strengthening communities
Strengthening communities is a hallmark of The Salvation Army — and we do it by being a part of the communities we serve. Our 13 Chicago area community centers are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities in which we work.
Each community center offers a wide range of programs reaching all ages from children to seniors. There are counseling programs to help the individual and to strengthen families, and ministry to body, mind and spirit. Centers serving Hispanic populations offer ESL as entry to mainstream success. Performing arts and music instruction provide avenues to explore talent and potential — and health and wellness programs tend to the body and mind.
Last year, with a total attendance of more than 200,000, Salvation Army Community Centers provided worship, fellowship, education and recreational activities. In addition, there was a total attendance of 13,000 at Salvation Army leadership training and character development programs for youth.
It is said a people can be judged by how it serves its young and it's old. In addition to programs for children and youth, The Salvation Army provides an array of services for Senior Citizens. These include affordable housing for seniors at The Salvation Army's Booth Manor, and home-delivered and 20 meal sites for Seniors throughout the Chicagoland area. Last year alone, Salvation Army personnel and volunteers brought hope and cheer to more than 35,000 Chicago-area shut-ins and patients at hospitals and nursing homes.
In total, there were 1200 Salvation Army program sessions for older adults providing fellowship, recreation, education and spiritual growth with a total attendance of more than 31,000.
Strengthening one life at a time is how The Salvation Army fulfills its mission to strengthening communities.