesses and organizations to give students a look at future paths after graduation. The goal?
To bring inspiration and hope for the schools 800 some students along with awareness of the teen club.
“They felt celebrated, cared for and loved,” Fujimori said. “It’s important for
Kroc Center teen’s ‘second home’
At the Coeur d'Alene Kroc Center, one teen becomes "known figure."
BY HALEY OSNESS
For the past seven years, 18-year-old Connor Evenson has been a familiar presence at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, often jogging on the treadmill with his eyes lifted and singing songs about Jesus.
When he’s not working out, he’s on the clock five days a week as a Kroc Center Wellness Attendant, checking members into workout classes and preparing exercise equipment.
“I started coming to the Kroc Center when I was 11, and it quickly became my second home with my second family,” Evenson said, explaining he would often get dropped off on summer mornings and stay throughout the day.
THE KROC CENTER IS WHERE I FOUND A COMMUNITY TO BE A PART OF.
—Connor Evenson “
Despite living 45 minutes away, he said the Kroc Center is where he’s wanted to spend most of his time. As a member, he completed every Zumba class offered and began attending weekly Bible studies.
“Everyone was always so happy to see me,” he said. “It was an environment I had never experienced before.”
Since early childhood, Evenson has lived with a heart condition that has required four open-heart surgeries, nine stent procedures, and multiple eye surgeries. He now has a heart valve that will need replacement in the future, but he said his overall health is stable.
He said his health journey is isolating at times, having posed obstacles to socializing with others his age.
“The Kroc Center is where I found a community to be a part of,” he said. “I started to rebuild my strength here and made connections along the way.”
The Salvation Army operates seven Kroc Centers across the Western U.S., each serving as a community hub where children and families can join recreational activities, clubs and participate in worship.
Each Kroc Center is designed to offer something for everyone, featuring communal spaces where members can connect and interact.
“The Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene offers a unique environment,” said Kevin Nelson, Kroc Center Wellness Manager in Coeur d’Alene. “Many members have stories similar to Connor’s, and they come to the Kroc Center because they know it’s a place where they’ll be welcomed and treated like family.”
Nelson said he has known Evenson since he first began attending the Kroc Center as a member.
“He would come by just to talk,” Nelson said. “Over the years, I’ve mentored him in a way and gotten to know him well. He's become a known figure here."
He said he and the other staff organized a birthday party for Evenson on his 12th birthday. “We just wanted to show him how much we cared about him,” Nelson said. “He was so overcome with emotion and was just so happy.”
Evenson continued attending the Kroc Center throughout his teenage years, often expressing his
Members of the Hawaii Kroc Center team and Echelon West Oahu at Inspire Day Aug. 15. |PHOTO COURTESY HAWAII KROC CENTER
Connor Evenson outside The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. |PHOTO BY JOSHUA NISHIMOTO
Adult Rehabilitation Center strives to boost support networks for graduates.
SUPPORT ACROSS THE ISLANDS
IT'S MY DUTY TO HELP OTHERS. GOD HAS BLESSED ME BY TRANSFORMING MY LIFE. NOW, I PRAY FOR AND GUIDE OTHERS, JUST AS I WAS GUIDED WHEN I WAS DEEP IN ADDICTION.
—Tai Lazamo
For Tai Lazamo, a verse from Genesis became a guiding principle in his life.
“I will bless you,” God said to Abraham, “and you will be a blessing... and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:2-3).
As a graduate of The Salvation Army Honolulu Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), he said blessing and supporting others has kept him accountable in recovery.
The Salvation Army’s ARCs are residential programs that provide spiritual, emotional and social assistance to individuals who are experiencing a variety of social, emotional and spiritual challenges, including issues relating to substance abuse. After a six-month stay at the Honolulu ARC, Lazamo returned to his home island of Kauai, Hawaii, where he felt equipped to reach those also battling substance abuse.
“It's my duty to help others,” Lazamo said. “God has blessed me by transforming my life. Now, I pray for and guide others, just as I was guided when I was deep in addiction.”
While men from across the islands come to the Honolulu ARC for support, many graduates, like Lazamo, return to their home island, away from the ARC and its in-person support. And Lazamo was determined to take some of the support he found to others.
The Honolulu ARC gave him hygiene items, care packets with program information to distribute and a "free prayer" shirt for independent outreach.
He also began attending the Hanapepe (Kaui) Corps weekly for chapel and Bible studies.
"I just wanted to stay connected with The Salvation Army,” Lazamo
said. “I started engaging with locals, showing them that I'm now sober thanks to the ARC. I had a poor reputation before, and people could now see my transformation.”
Lazamo said he often shares his contact information with those struggling with addiction, urging them to reach out to him rather than continue harmful habits. He said he is currently helping two men connect with the ARC.
“It’s what keeps me sober and responsible in recovery,” Lazamo said. “I see how others find support in me, and it keeps me going. I know God helped me so I can help others.”
Major Erik Hoogstad, Administrator for Development at the Honolulu ARC, said staying involved with the ARC community after graduation becomes a key part of recovery for many men.
“We find that most men want to stay connected after they complete the program,” he said.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration identifies key elements of recovery from addiction as a sense of purpose, a supportive community and a stable home life.
According to Hoogstad, focusing on these aspects can help individuals thrive after addiction. He added their goal is to enhance these efforts across Hawaii through connection and group outreach, which can help fulfill a sense of purpose.
"Many men graduate and return to their homes on the outer islands," Hoogstad said. "We're aiming to be intentional with continued opportunities for connection for them."
To put this into practice, the Honolulu ARC organized an alumni family barbecue in Kauai in June to boost support for graduates and
Partnership teaches kids about addiction in San Francisco
New initiative adds addiction education to day camp programming in San Francisco’s Tenderloin.
BY LOU BUHL
This summer, the San Francisco Kroc Center partnered with the Addiction Education Society (AES) to provide kids with the skills needed to understand and prevent addiction.
Over the course of two days, 22 campers ages 11-13 delved into topics such as addiction risk factors, brain chemistry and warning signs.
By implementing new programs, Kroc Center Corps Officer Captain Arwyn Rodriguera said she hopes to “break the generational cycles of what happened in this neighborhood one kid at a time.”
For families living in the Tenderloin, addiction is a prevalent issue.
“When you walk the Tenderloin, you literally walk over the bodies of people using,” she said.
In July alone, the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported
39 accidental overdose deaths in the city, bringing the total number of drug-related deaths to 412 since January.
“It’s a good challenge,” Arwyn Rodriguera said. “We love being a part of the neighborhood and getting to see how the Kroc Center can bring transformation to families. You can do more good here than anywhere else I’ve ever been in my life.”
Fellow Kroc Center Corps Officer Captain Craig Rodriguera added how, prior to partnering with AES, he wasn’t aware of any offerings available for younger audiences outside of the D.A.R.E. program.
When discussing a partnership with AES, Craig Rodriguera said he was impressed with their offerings, including collaborations with partner organizations
such as Harvard University's McLean Hospital and Stanford University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, which provide research-based information for sessions.
AES was founded in 2015 by Executive Director Daniel Dadoun and Chuck Johnson, who were disappointed by the “inadequate” addiction education their children received in school. Upon learning what information was being taught, Dadoun said he approached the principal and offered to train teachers with the latest information. This commitment led to the creation of AES.
AES now provides educational programming and resources on issues related to addiction and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
The programming emphasizes the need for a modern approach that engages participants through visual aids, evidence-based studies and interactive activities. Dadoun added how the program is designed to provide participants “with
Graduates of the Adult Rehabilitation Center gather for a family barbecue and outreach event in Kauai, Hawaii.
|PHOTO COURTESY DAVID CHUNG
Members of the Addiction Education Society and the San Francisco Kroc Center team. |PHOTO COURTESY JENNIFER BYRD
Western Territory welcomes Keepers
Keepers of the Covenant Session
The Western Territory welcomed 21 Keepers of the Covenant as its newest session of cadets at the Welcome of Cadets event Sept. 6 at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
The Cadet Chorus—including the second-year Champions of the Mission—opened the meeting in song with “Blessed Assurance” (Fanny Crosby/Donna Peterson).
Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent welcomed those gathered on the lawn and shared Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley’s well wishes as he was unable to be present.
WE CELEBRATE TODAY HIS COVENANT KEEPERS HERE ON EARTH, CLOTHED IN SALVATION ARMY UNIFORM, THE KEEPERS OF THE COVENANT…THEY ARE BEFORE YOU TONIGHT AS A TESTIMONY OF OUR COVENANTKEEPING GOD.
—Col. Eddie Vincent
“God has proven to be true to his word as a covenant-keeping God,” Vincent said. “We celebrate today his covenant keepers here on earth, clothed in Salvation Army uniform, the Keepers of the Covenant…They are before you tonight as a testimony of our covenant-keeping God.”
He introduced special guest Colonel Hary Haran, Territorial Commander for the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory, before Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries Colonel Genevera Vincent led the congregation in “Praise to the Lord” (SB 56).
Cadet children Seth Rodriguez, 10, and Rogelio Rincon Jr., 15, opened the meeting in prayer ahead of “The Cleansing” (William Gordon) by the Pasadena Tabernacle Band.
Vincent then led a testimony time, inviting attendees to share from their seats what God has done in their lives.
“Thank God for In-N-Out and the ARC!”
“I was filled with anxiety and now I’m filled with peace in the Lord.”
“For a long time, I struggled to stay alive, but with God, I live forever.”
“I’m grateful the Lord has filled our hearts with his love through the Holy Spirit.”
“I went from no family to the biggest family in the world.”
Junior soldier Maddie Helms from the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps sang “Quiet” (arr. Grant Hall) followed by a reading of 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6 by Cadet Stacy Fuqua.
The San Pedro (California) Praise Team led worship in “Lion and The Lamb” and “Christ is Enough” before Territorial President of Women's Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Colleen Riley invited those gathered to write on a heart-shaped card in the program something they had left behind in their past.
In giving the message, Haran encouraged everyone to be the aroma of Christ, referencing the reading: For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Cor. 2:15).
“We speak and serve for God sincerely, faithfully, obediently all because we are sent by him,” Haran said. “Today, cadets, you show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (2 Cor. 3:3).”
He reminded all attendees we have the freedom of choice.
“Yes, God gives us choices. He asks, we can refuse. He offers, we can reject,” Haran said. “This evening, witnessed by all of us, you [cadets] are honoring his name, he who has called you.
“Jesus is still calling us, and we are asking, who else should we send?” Haran said, noting it’s the saved children of God who are to go and look for the lost.
“Angels cannot testify of the saving grace of the Lord,” he said. “You and I can. It’s all for Jesus."
Riley then asked the crowd to flip the heart-shaped card over and write down what God has brought into their present before praying.
CFOT Training Principal Major Terry Masango led the closing song, “I Want to Tell You” (SB 852) before the final benediction by Personnel Secretary Lt. Colonel Ivan Wild. NFC
COOS BAY CELEBRATES ITS ‘Red Kettle Queen’
Coos Bay Salvation Army awards 93-year-old Verena Matthews its Lifetime Service Award.
BY KAREN GLEASON
It was November 1987—bellringing season in The Salvation Army—and Verena Matthews was frustrated.
She’d been a bellringer for the Coos Bay (Oregon) Salvation Army since the 1970s with her service organization, Zonta Club, but her group had never claimed the coveted “Salvation Army Kettle Cowbell” award, presented annually in Coos Bay to the service club collecting the most money the Saturday before Christmas.
No women’s service organization ever had.
But it all changed that year when Matthews was Zonta Club president.
“That’s when my big mouth got me in trouble,” she said. “I got tired of hearing that it was the men who did this and the men who did that. I was ready to give them some competition.”
Matthews challenged the men to a kettle competition, which the local newspaper promoted on the front page featuring her photo. Well-known in town for her civic activities, Matthews had her reputation to uphold. She knew she needed to pull out all the stops to top the men’s groups.
“Everywhere I went, people would say, ‘We’re going to support you because you had the guts to challenge them,’” she said. “I really sweated that challenge. But I loved it because it made us all work harder.”
She approached a recently opened Fred Meyer department store and got permission for Zonta to place kettles at all three of its doors. And she got her club members fired up.
“Everybody was in a happy mood,” she said. “We played music. Sometimes we brought our children and sometimes our pets. We smiled and opened the door for people, really made them notice us and want to give.”
It was a winning strategy, and Zonta claimed the cowbell that year—at that time the best Red Kettle Campaign Coos Bay had ever had.
Of the $25,000 raised by all service organizations that year, Zonta raised more than $6,000.
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the knowledge, understanding and the skills needed to make healthy decisions.”
In the first session, Dadoun said facilitators go over the three greatest risk factors related to addiction: early use, genetics and environment. Additionally, Dadoun said studies are now incorporating how mental health and stress sensitivities can also impact one’s risk of addiction.
“The town is incredibly generous and supportive of its community,” said Coos Bay Corps Officer Major Erin Kauffman. “We don’t make huge numbers, but when you figure that with roughly 20,000 people in town [in 2024] and we make $60,000—that’s $3 a person.”
She recalled her time in a larger city of 800,000 people, where the kettle total was $400,000—the average per capita donation was 50 cents.
Since that turning point year, the Zonta Club, spurred by Matthews' enthusiasm, has consistently raised the most cash in its kettles of any service group, although
By learning how risk factors increase susceptibility to addiction, participants leave the first session better prepared with prevention strategies.
Another aspect of the program involves having participants interview an adult or parent about substance use. Dadoun noted this "opens the conversation" and encourages candid discussions with trusted adults.
Following the inaugural sessions with AES, Kroc Education Manager Monica Rios said campers were “very engaged and receptive” to learning about addiction in this new format.
Kiwanis occasionally edged them out of the top spot with larger checks.
Matthews said a highlight was when the corps officer would call her after the campaign to tell her how many more families The Salvation Army could help because of the money raised.
“At our next [Zonta Club] meeting, I would brag on it,” she said. “I think it gave such a wonderful feeling to all of us that we helped that much…Plus we got the Bell!”
This year, at age 93, Matthews will serve as Kettle Ambassador at the Coos Bay Kettle Kick Off.
associated with addiction but also addressed how activities like vaping and video games can become addictive due to our brain chemistry.
When discussing how serotonin and dopamine function in our brains, Rios said campers shared different healthy activities that similarly activate those chemical reactions, like playing with friends at the center or engaging in sports.
Camper Sebastian Casillas, 11, said he didn’t know much about addiction before attending these sessions.
“God gave me a lot of extra energy,” Matthews said. “I’ve been using it.”
She said she always remembers something her father told her.
“My dad told me, ‘Babe, the world has to be a better place because you lived.’” she said. “That’s why I’ve always tried to be involved in good things—to help the community, to help schools, to help children. It’s just in me.”
This spring, the Coos Bay Salvation Army honored Matthews’ years as a bellringer, presenting her with its first Lifetime Service Award during its Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
“She has provided hope for the community for almost 50 years,” said Coos Bay Advisory Board Chairman Rodger Craddock as he presented the award. “With her leadership, the Zonta Club has raised over $150,000—providing hope for our after-school program, providing hope through the Hope Market [client-choice food pantry], providing hope to people who just need hope to make it through another day.”
For Kauffman, Matthews embodies hope.
“One thing she shared with me is that hope is like a hug to the heart, and that just sharing that hope through bellringing and wishing people a merry Christmas—that little spark of hope can build a whole community of hope,” Kauffman said. “That’s what she’s been doing for all these years.”
Looking back, Matthews recalled times when she would take multiple twohour kettle shifts in one day.
“I did it because I love it and I love the people and the season,” she said, “and giving.” NFC
NFC PARTNERSHIP
Sebastian’s mother, Edith Casillas said she’s grateful to the Kroc Center for offering this type of program.
“It’s important for kids to learn this at an early age so they know how dangerous drugs can really be,” she said. That way, she added, “When they grow up they will think before they use.”
With the launch of the Kroc Center's teen center in August, Arwyn Rodriguera announced plans to introduce the AESled sessions for teenagers in the near future.
“You don't want to scare kids,” Dadoun said, “but you want to tell them the truth, and that's our objective.”
Rios highlighted that the program covered not only substances typically
“It was fun and I learned something new from it,” he said, noting he learned how many substance overdoses are fatal and how many people struggle with addiction.
“We’re really grateful for the partnership,” she said. “And for the ability to speak freely with the next generation.”
Verena Matthews receives the Lifetime Service Award.
|PHOTO BY KENDLE ANN LANGLEY
|PHOTO COURTESY VERENA MATTHEWS
Verena Matthews at the red kettle in Coos Bay, Oregon.
|PHOTO COURTESY COOS BAY CORPS
her husband, Captain Sam LeMar, are the Hilo Corps Officers (pastors).
The Overnight Safe Space was dedicated in a ceremony Aug. 30. The morning following the first night of service, Felicia LeMar said she was cleaning and closing up the cots with Social Services Director Roxanne Costa, and one guest was still in bed.
She said they told him he needed to move on for the day.
“He just busts out a loud stretch, loud yawn, and says, ‘That was the best sleep I had in weeks. And I'll be back tonight,’” she said. “That's really what it's about so that they could get a good night's rest and go and be productive.”
The 2023 Bridging the Gap Homeless Point-In-Time Count found 316 unsheltered individuals across the North and South Hilo regions. Sam LeMar said around 100 individuals stay in the downtown area, where the Hilo Corps is located, and while there are shelters for peo-
SILVERCREST
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ple experiencing homelessness in the area, most are several miles away and aren't emergency shelters.
After witnessing the need and seeing the corps’ parking lot when they arrived to the post three years ago, the LeMars were inspired to replicate aspects of an outdoor shelter program from their prior service in Aurora, Colorado. Plus, it was something the corps congregation had wanted—for years, long lines have formed for its lunches, which serve 50-80 people twice a week.
After several years of revisions, the 25-bed emergency shelter opened with the support of $1 million in funding from the state of Hawaii and $800,000 from Hawaii County. Sam LeMar said he has submitted applications for further grants to expand the shelter to 40 beds, along with safe parking spots for people who sleep in their cars, in addition to other offerings.
“We're not necessarily wanting to just shelter people,” Sam LeMar said. “We want to make sure that they get signed up for services.”
“The seniors just love the interns,” Garcia said. “Statistics and studies consistently show that when you bring kids around seniors, it really helps them.”
And at the Silvercrest, cornhole is a popular activity, she said, noting interns would support residents during the lively competitions.
“We have residents in power chairs who once they see young ones, they are standing up out of their chairs to come and play,” she said. “It brings so much joy. The residents see them as their grandkids.”
For Veteran’s Day, one of the interns interviewed the veterans in the building.
“He came back and said, ‘This was amazing. I didn’t
STEPUP
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to take part in a women’s group (Home League), Bible Study and Sunday services. Additionally, they volunteer at the food pantry until they secure employment.
“It’s important for those in recovery to discover a purpose and realize that they can develop and practice skills that will benefit them instead of harm them,” Simeroth said.
Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that peer support, social interactions and one’s home environment all play a crucial role in individuals' long-term recovery.
"This program has opened doors that I didn't know were possible for me before," said Carrie Creager, WYStepUp participant.
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He said The Salvation Army is part of a collaborative group of service providers in the county, and at intake, a caseworker inputs an individual into the county software so different care providers know how to best assist.
The caseworker also helps with tasks like obtaining VA benefits, medical services or housing. Shelter attendants come alongside to meet basic needs and provide encouragement, too.
“One of our things that we tell our staff is always remember that the people we serve aren't lucky to get our services. We're blessed to serve them,” Sam LeMar said. “But in Hawaii, that's not necessarily an issue, because…people take care of people here.”
One way is through warm meals provided through the Mālama ‘Ohana Kitchen trailer, which was dedicated alongside the Overnight Safe Space. The 32-foot-long mobile kitchen is designed to look like an aloha shirt and can serve roughly 2,500 meals a day, primarily to the community and to those staying at the Overnight Safe Space.
know how it was for them.’ They learn history at school but when you hear it from someone who experienced it, it’s totally different,” she said.
When some interns struggled with graduation costs, Garcia sought sponsorship from local vendors to cover expenses for caps and gowns, surprising the students.
At the internship's end, students completed final projects: organizing files, developing office systems and renovating units. The Silvercrest hired one intern, who recently left to attend college full time. Another intern who helped with property maintenance took a job at a plumbing company.
Garcia was honored as McLane’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Champion for 2023/2024 for her work instituting the internship program.
Silvercrest Resident Services Consultant Jo Steph-
“I really am grateful to be alive today,” she said. “I now see my life as a gift. It's given me a chance to maintain my sobriety and move forward.”
She joined the program in May 2024 and, within a month, secured a job with a local cleaning business.
“I feel hopeful for my future now,” she said. “The program and the job are helping me stay sober. And being a part of this supportive sisterhood and family has put me in a much better mindset."
Christi Powers, WyStepUp Program Administrator, said this is the outcome she hopes most participants have.
As their primary contact, Powers supports participants on their path to stability and said she often relates to their challenges having completed the program herself in late 2023.
“I feel like God placed it on my heart to help others that were going through the
hope to become an employee one day. When a position as a Wellness Attendant opened up, Nelson knew Evenson was the right person for the job.
“I offered him the role as a Wellness Attendant because it’s clear how much he loves this place,” Nelson said.
Evenson's joy radiates and reaches both members and staff each day, according to Nelson.
“God built him for a reason,” Nelson said. “He often
Sam LeMar said the trailer’s secondary purpose is for emergency/disaster services responses. During the 2018 Kilauea Lava Flow, no such resource existed when The Salvation Army helped serve some 65,000 meals to impacted residents, and other kitchens needed to be utilized.
Another way The Salvation Army is caring for the downtown Hilo community? Through a six-foot privacy fence to “provide dignity and support to both the businesses on the outside and those sleeping on the inside,” he said.
And dignity is key. Felicia LeMar said many shelter guests are people who are trying to find jobs or are waiting to find housing.
“They’re out there trying to be productive,” she said.
One couple, who is expecting a child, had been staying at the Overnight Safe Space since its opening. Felicia LeMar said they found out Sept. 17 they got housing.
“Temporarily we were that place for them to come and sleep,” she said. NFC
anie Francisco praised Garcia’s dedication, noting the program's positive impact.
“Maria highlights the interns’ strengths and helps them to overcome their weaknesses,” she said. “She encourages the interns to stretch themselves to grow and learn as much as they can to reach their highest potential. Having interns takes a lot of time and work to manage, but Maria gladly gives because she so strongly believes in our youth.”
This year, the program will expand with eight new interns. Along with doing a final project, Garcia plans to have interns create presentations on various topics to benefit the residents.
“I want them to identify a need and create a presentation and find proper information to give to residents,” she said. NFC
things that I went through,” Powers said. “Now, I sit down with participants and set up achievable goals and then support them along the way.”
She said her support ranges from joining women at recovery meetings, taking them shopping for essentials, applying to jobs and practicing household tasks such as laundry and cooking.
“Many people who have been in prison or experienced homelessness don’t think about those things anymore,” Powers said. “I reintroduce these things to them and help them develop new, beneficial habits.”
Powers also works to arrange activities to introduce new ways to have fun in sobriety.
“We go to coffee houses, different museums, spend time outdoors and we even have a river rafting trip planned,” Powers said. “It’s all about learning that there are different ways to live and we
goes above and beyond in his role; he wants to make sure everything goes well and that the members are happy.”
Nelson recalled a time when a Zumba instructor couldn't teach a scheduled class. With Evenson’s extensive Zumba experience, he offered to step in as a substitute to ensure the class continued as planned.
“He creates his own task list that goes beyond his typical job requirements,” said Tracy Marshall, a fellow Wellness Attendant. “He values the missions and goals of the Kroc Center and goes above and beyond to make them a reality.”
don’t have to fall back into the life we already know didn’t work.”
According to participant Leah Whiteplume, Powers' guidance has given her hope.
“I’m in a better place because of WYStepUp and Christi’s support,” Whiteplume said. “I’m becoming who I’m meant to be and it’s all because of this program helping me become stable.”
With the support of the program, Whiteplume has secured a cleaning job with the same company as Creager and recently set up a bank account to begin saving for her future. She said relationships with her family are also improving as a result of her sobriety and new path.
“I’m so appreciative of this program and the support I’ve received,” Whiteplume said. “It’s amazing what happens when you have the right guidance and support." NFC
For Evenson, extending a helping hand and taking on tasks beyond his role comes naturally.
“The Kroc Center is a place that has given a lot to me,” Evenson said. “I’m more than happy to spend my time here and make sure others have that same experience I’ve had.”
Evenson is currently working on getting his Zumba instructor license so that he can begin teaching his own classes at the Kroc Center.
“I love the Kroc Center; it will always have a special place in my heart,” Evenson said. “I just want to do what I can to make it special for others, too.” NFC
COMMISSIONER BILL LUTTRELL, July 4, 1938–Aug. 11, 2024
Commissioner Bill Luttrell was promoted to Glory Aug. 11 from Coronado, California.
Born July 4, 1938, Bill was introduced to Jesus at age 9 through the Greeley (Colorado) Corps’ Sunday school. He entered the School for Officers’ Training (SFOT) in San Francisco from the Greeley Corps and was commissioned with the Courageous Session in 1958.
Luttrell served throughout the Western Territory, first in corps ministry at Long Beach Citadel, California, where he met his future wife, Gwendolyn Shinn. He then served at California’s Chula Vista and Southeast Communities corps, before his marriage to Gwen in 1962 following her commissioning.
Together, the Luttrells served at the Redondo Beach and Inglewood Citadel corps in California before transitioning to Los Angeles family services, where they served at the Army’s Manhattan Project, a residential treatment program for youth struggling with substance abuse. Later, Luttrell served as the men’s chief side officer and as assistant principal at SFOT, where he orchestrated the training school’s 1975 move from San Francisco to Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Luttrell served as Intermountain Divisional Secretary from 1977-1978 before returning to corps ministry at Portland (Oregon) Tabernacle Corps for three years. After a time as Southwest Divisional Secretary, Luttrell served as corps officer at San Diego Citadel and as San Diego County Coordinator until 1986.
Four years of divisional leadership in the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division followed, including expanding the work of the Army to the Marshall Islands. In 1990, Luttrell became SFOT Training Principal then Territorial Secretary for Personnel in 1994. He emphasized ministry to officers and their families, and employees, and was instrumental in estab-
REGISTER TO RING
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lishing the territory’s pastoral care team. He received the rank of colonel in 1995.
Luttrell was appointed Western Territory Chief Secretary in 1998, serving as such until Aug. 1, 1999, when he transferred to International Headquarters as International Secretary for the Americas and Caribbean with the rank of commissioner.
In March 2000, the Luttrells transferred to the Canada and Bermuda Territory as territorial leaders, serving there until their retirement in June 2003. The General briefly reactivated their officership in 2004, appointing them as Western Territory leaders. They retired from this appointment in January 2005 and moved to San Diego.
Again, from retirement, the Luttrells served as Sierra del Mar divisional leaders for the first half of 2011.
Commissioner Bill Luttrell is survived by Commissioner Gwen Luttrell, his wife of 62 years; their daughters, Laura (John) Luttrell-Boyer and Sharon (Fred) Schulze, and four grandchildren.
A celebration of life took place Sept. 15 at the San Diego Kroc Center.
LT. COLONEL GLADYS RILEY, Aug. 14, 1931 – Aug. 29, 2024
Lt. Colonel Gladys Ruth Riley was promoted to Glory Aug. 29 from El Cajon, California.
Born in Bellingham, Washington, Aug. 14, 1931, to Brigadier William and Freda Miller, Gladys had two siblings, Bill and Grace.
Gladys met Dave Riley at the Tacoma (Washington) Corps, and they married there in November 1951, just after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. After a few years in New York, they moved to San Diego. They entered The Salvation Army School for Officers’ Training (SFOT) in San Francisco in January 1959 and were commissioned as officers in June 1959 with the Pioneers Session. They had four children: David, Sheryl, Terri and Douglas.
The Rileys first served in California, three years at the Inglewood Citadel Corps and
aspect of kettles: volunteering. By making it easier to recruit and engage volunteer bellringers, the West aims to boost involvement. Plus, volunteer bell ringers typically net more donations than their paid counterparts.
“It is the hope of the Western Territory, that by utilizing Register to Ring, we will be able to connect more volunteers with opportunities in their local communities to join with The Salvation Army this Red Kettle season,” Riley said. “Every year, our volunteers raise critical funds that support our year-round operations.”
Last year, The Salvation Army provided more than 9 million meals, 3 million nights of lodging and 2 million vouchers for needs, including groceries, clothing and utility assistance in the Western Territory. The funds raised at the kettle support these services in the community in which they were raised.
Register to Ring replaces kettle web, and has functions to make the signup and onboarding process simpler for individuals and groups, along with including options for administrators to send volunteers thank you emails and generate reports on income and bellringers, among other things.
Last year, it was piloted in locations in the Northwest, Southwest, Southern California and Intermountain divisions.
“After piloting the Register to Ring platform in several locations last Christmas season, we are confident that it simplifies the registration process for individuals, producing more volunteers, which then results in an increase to the funds raised to continue our work,” Riley said. “We anticipate an increase in volunteer hours and
two years at the Santa Ana Corps. After divisional appointments in the Southwest, Southern California and Northern California divisions, they served briefly at Territorial Headquarters before moving to Tucson, Arizona, as County Coordinators. Here they also served in Men’s Social Services (now the Adult Rehabilitation Centers). Gladys loved helping those experiencing addiction find recovery.
From Men’s Social Services, the Rileys were appointed divisional leaders, first to the Cascade and then to the Southern California Division. During their final appointment, they opened the Sierra del Mar Division. They retired from active officership in June 1995, after 36 years of active officership. Dave Riley was promoted to Glory Feb. 1, 1996.
Gladys remained active in retirement, serving 28 years—until age 92—at the Santee (California) Thrift Store, encouraging people with her positive outlook and caring spirit. She often attended Wednesday night chapels at the San Diego ARC.
Gladys cared for everyone she met. She was known for her love for the most vulnerable and unloved, and was an advocate for all. Next to her love for Jesus, she fiercely loved her family. Always wanting each of them to love Jesus and to be happy in life, she spent countless hours praying for, encouraging and supporting each one.
Lt. Colonel Gladys Riley is survived by her children: David (Stephanie) Riley, Sheryl (Greg) Vacca, Terri Murphy and Commissioner Douglas (Colleen) Riley; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service took place Oct. 19 in San Diego.
LT. COLONEL MAUD SULLIVAN, July 20, 1937 – Aug. 30, 2024
Lt. Colonel Maud Sullivan was promoted to Glory Aug. 30 from Chico, California, on her 66th wedding anniversary.
Ivy “Maud” Teverbaugh was born July 20, 1937, in Lincoln, Arkansas, to Mar -
funds raised this year and we look forward to what we can do together.”
Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Cindy Foley first used Register to Ring when she was Divisional Commander of the Golden State Division nine years ago. When she was appointed to lead the Northwest Division, she knew she wanted to incorporate the tool into the division’s kettle strategy, which she said is a year-round effort.
“I've been involved in five red kettle campaigns using Register to Ring, and it's been highly successful every year,” she said.
Last year, during the pilot, the Northwest Division had a 12 percent net increase in kettle income over the prior year. And volunteering was up, too, both in number of hours (about a 170 percent increase) and number of volunteers (about a 283 percent increase).
“Register to Ring is part of the success story,” she said. “It's the usability of the tool, the features that Register to
cus Dewey Teverbaugh and Dorothy Schooler. The youngest of six children, she spent her early years in Oklahoma before the family relocated to California, first to Vallejo and then to Stockton. Maud and her sister Verna began attending the Stockton Salvation Army. While in high school, Maud met Jim Sullivan at Camp Redwood Glen. Both attended Azusa Pacific College, where they later married Aug. 30, 1958. After graduation in 1959, they entered the School for Officers’ Training (SFOT) in San Francisco and were commissioned with the Great Hearts Session in 1960.
They first served as corps officers in San Diego before moving to Honolulu, where they oversaw a boys’ school. A move to Prescott, Arizona, as corps officers, followed. During these years they welcomed their children: Patty, Hazel, Robin and James.
The Sullivans served at SFOT before moving to Riverside, California, as corps officers. Appointments as Cascade Divisional Youth Secretaries and Boise (Idaho) corps officers followed. Finally, they were transferred to Las Vegas, where they served as corps officers and Clark County Coordinators for 20 years. There they launched many programs to help people in need, including those addressing homelessness, mental health, recovery and vocational training. During this time, they were promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
They retired in 2002 and settled in Las Vegas. After retirement, Jim continued another six years as Financial Development Director for Las Vegas, before being promoted to Glory in 2018. Maud lived in Las Vegas until 2023, when she moved to Chico to live near her daughter, Robin.
Maud is survived by her children, Patty Kinyon; Hazel Batch-Broyles; Robin Yant; Major James Sullivan; 11 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. A celebration of life took place Sept. 28 at the Las Vegas Salvation Army. NFC
Ring has that we didn't have before…that communication piece, the finance piece, the fact that it's less steps to sign up and you can do it from an app.”
Another feature? Support from Summit Marketing, the creators of Register to Ring, when help is needed.
Foley said it’s the “volunteer army” that makes the red kettle campaign possible, especially with increases in minimum wage. In King County, Washington, where the Northwest Division is headquartered, minimum wage is set to reach $20.29 an hour in 2025.
“We can't afford to pay minimum wage. It just takes too much out of it,” she said.
That’s where Register to Ring comes in as a recruitment tool. Foley said in the Northwest Division, volunteers are encouraged to sign up throughout the year.
In Lewiston, Idaho, Foley said an advisory board member went to a pair of local coffee companies and convinced them to include a Register to Ring volunteer QR code sticker on every beverage cup for two weeks across nine store locations.
The effort contributed to the Lewiston Corps' 737 percent increase in the number of volunteer bellringers in 2023.
According to Foley, the future of kettles is volunteers—and not just for the kettle income.
“If somebody's willing to ring the bell for you and stand out in the cold, that's the best donor possible,” she said. “They're giving their time, which is their most precious resource.”
She said for many volunteers, bell ringing is the entry into further engagement.
“If that person is going to ring a bell, you know that they're going to come and sort toys or sort food,” she said. “We need their help.” NFC
CONSTRUCTION
FROM PAGE 3
In the I-Build program, students worked in teams to build 12 sheds for Church at the Park, an organization serving unhoused individuals in Marion and Polk counties. The sheds will be converted into cottages to shelter those in need.
“Local students, building to help local community members while learning valuable skills for the future is a win for everyone in our community,” said DJ Vincent, Church at the Park founding pastor and CEO.
Frazier is committed to providing workforce development opportunities for youth, noting that many have chosen to opt out of both school and work. A 2023 report identified 11.2 percent of U.S. youth ages
15 to 24 as “NEETS”—Not in Education, Employment or Training—according to the International Labour Organization.
I-Build aims to reach them, providing not only construction skills but school credit recovery in English and math, community college credit, OSHA 10 workplace safety training, first aid and CPR training, WiseMind training in emotional control and decision-making and Oregon Employability Skills.
All this was possible thanks to community connections, including Alex Olsen and Mark Atkinson from Instruction Construction, who taught the kids.
Frazier developed I-Build after a request from Team Oregon Build (TOB) to help with its mission to empower youth through hands-on construction and manufacturing projects. Jim Taylor, Team Oregon Build Agency Lead, said TOB aims to
naloxone (Narcan) distribution (OEND) play a considerable role in reducing overdose deaths.
The Aspen opened in December 2023 to provide housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Each client meets with a case manager before being connected to a housing navigator.
Recognizing that some individuals face challenges with substance use, the shelter prepares to respond to overdoses and provides an on-site medication-assisted treatment clinic. Parrot said when an overdose occurs in or near the building, Smith often takes the lead in responding.
“He’s incredible with our clients,” Parrot said. “Everyone in this building sees that he cares and trusts him.”
In his role, Smith supervises the shelter's operations by walking through all five floors each day. He knows every client's room number, first name and story.
JUSTICE AWARD FROM PAGE 1
merge skills training with community service to address critical housing needs and workforce development.
“The I-Build camp was a hallmark representation of the ecosystem that is TOB… youth who are building skills, building homes, supporting humans in need in their local community,” Taylor said.
The Wall Street Journal reported an uptick in Gen Z youth abandoning the college path to pursue skilled trades, a 16 percent increase in vocational-based training in 2023. The number of students studying construction rose 23 percent.
Frazier said during lunchtime, employers and local dignitaries would visit and talk with the participants, encouraging them and sharing opportunities.
These visits also helped spread the word about I-Build, potentially leading to future funding. Recently, the Kroc Center
“I can look at someone and know if they may be at risk of an overdose,” Smith said, noting they may appear confused and quiet or start to lose color.
If staff members haven’t seen someone during meal times, they conduct a wellness check.
“It gets emotional because you realize how fragile life is,” Smith said. “But that motivates me—knowing I can make a difference in someone's life."
When an overdose is reported, the team collaborates to administer reversal methods while other staff members call 911. The shelter then partners with Stout Street, a drug treatment facility, to provide any medical follow-up for the client.
Parrot noted that the following steps vary for each individual, but many clients continue to receive support from The Aspen.
“If somebody overdoses on site, I would rather bring them back in the building and get them connected to resources than discharge them,” Parrot said.
He said many clients leave the shelter after housing
need of critical support. We are immensely proud of this collaboration and are grateful for this esteemed recognition."
The partnership started in 2020 when Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit, provided a $1,059,721 grant to The Salvation Army to establish a homeless outreach program across California, initially drawing some inspiration from similar programs, like The Salvation Army’s Street Level program in Seattle.
The grant helped The Salvation Army acquire mobile outreach vehicles, fully equip them, and transform them into mobile offices furnished with Wi-Fi—an essential resource for connecting with a population that frequently lacks access.
Today, the Mobile Homeless Outreach vans serve as a touchpoint for increased community engagement. Mobile Homeless Outreach teams in California’s Fresno/Merced Central Valley, San Joaquin, San Bernardino, and San Luis Obispo counties deliver vital support to people experiencing homelessness, with the goal of connecting individuals to essential resources and facilitating their transition toward permanent housing.
“Dignity Health’s partnership with The Salvation Army is a model for how collaboration with like-minded partners can have a big impact,” Dignity Health California President Julie J. Sprengel said in the video presentation. “From access to care to addressing health equity, together we are making a difference. Physicians, residents, social workers, health navigators, translators, substance abuse providers and mental health experts all work together to build trust and connect each person to the services most in need.”
Along the way, the program has expanded its impact beyond the initial goal, resulting in greater collaboration among community groups, which has facilitated a higher awareness and distribution of vital resources.
“Our mobile homeless outreach teams have worked tirelessly to build community partnerships with Dignity hospitals and other agencies so they can collaborate to provide hope, dignity and housing resources to our unhoused neighbors,” said Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent. NFC
WEST OAHU FROM PAGE 6
received a $500,000 grant from Mountain West Center for Community Excellence for I-Build, and a new cohort began Oct. 16. Frazier said the funder recognized it as the perfect program for kids who fall through the cracks.
He recalled the funder asking him how he is able to connect so easily with the youth.
“It’s love,” Frazier told him. “They have to know at a visceral level that you love them, and they won't articulate it. They'll test it to make sure you're real because they can spot a phony a mile away and they disconnect very quickly. If they know you love them, then you can even be hard on them. But you have to do that inside of a relationship…That is the key. It is love.”
Abby Knight, 16, said I-Build gave her the confidence to look for a job.
“And I did it,” she said. “I got the job.” NFC
navigators help them secure permanent housing. They then receive support with moving and acquiring furniture for their new homes.
When a couple who had been living at The Aspen moved into a new apartment in September, they requested Smith’s assistance.
“They were a little nervous and felt most comfortable with him helping them,” Parrot said. “He’s like a friend to everyone; he’s very well-liked."
Smith said earning the trust of others provides him with all the reasons he needs to keep saving lives from overdose.
“Some people experiencing homelessness or addiction think no one will care about them because of their situation,” Smith said. “I tell them right away that I care.”
He said that sometimes, simply smiling and taking the time to sit and talk to someone can go a long way.
“I tell people: ‘Just because right now is bad, tomorrow can be better,’” he said. NFC
them to know it’s not just our teachers and school staff who care about them, it’s members of the community.”
Echelon West Oahu Board Chair Cami Yano, one of the organizers of the event, said she could identify with many students’ situations—she was once in their shoes.
“I was raised by my dad and his parents and if you don’t have the support and someone to inspire and motivate you, it’s really hard to be successful,” she said, adding without key support from her grandma, she doesn’t think she would have persevered.
SUPPORT FROM PAGE 7
give them a chance to connect with those struggling with substance abuse.
Hoogstad said more than 55 individuals attended the inaugural barbecue. In addition, the group hit the streets to conduct outreach, pray for people and distribute 150 hope packets that included information about the ARC.
"Hundreds of people have graduated from the ARC in Honolulu," Hoogstad said. "Part of that longterm recovery is staying connected with the support system that the ARC brings. It shows them that they’re not alone."
For Lazamo, being involved in this way is something he never imagined. “People are asking me to pray for them and they’re confiding in me. It’s amazing and I would have never been able to do this if I hadn’t gotten sober.”
David Chung, Honolulu ARC Alumni President, said getting graduates together for outreach is a
Yano said Inspire Day was her way of giving back, like her grandparents did.
“Students need to understand they were born with a purpose and they were made to do bigger and better things with their life,” she said.
Of particular impact? The testimonies the Echelon Board set up. One featured a board member who shared his story of overcoming alcoholism after going through a program. Now he is able to help others.
Fujimori said it showed that we all have our challenges and struggles but we can push through together.
“I do appreciate the partnership with the Kroc Center,” he said. “They’re very supportive and it’s so good to know we’re not doing this alone.” NFC
way to demonstrate their progress and speak to the success of the program.
“These men have changed their lives around,” Chung said. “They’re eager to get out there, show their transformation and help others. Oftentimes they’re helping people they knew when they were addicted.”
Future alumni family barbecues are scheduled to take place on different islands, with the next one on Maui.
To coordinate similar efforts across the Western U.S., an Alumni Fellowship website was launched for ARC alumni and staff.
“It’s a way to simplify staying connected and maintaining relationships during recovery,” said ARC Donor Development Manager Atticus Firey, who designed the site. “The goal is for ARCs to use the platform to keep recovery going.”
Chung said he plans to use the website in Hawaii to nurture connections years after men graduate.
“It can’t be done alone,” he said. “Staying connected is everything for those in recovery.” NFC
ALASKA
Gateway Corps responds to Ketchikan landslide
Following a deadly landslide that destroyed four homes in Ketchikan, The Salvation Army responded, meeting the immediate needs of those impacted. General Communication, Inc. (GCI), Alaska's largest telecommunications provider, donated 500 pounds of shelf-stable food and $1,000 to The Salvation Army of Ketchikan in addition to hosting a food drive.
“GCI and our staff in Ketchikan are working closely with the local Salvation Army and we hope these contributions help our neighbors as our community recovers from this tragic event,” said Denise Gossman, Manager of GCI Customer Service Sales Operations in Ketchikan.
Captains David and Lucy Vargas are the Gateway Corps Officers.
CASCADE
Unexpected ‘bottle drop’ saves the day in Roseburg
When the Roseburg (Oregon) Corps' plan to fund their campers fell through, Corps Officers Captain Edith Dye-Mabie and Captain Rick Mabie decided to trust God and send them anyway. Help came unexpectedly when Recycle Solutions called hoping to drop off food and recyclables. The Mabies said yes, figuring they’d use the food for the community and take the recyclables to Bottle Drop, where they have a fundraising account. Since that call, Recycle Solutions has made several deliveries—providing enough funds for the campers.
“God has truly provided for us,” Edith Dye-Mabie said. “We are thankful for his provision—even if it was just taking the time to answer a phone call.”
DEL ORO
Christmas comes early to Roseville
The Del Oro Division gave more than 200 toys to the kids for “Christmas in September” at Kaiser’s Women and Children’s Center in Roseville Sept. 13. Guy Farris, Del Oro Divisional Director of Corporate Engagement, introduced the idea when the Kaiser location was unable to participate in “Christmas in July.”
“We figured since The Salvation Army is focused on 365 days of ‘Doing the Most Good’ that Christmas could happen any time of the year, whenever it was needed,” he said.
Roseville Corps Officers Captain Clarissa OchoaOliveira and Lt. Henry Oliveira handed out the gifts. “The gifts will bring smiles to the faces of the children they care for. That’s worth everything to us,” OchoaOliveira said.
GOLDEN STATE
Advisory Board members honored
The San Francisco Advisory Board recently awarded the Certificate of Life Membership to Richard (Dick) Clark, Rick Osgood and Mary Theroux.
A 30-year member, Clark is known as the “godfather” of the Board. Nearly 40 percent of recent members say Clark inspired them to join. Among Osgood’s contributions during his 21 years are the development
of the Bayview Impact Center and the Culinary Training Academy. In Theroux’s 29 years, she helped raise the funds to build the Kroc Center and helped develop The Way Out Initiative, while also serving on the National Advisory Board.
Majors Darren and Mary Norton are Golden State divisional leaders.
HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS
donates
Following the anniversary of the Maui wildfires, The Salvation Army received a $25,000 donation from Hawaii State Federal Credit Union dedicated to the continued recovery efforts. The donation included gifts made by employees during the credit union’s Burgers for a Cause event, a $10,000 donation from Hawaii State FCU and a $5,000 personal donation from Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaii State FCU.
“The Salvation Army Maui has been instrumental in the recovery process, and we are honored to support their ongoing efforts,” Rosen said.
Majors Anie and Troy Trimmer are the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional leaders.
INTERMOUNTAIN
Annual Preparedness Summit in Montana
Emergency Disaster Service personnel from the Intermountain and Northwest divisions gathered in Billings, Montana, for an annual preparedness summit Sept. 20. The group, joined by partners from Montana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and various government agencies, discussed and evaluated recent response and recovery efforts to implement across states. Representatives shared insight on responding to disasters and developed plans for the upcoming year.
Ian Anderson is the Intermountain Emergency/Disaster Services Director.
NORTHWEST
Spokane wildfire survivors go back-to-school shopping
Students impacted by the Gray and Oregon Road wildfires that burned through Spokane, Washington, in August 2023 took part in a back-to-school shopping spree at Old Navy Aug. 21. Organized by The Salvation Army Emergency/Disaster Services, the event allowed high school students to pick out $150 worth of new clothing and shoes.
A year after the fires, Spokane Corps Officer Captain David Cain said some families are still rebuilding their lives. “Long-term recovery work is essential after a disaster," he said. "This is an example of The Salvation Army extending support.”
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDS teams respond to Southern California wildfires
Southern California Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) responded to the Airport, Bridge and Line fires, which burned over 156 square miles across Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties from early September to October. EDS teams provid-
ed meals, essential supplies and emotional and spiritual care to those affected. The Salvation Army served more than 4,400 meals as of Sept. 30.
Nicholas Nguyen is the Southern California EDS Director.
SOUTHWEST
Tempe debuts Street Level van
The Tempe (Arizona) Corps launched the Southwest Division’s first Street Level mobile outreach van, which draws inspiration from the Seattle Street Level program. The Tempe program will address immediate and long-term needs of people experiencing homelessness or living in marginalized conditions.
Corps Officer Captain Brittany Baker said the first few months of the program have gone well. "Street Level aims to instill hope by providing outreach and engagement, necessities and wellness, case management and support, and community integration and advocacy,” she said.
ARCC
Whittier Family Store opens
A new Salvation Army Family Store opened in Whittier, California, Sept. 5. Shoppers can explore a unique mix of new items, resale products and vintage finds. Proceeds from the store will support the operations of The Salvation Army Long Beach Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).
Majors Mark and Noelle Nelson are the ARC Command leaders.
CFOT
Golden State Division welcomes cadets
Three cadet brigades traveled to the Golden State Division for their Fall Blitz Oct. 11–13. The Soldiers of Salvation headed to the Watsonville Corps; Champions of the Covenant to Santa Clara Citadel Corps; and Crusaders of Joy to Salinas Corps. The cadets led programs, preached God’s Word, shared testimonies, taught Bible studies and met needs.
CFOT Assistant Training Principal Captain Joy Groenleer said the hope is that “the cadets be the hands and feet of Jesus, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and help them in meeting our mission to love and serve others.”
Major Terry Masango is CFOT Training Principal. NFC
Credit Union
$25,000 to Maui relief
Advent Paper Chain
Join the 25-day Advent paper chain from Caring Magazine
Christmas: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But it is also a season full of increased busyness.
This resource from Caring Magazine invites you into a simple rhythm with your people to help focus on the love we receive and share at Christmas.
The (refreshed for 2024) 25-day Advent paper chain offers three daily prompts: a verse to read, a moment to reflect and a way to pray.
New this year: Updated Grown-up Guide and paper chain materials!
Weekly Themes
Week 1: We love God (December 1-7)
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).
Week 2: We love our neighbors (December 8-14)
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
Week 3: We love our city (December 15-21)
“Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:11–12).
Week 4: We love our world (December 22–25) Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18).
DOWNLOAD YOUR NEW ADVENT PAPER CHAIN!
Get on the list to get the free resource at caringmagazine.org/advent.
