New Frontier Chronicle September/October 2025 | Vol. 43, No. 05

CARI collaboration nets national award

CARI collaborates with HUD to improve websites, help millions facing housing insecurity.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

What good is information if it’s not easily accessible to those who need it most? That’s the problem

The Salvation Army Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sought to solve through a recent collaboration that streamlined the user experience across HUD webpages.

The result? A simpler, more user-friendly website—and a 2025 “Service to the Citizen Award.”

The national award, which CARI was named as a co-recipient of in the “delivering excellence in digital services” category, honors “exemplary public servants who excel in delivering impactful services that positively affect the lives of the public.”

Other winners include leaders from the U.S. State Department, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of the Treasury—all chosen by a selection committee composed CARI PAGE 11

READY TO LEARN

AT&T laptop giveaway prepares Long Beach students for back to school.

BY HALEY OSNESS

Excitement buzzed through The Salvation Army Long Beach (California) Red Shield July 21, as 150 eighth-grade graduates from nearby Jackie Robinson Academy gathered to receive refurbished laptops, new earbuds and backpacks filled with school supplies—all to gear up for their freshman year of high school.

For recipient Princess Smith, the new laptop meant a fresh start with fewer obstacles.

“I feel prepared for the new school year,” she said. “It will be easier to work on assignments and study at home.”

Her mom, Angie Smith, said her daughter is dedicated to her education and learning, but her old laptop had stopped working.

“It makes me happy to see she has what she needs now. It takes some of the stress of buying one off my shoulders,” she said, adding the device will also help her daughter stay connected to friends.

The effort is part of AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative, carried out in collaboration with Human I-T—a nonprofit that

refurbishes tech devices—that aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to technology and the internet.

During a tour of the Long Beach Red Shield, AT&T staff learned that many students of Jackie Robinson Academy, which is less than a mile away, participate in the Red Shield’s programs and clubs.

Recognizing that many of the would-be incoming high school students lacked laptops, AT&T selected the school for the donation, celebrating students in June with a graduation event where they received certificates to redeem for the laptops at the July 21 event.

“Connectivity has become a key to nearly every door of op-

portunity, but millions of Americans still don’t have access to high-speed internet, can’t afford it or have the know-how to use it,” said AT&T External Affairs Area Manager Carmen Shoemaker.

The laptops come preloaded with Human I-T software and support, making it easy for

West hosts 75 th Brengle Holiness Institute

Normally held in Chicago, the annual retreat came to Crestmont.

BY KAREN GLEASON

The Salvation Army’s annual Brengle Holiness Institute held its 75th session June 16–25 at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Typically held in the Central Territory, this year, due to renovations at the Training College in Chicago, the Western Territory hosted the gathering.

The 10-day intensive, named for Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle (1860–1936), offered an opportunity for 72 officers from across the U.S. to deepen their understanding of holiness theology, spiritual disciplines and the calling to Christlike living.

To attend, each delegate was initially

Brengle Holiness Institute 75th Session

|PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

BRENGLE PAGE 12

Princess Smith picks up her laptop from Nyla Davis, Miss South Bay Volunteer at The Salvation Army Long Beach (California) Red Shield.

|PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

Knutson retires

Vincents visit Zimbabwe

Colonels Eddie and Genevera Vincent, Western Territory Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively, traveled to the Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar Territory to be guest speakers for the territory’s officers’ councils, held April 16-19, and made possible by the financial support of the USA Western Territory.

The vibrancy of faith and joy of service were on full display as 600 officers congregated at Howard High School for the event—the first time in five years that officers from the territory were able to come together.

“Although we were assigned to bring teaching and inspiration to the delegates, we probably received the greatest blessings,” Eddie Vincent said. “The faith and dedication of the officers in the Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar Territory, despite serving with a significant lack of resources, was an inspiration and encouragement to our hearts. We thank God for the witness of this contin-

General calls for peace in Gaza

gent of officers to the faithfulness and goodness of God.” “A Season of Prayer and Commitment,” the 2025 territorial theme, became the theme of the councils and focus of the various teaching sessions. Under the leadership of Territorial Leaders Commissioners Daniel and Tracey Kasuso, officers were excited to be together again, filling the school auditorium to capacity, with an outside overflow seating area utilized as well.

For the delegates present, officers’ councils were a much-appreciated time of dwelling on the Word of God, enjoying rich fellowship and being renewed and refreshed in their spirits. Many expressed deep appreciation for the generosity of the USA Western Territory for making the gathering possible.

Following the officers’ councils, the Vincents spoke at Chitungwiza Corps in Harare during the weekly holiness meeting. NFC

“Territorial Headquarters celebrated the retirement of Director of Communications and Brand Management Deborah Knutson June 30 after more than 30 years of service in the Community Relations and Development (CRD) department.

“From the beginning, Deb saw her role to be that of champion for the divisional public relations and marketing staff. She worked for them and was passionate about helping equip them to be productive and successful in their jobs for the good of the Army,” said Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent. “She’s been part of every major communication and marketing initiative for three decades and we thank her for the part she played in promoting and protecting The Salvation Army’s public image.” NFC

The Salvation Army International Headquarters issued a statement on Gaza July 29, which can be found on its website. “The promise of Jesus is that peace is possible,” said General Lyndon Buckingham. “My heartfelt prayer is that peace will be immediate and comprehensive in Gaza and throughout the world; that the desolation will cease and a profound goodwill towards one another will shape the future of humankind. Amid the complexity, I urge the citizens of the world to pray for peace and a new desire to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” NFC

Salvation Army responds to catastrophic flooding in Texas

We held onto the truth that God, he doesn’t need a perfect condition to move, and that he brings streams to the wasteland and that it fills us with steady sustaining hope.

Now at a Salvation Army newsstand near you: “Hope in Action,” Caring’s 2025 print magazine. HOPE IN ACTION

Salvation Army Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) teams responded after the July 4 flooding of the Guadalupe River in Central Texas, serving 6,563 hot meals, 43,331 drinks and 46,128 snacks to survivors and first responders, as of late July. Additionally, EDS teams have provided 2,670 emotional and spiritual care contacts, and benefited from more than 6,500 service hours from dedicated individuals.

“The Salvation Army is committed to being a constant presence, offering not just physical support, but also a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and a reminder that no one is alone in this,” said USA National Commander Commissioner Merle Heatwole. NFC

—Commissioner Colleen Riley, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, on The Do Gooders Podcast Episode 230: Hope through the generations

Listen to the interview here:

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Kevin Dobruck, Art Director 562/491-8328 • kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org caringmagazine.org

new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org

Colonels Vincent standing with Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Madagascar territorial leadership. Officers gathered for session at Howard High School.

Colonels Eddie and Genevera Vincent outside the Chitungwiza Corps

Walmart helps hardworking families prepare for back to school in Denver

BY HILLARY JACKSON

Inside The Salvation Army Distribution Center in Aurora, Colorado, two teams of volunteers from Walmart formed assembly lines, competing against each other to see who could fill more backpacks with school supplies July 19.

At the end of the day, the total was read: One team filled 1,050 bags, the other, 450.

The objections were audible, Walmart Market People Partner Zach Christenberry said—the second team’s number seemed too low. They were invested.

“Faces were filled with surprise, and there were groans and protests that the numbers couldn’t be right,” Christenberry said. “Later, we discovered that a count sheet had been missed. With the corrected total, we learned that 2,015 backpacks had been filled, making the competition much closer between both teams.”

The spirited competition among the 50 Walmart volunteers was part of The Salvation Army’s Stuff the Bus campaign in the Denver metro area. Through Stuff the Bus, The Salvation Army partners with local retailers, including several Walmart locations, to collect school supplies for children in need, lightening the financial load for hardworking families.

In Denver, it’s not the first time the groups have collaborated. Last year, Walmart held a coat drive to benefit those living in The Salvation Army’s shelters in addition to participating in giving back during Christmastime and volunteering at several Salvation Army locations.

“Walmart associates are always eager to support their communities,” Christenberry said. “Since our associates both work and live in these neighborhoods, the people we’re helping are not just customers—they’re also neighbors and friends. This

Echelon Hawaii’s Red Pencil Project supports third graders

The year-long lesson on community teaches third graders skills they can practice for life.

BY KELLY DAWSON

Lisa Yamada-Son remembers how her dad would gently push her to volunteer with The Salvation Army. But she had a full-time job in construction and little kids at home, and felt as though her schedule was packed enough. He kept trying anyway—he volunteered for 30 years—and mentioned Echelon, The Salvation Army’s emerging professionals arm.

It was where Yamada-Son met Tatianna Mulitauaopele when she finally agreed to go check things out two years ago.

“I knew that once I committed to it, I would be all in,” Yamada-Son said. “Tatianna and I are similar in that way.”

Mulitauaopele began volunteering in 2018 and also works full-time in construction, but said that she was looking for more

ways to get involved beyond the holidays.

So, as part of Echelon Hawaii, Mulitauaopele and Yamada-Son set out to do just that. They’re part of the Red Pencil Project, an Echelon initiative that supports third graders at two underserved schools in Honolulu, with about 100 students in all.

“It’s important for these students to know that there are grown ups that care about them and want to pour into them,” Mulitauaopele said. “You know the old saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child?’ This program is a great example of that.”

The Red Pencil Project started about a decade ago as a simple fundraiser, but has since grown into a year-long program with four distinct hands-on activities that center around four core values: generosity, kindness, compassion and service.

Yamada-Son and Mulitauaopele aim to ensure that each hour-long visit makes a lasting impact for an age group

that’s just learning about what it means to be a part of a community.

“They’re shy in the beginning, but eventually, they get to know us, we get to know them, and they open up their little personalities,” Yamada-Son said. “Then they see us and say, ‘Hi, Miss Tati! Hi, Miss Lisa!’ and we can see how excited they are for the lesson.”

The first visit, generosity, is expressed in backpacks stuffed with donated school supplies and a $100 gift card for each classroom. The second visit focuses on kindness and takes place before Thanksgiving. The students are given a “Be Kind” book in partnership with Read to Me International, which is read aloud, and are asked to color placemats for The Salvation Army’s annual dinner.

“We’ll ask them questions about how they want others to feel on this holiday, which encourages them to think outside of themselves,” Mulitauaopele said. “At the same time, it was such a highlight to be able to give them a book to take home, since these kids don’t often have their own.”

The third lesson, compassion, starts with handing out motivational bracelets for each student as quiet reminders that they’re brave and kind. Then they’re asked to build kits that exemplify putting themselves in someone else’s shoes— Yamada-Son actually leads the lesson by taking hers off.

The “kits” are filled with toiletries donated by a local hotel, finished with handdrawn notes, and then sent to The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

“The kids always know where their work is going,” Mulitauaopele said. “They’re part of the circle that uplifts the community.”

The fourth lesson, service, helps clean up their campuses. And to cap off the Red Pencil Project, the fifth and final visit gives a “you make a difference pin” to each student, while one in particular receives the “doing the most good” award alongside a $50 gift card and a scholarship to summer camp at Camp Homelani, The Salvation Army’s camp on Oahu’s North Shore.

“Our ultimate goal with Red Pencil is to be able to direct kids to attend Camp Homelani, because this is where we believe kids will experience a truly life-changing, transformational experience,” said Yamada-Son.

Throughout the year, the Echelon members monitor participants’ character and involvement with the Red Pencil Project.

“At the end of every visit, we remind them to look out for who is being the most generous, the kindest, and so on,” Mulitauaopele said. “It’s a reminder to keep these skills up after each visit, but then it plays into that final day.”

Yamada-Son agrees, adding, “The

The Western Territorial Youth Department held Anthem Aug. 4-9 at Camp Redwood Glen in Scotts Valley, California. Themed “Nothing Else,” the week-long event for young adults 18-28 served as a safe place for some 160 delegates to experience community and discover what it means to live out the story of Jesus in their lives. Anthem featured games, faith-centered workshops, outdoor activities like ziplining and even a “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”

Walmart team members helped fill backpacks at The Salvation Army Distribution Center July 19.

|PHOTO COURTESY THOMAS GONZALEZ

Members of Echelon Hawaii volunteer at a pair of underserved elementary schools through the Red Pencil Project. |PHOTO COURTESY LISA YAMADA-SON

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Alaska Division offers two new teen camp options

BY HILLARY JACKSON

This summer, the Alaska Division’s King’s Lake Camp in Wasilla changed up its teen camp programming July 14-18. That week, teen boys participated in Teen vs. Wild, an Alaskan adventure exploring the Kenai River, hiking local terrain and strengthening faith through team-building experiences. Meanwhile, at camp, teen girls could participate in Brave Camp, a blend of empowering activities from outdoor adventures to creative workshops that fostered personal growth, confidence and lasting friendships.

Teen vs. Wild

If you drive through certain stretches of Alaska during the summer, you might spot people standing in and alongside the river, long poles in hand. At the end of the poles are large, round nets designed to help fishers catch their allotment of fish to be cleaned, stored and eaten as nutritious protein.

This process is called dipnetting, and it’s only available to Alaska residents. Captain Brandon Kyle learned about the technique during his time as Kenai Corps Officer—the Kenai Peninsula is one of Alaska’s most popular sport fishing locations.

When Kyle was appointed as Alaska Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary with his wife, Captain Monica Kyle, they evaluated unique opportunities for summer camp offerings. Dipnetting came to mind.

“Why wouldn’t we take advantage of this unique knowledge?” Brandon Kyle said. “We asked God what we have experienced so far that we can use.”

Enter: Teen vs. Wild: Boys Fishing Camp. The inaugural offering had 11 teens

“ I THINK IT WAS LIFE-CHANGING FOR THE BOYS, THEY’VE GOTTEN TO EXPERIENCE THINGS AS A GROUP OF TEEN BOYS THAT THEY PROBABLY WOULDN’T EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE OF CAMP.

—Troy Cook, Leader In Charge Mat-Su Valley Corps

between the ages of 13-16 participate.

The week was designed to help young men grow in faith, leadership and outdoor skills through dipnetting, hiking and other fun activities—a localized take on The Salvation Army’s traditional wilderness camps.

Kyle said many of the campers, who came from throughout the state, hadn’t fished before. Several had backgrounds that included foster care or were growing up with their lives in flux.

“They’re kids that benefit from the experience and the fish,” he said, noting campers took the fish home to their families at the end of the session.

Dipnetting is a process. Once a fish or multiple fish swim into the five-foot wide net, a tug of war ensues, requiring fishers to stay in control of the 12-foot long pole to bring the fish in. Kyle said everyone caught at least three fish themselves during the week.

“They really had a blast,” he said. “You could see at the beginning they were hesitating… by the end they just were beaming and so proud—the transformation from not confident and being very confident in themselves.”

In addition to dipnetting, campers got to participate in rod and reel shore

fishing and learn how to safely clean and pack fish.

For Gene, 13, the youngest camper in the group, processing fish was something he’d wanted to learn more about.

“I learned how to [subdue] a fish and how to vacuum seal it and properly take care of it and prep it,” he said.

Outside of the fishing-related activities, campers participated in tent camping at the Kenai Corps, arcade and group games at Extreme Fun Center, an ice cream outing and a showing of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

“I think it was life-changing for the boys,” said Mat-Su Valley Corps Leader In Charge Troy Cook, one of the leaders for the week. “They’ve gotten to experience things as a group of teen boys that they probably wouldn’t experience outside of camp.”

Brave Camp

When 18 young women came to the inaugural Brave Camp, they were unsure of what to expect.

They left feeling empowered, loved and cared for, said Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary Captain Heather Pope. Brave events are part of The Salvation Army’s programming for young women ages 11-18, with recent events held in places including San Diego.

At Brave events, girls are supported with fun activities, community resources and positive and uplifting messages from individuals who have walked through adversity. The goal? Empowering them to stay safe.

“Brave has become an important part of The Salvation Army’s programming in the West as we recognize the need to empower our young women to understand their worth in the world, the church, but also in the eyes of God,” said Territorial Social Justice Ministries Director Jacqui Larsson. “This generation of girls needs to understand the dangers that exist in our society more than ever and also understand that there is a safe

Teens experience camp in Alaska. Top: Teen vs. Wild boys fishing camp, bottom: Brave Camp PHOTOS COURTESY BRANDON KYLE AND HEATHER POPE

&A

Meet The Salvation Army’s Director of Volunteer Engagement in the West

Tiffany Wortley aims to intentionally leverage individuality among volunteers.

So often, Salvation Army volunteers are referred to as the army behind the Army—a vital support system that allows The Salvation Army to meet human needs and fulfill its mission.

Tiffany Wortley knows the rich resource this army can be. In July, she became the new Territorial Director of Volunteer Engagement, bringing over 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to volunteerism and community engagement to the post.

In her previous roles—including District Manager of Girl Experience at Girl Scouts of Central California, Director of Mobilization at the Fresno Rescue Mission and Director of Community Outreach at Mission Church— she led transformative initiatives that strengthened volunteer programs across multiple campuses, churches and communities.

“Tiffany’s strategic mindset, operational expertise and heart for service make her a tremendous asset to our team and to the field,” said Territorial Executive Director of Development Maria Todaro.

Wortley spoke with New Frontier about the power of volunteers and how she hopes to deepen volunteer engagement across the West.

1. What is your earliest memory of connecting with The Salvation Army?

My earliest memory of The Salvation Army comes from when I was 4 years old. I remember I had just found out that there were kids in my city who didn’t have stuffed animals, and I was horrified. I immediately went through my room, collecting my favorite ones, insisting my mom figure out how to get them to these kids. It was then that I learned about this amazing group of people called The Salvation Army, and I remember feeling so relieved that there were people helping those in need.

2. What is one way you identify with what The Salvation Army brand promises?

I love people. I love hearing their stories, laughing with them, crying with them and lending them a helping hand. I believe that each person is a masterpiece, created on purpose, for a purpose, with a story to tell and a unique contribution to make to the world. Over the past 17 years, I have had the opportunity to lead

thousands of volunteers, and I truly believe that we are better together. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing people come together to love their neighbors, and this is seen so clearly here at The Salvation Army. I am blown away by the many ways in which this Army of people treat others with dignity, meet needs without discrimination, and commit themselves to ‘doing the most good.’

3. Describe a moment in your early life that deeply influenced you and, in some way, perhaps led you to the work you do today. When I was in middle school, I lost my dad to cancer. It turned my world upside down, and yet in the midst of one of my darkest seasons, there were moments of such incredible light. Family, friends and neighbors surrounded and supported us, showing us the love of the Heavenly Father in very real, tangible ways. I vowed then and there to dedicate my life to sharing that love with others. I told the Lord I would go wherever he wanted me to go and do whatever he wanted me to do. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work and

2025 SERVICE CORPS

Teams traveled to Tanzania, Marshall Islands, Atlanta

This year, 15 young adults participated in Service Corps, a Salvation Army missions program for young adults ages 18-28 to engage in sacrificial Christian service. The West had three teams with members from across the territory—as well as one team member from the UK and Ireland Territory—who traveled to the USA Southern Territory, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tanzania.

“All three teams are returning home with a renewed sense of purpose as they follow Christ with stronger hearts and a new missional imagination,” said Young Adult Ministries and Missions Director Mathijs Arens. Every Service Corps trip is different, just as every host location is different. Here is what the groups did:

Marshall Islands

The team led youth in devotions, games, VBS ministry, troops emblems, dance classes and more. “One of the greatest lessons I’m bringing back is the posture of joy,” said Maya Morrow. “From the moment I arrived in the Marshall Islands, I was in awe

of the sheer joy that radiated from everyone. Smiles stretched from ear to ear, laughter carried across the streets, and praise to God flowed so naturally it felt like a glimpse of heaven.”

Tanzania

The team traveled to 10 corps and outposts in southwest Tanzania to engage people in topics of holiness, evangelism and church growth. ”The most impactful part of Service Corps this year for me was the youth ministry we did. Fifty percent of Tanzania’s population is ages 14 and under, yet they had no real youth ministry in their churches,” said Ethan Larsson. “We were faced with the task of bringing fun and games to a group of children who never really had the opportunity to be kids. We taught them games, gave out candy, led Sunday school songs and even played sports with them. Seeing their smiles and laughter was something I’ll never forget.”

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

The team supported a variety of ministries and programs, including summer camp, VBS, thrift stores, food pantries and more. NFC

volunteer in a variety of different roles, but that commitment remains the same. The cry of my heart will forever be, Here I am Lord, send me (Isaiah 6:8).

4. What do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth for The Salvation Army when it comes to volunteerism?

Volunteers who are truly engaged with the mission become the heart and soul of an organization. They are the boots on the ground, the hands and feet of Jesus—their impact measured not just in the work they accomplish, but in the lives they impact. Not only that, but research shows that volunteers become our biggest advocates and strongest donors. Those who witness firsthand the impact of an organization and the difference their contribution makes naturally begin educating their community, raising awareness and support, and are 66 percent more likely to donate financially themselves.

Volunteers can be our greatest resource—if we are willing to truly invite them in. I believe our biggest opportunity lies in welcoming volunteers with open arms, being intentional about helping them engage and belong, and creating space for them to make personal, meaningful contributions to the organization.

5. How do you hope to deepen volunteer engagement in the West?

One of the best ways to deepen volunteer engagement is to look beyond the tasks and recognize the talent. So often volunteers are celebrated for the strength they bring in numbers, while the value they bring individually goes overlooked. Don’t get me wrong—nobody can stack boxes, stuff envelopes or move tables better than a group of dedicated volunteers. Yet, they are so much more than that. Each person who volunteers has a passion that drives them, experiences that shape them and a unique set of gifts and abilities that they bring to the table. I have seen time and again that when we are intentional about recognizing and leveraging not just how much time a person can give, but who that person is, our ministry begins to flourish in ways we never thought possible.

6. What are trends in volunteerism that you think The Salvation Army could benefit from?

In recent years, we have seen a shift in how people

Tiffany Wortley

|PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

The Service Corps team in Tanzania. | PHOTO COURTESY TERRITORIAL YOUTH DEPARTMENT

ARC partnership leads to art at SeaWorld

Students craft ocean murals with recycled clothes from The Salvation Army.

BY HALEY OSNESS

A crowd gathered in front of the Dolphin Amphitheater at SeaWorld San Diego June 8, their voices growing louder as they counted down from five.

At zero, a black curtain dropped, revealing two murals created by students from Otis College of Art and Design and Santa Monica College—each crafted from donated clothing provided by The Salvation Army—in celebration of World Oceans Day.

The murals depict underwater scenes with otters, whales, sharks and turtles, while bold letters state:

“Make Waves, Not Waste.”

A closer look reveals the artwork is composed of socks, swimsuits, denim, mesh and other fabrics, carefully stitched and layered to create a textured depth that mimics life underwater.

As the audience viewed the mural, The Salvation Army Western Territorial Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) Commander Lt. Colonel Mark Nelson addressed the crowd.

“Together, we are addressing two major challenges: ocean pollution and textile waste through creativity, community and education,” he said. “The murals are a celebration of second chances for people and the planet.”

The collaborative project aims to highlight the power of fresh starts through art while aligning with the work of Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC), which rely on thrift store sales to fund efforts that help individuals rebuild their lives.

“Through the use of end-of-life clothing that did not sell in our thrift stores, we’re raising awareness that everything we throw away doesn’t really go away,” said ARC Command Regional Donations Coordinator Bianca Nemtoc.

Nemtoc helped lead the partnership alongside ARC Command Director of Donations Development Atticus Firey. In their roles, they strive to reduce textile waste by forming partnerships to help Salvation Army thrift stores receive and repurpose donations.

The global apparel industry generates approximately 92 million tons of waste annually, with over 60 percent of clothing made from synthetic fibers that contribute to ocean microplastic pollution, harming marine life and ecosystems.

“Partnering with SeaWorld gives us a platform to raise awareness about ocean conservation and in -

spire people to take action,” Fiery said, noting thousands of visitors will see the mural each day for the duration of its exhibition.

In total, more than 60 students from the colleges contributed to creating the murals. For design students, seeing their work displayed at SeaWorld was a surreal moment.

“We spent probably close to 1,000 combined hours on this,” said Otis design student Austin Kilbry. “To see it finally here, and know our work will draw attention to ocean conservation, is a great feeling.” NFC

Kroc Center Hawaii named a ‘Best Christian Workplace’

The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Hawaii aims to better serve the community by strengthening its internal culture.

BY KAREN GLEASON

With 26 Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers across the U.S., The Salvation Army aims to revitalize previously underserved communities by offering programs and services for people of all ages. To achieve that goal, a center’s internal environment must foster trust, engagement and a shared sense of purpose.

In short, culture matters.

For The Salvation Army to effectively preach the gospel and meet human needs without discrimination, its programs must be healthy from the inside out.

“When staff feel heard, engaged and valued, the organization becomes more unified, mission-focused and better equipped to serve the community,” said Rick Ahn, director of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Kapolei, Hawaii.

That conviction fueled the Kroc Center Hawaii’s recent efforts to strengthen its workplace culture by undergoing the certification process to become a Best Christian Workplace, which it achieved in May. Best Christian Workplaces (BCW) is a nonprofit organization that helps Christian organizations build healthy workplace cultures through research-based assessments and resources.

The Hawaii Kroc Center is among the first of The Salvation Army Western Territory’s Kroc Centers to achieve the designation, following the Suisun City (California) Kroc Center in 2023, and alongside the San Diego Kroc Center, also in May.

And their certification came as a surprise, Ahn said.

“It kind of blew all of our minds,” he said.

It followed the Hawaii Kroc Center’s second round of surveying employees.

Typically, Ahn said, when employees discover they won’t face repercussions for speaking freely, they’re likely to be more honest with their responses, which often causes BCW scores to decrease the second time around.

But at the Hawaii Kroc Center, this was not the case, with survey results revealing positive change from the initial feedback as employees realized their voices were being heard, and actions were being taken to address concerns.

Major Osei Stewart, then Kroc Center Corps Officer with his wife, Major Lynn Stewart, arrived at the Hawaii Kroc Center in 2021, “right out of COVID,” Stew-

art said, a time when many people were “not in the best place.”

Stewart said they wanted to ensure it was a great place to work.

“It’s one of our top priorities to make sure people enjoy coming to work and that morale is up,” he said. “That was something we focused on from the time we arrived. It wouldn’t be an easy thing to do, but we knew it had to be done.”

Stewart said the BCW process offered a more structured approach that encouraged broader participation from staff, ultimately leading to positive results.

The certification came just as the Stewarts are preparing to move to a new appointment.

“It’s wonderful to see this transformation before we leave,” he said.

Ahn and Training Business Support Manager Lynette Reconsal said the

Stewarts’ willingness to embrace honest feedback and champion change played a pivotal role in the process.

“As senior leaders, they modeled the vulnerability and commitment required for true transformation,” Ahn said.

Reconsal has been on the frontlines of the certification process. She’s been holding department meetings—including everyone from leadership to support staff— to address items raised in the initial survey and work collaboratively on solutions.

She said creating a space where employees felt safe to speak up wasn’t easy. Some meetings were marked by silence as team members naturally hesitated to share feedback in front of their supervisors.

“There were definitely some awkward moments,” Reconsal said. “But I reminded people: We all need to have a voice, and you all are in a safe place to share.”

Her approach emphasized steady, focused problem solving. Rather than trying to fix everything at once, she guided teams to tackle one issue at a time, starting with a recurring challenge across departments: communication.

As she met with departments, she had guidance from BCW Senior Engagement and Talent Consultant Tara VanderSande, who acknowledged the center’s efforts.

“I was impressed with the Hawaii team’s hard work and tenacity,” VanderSande said. “They followed every recommendation I offered to increase their culture health—from all-staff meetings to team-specific discussions and action-planning collaborations.”

The kitchen department saw significant improvement after long struggling

Otis and Santa Monica professors, along with Atticus Firey, view the murals. |PHOTO BY HALEY OSNESS

Students hand-stitch small details into the mural.

|PHOTO COURTESY SVETLANA SHIGROFF

L-r: Aaron Kimura (Director of Operations), Major Osei Stewart (then Corps Officer & Administrator), Lynette Reconsal (Training and Business Support Manager), Major Lynn Stewart (then Corps Officer and Administrator), Rickie Ryan Tan (Director of Programs) |PHOTO BY JOEL JULIAN

Boosting relationships with AI

New technology helps The Salvation Army’s Community Relations and Development team reach people with the messages that matter most.

BY EMILY ANDERSON

Across inboxes and Instagram feeds, brands constantly compete for consumers’ attention, recommending products, announcing sales and passing along information.

So how can nonprofits break through the noise to engage people in their mission, raise funds and recruit volunteers?

For The Salvation Army Western Territory Community Relations and Development (CRD) team, the latest strategy involves leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to reach more people, more effectively—all with human connection in mind.

“It’s not technology instead of relationships. It’s technology as a pipeline and a pathway to relationships,” said Territorial Executive Director of Development Maria Todaro.

And the first step in any relationship is to get to know one another.

When someone signs up to volunteer with The Salvation Army or makes a donation, their contribution is recorded and stored in a secure database. Over time, as a constituent develops a relationship with The Salvation Army, their history reflects their individual preferences. What causes inspire someone to engage? What does engagement typically look like for them?

“We’re getting a bigger picture,” Todaro said. “So if you drop off some clothes, go work out at the Kroc Center and then put money in a virtual kettle, we know all of those things, which gives us a 360view of your engagement with The Salvation Army.”

The complete picture isn’t new—data collection and storage have long been standard procedure for marketers. But now, AI can step in to help organizations

“ IT’S NOT TECHNOLOGY INSTEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS. IT’S TECHNOLOGY AS A PIPELINE AND A PATHWAY TO RELATIONSHIPS.

—Maria

Todaro, Territorial Executive Director of Development

like The Salvation Army efficiently interpret and act on the information.

“It’s about respecting their time and attention,” said Territorial Donor Data Management Director Elaine Lofton.

If a person mostly volunteers with Salvation Army youth programs, they likely want to hear more about back-to-school initiatives or donation opportunities for summer camps. But if someone else always hosts a Virtual Red Kettle and sorts toys at Christmastime, they might want fewer emails in April and more emails in November. AI helps honor those implicit preferences.

“AI can help us figure out what we should be talking about,” said Territorial Director of Digital Strategy Brenda Jones. “What are those interests for that person? Then they can be put on a journey and get more information about topics they’re interested in.”

Research suggests the strategy is mutually beneficial as consumers increasingly find value in intentional and personal

Burbank’s Safe Storage

Safe Storage gives people facing homelessness a place to keep cherished items.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

Wedged between the freeway and railroad tracks is a small sliver of land where The Salvation Army has a physical presence in Burbank, California. Its closest neighbors, IKEA, the train station and a transit center.

At the site, a collection of shipping containers and mobile units create a space for people experiencing homelessness to come during the week for assistance, meals, showers and more. The offering in highest demand? Safe Storage.

“It’s one of the biggest issues facing us here at this location,” said Glendale-Burbank Corps Officer Captain Quinton Markham. “The demand is much more than what we’re able to provide be-

cause we only have so much space and so many bins.”

The “Safe” as it’s referred to, opened in September 2021 through a partnership with the City of Burbank. The free storage facility features 40 60-gallon bins for people experiencing homelessness to store their personal belongings, with some exceptions: No food, waste, weapons, liquids, drugs or sharp objects, among other items.

Bins are signed-out for use on a firstcome first-served basis, and cannot be shared with others. Currently, the Safe has a waitlist.

“Usually we tell them to put their valuables, like clothing, documents…and we always request them to try to come in at least once a week to tell us how they’re doing,” said Safe Storage and Help Center Coordinator Servio Escobedo. “Sometimes they can’t come once a

communication from brands. A McKinsey study found 71 percent of consumers said they expected brands to provide personalized communications or services and 76 percent of consumers said they were frustrated when communications weren’t personal or relevant to them.

According to Lofton, using technology for personalization helps facilitate human conversations.

“We take the information that constituents provide to us and we store it in a secure way, and then we use it to communicate back,” she said. “There’s a good balance there. We try to become modern, and be good stewards of our contributions and to utilize new technology to make our work efficient. But always realizing we want to communicate with real people from real people.”

And real relationships require more than knowledge and communication— they require trust.

To keep information safe, the CRD team is integrating AI inside a closed

system. Instead of sending information outside the organization—where third-parties might use it to develop their own datasets—the team is adding new software to their existing technology with robust safeguards already in place.

“All of that information stays within our ecosystem and we’re not pulling that information from anywhere else,” Jones said, noting there are strict guardrails around data usage, as well as AI use.

With a foundation of safety and trust, The Salvation Army can more effectively provide donors and volunteers with meaningful opportunities to do good. In turn, passionate people provide crucial support for The Salvation Army’s mission to meet human needs without discrimination.

Along the way, the CRD team aims to nurture these relationships.

“We are working as a team to be more donor-centric,” Todaro said. “How can we best come together to make sure we’re serving donors in the best way that we can?” NFC

week, so I tell them, ‘Here’s my card, and just please call in, check in,’ so then at least we can have some type of communication.”

Escobedo said sometimes, they won’t see someone for some 30 days, and they’ll have to move the items to voluntary storage to make room for someone else to store their belongings.

Safe storage is popular because it’s needed. Escobedo said when people leave their stuff on the streets, many times they’ll hide it in bushes only to come back and have it taken—not ideal for any belongings, but especially cherished items or identification documents. “When an individual is out on the

Building Attendant Edgar Escareno monitors the Safe Storage. |PHOTO COURTESY BY JOHN DOCTER

FEEL THE

A monthly drum circle is part of the music therapy program at the Silvercrest in Chula Vista, California.

BY KAREN GLEASON

“Tap your chest—feel that rhythm in your body,”

Drums Alive™ coach and board-certified music therapist Annela Flores instructed the class of seniors at The Salvation Army Chula Vista (California) Silvercrest residence.

“We each march to the beat of our own drum”—so the saying goes. At the Chula Vista Silvercrest, seniors embody that truth during a monthly Drums Alive drum circle, which aims to get them out of their apartments into community and get them moving. The offering is one of the many ways the center supports seniors’ wellbeing.

Chula Vista is one of The Salvation Army’s 34 HUD-funded Silvercrests in the western U.S., providing affordable, service-enriched independent living communities for low-income seniors. Silvercrest aims to support seniors in living independently for as long as possible—a mission that’s increasingly important given the growing senior population and the rising cost of assisted living.

Some Silvercrests, including Chula Vista, have on-site service coordinators who assist residents with individual needs and organize activities that foster connection and

well-being, such as music therapy sessions provided by MusicWorx, which include the drum circle. While MusicWorx serves other Silvercrest locations in the San Diego area, the drum circle is unique to Chula Vista.

At the most recent drum circle, almost a third of the building’s residents joined in, some even showing up early to help set up the room. Service Coordinator Crystal Acuna said for some residents, activities like the drum circle are their only form of exercise.

Resident Judith Berg showed up early and claimed her favorite spot.

“I come for the music, the beat,” she said. “And it stretches the shoulders.”

Using grant funds, the Silvercrest purchased its own drums, each resembling a large yoga ball that sits on a base that not only stabilizes it but also holds both the drumsticks and a colorful scarf.

Flores began the session with warmups to “Moondance” by Van Morrison, incorporating conscious breathing and upper body movement using the scarves.

“All of us have rhythm in our hearts,” Flores said. “We have rhythm in our walking, in our sleep and our waking cycles. We also have rhythm in our speech, too.”

Flores then led the group in the rhythm game, an activity where she prompts par-

ticipants to say their name and make up a corresponding rhythm.

Participants follow Flores’ lead as she models the movement. She curates the songs herself, covering a variety of beats designed to get the class moving, from the lyrical “Moondance” to the more upbeat “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Eye of the Tiger.”

“This is a way that people develop relationships with one another, and they come together to make music, to exercise, to sing, to dance and move,” Flores said. “And I notice the friendships and connections that they make with each other in the group.”

While music therapy can be effective in treating brain injuries and neuro-cognitive decline, Flores said it’s also great for the “everyday person.”

“There’s an emotional connection with music, and there’s a lot of neuroscience that shows how music helps activate the brain and creates new connections and new pathways,” Flores said.

For the residents, the reason for coming is simple.

“I attend because it takes me out of reality and makes me forget about my aches, pains and problems,” Ana Garcia said. “I feel positive after enjoying a session full of movement and beat.” NFC

Drums Alive Coach Annela Flores instructs seniors at the Chula Vista (California) Silvercrest’s monthly drum circle.

|PHOTOS BY MIMI WILLIAMS

RHYTHM

Surprising trends show growth in faith

And new opportunities for The Salvation Army

Despite headlines about the decline of church attendance, new research from the Barna Group reveals an unexpected surge in spiritual commitment across the United States. Since 2021, nearly 30 million more American adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus—a 12 percent increase. Even more striking? This movement is being led by Gen Z and Millennials, the very generations often described as leaving faith behind.

In the Sept. 1 episode of The Do Gooders Podcast, Christin Thieme sits down with Jim Sparks, Western Territorial Mission Strategist, to unpack what these numbers mean for ministry today.

While traditional church engagement remains uneven, Sparks said The Salvation Army’s corps in the Western Territory are showing signs of resilience and even growth.

“We have 60 corps that are higher than their pre-pandemic numbers,” Sparks said, adding that youth programs are a particular bright spot. Junior Soldier enrollments have jumped 69 percent in just two years, and the territory is in the 90th percentile for babies’ and children’s ministry.

But the data also reveals challenges—most notably, young adult engagement, which has dropped to 33 percent of pre-COVID levels. Sparks noted this could impact the leadership pipeline for years to come if not addressed. His idea? A shift from program-driven to relationship-driven ministry.

“Programs are nothing without relationships,” he said. “And based on Gen Z and Millennials’ preferences in wanting to do good, The Salvation Army is positioned really well to involve this group.”

From post-COVID rebound stories like one Kroc Center’s impressive growth to practical ideas for connecting with spiritually open but institutionally hesitant people, Sparks offers both analysis and actionable strategies. And his message is clear: The waters may be rising, but so is The Salvation Army.

Listen to the full conversation in The State of the Corps—and the Future of Ministry with Jim Sparks on The Do Gooders Podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. NFC

CHRISTIAN WORKPLACE

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with last-minute banquet event orders that left staff scrambling. With Reconsal’s support, the team outlined clear expectations and consequences for missed deadlines. The plan was shared across departments, with positive results.

Reconsal is now launching a center-wide Employee Engagement Committee, which will meet monthly to plan events and suggest incentives to help sustain momentum.

Earning the Best Christian Workplace certification is just the beginning, Reconsal said.

“It’s a continuous process,” she said. “We have a lot of work to do, and God’s showing us how to get that work done—helping the people that help other people.”

For Ahn, the certification is more than a milestone— it’s a mandate.

“The Best Christian Workplace certification isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a call to action,” he said. “It reminds us that cultivating a Christ-centered workplace isn’t only possible, it’s essential to long-term mission impact. Because when we invest in the people who carry the mission forward, we glorify God—and serve our communities with greater excellence, compassion and joy.” NFC

Built by hand

Hands-on program teaches youth how to build, ride bikes in West Phoenix.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

At The Salvation Army Phoenix Maryvale Corps, the anticipation that builds during the six-week bike program might rival that of Christmas morning.

“The kids were just so excited,” said Corps Officer Major Joseph Cisneros. “I talked to the parents the week before they took their bikes home, and… some of the kids could not sleep at night because they knew the next day, they were going to be able to get their own bike and ride their own bike.”

That’s, perhaps, the best part. The program teaches kids 7-18 how to build and maintain bikes, how to ride them and key safety elements—like the rules of the road—all within a spiritual framework. At the end of the program, the participants get to keep the bikes they’ve built and receive a helmet too.

“The excitement was more than I expected,” Cisneros said, comparing it to The Salvation Army’s traditional bike giveaways for kids during the holidays. “This one was not only a gift, but they actually built it with their own hands.”

The idea for the program began years ago, when the corps received a donation of bicycle parts. Cisneros started dreaming up a program for youth that would teach them how to build bicycles. Then, the pandemic happened, and the idea lay dormant while The Salvation Army shifted priorities.

When life began to return to the “new normal,” so did the idea for a bike program.

Finally, with support from members of the Phoenix Advisory Board and the community, the program held its debut session with a group of teenage boys—a mix of children from the corps and the community who had learned about the program through social media, word of mouth or postings at the food pantry. Since then, the cohorts have varied in age and gender.

“The kids were very happy learning,” said Phoenix Advisory Board Member Andy Gutierrez, who volunteers with the program. “One of the reasons I like this is because these kids nowadays are on their devices and they’re not used to using tools…I thought it’d be nice to have a kid work with their hands, learn a little something and get away from their phone or their TV or their iPad or whatever else is taking up their time.”

The hands-on learning starts the first week with the basics—tools needed to build and repair the bike. Cisneros said they discuss topics like the differences between metric and standard measurements and fine and standard threads. The concept of “righty tighty, lefty loosey” also comes into play. Cisneros adds a spiritual component to every class.

“When I spoke about the tools, I talked about Noah… and how he built the ark,” he said. “If he had measured it wrong, it wouldn’t come out the way God wanted it, and he wouldn’t have floated.”

In the second week, the participants are measured to determine what size bike they need. Once bikes are purchased, they are put on the stands the program uses for assembly—lending to the spiritual concept of the frame, and how God put the universe in place.

The third week focuses on putting on the tires, repairing the tire tube and the correct amount of tire pressure—understanding the concept of pounds per square inch. Cisneros talks to the kids about how it’s necessary to have God to guide you in life just like air is needed in the tires.

By the fourth week, the bike takes shape. The kids get the handlebars in, the seat on and measure the seat height according to each child’s size. By the fifth week, the bikes are fully assembled, with the tires and seats.

“What good is a bike without the seat? You can’t sit on it,” Cisneros said. “What good is it without handlebars, if you can’t guide it? So God’s going to be your guide.”

The last week is when many kids learn how to ride a bike—something Phoenix Advisory Board Member Kristen Roof, who also volunteers with the program, said has been “the coolest thing.”

“They just have been so excited to learn how,” she said. “It’s not only learning how to use the tools and maintain their bike, but we also have the ability to teach them the functional skill of bike riding.”

During the first session, Cisneros said the teens who participated were too large for training wheels.

“We literally had to teach them, guiding them and carrying them, pushing them along,” Cisneros said. “One kid was a lot bigger than we expected to be able to teach. He was 15 years old…and it took us a little bit of a balancing act to get him riding.”

By the last class, Cisneros said they were able to push the teen along, and he rode across the corps parking lot.

One of the teens who participated in the program’s first session wanted to return to help teach other kids and learn more about building his bike. For the second session, he was one of Cisneros’ mentorees.

Gutierrez said all of the kids he’s encountered through the program are “very grateful.”

For him, one of the younger participants particularly stood out.

“We started on his bike first, and he so badly wanted to take it home, and he couldn’t,” Gutierrez said. “He cried, and we had to kind of pep him up…and every week he was really excited, wanting to take it home. And finally, he was able to do it, and that made my day.”

Since the beginning of the program, some participants and their families have started coming to the corps for services.

“That is something that I feel like I will take with me forever—the ability to stretch out beyond, to put a big hug around other people that we may not have reached yet through other programs,” Roof said. “Getting to know the kids through the bike program that I didn’t know through other programs was a really neat experience for me.” NFC

Major Joseph Cisneros talks with participants of the Phoenix Maryvale bike program. |PHOTOS COURTESY PHOENIX MARYVALE CORPS

of individuals who have held senior-level positions in government. The award will be presented in Washington, D.C. Sept. 19.

“Receiving the 2025 Service to the Citizen Award is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we center people in the design of public services. Our collaboration with CARI responded to an urgent need to make HUD’s state webpages easier to navigate, more responsive to the public and focused on helping people access reliable housing information quickly,” said HUD State Webpage Transformation Project Design Strategy Lead Dr. Mel Lee, reflecting her personal perspective and experience as a federal employee at the time of the project.

“Instead of relying on assumptions, we listened; especially to individuals with lived experience of homelessness and housing instability, including residents at The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope,” she said. “Their voices shaped every aspect of the redesign, from the words we used to how information was organized. HUD serves some of the most vulnerable people in our country, and this project showed that when we design with them—not just for them—we can create tools that truly

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streets, it’s difficult to trust anybody,” Markham said. “Leaving your belongings in the care of somebody else, you’re running a big risk…We’re somebody they can trust.”

And Escobedo said establishing that trust is key.

“One thing that I like to pride myself about the location is that we don’t treat the clients here as numbers,” he said. “We treat them as individuals and human beings.”

Escobedo knows most everybody’s name who visits the site, which is usually some 20 people a day. He said sometimes, if he notices people hanging around when he’s going on his lunch break, he’ll take his lunch and eat with them to build rapport—“Then everybody can feel comfortable when they come over here,” he said.

The safe storage and other services

The Salvation Army provides at the site often serve as a starting point for building relationships with people experiencing homelessness. Escobedo and the team walk alongside them, meeting practical needs with material goods and resources, providing transportation to key appointments or connecting to other re-

meet their needs and help them get support more easily.”

Lee first connected with CARI Managing Director Ben Hurst while he was pursuing his doctoral work at the University of Southern California. Hurst said HUD was concerned about its national website and wanted to redesign it to better serve vulnerable populations, specifically those experiencing homelessness. The issue? HUD is not a service provider.

Conversations revealed CARI was an ideal collaborator for HUD’s website redesign project due to its placement on the Center of Hope campus in Anaheim, California, The Salvation Army’s 325-bed emergency shelter.

“The Salvation Army from the beginning has been synonymous with social innovation, and anything we all can collectively do that keeps the organization as an innovative thought leader in serving others in the 21st century, that’s a huge deal,” Hurst said.

Hurst said CARI agreed to facilitate focus groups with volunteers from the Center of Hope shelter, along with individuals from another shelter The Salvation Army runs in Placentia, California.

In fall 2024, teams flew in from Washington, D.C. for several multi-day focus groups. CARI set up computer labs, which allowed the team to receive direct feedback from shelter guests on the website’s usability, following The Salvation Army’s protocols—participants were vol-

unteers and received gift cards for their time and contributions to the project.

The team found over 2,400 outdated state webpages were preventing users—75 percent of whom faced housing insecurity and 35 percent were experiencing homelessness—from easily finding the resources they needed.

Using the findings from the focus groups, HUD was able to consolidate the sites into just 100 streamlined webpages. The move greatly reduced the number of clicks required to get help.

The revamped sites also include prominently displayed resource buttons along with a new “Need More Help” feature that connects site visitors directly to field offices, among other additions.

HUD was able to apply the findings to revamp the digital experience across all 50 states’ webpages. The result? Immediate, measurable impact. More than 17,500 service requests have been submitted via the new feature, with 95 percent resolved within 24 hours.

“This isn’t something you put on a mail appeal, ‘We helped redesign HUD’s website so more people could get help,’” Hurst said. “It’s a direct service to a really broken and vulnerable population that will result in high-impact help, and it’s such a testament to The Salvation Army that we collectively have a vision to be in that space as change agents.” NFC

source providers, among other services.

When Nancy Kline first heard about the Safe on the streets, she was looking for a safe place to shower.

When they said “The Safe,’” she wondered, “what does it stand for?” She now likes to say, “The Salvation Army for everyone.”

That was a year-and-a-half ago, and she remembers being pleasantly surprised by the mobile unit’s ADA-compliant hydraulic lift.

“I had some medical issues…and they lifted me up,” she said. “And I thought, ‘That is great’…because I didn’t have to worry about getting

connection makes our involvement even more meaningful.”

Ahead of the Stuff the Bus event, the Walmart team secured 4,000 backpacks—the majority of the 4,300 backpacks The Salvation Army plans to distribute ahead of back-to-school. Christenberry reached out to Walmart’s accessory buyer, who connected them with the backpack supplier, who generously donated the 4,000 bags.

“These are high quality backpacks,” said Intermountain Division Corporate Relations Director Thomas Gonzalez, noting the backpacks range in style, from Mario Brothers to trendy ones young adults would like. “They are really nice, and this is something that would retail for a minimum of $24.99 in their stores, so that was a big win.”

In addition to the backpacks, Christenberry said the Walmart team also secured a $10,000 grant from Community Manager Andrew Bush to help purchase school supplies and other essentials needed by The Salvation

up the steps and falling backwards.”

Kline lives in her van, which is currently nonfunctioning. When Escobedo learned she was unable to get a needed surgery to remove cancerous cells due to lack of transportation, he provided transportation to and from the hospital and dedicated time to further support her medical needs. He also arranged for Kline’s van to be parked at the Safe during the procedure and recovery time, which brought her peace of mind.

“That was a fear I didn’t have to worry about, so I made it through,” she said. “I’m high risk for surgeries, and if I didn’t have that fear to worry about, then I was great.”

Army for the Stuff the Bus event, and they placed collection barrels at 27 Walmart store locations throughout the Denver area to gather school supplies—not just for Stuff the Bus, but to provide ongoing support throughout the year.

“Our goal is to ensure that children can attend school ready to learn,” Christenberry said. “Without the proper supplies, students can become distracted from their education, which may lead to other challenges in their lives. Providing these essentials not only supports the kids, but also helps parents focus on other important back-to-school preparations, such as clothing, enrolling in sports, or arranging meals.”

The backpacks filled with supplies were distributed to families at the end of July and early August at The Salvation Army’s Denver locations, Gonzalez said, adding that Walmart employees volunteered to finish stuffing the remaining backpacks and help with the distribution events.

“It’s been incredible support from one organization,” Gonzalez said. “Only Walmart has the ability to really provide this level of support, not only with a large dona-

Escobedo’s efforts resulted in him being named Employee of the Month in December 2024 for The Salvation Army Southern California Division, which stretches from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Antelope Valley.

“Servio understood the urgency of Nancy’s surgery…and he went above and beyond by not only assisting with transport but also dedicating time to explore other programs that could further support her medical needs,” Markham said. “It’s wonderful to see how our team members, like Servio, demonstrate our core values by making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Kline has since gone on to become part of the Glendale-Burbank Corps and even worked as a paid bellringer at Christmastime. During the 2024 kettle season, Markham said she was the corps’ highest-earning bellringer per hour. Her enthusiasm also carried over to the kettle location’s employees, who would ask where she was on her off days, he added.

Today, Kline keeps Escobedo’s business cards to hand out to others experiencing homelessness.

“I take them and I give them to people on the streets, and I say, ‘Hey, go see this place,’” she said.

She was due for another stack. NFC

tion, but also in providing a volunteer workforce to help with this activity. It’s been first class.”

It’s all part of a larger partnership—for more than 40 years, Walmart and The Salvation Army have partnered for good.

During the 2024 holiday season, The Salvation Army Western Territory reported Walmart stores across the region raised over $4 million. Additionally, the partnership ensured thousands of children had gifts under the tree on Christmas morning through the Angel Tree campaign.

With Stuff the Bus events held in many communities throughout the western U.S., thousands of children will be ready for the new school year.

“We are deeply grateful to Walmart and their local teams for their continued support,” said The Salvation Army Western Territorial Corporate Engagement Director Amy Hudson. “The strong relationships built at the local level have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve, helping ensure that students head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed.” NFC

Nancy Kline sits inside her van in Burbank, California.

|PHOTO COURTESY BY JOHN DOCTER

MAJOR VICTORIA BROCKELMAN

Nov. 12, 1944 – May 14, 2025

Major Victoria Brockelman was promoted to Glory May 14 from Eugene, Oregon. Victoria Faye Bushyhead was born Nov. 12, 1944, in Salina, Kansas, joining three older siblings. Eleven days after her 18th birthday, she married Del Brockelman on Nov. 23, 1962, his 19th birthday, at the Wichita (Kansas) Citadel Corps.

In February 1963, they moved to Las Vegas, where Del became a firefighter. Vicky worked in food services until 1968, when their first child, Sabrina, was born. Vicky then became a stay-at-home mother. Their second child, Kraig, was born in 1971.

After being active in the Las Vegas Citadel Corps for four years, the couple heeded God’s call to full-time ministry in The Salvation Army and entered the training school. They were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in June 1974 with the Followers of Christ Session and appointed to Caldwell, Idaho. During their 35 years as officers, they were also stationed in Medford, Oregon; Colorado Springs and Grand Junction, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Tacoma, Washington; Los Alamitos and Stockton, California; and Seattle.

After retirement in 2009, they settled in

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Eugene. Del was promoted to Glory Aug. 8, 2018. Vicky loved pastoring people in the corps. She often said being a corps officer was the most difficult and challenging job on the planet, but she loved it and it was the best job for her.

She is survived by her children, Major Sabrina Tumey and Kraig Brockelman; four granddaughters and two great-grandsons. At her request, there will be no service.

MAJOR JOAN CRADDOCK

Jan. 25, 1936 – July 18, 2025

Rodger was promoted to Glory in 1989.

During her officership, Joan held appointments in the Intermountain, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands, Cascade, Southwest, Sierra del Mar, Del Oro and Northwest divisions. She retired Feb. 1, 2001.

Joan was a steadfast servant leader whose ministry was marked by deep empathy and enduring love—always centered on glorifying God and lifting up those in need. She was preceded in death by Rodger, her parents and siblings and her daughter, Donna Farfan.

ington. They retired in 2000. He was preceded in death by his wife on Jan. 29, 2021.

MAJOR DELOIS WEBB

April 24, 1936 - Oct. 7, 2024

Major Joan Jean Craddock was promoted to Glory July 18 in Coos Bay, Oregon. Born Jan. 25, 1936, in Impact, Washington, to Clarence and Marguerite Kilgore, Joan was the sixth of eight children. She entered training to become a Salvation Army officer from the Spokane (Washington) Corps and was commissioned in 1956 with the Sword Bearers Session.

During almost 40 years as an officer, she served in numerous appointments across the western U.S. In her earliest posting in Billings, Montana, she met and later married fellow Salvation Army officer, Rodger Craddock. As a ministry team, they were known for their compassion and commitment to serving others.

users to get assistance when needed. Recipients also have the option to sign up for “Access from AT&T,” the company’s limited-income internet service plan.

Since 2021, AT&T has distributed more than 30,000 devices to students, older adults and families across California, according to Shoemaker.

“This is another step forward as we come together to help bridge the digital divide,” she said.

Long Beach Red Shield Corps Officer Captain Jared Arnold highlighted the importance of equipping students with the online resources and technology often needed to succeed in his remarks to attendees.

“It’s common to think of laptops as a luxury, but in reality,

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selected by their division/command before receiving approvals from their territorial personnel department and National Headquarters. Each territory aims for gender balance in the selection process, and usually chooses officers with at least six years of service.

CFOT Training Principal Major Dr. Terry Masango organized the session, and described its purpose as threefold: “It’s mind, it’s heart and it’s soul. It’s learning about holiness. It’s taking time away to go deeper with God. And it’s a space for renewal—getting away and resting.”

Welcome meeting invokes the Holy Spirit

At the June 17 welcome meeting, Western Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley welcomed delegates and faculty to the Crestmont Campus, where, he said, “every day is like a glimpse of heaven.”

Riley shared facts about the Western Territory, which highlighted its vast geographical and cultural diversity. He said the territory spans 1.7 million square miles—50 percent of the U.S.’ land mass—across eight time zones and includes 11 of the 12 largest states. The territory serves 23,000 soldiers in 228 corps, preaching in 16 languages. He then welcomed national leaders

She is survived by her children, Rodger Craddock (Dena), Robert Craddock (Sondra) and Darlene Stapleford (John); eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service took place at the Coos Bay Corps Aug. 16.

MAJOR ARTHUR WATSON

Nov. 22, 1935 - June 10, 2024

Major DeLois Webb was promoted to Glory Oct. 7, 2024 from Surprise, Arizona. Born April 24, 1936 in Scranton, Kansas, she was commissioned in 1959 with the Pioneers Session. She had a B.A. in Psychology from Ottawa University. In 2004, she retired from her final appointment as Phoenix Herberger Center Corps Officer. She was predeceased by her husband, Major John Webb, on April 16, 2016.

MAJOR DOROTHY WELLS

Sept. 3, 1931 - May 6, 2024

Major Arthur Watson was promoted to Glory June 10, 2024 from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Born Nov. 22, 1935 in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was commissioned in 1975 with the Soldiers of the Cross Session. With his wife, Major Eugenia Watson, he served in The Salvation Army for almost 26 years, across California, Alaska and Wash-

they have become a standard,” Arnold said. “So much of learning has shifted online, and these devices provide students with the tools they need to grow and learn.”

For Cassandra Sampson, who is the primary caregiver of her two grandchildren, the giveaway provided much-needed support.

“Things are expensive these days, and it can be hard to keep up,” Sampson said. “It’s important for them to go back to school knowing they have everything they need to be successful.”

She said her teen grandkids have faced mental health challenges and struggled with finding their place among friend groups.

“The laptops will open more doors and help them stay connected with their friends and peers online,” Sampson said. “Everyone is online these days, and it’s reas-

Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole, telling delegates: “As you get to know them, you will see God’s love radiate from them.”

Before leading the chorus of “Move, Holy Spirit!,” Dawn Heatwole issued a personal challenge to the delegates.

“I’m going to ask you, as a national leader, to be selfish this week,” she said. “This is that time and that place for you to say, ‘What does God have for me?’ And when you go back, people will see that you’re a different person than when you left.”

Merle Heatwole spoke about spiritual transformation, drawing from Paul’s teaching in Colossians. After identifying the characteristics believers are called to put off, he emphasized those they are meant to put on: clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12).

He said real transformation cannot come from human effort alone—only through God’s Spirit living within us is it possible.

He challenged the delegates to examine their hearts. Citing a reflection from General Lyndon Buckingham, he asked, “So many times we give the Holy Spirit some of ourselves, but have we allowed the Holy Spirit [to have] all of us?”

Structure reflects intention

During the institute, delegates participate in classes, prayer times and evening teaching sessions, all focused on

Major Dorothy Wells was promoted to Glory May 6, 2024 from Newberg, Oregon. Born Sept. 3, 1931 in Ojito, New Mexico, she was commissioned with the Heralds Session in 1953. She retired in 1991. A celebration of life service took place May 17, 2024 in Newberg at Zion Lutheran Church. NFC

suring to know kids won’t be left out and that everyone here has access to the digital world.”

For 14-year-old Oscar Ramos, the first thing he plans to do is set up his laptop and download some online games to play with his friends.

“Sometimes it’s hard to see all of my friends during the summer,” Ramos said. “Playing games online is a way to still have fun and hang out.”

Arnold said that no matter how students or their families choose to use the laptops, what matters most is that they have the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom for years to come.

“We’re so grateful to AT&T for supporting our youth and giving them this opportunity,” he said. “We hope to continue hosting these graduations and empowering future generations.” NFC

the doctrine and practice of holiness and designed for them to fully connect with the Holy Spirit.

The institute’s structure has remained consistent over the years, dating back to its inception in 1947. Morning classes are led by the principals of each territory’s training college, rotating through topics like the Holy Spirit in Scripture, the doctrine of holiness and spiritual disciplines. Evenings include sessions with guest speakers and time for prayer and worship. Each day includes free time.

Delegates were divided into six classes and prayer groups of 12 people each. In the West, group names reflected the natural beauty surrounding the Crestmont campus: Beach, Hawk, Mist, Ocean, Sand and Wave. Each group rotated through the various classes, shared times of prayer and occasionally explored the area together during free time.

“This is not a conference. It’s not a seminar. It’s a retreat,” Masango said. “It’s a sacred space for officers to hear from God.”

Delegates catch the fire

A delegate from the Western Territory, Anaheim (California) Adult Rehabilitation Center Administrator for Development Captain Timothy Pemberton, said returning to Crestmont brought him full circle, reminding him of his initial calling.

“The authenticity and unity we’ve shared can only be attributed to

the work of the Holy Spirit,” he said. One evening praise meeting was particularly impactful.

“You could tangibly feel the Spirit moving as nearly every officer made their way to the altar, some seeking guidance, others rededicating their lives, being filled anew, or simply giving thanks for what the Spirit has already done,” he said. “The Holy Spirit has reawakened in me the call I first heard here, and I leave feeling renewed. I go back ready to be a Blood and Fire officer, empowered by the Spirit of God, blessed by our Father in heaven, and committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever I go.”

Major Ruairi Ward, who trained in the West and now serves in Annapolis, Maryland, said returning to CFOT was “emotional and meaningful.”

“It brings back a lot of emotions—the optimism and energy of starting out in ministry—and a recall of why I’m here in the first place—why the Lord brought me to this place,” he said.

When a song came on that reminded him of God’s goodness during his travels, Ward said he was reminded of the Lord’s greatness. “I already knew I was in trouble on the plane, in a good way, with the Lord,” he added.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “The Lord is making my heart very, very tender. He’s on the move.” NFC

place to turn when they have a need.”

Initially, the Alaska Division was planning on holding a traditional day-long Brave event, but after meeting with Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary Captain Monica Kyle, Pope said they determined it would be a strong camp offering.

“This would give us not only a few hours to pour positivity into these girls, but a whole week,” Pope said.

Brave camp was open to all teen girls in Alaska, and Pope said they specifically reached out to corps in the Southeast—villages and small towns where youth don’t often have a chance to get out to camp or even Anchorage. Attendance requires a large time and monetary investment and often multiple modes of transportation, like planes and ferries, to get there.

Teens who attended came from various backgrounds, including some who are in the foster care system. Pope said Brave aimed to provide respite and encouragement amid challenges that exist for teens in Alaska.

A report from Loyola University New Orleans and the Modern Slavery Research Project found nearly 30 percent of youth experiencing homelessness in Anchorage identified as victims of human trafficking. Additionally, Alaska has high rates of domestic abuse and rising mental health challenges among teens.

At Brave camp, for four days, each girl was encouraged, celebrated and lifted up. Daily themes included: What defines you?; Being uniquely you; Healthy vs. harmful; and Loving who you are.

There were many opportunities for intentional fun, too, both in the traditional camp offerings of communing with God and nature, and through art classes, crafts—designing your own make-up bag, dried flower vases, needle punch and mandala rocks—yoga and relaxation.

Each girl was invited to add a positive note about themselves to an affirmation wall collage. When com-

pleted, it took the shape of a heart. Campers also learned how to make charcuterie boards that were shared for lunch.

Evenings took on fun themes, like spa night with facials, eye and lip masks and relaxing music. An ‘80s dance party featured festive decorations, blow-up guitars, pop rocks, glow sticks and dancing. A paintand-sip night included canvas painting, a boba-making class and fruity drink mixes.

The evenings culminated with a visit from a local salon to give each girl a makeover of her choice. Pope said many wanted haircuts and big curls, with others choosing bubble braids and brightly colored hair extensions.

While girls waited to get their hair done, they could get their nails painted with their choice of nail art. At

WMI

the end, they were ready for the Oscar party, which featured games, Oscar trivia and an opportunity to craft

Oscar Mad-Libs acceptance speeches.

In true Oscars fashion, there was an after party, where the girls found an array of goodies ready to dip in chocolate. There, the girls could choose to read their acceptance speeches.

One young woman stood to read hers. She looked nervous but read loud and clear.

After she was done, she came up to Pope and said, “Thank you so much for planning all of this for us. I never would have been able to read in front of others like I just did. But now I feel brave.”

“I had to fight back tears,” Pope said. “What a beautiful example of how important it is to take time to encourage young women and to remind them that they can do hard things.” NFC

Q&A FROM PAGE 5

volunteer as they are increasingly looking for opportunities that align with their values, expertise and schedules. In response, we are seeing organizations broadening their opportunities to allow for more skills-based volunteerism, recognizing that volunteers can provide more than just manpower, and success should be measured not in hours served but in impact made.

Similarly, we are seeing an ever-increasing number of corporate, community and educational groups who are looking for uniquely designed opportunities that allow them to leverage their resources to create positive change. Since the pandemic, we have also seen an increased desire for flexible volunteerism, with people interested in short-term, virtual and even remote opportunities. While it may take some creativity on our part, and a willingness to think outside the box, we have an opportunity to multiply our impact by listening, understanding, and embracing our volunteer Army. As we head into this next season of volunteerism, I am so excited to link arms with the incredible team here at The Salvation Army and together seek new ways to engage volunteers in caring for our community. NFC

FROM PAGE 3

teachers will invite parents and read a letter for why one student was chosen, and because they’re practicing these lessons, the kids are so happy for that one student. It’s really neat to see.”

Mulitauaopele and Yamada-Son are looking forward to the next school year. They’re committed, just as they expected they would be.

“Our dream is to expand the program into either more grades or more schools,” Yamada-Son said. “Right now, we’re limited in our manpower, and I have to remember that it’s not about the quantity—it’s about the quality. It really feels like we’re making a difference for these kids.” NFC

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Effective Sept. 17, unless otherwise noted.

AUSTRALIA TERRITORY

Colonels John and Lani Chamness, Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries/Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers) —Effective Oct. 1

DEL ORO DIVISION

Captain Sandra Solis, Corps Officer, Eureka, CA —Effective Sept. 10

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Captain Omoduni L. Williams

Corps Officer, San Diego Citadel, CA

Captain Rafael de Almeida Viana

Corps Officer, Inglewood Citadel, CA

Captain Edward “Purnell” Hall

Corps Officer, Santa Clarita Valley, CA

Captain Joshua Sneed

Corps Officer, Bell Lighthouse, CA *

*Additional responsibility

ECHELON

Participants of the inaugural Brave Camp pose with the charcuterie board they crafted. | PHOTO COURTESY ALASKA DIVISION

The 49th annual Western Music Institute concluded Aug. 4 with a final concert at a new venue, the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel in Redlands, California. A full house gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of some 230 young musicians representing all nine divisions of the Western Territory. “We take the time to work with these young people so that they can come back to your corps, to your church, and be useful,

Secretary Neil Smith.

ALASKA

Visiting church group helps at camp

A group from Holden Lutheran Parish in Kenyon, Minnesota, volunteered at King’s Lake Camp June 27 as part of a wider mission trip effort in Alaska. While at camp, the group chopped wood, installed a rock climbing wall, cleared brush around the camp and more. “It was wonderful to see them in action and to see their passion for service in just the small time I was able to talk with and observe them around the camp,” said Kendra Vargas, Alaska Divisional Communications Manager.

Majors Dina and Henry Graciani are the Alaska divisional leaders.

Camp Kuratli’s renovated challenge course

The Salvation Army Camp Kuratli at Trestle Glen in Boring, Oregon, unveiled its newly renovated challenge course July 14, just in time for summer camps. The course features a zip line and ropes course. Commissioner Colleen Riley and Camp Director Hayden Lewis led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured a musical performance from campers representing the Coos Bay (Oregon) Corps.

Majors Jonathan and Vickie Harvey are Cascade divisional leaders.

On July 22, aspiring chefs from The Salvation Army Napa Culinary Training Academy explored the culinary delights of downtown Napa, California. They visited the farmers market and the Oxbow Public Market, where Sumo Dog treated them to hot dogs. They then toured the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) at Copia, where students got an up-close look at the baking class in action.

“It was a fantastic adventure, and an incredible opportunity for these men to explore what the culinary world has to offer, broaden their horizons and truly connect with the community,” said Napa Corps Officer Lt. Joshua Kistan.

GOLDEN STATE

Gilroy volunteers take life-saving training

About 20 volunteers from the Gilroy Corps participated in a “Stop the Bleed” training session June 4—a program that teaches life-saving techniques to control severe bleeding during the critical first minutes of an emergency.

Gilroy Corps Officer Lt. Matilde Esparza has focused on strengthening emergency readiness within the corps, according to Golden State’s Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) Director Dennis Caliyo, who said, “Lt. Esparza has worked closely with Golden State Division’s Emergency Disaster Services…to ensure that all training is realistic, relevant and impactful.”

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS

Division responds to tsunami warning

Following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia July 29, the Hawaiian islands were placed under a tsunami warning, along with a vast stretch of the U.S. West Coast. The Salvation Army’s Emergency/Disaster Services teams provided breakfast July 30 at multiple shelters across Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i islands, including at Hilo’s Waiakea High School, where over 400 evacuees and stranded travelers were served.

Majors Anie and Troy Trimmer are the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional leaders.

INTERMOUNTAIN

New Colorado Springs Echelon Chapter

The Salvation Army Echelon Chapter in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been officially chartered, becoming the 40th chapter in the United States. The group brings together young professionals to engage with The Salvation Army through networking, fundraising, service and volunteer work. Recent efforts included repainting rooms at The RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center and assisting 108 students with a back-to-school shopping spree at JCPenney.

Majors Stephen and Nancy Ball are Colorado Springs Corps Officers.

NORTHWEST

Division joins in Seafair Parade

For the sixth consecutive year, The Salvation Army Northwest Division marched in the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade July 26 in Seattle—the largest nighttime parade in the Pacific Northwest. Dating back to 1950, the annual tradition lights up the city with glowing floats, music, dancing and a sense of community. This year, Salvation Army Street Level outreach vans and staff joined the procession, helping spotlight their work addressing homelessness across the region.

Lts. Colonel Cindy and Tim Foley are the Northwest divisional leaders.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Cathedral City Back-to-School-Bash

The Salvation Army Cathedral City (California) Dick and Beverly Davis Corps Community Center held its annual back-to-school bash and resource fair July 24, bringing together around 200 families and 400 K–12 students to receive essential support and services for the new school year. From on-site haircuts, nail services, dental check-ups and vaccinations to backpacks filled with school supplies, the event helps ensure students are prepared and confident as they head back to class.

SOUTHWEST

EDS responds to flooding across New Mexico

Across New Mexico, The Salvation Army Southwest Division Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) has been actively serving communities impacted by severe flooding. Following the initial flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, July 8, EDS teams deployed, beginning service July 9. “When I got here, I was able to see all the houses that were pretty much destroyed,” Hobbs (New Mexico) Corps Officer Lt. Nicolas Carrillo told KOAT Action 7 News July 15. The teams have served over 9,980 meals, as of Aug. 11.

Two hours away in Vado, New Mexico, which experienced severe flooding July 24, Las Cruces (New Mexico) Corps Officers Major Trish and Captain Tim Simeroth, served thousands of meals from a mobile canteen at the Vado/Del Cerro Community Center, aiding more than 4,000 people before concluding service in early August.

Majors Chuck and Shari Fowler are the Southwest divisional leaders.

ARCC

“Came to Believe Recovery” conferences

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) across the Western Territory are hosting weekend-long retreats that offer a fast-track, immersive experience through the 12 steps of recovery. Conducted in partnership with the nonprofit Came to Believe Recovery, the retreats invite beneficiaries to engage in workshops and guided group sessions that emphasize action, accountability and spiritual growth. The first retreat was held at the Pasadena ARC, followed by others in Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Monica, Riverside and Honolulu. According to ARC Commander Lt. Colonel Mark Nelson, all 18 ARCs will host the retreat by October.

“These retreats are designed to help people unburden themselves early in the program so they can begin a path of lasting transformation,” Nelson said.

CFOT

Proclaimers of Transformation arrive at CFOT

The 12 members of the Proclaimers of Transformation session of cadets arrived at the Crestmont campus Aug. 12 to begin 22 months of training to become Salvation Army officers. The cadets represent five divisions across the Western Territory. In addition to requesting prayer for the new cadets, Territorial Candidates’ and Recruitment Secretary Major Jennifer Masango is inviting all friends of The Salvation Army to pray for new candidates to enter CFOT. “We believe God can provide just what we need...God is on the move and will do great things in the days ahead,” she said.

Major Terry Masango is CFOT Training Principal. NFC

DEL ORO

Culinary students explore downtown Napa

Majors Rubina and Neil Navarro are Cathedral City Corps Officers.

CANTONESE

Oakland (California) Chinatown Corps

San Jose (California) Temple Corps

San Francisco Chinatown Corps

San Francisco SOMA Corps

CHAMORRO

Hanapepe (Hawaii) Corps

CHUUKESE

Ebeye (RMI)

HAIDA

Gateway (Alaska) Corps

ENGLISH

HAWAIIAN KOREAN

HMONG

Clovis (California) Corps

Anchorage Korean Corps

Rancho Cordova (California) Corps

Tri Cities (California) Corps

Sunnyvale (California) Corps

Tucson (Arizona) All Nations Corps

LAOTIAN

Federal Way (Washington) Corps

16 LANGUAGES SPOKEN HERE

Oakland (California) Chinatown Corps

San Francisco SOMA Corps

San Gabriel (California) Corps

Sacramento (California) Citadel Corps Arno (RMI) Chuuk (FSM)

TLINGIT

POHNPEIAN

Madolenihmw, FSM

PORTUGUESE

Redondo Beach (California) Corps

The USA Western Territory spans 1.7 million square miles—accounting for 50 percent of the United States’ land mass. It includes 11 of the 12 largest states, and eight time zones. This vast geographical area boasts rich cultural diversity. In the West, The Salvation Army has 23,000 soldiers in its ranks, with the gospel spoken in at least 16 languages across its 228 corps. Above are some of the corps locations where The Salvation Army worships in various languages.

Gateway (Alaska) Corps

Juneau (Alaska) Corps

Kenai Peninsula (Alaska) Corps

Kodiak (Alaska) Corps

Sitka (Alaska) Corps

SPANISH

Bend (Oregon) Corps

Gresham (Oregon) Corps

Salem (Oregon) Kroc Center

Carson City (Nevada) Corps

Grass Valley (Nevada) Corps

Gilroy (California) Corps

Watsonville (California) Corps