Service Schedule Corps Life Outreach Salvation Army, Intl.
SERVICE AREA
The
State College Salvation Army Corps serves the emergency needs of residents
within all State College zip codes, as well as Port Matilda, Boalsburg, Pine
Grove Mills and Lemont. Families in crisis throughout Centre County are
also considered on an exception basis.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Families and individuals
are provided with basic human services in crisis situations, such as housing
and utility payments, as well as emergency vouchers for food, gas, and
occasional prescriptions. These services are funded entirely by the Red
Kettle campaign and private donations; and are offered in an atmosphere of
dignity and respect, without discrimination.
CASE
MANAGEMENT PROCESS
First
Contact
…Clients are often referred by local churches and organizations, as well as
by other human service agencies. Many also initiate contact themselves,
because of the Salvation Army’s reputation for compassion and service in
times of need. An appointment with the Case Manager is required so that all
clients can receive the attention they deserve.
Needs Assessment … Regardless of their expressed needs, all clients are interviewed to determine the extent of their need in the circumstances they are experiencing. Their documented income and expenses are analyzed to determine eligibility for any appropriate low-income programs, and often help is given in completing the necessary forms.
Budgeting Ideas … This analysis process can sometimes help to identify areas where clients might reallocate some of their resources to achieve a more secure situation over time. Occasionally, suggestions are given for making an immediate change in spending patterns because of the current crisis.
Collaboration Efforts … When specialized services are indicated, referrals are made to a variety of community agencies and organizations. If an individual client’s financial need is too great, the participation of other agencies in the Community Safety Net is welcome. Assistance from area churches is also a common occurrence.
EMERGENCY LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
In cooperation with the 24 Hour Community Help Centre, the Salvation Army also funds emergency lodging and bus fares for transients with no means of their own, or local residents who are unexpectedly without shelter.
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
Rehabilitation Services … Referrals to Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centers can be provided for those seeking recovery from drug and alcohol problems.
Summer Camp … Programs for children and teens are held at the Salvation Army PennDel District’s beautiful Camp Ladore in the Pocono Mountains. The cost for each camper is funded primarily with Corps monies.
“Backpack to School” … Eligible families often consider the shopping expedition for new school clothes as the highlight of our annual “Backpack to School” event. The children also receive new backpacks and school supplies, and the whole family is included in a celebration picnic complete with games, prizes, clowns and balloons.
Christmas Angel Trees …The Salvation Army’s Christmas programs are well supported in our community. One of the most recognized is the Christmas Angel Tree program. Area businesses host special trees decorated with Angel tags. These tags contain the first names and some specific gift wishes of children from eligible families in our service area. Local individuals then take the tags and purchase gifts for those specific children.
The Salvation Army then collects the gifts, adding to them as needed, to bless all children within a family equally. The gifts are then distributed to the parents, so that they can personally give them to their children for Christmas.
More Christmas Blessings … Bountiful Christmas meals are also provided to all families served at Christmas, and a number of children are selected each year to participate in the Sheetz Family Christmas Program. Christmas is also a time of year when unexpected gifts, such as quantities of hams and turkeys, might arrive from area businesses or organizations. The Corps is quick to pass along these blessings to struggling families.
Disaster Services … Whenever disaster strikes, everyone knows that the Salvation Army is there to help. The local Corps Officers channeled local funds and material donations to emergency distribution sites after the September 11th terrorist attacks.
They also served tirelessly on the streets of New York City at that time, and returned again in April 2002 to join in the Salvation Army’s continuing support there. They are prepared to face whatever challenges are presented within their own service area as well.
“HEART TO GOD, HAND TO MAN”
Faith in Action … In whatever capacity the Salvation Army serves, it offers a shining example of faith in action. The local Corps participates with other Christian outreaches such as a community Thanksgiving dinner, Bless the Fest (for the Arts Festival), and Fifth Quarter Servants (after the PSU football games).
New Opportunities … In addition to these currently offered programs and social services, the Salvation Army is always seeking new opportunities to offer a helping hand within its service area.
Memberships …Community Safety Net, Centre County Council for Human Services, Centre County FEMA Board, Vision Centre Region, and Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who supports the Salvation Army? The State College Salvation Army Corps is supported and maintained completely by membership and public donations. Our Corps Officers are the chief administrators of our local Salvation Army Service and Worship Center.
Who helps the Corps Officers? There may be a few paid employees (in our case, the bookkeeper and case manager), but volunteers who give freely of their time and resources do the majority of the work of the Salvation Army.
How can I help the Salvation Army? Financial gifts are always a way to help, regardless of the size of the gift. You can also volunteer your time and talents to assist the Salvation Army in carrying out its mission.
Although we do not have a local thrift store at present, gently used clothing can be deposited in our white bins located behind “Best Event” on North Atherton St. and behind the Quik-Fill Gas Station in Boalsburg. To arrange for pick-up of other donations, please call (814) 946-3645.
What motivates the Salvation Army?
A passionate love for God and a concern for the needs of all humanity.
“To help the poor, to minister to them
in their slums, to sympathize with them in their poverty, afflictions, and
irreligion, was the natural outcome that came to my soul through believing
in Jesus Christ.” William
Booth, who, along with his wife Catherine, founded the Salvation Army in
1865.
