PATHWAY OF HOPE

FROM PAGE 6 changed the face of this program,” Kimberly Stambaugh said. “[It] has a much more impactful name of providing ‘hope’ to those families who have found themselves in situations that made them feel hopeless.”

Along with starting the Getting Ahead class, Johnson is set to begin training for medical billing and coding, which will allow her to work from home.

“The Pathway of Hope program has been a great experience,” she said. “My case manager never judged the bumps or bruises I had…Today I have a home and hope for a future that keeps me going.” NFC

*denotes name change al assistance program, Housing Now.

“We really pride ourselves on our success and the ability to be able to change lives,” said Lambuth Family Center Program Director V Skiffer. “We try to model what’s called a family environment to create that dynamic where people feel like they’re at home, even though they’re not.”

As a low-barrier shelter, families staying at Lambuth aren’t required to attend case management but are rather encouraged to do so. “We have monopoly[-like] money, that’s called ‘Lamb-bucks’ and if they attend case management, then we incentivize them,” said Skiffer. With “Lamb-bucks,” clients can shop at the center’s store, get gift certificates and more.

In 2023, the center also hopes to incorporate a program addressing youth violence as well as an on-site therapist for clients. “We’re trying to pilot these programs to see what’s going to work and what’s not going to work in order to help us to provide the best care that we can to these families,” said Skiffer.

“We want to be able to serve people and give them that dignity and that respect,” she added. “It feels really good to know we’re not only doing God’s work, but we’re getting people to a point where they can feel self-sufficiency and they can feel hope.” NFC

Blair

FROM PAGE 7 ing how many people have come into Geppetto’s when I’m working and mentioned it—how they appreciate somebody doing something like that…I was never into it for the recognition. I just wanted to be able to give something back, to pay it forward a little bit.”

Hoy has noticed some changes lately.

“This effort…has been an inspiration to Scott, too, she said. “He has a skip in his step since we shared his story and we are all thoroughly enjoying the contagious ripples of generosity that have come about in the aftermath.”

Meanwhile, Blair just keeps on collecting those lottery slips, saving the money for Christmas 2023. NFC

MAJOR BILLIE FITTON

Dec. 13, 1930 – Jan. 9, 2023

Major Billie Fitton was promoted to Glory Jan. 9 from Goose Creek, South Carolina.

Billie Whitaker was born Dec. 13, 1930, the eldest daughter of Majors George and Lillie Whitaker, Salvation Army officers serving in the Southern Territory. After graduating from Sarasota (Florida) High School at age 16, Billie entered the School for Officer Training as part of the Peacemakers Session. She was commissioned in 1949.

During training, she fell in love with Cadet Dick Fitton, who was the Training Principal’s (Lt. Colonel Richard B. Fitton’s) son. They were married Feb. 20, 1952. After several corps assignments in the Southern Territory, they moved West in 1963 to serve in Greeley, Colorado. Many more Western Territory corps appointments followed, including in Billings, Montana; Portland, Oregon; Modesto and Riverside, California; Phoenix; Las Vegas; and Seattle and Bellingham, Washington. They held headquarters appointments in the Northwest and Southwest divisions, and served at the Phoenix Silvercrest residence and as chaplains at the Sacramento (California) Adult Rehabilitation Center..

They retired Dec. 9, 1988, and moved to Clearwater, Florida. Following her husband’s promotion to Glory Nov. 9, 2000, Billie moved to Goose Creek, where she remained until her death.

She is survived by her younger brother, Thomas Whitaker, three children: Phillip, Bill and Lynell (Dan); five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her extended family includes Commissioners Ken and Marjorie Hodder, Commissioners Willard and Marie Evans, Commissioners Kenneth G. and Jolene Hodder and Majors John and Katherine Reed.

Major Billie Fitton was laid to rest Jan. 28 at the Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. To celebrate her life, Major John Reed brought a message and Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder conducted the committal service. NFC

MAJOR CHUCK GILLIES

Dec. 13, 1944–Jan. 5, 2023

Major Chuck Gillies, Jr., was promoted to Glory Jan. 5 from Puyallup, Washington.

Chuck Gillies was born Dec. 13, 1944, in Spokane, Washington. In 1971, he received a B.A. in Psychology from Seattle Pacific College. He then entered Salvation Army officer training from the Seattle Temple Corps and was commissioned with the Blood and Fire Session in 1973.

Earlier, in 1969, he had married Linda Brown, who was already a Salvation Army Lieutenant. As a Cadet Lieutenant, while still officially in training, Gillies served as Assistant Corps Officer at the Spokane Citadel Corps. After he was commissioned, the couple went to Hilo, Hawaii, as Corps Officers, staying there until 1979. They went on to serve in appointments at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont, at Western Territorial Headquarters and in corps in the Alaska, Northwest and Southern California divisions. From 1991 to 1994, the couple served in the Caribbean Territory. They retired in 2011 from Whittier, California, where they were Corps Officers. During retirement Chuck Gillies served in the Southern California Division, including appointments as Bell Lighthouse Corps Officer (with Linda) and as Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services.

Gillies was known for his great love of people, which came from his love of Christ. His son, Matt Gillies, recalled that “he gently teased those he loved, and he teased everyone.”

Gillies is survived by his wife, Linda; children: Chuck (Kin), Christy Ware (Will) and Matt (Raven); six grandchildren; siblings: Karen, Kathy, Jim, Penny and Beth; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service was held Jan. 19 at the Puyallup Valley Corps with Captain Ryan Miller officiating. NFC

MAJOR MICHAEL F. OLSEN

July 1, 1938 – Dec. 8, 2022

Major Michael Olsen was promoted to Glory Dec. 8, 2022, from Surprise, Arizona.

Michael Francis Olsen was born July 1, 1938, in Centralia, Washington. In 1987, after serving in the U.S. Navy, he became an Auxiliary Captain in The Salvation Army with his wife, Ruth. They were commissioned as Captains in 1992.

From 1987–1993, Olsen served at Southern California Divisional Headquarters, first as Special Projects Coordinator and then as Social Services Consultant. The Olsens then transferred to the Russia Command, serving there from January 1993 through December 1995. Olsen next served in the Southwest Division as El Paso (Texas) County Coordinator, from 1996–1999. After several weeks on special assignment at Western Territorial Headquarters, the Olsens moved to International Headquarters (IHQ), where Olsen served as International Emergency Services Coordinator from 1993 until their retirement in 2003. They first settled in Las Vegas, later moving to the Phoenix area. In retirement, they continued their ministry to their community.

During his lifetime, Olsen was a Cold War submariner, police officer, firefighter, paramedic and fire investigator, as well as a Salvation Army officer. A lifelong musician, his greatest joy in later years was playing his tuba with The Salvation Army band as well as with Desert Brass, a community band.

Olsen is survived by his children: Sven Michael Olsen (Susan), Dennise Olsen Fadler (Randolph), Michelle Olsen Hinson (H. Douglas), and James Dennis Olsen; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Ann Kaizer Olsen; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Kingsmill Olsen; and granddaughter, Maire Caitlin Olsen.

PRESENTED BY

A celebration of life service took place Jan. 16 at The Salvation Army West Valley Corps in Surprise with Captain Mark Merritt officiating. NFC had Alzheimer’s and was missing. Corps Officer Lt. Nayeli Mercado then contacted the police, who completed a report, along with the woman’s family. “While we waited for her family, she was staying out front where I was in the office. Some of the volunteers helped out and brought her food. We were able to keep her calm,” Villamar said. “In the end, her daughter was grateful.”

Hawaiian And Pacific Islands

Bill Stroecker Foundation donates silver bars

The Fairbanks Corps received a donation of 100 silver bars each weighing 100 ounces from the Bill Stroecker Foundation, valued at over $250,000. Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug Tollerud traveled to Fairbanks to accept the donation on behalf of The Salvation Army and to thank the business leaders. The Salvation Army offered the bars for purchase to those in the Anchorage area.

Saipan Corps receives donation

On Feb. 1, The Salvation Army in Saipan received a $3,000 donation from the Jose and Ruri Ayuyu Foundation to close out the corps’ Corporate Red Kettle Challenge. The donation is not the first from the Ayuyu family, as they and McDonald’s of Saipan have been faithful and supportive donors of the Army for many years.

Envoys Wayne and Anne Gillespie are in-charge at the Saipan Corps.

Intermountain

Cascade

New partnership for Boise Corps

The Boise (Idaho) Corps hosted the inaugural City of Trees Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Feb. 18–19, partnering with the Gem State Falcons, the local, coed team that has made the Boise Corps’ gym their home. The team is Idaho’s first National Wheelchair Basketball Association Team. The tournament included teams from Tucson, Arizona; Spokane, Washington; and Sacramento, California.

“We are pleased to partner with them—to promote their team and mission in our gym,” said Boise Corps Officer Major Tom Stambaugh.

Del Oro

Students beautify Colorado Springs Corps

More than 30 individuals from Ascend College Prep, a STEM-focused high school for 11-12th grade students in Colorado Springs, Colorado, volunteered at the Colorado Springs Corps Feb. 4. The group helped cook, clean, organize, serve in the food pantry and café and early spring-clean the playgrounds. Additionally, the students detailed The Salvation Army’s vehicles and even celebrated a nanogenarian’s birthday with her.

Captains Betzy and Doug Hanson are the Colorado Springs Corps Officers.

Northwest

Napa Valley Culinary Academy

The Napa Valley (California) Culinary Academy prepares Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) graduates to succeed in the food industry. The academy has a 100 percent job placement rate. Culinary instructor Eric Magnani said students prepare meals for the community and for shelters. “We hand them out to the homeless outside of the corps every day,” he said. Academy graduate Ricardo Alarcon now works as a lead line cook. He still volunteers at the ARC, helping others find hope. “Jesus Christ saved my soul,” he said. “The Salvation Army saved my life.”

Captain Timothy Danielson is the Napa Corps Officer.

GOLDEN STATE Corps responds to bomb cyclone, helps woman

In January, The Salvation Army in Watsonville increased its shelter count by 29 people, providing housing for residents who were displaced by local flooding from extreme weather including a bomb cyclone. The corps also cooked 80 meals for dinner at the shelter at Cesar Chavez Middle School.

Amid the response, Office Assistant Daniel Villamar recognized a woman whose image he’d seen in a Facebook group—her family had shared she

Longview HOPE Village sees housing success

After about one month of operation, The Salvation Army HOPE Village in Longview, Washington, has begun to see residents successfully transitioning into permanent housing. “There’s a degree of them that are only a step away from housing, they have more resources than you think sometimes,”

Longview Temple Corps Officer Major Philip Smith told KGW8. The 50-unit tiny home community opened in December 2022 amid cold temperatures. At the village, residents receive hot meals, and units are equipped with heat.

Southern California

Children brighten Valentine’s Day for seniors

Children and staff from The Salvation Army’s daycares and child care centers created more than 250 valentines cards for the holiday. The cards were then hand-delivered to the seniors of The Salvation Army Silvercrest Residences in Chula Vista, Santa Monica and the Mindeman Senior Residence in Redondo Beach.

Lt. Colonels John and Lani Chamness are the divisional leaders.

SOUTHWEST

Phoenix Kroc Center staff save life

On Jan. 19, three Phoenix Kroc Center employees were recognized by the Fire Department as local heroes after their efforts saved a guest who had gone into cardiac arrest. Front desk employee Stephanie Calvo came to the guest’s assistance and called Aquatics Manager Cody Whitesinger and Aquatics Lead Anthony Gonzales, who began life-saving CPR. When the firemen showed up, they had the staff continue their efforts, and the guest survived the incident.

Captains Caroline and Dustin Rowe are the Phoenix Kroc Center Officers.

ARCC

ARCC launches

New Campaign

On Jan. 25, the Western Territory’s Adult Rehabilitation Center Command (ARCC) held a media event to launch its new “Second Chances” awareness campaign, which highlights stories of recovery with a mission to break the cycle of addiction while highlighting the Army’s no-fee rehabilitation programs across the West. The event featured a red wall with the prompt “What would you do if you had a second chance?” under which attendees wrote personal examples.

Majors Dina and Henry Graciani are the ARCC leaders.

Cfot

Cadets consider Indigenous ministry

Cadets attended an Indigenous ministry seminar Jan. 20, led by Captain Crystal Porter and Major Shari Russell from the Canada and Bermuda Territory, who are both board members of the Native American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies. They emphasized the importance of acknowledging the land and its history, and shared that their territory now holds an annual Pow Wow, which provides both a safe place for Indigenous people to embrace their culture and an opportunity for others to learn and participate in traditional ceremonies. “It looked like an experience that celebrated the uniqueness of a specific culture while upholding the unity of the body of Christ,” Cadet Brian Reed said. NFC