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SALVATION:
DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER, LOSS OR RUIN
The Salvation Army is one of the largest social service providers in the United States, and yet there seems to be so many misconceptions about what it is they actually do and who they serve.
Over the years, I’ ve heard many people say The Salvation Army hates certain groups of people, refuses services to marginalized people, and so on. This could not be further from the truth, and I have seen the Captains in this community go above and beyond for all of our neighbors. I have established personal relationships with two sets of our local Salvation Army Captains over the past 15 years. We have partnered on many projects together, worked together during events, and I’ m on their Advisory Board. The belief of The Salvation Army is that all people are truly created equal and that the world is enriched by a diversity of cultures and ethnicities. In fact, their nondiscrimination policy is as follows:
In providing its programs and services, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.
The Salvation Army and its soldiers are true believers in helping people. That’ s the way it was designed and that’ s the way it has operated since its creation in 1852 when
William and Catherine Booth abandoned the concept of a traditional church and took to the streets of London to actually help the poor, the homeless, and the hungry. Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunks were the first to join this new mission in the fight for the lost souls of men and women. In just 10 years, they had over 1,000 volunteers in their“ army.” One of The Salvation Army’ s most famous founders was
“ Joe the Turk.” He was considered obnoxious, colorful, and a rule breaker who was consistently jailed for his antics, but was known as a spiritual father to thousands.
“ Sharing is Caring” is a long-standing motto that perfectly describes the partnership between The Salvation Army and their local communities. The iconic Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 by Captain Jo-
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