SALVATION ARMY CORPS AND RELIEF DEPARTMENT

SALVATION ARMY CORPS AND RELIEF DEPARTMENT. The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church was established in London in 1865 by William Booth. It has been supporting those in need without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly thirty million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army annually through social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Eighty-two cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. (1)

Developed by The Salvation Army, the Pathway of Hope is an approach providing targeted services to families with a desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and enable a path out of inter-generational poverty. Through the use of strengths-based case management, it is designed to build upon the capabilities of families and empower them to overcome barriers. As families begin to move along the pathway toward sufficiency, raising hope is an integral part of the process. By targeting families with children, the impact of the program is doubled, in that two generations are touched by one program. Additional Services: Christmas Program; Food Pantry; Senior Citizen Center (2) The Dubuque Corps of the Salvationists offer the same ministries as the international organization provides more than 300 countries.

The Dubuque organization began in 1885 and since 1971 has operated from a building at 11th and Iowa STREETS. The Robert Wahlert Memorial Chapel opened within the complex in 1973 offers Sunday praise and worship services. (3)

Membership in the organization included adherents, soldiers and officers. Adherents consider the Salvation Army their place of worship. Soldiers sign a declaration of faith, practice "Articles of War," and give volunteer service. They enlist for two-years of training and upon graduation are ordained ministers, commissioned officers, and are appointed to a place of service. In 2007 membership locally and across the United States in the 1,285 centers was stagnant while new members in developing countries "skyrocketed." (4)

While membership held steady, need locally rose. In 2007 records indicated that 75 more families than in 2006 asked for assistance. At Christmas, 560 families received 3,400 toys and food. Hundreds of seniors annually use recreational and educational opportunities at the Army's senior center, all free of charge. (5)

Half of the operating budget comes from donation made in the red kettles manned during the Christmas season. The remaining half comes from grants, United Way and direct mailing appeals. (6)

The 1987 through 1993 Dubuque City Directory listed 1099 Iowa.

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Source:

1. "Salvation Army," United Way. Online: http://dbqunitedway.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=57782

2. Ibid.

3. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Soldiers of Christ," Telegraph Herald, January 27, 2007, p. 1D

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. Ibid.