New Frontier Chronicle November/December 2023 | Vol. 41, No. 06

TELLING THE SALVATION ARMY STORY FOR 40 YEARS • 1983–2023

NEWS FROM THE SALVATION ARMY USA WEST • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 • VOL. 41, NO. 6

Maui volunteers share ministry of presence Volunteers devoted to emotional and spiritual care (ESC) serve following devastating fires.

|PHOTO COURTESY HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION

Since the devastating West Maui wildfires that leveled the historic town of Lahaina and burned much of the Central Maui town of Kula in August, The Salvation Army has been on the ground providing aid to thousands of residents displaced by the blaze, with the efforts led by trained Salvation Army officers and staff largely supported by volunteers on the frontlines of service.

“Everyone in the community has been touched by this tragedy and wants to help, but they need to be introduced to the right area of need,” said Territorial Director of Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) Volunteers and Training Stacy Dertien, who served as Maui Incident Command Volunteer Coordinator and Finance and Administration Deputy. “It's pow-

erful for The Salvation Army because we can be the link that facilitates the connection between the people that want to help and the people that need the help.”

Perhaps the most impactful volunteer opportunity is providing Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) for survivors, Dertien said—when volunteers offer a listening ear to help them navigate logistical issues as well as prayer and words of comfort, holding space for their grief.

“That's really the major need,” she said, adding that The Salvation Army has been looking for local volunteers with high emotional intelligence who are comfortable with supporting those in crisis in the coming months.

The ESC team is comprised of a variety of caring community members, and includes trained hospice volunteers, survivors of other past fires, family members of Salvation MAUI PAGE 10

Caring Magazine wins First in Class Caring Magazine received the Evangelical Press Association’s 2023 Best In Class First Place prize, recognizing Captain Denice Delgado, Anchorage Social Services Director, at a veterans outreach event

AWARD PAGE 2

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1831 LOS ANGELES, CA

NON PROFIT US POSTAGE

|PHOTO BY NATALIE CLENDENIN

A grand opening Oct. 12, emceed by journalist Lisa Guerrero with a keynote from actress Rebecca King-Crews, brought representatives from The Salvation Army, City of Pasadena, Los Angeles County Development Authority, FHLB Affordable Housing Program and private donors including Diane and John Mullin to cut the ribbon on The Salvation Army Diane and John Mullin Hope Center in Pasadena, California. |PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

Salvation Army Hope Center opens in Pasadena with 65 apartments

30840 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

The Salvation Army

BY CHRISTIN THIEME

For more than a year, Suzanne lived in her car—the result of extensive medical bills from breast cancer and then a stroke that left her without a place to call home—but now she is one of the newest residents of The Salvation Army Diane and John Mullin Hope Center in Pasadena, California.

“This is where I’m supposed to be,” Suzanne said.

INSIDE

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THE QUIET HEART OF CHRISTMAS General’s Christmas Message

The four-story facility next door to the Pasadena Tabernacle, led by Corps Officers Majors Paula and Roy Wild, features 65 fully-furnished studio apartments along with a state-of-the-art client choice food pantry and associated supportive services plus a gym, yoga room and library for 65 formerly unhoused area residents.

A grand opening Oct. 12,

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A HUG OF ENCOURAGEMENT Handmade quilts spark joy

emceed by journalist Lisa Guerrero with a keynote from actress Rebecca King-Crews, brought representatives from The Salvation Army, City of Pasadena, Los Angeles County Development Authority, FHLB Affordable Housing Program and private donors to cut the ribbon on the Hope Center.

“This is about people,” said

Alaska Division helps stranded seasonal workers get home The Salvation Army’s travel assistance fund supports those in need with transportation.

BY KAREN GLEASON

Every year, an influx of seasonal workers descends upon Alaska for jobs in fishing or tourism. For many, these jobs in “The Last Frontier” are a dream come true; for others, the dream becomes a nightmare when they lose their job and their housing.

TRAVEL PAGE 10

HOPE CENTER PAGE 10

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CARING FOR CENTENARIANS Army provides loving home

See more about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can help Do Good today at

15

ARMY MISSION SHINES BRIGHTEST Bellringers in popular culture

caringmagazine.org

UP FRONT

2 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

“

This season,

Choose awe over fear

let us celebrate the God we can trust and rely on. Let us not be afraid of our circumstances, but in awe of him—seeking, admiring and worshiping him.

”

—COMMISSIONER DOUGLAS RILEY

Caring is a magazine from The Salvation Army for people who care about making an impact for good.

As a Salvation Army officer or employee, you’ll also find a curated collection of inspiring news for you in the New Frontier Chronicle print edition and our email newsletter, the Weekly.

See more at caringmagazine.org.

By Commissioner Douglas Riley

“Change the world!”

You might remember this quote from Steve Carell’s character in the 2007 movie, “Evan Almighty.” That’s what he decided he was going to do—and yet, when he meets God and is asked to build an ark, the stresses were too much and fear overwhelms him.

Can you relate?

I know I get overwhelmed by decisions, challenges and difficulties on a daily basis and fear—that emotional dread of impending distress or misfortune—strikes at the heart of my weaknesses.

We are unquestionably faced with so many challenges in our world. It’s easy to let fear creep in—to become anxious with the challenges of life, the difficulty of making decisions and the uncertainty of dealing with things we cannot control.

In “The Awe of God,” John Bevere says these fears drive the human soul—our thoughts, intentions and actions—on a moment-by-moment basis.

And yet, in Scripture, the phrases “do not be afraid” and “do not fear” are mentioned hundreds of times.

Do not be afraid—for there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18).

Do not be afraid—for those who are with us are more than those who are with them (2 Kings 6:16).

Do not be afraid—for I am with you (Gen. 26:24).

We will always be inadequate in our own strength—that’s where faith comes in.

“Faith will propel you forward. In fact,

AWARD

what God wants for you might be on the other side of what you fear the most,” Bevere writes.

This was true for Mary. When she was approached suddenly by an angel with the news that she would bear a son, the Messiah, the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).

Her son, Jesus, would come to cast out fear.

Your greatest fear may point you to the best chance of making a difference in this world, Bevere writes. Everything you do of value is born out of his heart, his power, his grace. We need to serve him, honor him and live for him daily, and we cannot be troubled by our human fear.

Not all fear is the same, as there are two kinds—fear of man and fear of God. The fear of God stands up to all other fears. We see this holy fear when Moses removed his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (Ex. 3:5). We see it when the woman at the well went faceto-face with the one who knew her better than any other, encountered grace and ran to the village to tell everyone (John 4: 28-29). We see it when the disciples feared for their lives in a terrible storm at sea. When Jesus calmed the waves, they asked each other, “Who is this? Even the

wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41).

If we could truly grasp this kind of fear— that a holy and righteous God would take on flesh and enter this world to rescue us from the clutches of death—it would blow us away to know we are children of God and we go freely before the throne of grace in complete confidence and without shame.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if instead of being driven by the fear of our humanness, we were driven by the fear and awesomeness of God? We would find shelter in him, rely on him during the storms, and stand in his amazing grace. We would let go of everything we hold onto so that we might trust him to be everything we need.

This season, let us celebrate the God we can trust and rely on. Let us not be afraid of our circumstances, but in awe of him— seeking, admiring and worshiping him.

May our message be one of wonder at a God who loves each one of us and came as a helpless child so we might know and love him.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am the Lord your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10). NFC

FROM PAGE 1

its design, quality of writing and overall editorial punch. From the judges: “This wonderful (and encouraging) publication blends good design with quality content to capture and inspire the reader.” NFC Published by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory 30840 Hawthorne Blvd.

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 General Information 562/436-7000 Commissioner Douglas Riley, Territorial Commander Colonel Eddie Vincent, Chief Secretary

newfrontierchronicle.org new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org newfrontierchronicle @nfchronicle EDITORIAL STAFF Christin Thieme, Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary 562/491-8723 christin.thieme@usw.salvationarmy.org

WHAT IS THE STATE OF...

HOMELESSNESS? HUNGER? DISASTER RESPONSE? AND MORE.

Countdown to Christmas with Caring Magazine

Hillary Jackson, Managing Editor 562/491-8330 hillary.jackson@usw.salvationarmy.org Karen Gleason, Senior Editor 562/491-8332 karen.gleason@usw.salvationarmy.org Haley Osness, Editor 562/491-8345 haley.osness@usw.salvationarmy.org ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA Cory Gaudaur, Digital Operations Director 562/491-8326 cory.gaudaur@usw.salvationarmy.org Emily Anderson, Social Media Editor 562/491-8793 emily.anderson@usw.salvationarmy.org LAYOUT AND DESIGN Kevin Dobruck, Art Director 562/491-8328 kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org

Subscribe to the Do Gooders Podcast and tune in this fall for real-life inspiration, expert insight and ideas from change-makers so you can join in and make an impact right where you are.

New Frontier Chronicle founded 1983 Bob Docter, Founding Editor ISSN 2164-5930 westernusa.salvationarmy.org

Celebrating Caring Magazine’s Best In Class First Place prize from the Evangelical Press Association (back, l-r) Cory Gaudaur, Karen Gleason, Haley Osness, Kevin Dobruck, (front, l-r) Emily Anderson, Christin Thieme, Colonel Eddie Vincent, and Hillary Jackson.

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NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

3

THE GENERAL’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

THE QUIET HEART OF CHRISTMAS

T

BY LYNDON BUCKINGHAM, GENERAL

he scene was a familiar one. A street filled with festive lights and decorations, music playing and crowds of people moving along, taking note of all the Christmas details. Right at the end was a house that was in relative darkness, with just a small box containing a nativity scene set up on the front lawn. Most people did not even bother to check it out. Most simply considered the Christmas display was over before they reached that house. But right there was a visual representation of the quiet heart of Christmas. Not a flashy display. Not a lot of lights and sounds. Just a quiet focus on the one who is born to be our Savior.

I sometimes wonder whether it is easy for us to miss the quiet heart of Christmas. Even when we are looking at some of the Christmas story, we may miss the central message of it all. Each of the gospel writers presents Christmas in a different way. Some might say that only Matthew and Luke include the Christmas story. But I want to suggest to you that each of the gospels brings its own special emphasis.

Mark—possibly the oldest of the gospels—does not have any birth or infancy stories. Instead, Mark’s “Christmas” is embedded in the opening words, The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1 NKJV). Jesus is shown to be Son of God from the very beginning. That’s the good news.

John also does not contain birth or infancy stories, but shows the center of Christmas originating in the heart of God. The word made flesh dwells among us— full of grace and truth.

Matthew opens with a long list of names in Jesus’ family tree. It’s easy to skip over this and miss its significance. Included in it are five women who all showed remarkable faith, despite that society may have judged them harshly. Tamar—who tricked her father-in-law into pregnancy; Rahab—a prostitute who helped the

Israelite spies; Ruth—a despised foreigner; Bathsheba—an adulteress; and Mary—an unmarried mother.

Each were part of Jesus’ family history. If Jesus will later be shown to identify with sinners, it’s because it’s “in his genes.” Jesus is connected with people like us who—despite sinfulness and frail humanity—show faith. Matthew then makes the connection with Jesus being Immanuel—God with us, in our humanness. All of this happens before the traditional Christmas characters—the Wise Men—even appear.

They come to find the one born to be King.

Luke has the angels announcing that Jesus is the Savior, Christ the Lord. This is not given to the people who you would expect, but rather to shepherds— often considered to be religious outcasts because of the nature of their work. For such as these, living on the margins of society, Jesus comes as Savior.

Each of the gospels presents a different view of Christmas. It’s easy for us to become so engaged with the trappings of the Christmas story. That may

include things that we have become accustomed to, that are not even mentioned in any of the gospels.

Instead we can sometimes miss the quiet heart of Christmas as related in Scripture.

This year, perhaps we can focus again on what the gospels actually tell us about the coming of Jesus. One who comes for those who are sinners and outcasts. One who comes to be King. One who comes to be Immanuel—God with us. One who comes to be our Savior. One who has existed from all eternity.

With all the other things that happen at this time of the year, may we focus our hearts and minds on the quiet heart of Christmas: the reality of who Jesus is. The Son of God. The eternal Word made flesh.

Our King. Immanuel. Our Savior. Christ the Lord.

With the songwriter, we say “O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.”

May God bless you at this Christmastime and throughout the coming year. NFC

OC opens 72-unit Pathways permanent supportive housing

BY JANE YI

On Oct. 9, The Salvation Army in Orange County, California, held the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Pathways at the Center of Hope. The event signified the completion of the $38 million project that delivered 72 units of permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Each furnished studio is about 350 square feet and includes an equipped kitchen and a full bathroom. The Pathways building also includes a community room, social services offices, computer room and laundry amenities.

A key component of the center is the introduction of The Salvation Army Orange County’s “Homeless Throughput System,” which aims to provide essential care, support and services to guide residents toward a new life of physical, emotional and spiritual health.

The Center of Hope will be the operational hub of the Homeless Throughput System, using the resources contained in the 14-acre, comprehensive campus in Anaheim: a 325-bed emergency homeless shelter, Pathways apartments and the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).

Celebrating the opening of the Pathways at the Center of Hope Oct. 9 in Orange County, California, are (l-r) Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley, Colonels Eddie and Genevera Vincent, Majors Kenneth and Jennifer Perine, and Lt. Colonels Mike and Cindy Dickinson.

Additionally, the Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) ensures The Salvation Army will constantly be striving for the best practices and innovative initiatives toward all social issues, not just homelessness.

“The Salvation Army is committed

to being at the forefront of the battle against homelessness,” said Divisional Secretary for Orange County Major Kenneth Perine. “The Homeless Throughput System at the Center of Hope represents a turning point in our efforts to provide comprehensive care

and support to those in need. We are dedicated to creating lasting solutions.”

Distinguished guests such as City of Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, State Senator Tom Umberg, Congressman Lou Correa, Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee, and Vicente Sarmiento, attended the event to congratulate The Salvation Army Orange County and speak about renewed hope for the community.

CalOptima CEO, Michael Hunn, presented a $4.1 million grant check toward the Pathways permanent supportive housing apartments.

“That miracle of bringing hope, restoring hope to lives of people—that’s what we are doing here,” said Commissioner Douglas Riley, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Western Territory.

The Center of Hope project started in the summer of 2018, after the City of Anaheim declared a state of emergency in support of residents who need shelter. Federal Judge David Carter brought key officials together with The Salvation Army and asked for a solution PATHWAYS PAGE 11

4 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Partnership helps veterans monitor blood pressure Blood pressure cuffs and educational materials put veterans’ health in their own hands.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

Jefferson Schildgen

|PHOTO COURTESY JEFFERSON SCHILDGEN

Kettle volunteer uplifts others with song Jefferson Schildgen reaches others through music by harmonizing his passion and service.

BY HALEY OSNESS

For volunteer Jefferson Schildgen, volunteering isn't just a casual commitment; it's a powerful blend of compassion and connection.

That’s what he found after volunteering as a bellringer in San Diego last year, enhancing the holiday spirit by singing Christmas carols while collecting donations at the kettle.

“I’ve always felt that if you can help somebody out, then you should,” Schildgen said. “Whatever that may look like, if you have the means, the time and the ability to do right by others, then there's no reason not to.”

For him, this looks like captivating an audience through the magic of song. He specializes in jazz style, Big Band and Rat Pack music, drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Bing Crosby.

According to Schildgen, music has held a special place in his life since 2006, when he began playing the trumpet in middle school and later joined the high school marching band.

After graduating high school and attending a semester of college at the University of Maryland Global Campus for information technology, Schildgen enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began voluntarily singing while traveling the world on duty.

“Singing for others is just a good feeling,” Schildgen said. “It’s a way to offer something to people and see their response of excitement and appreciation.”

Inspired by Salvation Army bellringers, Schildgen decided he would volunteer as one in December 2022.

Bellringers play a critical role during The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle fundraising season. Funds raised at the kettle help The Salvation Army serve more than 25 million people in need across the U.S. each year, with more than four-and-a-half million of them served during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Schildgen said he often captured the public's attention while bellringing and singing, prompting them to pause and enjoy a familiar song, sometimes leading to increased donations.

“It’s really nice to see all of the smiling faces coming in and out of stores,” Schildgen said. “People will stop and thank me; they’re very appreciative and grateful.”

Schildgen said singing while bellringing not only garnered significant attention and positive feedback from the public but also left a strong impression on the kettle coordinator, who recorded videos and forwarded them to San Diego Centre City Corps Officer Jeremy Alexander.

“His talent was clear immediately,” Alexander said.

“His singing and music captivate people and I wanted to find a way to incorporate that here at our corps.”

Alexander organizes a monthly community barbeque for individuals in San Diego experiencing homeVOLUNTEER PAGE 12

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 37 percent of veterans have hypertension— a statistic that’s higher than Nevada’s state average for the rest of the population, and something the American Heart Association says is a key risk factor for heart attacks and stroke if left untreated.

But, with proper monitoring and interventions, better outcomes are possible, and in Southern Nevada, The Salvation Army has partnered with the American Heart Association to provide free blood pressure cuffs to veterans at its Owens Campus in Las Vegas.

The blood pressure cuffs, provided by Sunrise Health System supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, were distributed at a September health fair and on an ongoing basis at the Owens Campus.

“The overall goal is to have more people aware if they have high blood pressure, and if they do have high blood pressure, to be in a position where it can be controlled,” said American Heart Association Las Vegas Division Community Impact Director Nichole Monzon.

Monzon said the American Heart Association provides education, training and resources, and connects sponsors to clinics or community organizations like The Salvation Army to make programs like this happen.

To date, The Salvation Army has distributed about 50 blood pressure cuffs to veterans, said Amanda Fusco, manager of the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program at The Salvation Army’s Owens Campus. “We feel like Oprah giving them out every day,” she said.

Distributed with the blood pressure cuffs is a packet that includes educational materials and a two-week tracker for daily recording so people see what is normal for them. By measuring in spaces where they're

|PHOTO COURTESY NICOLE WESSENDORF

comfortable, Monzon said veterans can get a more consistent reading and avoid basing health decisions solely on the spikes that sometimes happen at the doctor’s office.

It all aims to empower and motivate individuals to track their blood pressure, so if they find that it is high or low, or out of the normal range, that they have information to share with their provider, Monzon said— something Fusco said is already beginning to happen.

One veteran used the blood pressure cuff and the tracker in the packet and, because he was concerned about his numbers, scheduled an appointment with his primary care physician to follow up. He then was able to get on the proper medication for hypertension.

“To be able to provide that direct service instead of having to provide a referral… has been incredible,” Fusco said. “We give out the blood pressure cuffs during our weekly meetings … being able to fill that gap so immediately is pretty awesome.”

The program has 76 beds—12 for women and 64 for men—for veterans experiencing homelessness. The men and women stay at the campus and receive a case MONITOR PAGE 10

A HOLIDAY METAMORPHOSIS Paul Maley’s one-man show of the classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ is becoming a tradition at the San Diego Kroc Center.

BY KAREN GLEASON

During the holidays, Salvation Army employee Paul Maley transforms—embodying Charles Dickens and characters from a “A Christmas Carol” in a one-man show that’s becoming a tradition at the San Diego Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, where Maley works. With its promise of hope and the possibility of change for the better, the story embraces themes inherent to The Salvation Army.

“When I'm performing, I feel like I'm a tour guide through a transformational story,” Maley said. “Being able to bring an audience along via their imagination into a whole different world, to experience characters and situations and transformation is fulfilling...I have the joy of playing over 30 characters.”

In the play, Dickens has assembled a group of friends to see him enact his latest story, “A Christmas Carol.” Maley said Dickens loved to do this when he had written a new book. The staging is minimal, with only a portable door, chair, table, coat rack and wooden box, plus a few simple props and costumes.

Paul Maley performing his one-man show of “A Christmas Carol.” |PHOTO COURTESY PAUL MALEY

Maley adapted his one-man script from a four-person version he had previously performed with Lamb’s Players Theatre, a local group. Over the years he’s performed it at Christmas for churches, community centers, retirement homes and schools, and even once at a party in someone’s backyard.

For Maley, who has a background in theater, it’s a shift from

his role as Administrative Support Coordinator at the Kroc Center.

And while he’s performed the show for years around the city, 2023 will be the third season he’s held it at the center, where it’s offered free of charge, with any donations used to support The Salvation Army’s local programs.

In December 2022, San Diego METAMORPHOSIS PAGE 11

NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

“

5

WE HELP PREPARE THEM WITH BOTH LIFE SKILLS COACHING AND TONS OF HANDS-ON COOKING. —Timothy Tucker

Culinary Training Academy is a key part of San Francisco’s The Way Out initiative.

BY KAREN GLEASON

Chef Timothy Tucker knows his Culinary Training Academy has the potential to renew lives; he’s witnessed it.

As Director of Culinary Training for The Salvation Army Golden State Division, he assists individuals as they rebuild their lives through The Way Out initiative, the San Francisco Salvation Army’s recovery-focused homeless initiative. On a case-by-case basis, The Way Out helps move clients through recovery, transitional housing and workforce development.

“We’re kind of like brother and sister,” Tucker said about the Culinary Training Academy’s role in The Way Out. “There’s the housing component, and then we are the next step of giving someone a skill. We help prepare them with both life skills coaching and tons of hands-on cooking.”

The Culinary Training Academy (CTA) launched in 2022, with most students coming from Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) or from the San Francisco Harbor Light Center, which provides rehabilitation programs and transitional housing. CTA’s third se-

CHEF GIVES STUDENTS ‘TOOLS TO SUCCEED’

Chef Timothy Tucker stands in San Francisco’s Culinary Training Academy kitchen, where individuals learn life skills and culinary arts skills needed for employment PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER in a professional kitchen.

mester began Oct. 3 with 14 individuals. That’s the number Tucker likes to enroll to allow for individual attention.

The 10-week, 250-hour program meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and aims to give students both the life skills and culinary arts skills needed for employment in a professional kitchen. During and after the program, The Way Out provides wrap-around services to assist students with housing and employment. Both CTA and The Way Out services are free of charge.

Tucker has been in the kitchen most of his life. His passion for cooking grew out of necessity, when his parents separated. It became his way of dealing with a difficult time. His own journey helps him relate to his students today.

“The theme of our culinary program is that a lot of these people have hit tough times, and then they’re kind of spinning around,” he said. “When that happens, you have to figure things out.”

Tucker’s skills grew in a high school culinary vocational program and eventually in Sullivan University’s culinary program. Later, he worked as a chef at an organic farm outside of Louisville, Kentucky, where he developed his culinary philosophy of cooking with healthy, unprocessed foods—of understanding food as medicine.

When he learned the value of eating healthy, he soon realized the people who were eating this way were those who had means.

“And so my thought was, can you bring it to The Salvation Army? Can you make that available to the shelter?

And so we did,” Tucker said. “That’s where the current concept came from: Can you help people get really nutritious meals from scratch?”

CTA is the third Salvation Army program Tucker has facilitated. He developed programs at the Center of Hope in Louisville, and then at the Boston

Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. In those two locations, more than 250 students successfully graduated. He moved west in 2022 when he was approached about starting the academy in San Francisco.

Over time, Tucker has honed his teaching skills to reach people on all levels, even those with years of culinary experience.

“I came into the class with 20 years experience,” said Sean Jennings, a graduate of the spring 2023 class who came to CTA after completing the ARC program. “Chef Timothy was able to work with me on my experience level…

When everybody was doing knife skills, I knew I had the knife skills already, so he made me do it with my opposite hand. He would always challenge me, and it opened up my eyes to a whole other aspect of cooking.”

Tucker said he’s become known for CHEF PAGE 11

A ‘hug’ of encouragement Quilts spark joy for men at the Joseph McFee Center.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

A resident at the Joseph McFee Center, part of The Salvation Army’s The Way Out recovery-focused homelessness initiative, wraps himself in a handmade quilt gifted from the San Francisco Quilters Guild. |PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA CHURCH

Members of the San Francisco Quilters Guild saw a television news story in July featuring The Salvation Army Joseph McFee Center (JMC) in the city’s Mission District. That’s when something caught their eye.

“It was like, ‘Aw, those beds need some quilts,’” said San Francisco Quilters Guild Community Outreach Co-Chair Jessica Church, who fielded the response. Church said the guild’s community outreach distributes quilts to a variety of causes. These quilts are typically made out of donated fabric or are given when members have made a sufficient number of quilts for their loved ones.

“We like to think about the quilts as giving a hug from us to them because a lot of time and love goes into making quilts,” said Church.

“Generally we like to give to nonprofits or those who are struggling or those who are trying to do good in their life… It’s just something nice to encourage people.”

For more than a month, when quilts came

in, Church said they set them aside for those at the JMC, which currently serves 36 men as part of The Way Out, The Salvation Army’s recovery-focused homelessness initiative in San Francisco.

At the JMC’s Sept. 11 house meeting, Church and members of the guild delivered the quilts to participants.

“They were so happy,” said Program Manager Sheila McCarthy, noting how it’s common for the men to try to get out of the weekly meeting.

“There were so many guys at this Monday night meeting, and they all got a quilt. The guys that were at work during the meeting asked for a quilt—and they all have them out on their beds.”

Church said being able to hand deliver the quilts was special.

“It was really touching how excited they were,” she said. “They were wearing them, putting them on as capes… I like what the quilts bring out in people.”

Both Church and McCarthy said many of the men then shared fond memories of family members who would make quilts.

“I wasn’t sure how they were going to receive QUILTS PAGE 11

6 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|PHOTOS COURTESY COLORADO SPRINGS CORPS

Colorado Springs shelter keeps families together The RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center fills gaps.

After two family shelters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, closed in rapid succession, the city approached The Salvation Army about increasing its shelter capacity and converting the long-serving downtown R.J. Montgomery Center to be an all-family shelter.

The result? The revamped RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center, which has doubled its capacity to house families in their own 250-square-foot rooms. The city funded half of the $400,000 updates, with the Christian organization called COS I Love You and a neighboring apartment complex covering the rest of the expenses.

The Salvation Army Colorado Springs

Corps opened the updated space May 11—a day earlier than planned—after storms caused the Arkansas River to flood its banks, leaving many unhoused individuals who camped alongside it without a safe place to go.

“With the heavy rains, a lot of people were being displaced,” said Colorado Springs Corps Officer Captain Doug Hanson who runs the shelter with his wife, Captain Betzy Hanson. “The police kept bringing more and more families to the shelter and our staff asked us if they could open early.”

In its first three months, the RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center served over 100 households.

“Once a family leaves, another takes its place before the end of the day,” said Jeane Turner, The Salvation Army El Paso County

Community Relations Director. “We have even doubled up a few single mom families and are currently sheltering 35 families and 70 children.”

Sixty percent of those families have moved onto permanent housing.

Prior to the remodel, men and women were separated, which meant the shelter was unable to serve single dads. Currently three single dads are in the shelter and able to stay with their children, keeping families intact.

Jose is one of them. He was able to stay with his 8-year-old daughter when the shelter transitioned in May, something he said he was grateful for. During a television interview, he shared how his wife had suddenly passed away in March from diabetic SHELTER PAGE 11

“ONCE A

FAMILY LEAVES, ANOTHER TAKES ITS PLACE BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY —Jeane Turner

Pathway of Hope gives Reno family reason to have faith “Miracle” conversation leads to new life.

BY KRISTIN MARGUERITE DOIDGE

It all started with a conversation. When Donna Nou first began the Pathway of Hope (POH) initiative at The Salvation Army Reno (Nevada) Corps in 2019, she was facing eviction and the prospect of living in her car with three small children. Her husband was struggling with drug addiction.

Things may have seemed hopeless at the time, but Nou described that first conversation with Robert Scriven, social services director at the Reno Corps, as a “miracle.”

“When I first met Robert, we built a relationship,” she said. “He helped me make a goal of what I wanted to do with my career. It awakened my passion for service—social work. I love it, and I’m pursuing this career because of what he did for me.”

Nearly four years later, Nou said she still feels that bond of Scriven’s friendship—and said that his unconditional support and kindness has made that friendship feel like family. “If I have questions or need help, I can still go to him,” she said. “I don’t have to be scared of him saying no.”

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope provides individualized services to families with children all over the United States to address their immediate material needs and provide long-term engagement to stop the chronic cycle of poverty. The program seeks to help create a holistic, sustainable plan of action supported by case management and other services both within and outside of the Army.

Case managers like Scriven help clients identify their strengths and aspirations and help develop tools and resources to address the root causes of in-

Donna Nou (center) poses with her husband, Jon, his adopted mom, and their three children at Christmastime 2022. |PHOTO COURTESY DONNA NOU

stability, such as barriers to employment, education and wellbeing. Clients “graduate” when they show improvement on key measures, such as the Herth Hope Index and the Self-Sufficiency Matrix. Thousands of families have been helped through the program since it began roughly 12 years ago

As one of the first graduates of the POH program in Reno, Nou has much more to be hopeful for today. She’s about to graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family services. She plans to become a caseworker at a homeless shelter, or to serve as a caseworker for the elderly or those in need of mental health services. And her recent paid internship at the local PBS television station helped provide invaluable experience working in educational services for the community.

Most importantly, her family has been able to stick together. Nou said her husband, Jon, overcame his addiction, and her children are thriving, with the help of therapy.

But it wasn’t an easy road to get here. What Scriven said he will remember most about Nou’s journey is her strength. “The biggest thing was she didn’t want to live this way any longer,” he said of that first meeting. “She understood you have to keep focused on what God has planned. She listened, she went to the shelter—and she did not curl up and stop even after setbacks.”

Her strength was what pulled her husband into doing the right thing, too, Scriven said. Even in moments of doubt, he encouraged her to stick to the program for her and her kids’ safety. Jon eventually enrolled in a rehab program through a local church, and in May 2020, Donna and her three children were finally able to move into a new apartment with the help of the local Our Place program, while The Salvation Army helped furnish their new home with furniture, kitchen appliances and dishes.

Nou said she was also grateful for The Salvation PATHWAY OF HOPE PAGE 11

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Full plates, full hearts Monthly barbecue unites San Diegans while meeting basic needs.

BY HALEY OSNESS

A hum of conversation filled the air as guests at The Salvation Army San Diego Centre City Corps community barbecue gathered, enticed by the smell of grilled food and an opportunity to converse with neighbors.

This monthly event turns no one away—it’s a free meal that invites people to come and unwind while aiming to nourish the body and the uplift spirit through connection. At the event, the Centre City Corps patio comes to life with live music, a prayer table and an array of donated clothing items for guests to choose from.

According to the event’s creator, San Diego Centre City Corps Officer Captain Jeremy Alexander, it’s an opportunity to come together with a primary focus on addressing the basic need for food.

“I like to follow the core principles of soup, soap and salvation,” he said. “It’s about providing a meal for someone, no questions asked.”

Alexander is a graduate of The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Adult Rehabilitation Program (ARC), a 180-day residual work-therapy program where he overcame a 30-year struggle with addiction and is now 12 years sober.

He said serving as a Salvation Army officer allows him to distribute some of the love and support he received

Attendees gather with their neighbors at the monthly community barbecue at the San Diego Centre City Corps. |PHOTO BY HALEY OSNESS

during his journey with recovery with those in the community.

“My experience through the ARC was life-changing,” he said. “It helped me find my grounding and allowed me to build upon this foundation where I’m in a place to help others.”

The program provides spiritual, social and emotional support to aid individuals on their path toward sobriety.

“I saw what life could be like without substance dependency, and I was saved by many,” he said. “That changed everything for me. I wanted to help others navigate that same path.”

For Alexander, the idea of the barbe-

cue was to have a place where individuals could feel safe and united, regardless of their situation or struggles.

“Everyone here represents a family,” Alexander said. “There are so many needs that are prevalent right now, but if we can do the bare minimum of providing a glass of water and a meal, that can show someone that someone does care.”

According to San Diego Communications Manager Jake Minger, around 20 volunteers contribute to the event’s success, with ARC program graduates and beneficiaries managing the grill and additional staff and volunteers packing between 400 to 530 meals at each lunch.

“We’re here to spread love through meeting basic needs,” Minger said.

“And what better person to be behind it than Captain Jeremy, who can empathize with some of the struggles individuals face?”

Alexander began to coordinate the community barbecue two years ago when he was appointed as San Diego Centre City Corps Officer, drawing from his prior role at the Salvation Army Oceanside Corps, which introduced him to a situation that sometimes happens with food donations: surplus food.

“Once I came to San Diego, I knew how much food the Oceanside Corps was receiving and figured we could work together to distribute the food in San Diego, reach more people in need and be sure everything is used,” he said.

Now, the Oceanside Corps supplies around 10 boxes of food each month to feed individuals at the barbecue, who are often experiencing homelessness and uncertain where their next meal will come from.

In June 2023, The Regional Task Force on Homelessness revealed the number of individuals facing homelessness in San Diego increased by at least 14 percent compared to the previous year.

“Homelessness and hard times can sadly happen to anyone,” said San Diego Women’s Auxiliary President and barbecue volunteer Dee Ammon.

“To be out here serving while having FULL HEARTS PAGE 12

Hamilton Service Center boosts dignity by adding showers

BY HALEY OSNESS

When a shower facility in Hamilton, Montana, closed its doors, it left individuals experiencing homelessness with no accessible public-use shower options. The sudden closure not only exacerbated the daily challenges they faced, but also exposed the need for a new, sustainable solution to address basic hygiene needs.

In response to the ongoing need, The Salvation Army Hamilton Service Center expanded its facility to offer shower and laundry services—now the county’s only operation of its kind, according to Hamilton Service Center Director Fidelis Temukum.

“We can now deliver a positive response to those who are asking about and looking for a shower,” said Temukum. “This is a huge blessing to the community and to us.”

Located 47 miles from Missoula in Ravalli County, the Hamilton Service Center delivers Salvation Army resources to less-populated areas of Montana.

In 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a poverty rate of 9.5 percent in Ravalli County among its population of 47,298. Temukum said witnessing the harsh realities of poverty-stricken families was a major motivation in adding showers.

“It’s sad to know that some families are sleeping in their vehicles with their children,” said Temukum.

“Many of them go to school and to work but they live in their car and don’t have a place to shower, so we thought it would be helpful to add showers.”

Across The Salvation Army’s Northwestern Division, 156 service centers are in place to ensure access to assistance in communities without a larger Salvation Army facility nearby.

“Salvation Army Service Centers and units ensure that people don’t have to drive 45 minutes to a corps to get help,” said Northwest Service Extension and Emer-

gency/Disaster Services Director Shaun Jones. “It minimizes many of the barriers that come with distance.”

Service Centers address community needs through the support of dedicated directors, staff members and volunteers. Visitors can access assistance services, including food distributions, prescription support, diaper donations, seasonal programs, referrals, spiritual guidance and emergency financial aid.

Jones said public-use showers have been implemented across other Salvation Army facilities such as the Missoula Corps, the Centralia (Washington) Corps and the Lewiston (Idaho) Corps.

“We’ve seen it done before,” he said. “Service Center Directors are really good at identifying niches and then navigating through ways of meeting unique needs.”

When the space next to the Hamilton Service Center became vacant, Temukum met with the building landlord to devise a plan to integrate the available space into their facility while adding a pair of showers.

The expansion project involved removing a wall and connecting the adjacent space, resulting in a welcoming, open area that still preserved privacy for individuals or families with children. Additionally, the team added shelving units for the convenient storage of shower supplies.

A donation of $1,000 from the American Legion Post 47 played a role in launching the project and ensuring that essentials like towels, shampoo, and toothpaste were available.

According to Temukum, who has been in his role for five years, every need warrants a solution that sets others up for success. He said on average, they assist approximately 25 individuals a week through phone calls and referrals. Some have already used the showers, and he anticipates more will come as the word spreads.

“It’s a terrible feeling going home and thinking that

The Hamilton (Montana) Service Extension keeps towels and essential supplies on-hand for individuals using its new showers. |PHOTO BY FIDELIS TEMUKUM

someone came into the office and I was unable to help them,” said Teumkum, of the time before the showers were available. “With the showers, we now have peace knowing that we can provide this service and help restore dignity in many lives.”

In addition to the physical aspects of proper hygiene, showers and cleanliness can contribute to an individual’s success by enhancing self-esteem, mental health and establishing a foundation of well-being, according to the World Health Organization.

Jones said, in turn, a form of dignity restoration can empower individuals to pursue opportunities and explore other resources that could benefit their situation.

“With kids going back and forth from school and parents heading to work, it’s good all around to have this service,” said Jones. “Being clean can help someone receive a work promotion—which can mean more money they could put toward a car or an apartment.” NFC

8 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

How The Salvation Army LOVES AND CARES FOR CENTENARIANS at Silvercrest residences The Western Territory is home to several Silvercrest centenarians.

BY KAREN GLEASON PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER

hen Juanita Von Berg moved into the Silvercrest residence in Santa Rosa, California, 28 years ago, she was 74. She’s what’s known as a “super ager”—she’s 102 today.

Living to be 100—a centenarian—might seem unattainable; that’s decades after 65, the age one officially becomes a senior citizen, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While genetics, diet and exercise play a role in longevity, that’s not all that matters.

Community, like that found in The Salvation Army Western Territory’s Silvercrest senior residences, is vital.

“The option to be lonely shaves eight years off life expectancy here [in the U.S] but that does not exist in Blue Zones,” said Dan Buettner, a researcher dedicated to Blue Zones, the worldwide regions where people live longest, in an interview with NBC News Better. “You can't walk outside your front door in these regions without bumping into somebody you know, and this is all so much more powerful than we think.”

That’s how it is at a Silvercrest residence, where several seniors in the Western Territory have reached centenarian status. While Silvercrests provide affordable living for seniors, they also offer a community where deep relationships can develop among residents and staff.

“It’s obvious that The Salvation Army cares about seniors," said Susan Lawrence, Executive Director of Silvercrest Management. “The Salvation Army at the local level—the advisory boards and councils—wanted the Silvercrests in their community. They made the commitment to have the properties and as a ministry for their communities.”

For 50 years, these facilities have provided seniors affordable housing featuring clean, comfortable apartments in a safe environment, offering both privacy and opportunities for fellowship and personal growth.

“Having a safe, comfortable home is very important—knowing that when you walk through the doors you’re in a safe environment, not just physically, but safe emotionally and socially,” Lawrence said.

Of The Salvation Army’s four United States territories, the West maintains the most senior residences: 37 facilities in nine states. Most are adjacent to a Salvation Army corps to offer residents the opportunity to further connect with a supportive community.

Corps officers at the nearby Salvation Army corps serve as chaplains for the Silvercrest. Residents can go to them for prayer or any spiritual or emotional need. The corps officers often offer Bible studies and other programs at the residence.

“You know, just having the corps officer walk through the Silvercrest lobby and say good morning with a smile on their face—that goes a long way for people who may be lonely,” Lawrence said. “So the corps provides much more than the spiritual component, but also the social component that can help somebody with their mindset, their emotional well being and ultimately, their longevity.”

Silvercrests can also help seniors overcome challenges often associated with technology so they can better connect to the world outside the residence.

“A lot of Silvercrests have service coordinators, which are like social workers who help link the residents to services in the community, which can be an overwhelming endeavor if you don’t have someone to help you,” Lawrence said. “As people age, it gets

much more difficult to put all the pieces together, but the service coordinator can really help.”

Enhancing community Dorothy (DJ) Richmond was the third person to move into the Tulare (California) Silvercrest when it opened in 2006. In 2013, she wrote an article: “Why I live at a Silvercrest,” noting the lasting friendships, activities, safety, convenient location and even the landscaping. Recently, she commended the staff, who help residents with various needs from filing taxes to qualifying for government assistance programs, and who genuinely care for the seniors.

“We encourage each other,” said Richmond, a centenarian in the making celebrating her 91st birthday.

“It’s the friendships that are special, having people

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around who understand you…Everyone has stories.

When we share our life experience, it’s history come alive.”

The San Francisco Silvercrest is the West’s largest, with 257 units and 333 residents, about 80 percent of whom are Asian American. It’s home for five centenarians, including Hoknin Lee, who regularly attends Silvercrest activities like exercise classes and special events like the Moon Festival. The Sept. 27 harvest event celebrated Chinese culture, complete with entertainment and mooncakes, a traditional pastry.

Lee said he appreciates having a safe place in San Francisco’s SoMa (South of Market) district where he can take walks. “I like to keep moving,” Lee said with a big smile.

It’s something residents of the Silvercrest in Santa Rosa have found, too—location matters. There, the 186-unit facility is adjacent to the recently remodeled Salvation Army Senior Activity Center.

“The one thing that has been really good is the location, which has allowed me to walk to the store, downtown, doctor’s offices and take nice walks,” super ager Von Berg said. “For many years I used to walk up and down 10 flights of stairs, which was a health benefit.”

When it comes to Silvercrest residents reaching centenarian status, Lawrence said she’s noticed a societal shift in the 20-plus years she’s overseen the facilities.

“I think the mindset of our residents is different,” she said. “A 70-year-old now is much more active than a 70-year-old maybe 20 years ago…They still want to work, whereas before they would perhaps not be that active.”

Her observation lines up with recent studies finding people who work past the traditional retirement age of 65 tend to live longer.

“We are committed to our seniors in this territory,” Lawrence said. “And senior housing is one of the ways that we show our commitment.”

For Von Berg, the environment and the friends she’s made along the way have helped to make Silvercrest home.

“I have been very happy here,” Von Berg said. “I plan to stay at Silvercrest until further notice—from up above.” NFC Silvercrest residents clockwise from left: Juanita Von Berg, Mary Johnson, Hoknin Lee and Dorothy (DJ) Richmond.

10 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

MAUI

FROM PAGE 1

Army officers, Salvation Army Advisory Board members, local pastors, retired military members, a former collegiate recreation department head, a father of eight and a retired special education teacher.

The ESC teams are The Salvation Army’s eyes and ears on the ground, said Southwest Emergency Services Director Nicole Kanne, who was activated to serve as Public Information Officer in Maui. They collect vital information from survivors to make needs assessments for long-term recovery for affected families on Maui.

“We know that housing, groceries and transportation are among the most critical needs at this time, and our disaster response teams are working in partnership with local vendors to come up with meaningful, lasting solutions for survivors,” she said.

Lahaina, with a population of just

HOPE CENTER

over 9,000, accounted for 80 percent of Maui’s tourism and was the economic and tourism hub as well as a place of great historic and cultural importance to native Hawaiians.

King Kamehameha III designated it the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1802–1845, and the town was also a major 19th century whaling and shipping hub. The fire destroyed priceless antiquities and cultural sites, but the symbolic loss is also devastating. So too, is the loss of dozens of multigenerational homes.

“The Salvation Army is navigating many cultural issues, including ministering to multigenerational families who have endured great loss. We’re supportive of efforts to protect their lands, homes, families and identities here on the island,” Kanne said, noting The Salvation Army’s own loss of the Lahaina Lighthouse Corps (church) building.

“Our Lahaina Lighthouse located in the heart of Lahaina Town was a beacon of hope for residents in the past, and we

FROM PAGE 1

Southern California Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson. “We celebrate this opening as a haven for our neighbors in need. Buildings are simply a symbol of renewed possibilities. Individuals will come here and they will find hope, support and the tools needed to get back on their feet.”

More than half of all unsheltered people in the country are in California (51%), according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, making The Salvation Army’s mission that much more necessary here.

“We continue to provide 5,000 shelter beds every night in Southern California,” Dickinson said. “We remain committed to fighting against homelessness, to be a steadfast pillar of hope for those in need.”

Hope Center residents are referred by the local housing authority, the homeless continuum of care, and other governmental and NGO entities via the coordinated entry system (49 units) or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (16 units). It was financed with investor equity under the federal and state low-income housing tax credit with supplemental funding from government and private sources.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, who was also in-

TRAVEL

FROM PAGE 1

“It’s a large number of individuals brought up from the lower 48 to work on fisheries, canneries or boats,” said Captain Denice Delgado, Anchorage Social Services Director. “They send their money home not expecting to get terminated. And now they have no money to get home.”

Though temporarily unhoused, The Salvation Army knows these situations can be resolved and, through its travel assistance program, steps in to help.

Various transportation needs—including airfare when appropriate—are distributed on a case-by-case basis using designated grant money. Individual needs are evaluated to determine the best course of action. The goal is to intervene before the crisis becomes chronic.

Delgado said she will often receive a call from another agency with a candidate for assistance. Delgado meets with the individual, listens to their story and verifies their details—things like having proper identification and no outstanding legal problems. She then contacts those identified on the “receiving” end to ensure the move will be successful.

That phone call is often a happy sur-

intend to continue to be present in the community, just as we have since 1895.

We are all in this together.”

Rita Lei Medina is a local resident and survivor as well as the Family Services and Administration Assistant at The Salvation Army Lahaina Lighthouse Corps. She said the offering of prayer for strength and courage from the ESC team has been helpful and uplifting.

“It truly did lift the burden of intense sorrow and helped some to realign themselves with their inner strength,” she said.

Cultural issues are at the forefront for many survivors, who are intentionally seeking support from native Hawaiian ESC team members, some of whom lost their own homes. Being able to express their grief to those who have an innate understanding of the spiritual, historical and cultural loss of Lahaina is paramount for many survivors who are also native Hawaiians.

“The sacred significance of ‘Lele,’ or Lahaina as she’s known today is that

we live and walk the grounds of our kupuna, our cultural ancestors, whom many today are tied to genealogically,” said Lei Medina.

“One still senses the deep landscape and character of days, sites and mo’olelo [stories] of old. Therefore, we must continue to honor this place and space in good stewardship and preservation… in these tremendously difficult times, as if the amount of personal loss wasn’t heavy enough, the deep concern about the future of our town is will she be embraced and revered as we rebuild?”

Kanne said while the collective emotional and physical damage from the fires is impossible to quantify, Hawaii’s spirit of aloha and sense of ohana (family) has been evident from the beginning of the response.

“Everyone here is pitching in, regardless of what personal losses they’ve experienced. Giving hugs, volunteering, donating items, restaurants providing food and meals,” she said. “It’s amazing.” NFC

volved in the building of the adjacent Salvation Army likes it here,” she said. “The man said, ‘Well, the first Silvercrest facility for low-income seniors some 30 night was the first night I could close both eyes. Out years ago, presented Major Dr. Terry Masango a cer- on the street, you have to always keep one eye open.’ tificate of gratitude from the city, noting his leader- He’d been on the streets for eight years.” ship of the capital campaign from 2017-2020 as then And Mullin said they’re not done.

Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officer.

“We realize that we want to do this again because “We spent many nights, beyond midnight, meeting there’s nothing more my husband and I really need,” and working with neighborhood residents sharing she said. “We have each other, you know, time with how this project will be an asset,” Gordo said. “This is good health and people you love. We’ve been in so a neighborhood improvement project, supported by many boards of directors in other charities but this the community, that will bring benefit to individuals, is the one.” families and the entire neighborhood.”

Western Territorial Commander Commissioner Kathryn Barger, 5th District Supervisor for the Douglas Riley said the Mullins’ name on the building County of Los Angeles, shared a similar sentiment. is a sign to all who drive by of the hope they have for “I cannot tell you how full my heart is,” she said. others and The Salvation Army.

“Homelessness is not one-size-fits-all, and we need He recounted the early days of The Salvation Army more solutions.” in Pasadena, back to 1884 when the Army would hold She noted the generosity of the Mullins, who “open air” meetings at the corner of Fair Oaks Ave. gave a sizeable gift to make the Hope Center possi- and Colorado Blvd. It was considered a public nuible. “People talk about loving thy neighbor but you sance as the drum beat disturbed the horses, and the all walk it,” Barger said. “Your generosity serves as corps officer (pastor) was often arrested. an example not only to us in government but also to “Our mission is ‘to preach the gospel of Jesus the private sector. We must work together to address Christ and to meet human needs in his name without homelessness with hope and dignity.” discrimination,’” Riley said. “If that causes a public Of her first walk around the newly constructed cen- nuisance, so be it. It’s the creed of the Army to love ter, Diane Mullin said, “Oh, I cried. It’s unbelievable. the unloved and we’re here to stay.” NFC “John met an older resident and asked him how he

prise, Delgado said, as family members Army provides snacks or gift cards. are thankful for a way to be reunited.

She also makes a follow-up phone call That’s what happened for Michael, to make sure the person arrived safely who unexpectedly lost his seasonal and all is well. job in Alaska. He had already sent his “When I followed up, he was super last paycheck to his family in Oklaho- happy,” Delgado said. “He said, ‘I don’t ma, and before long, he was staying at think I’ll ever come back to Alaska, but a shelter for those experiencing home- I’m grateful for you guys.’” lessness in Anchorage.

Since 2022, The Salvation Army in “His sister and his fiance were both Alaska has helped relocate 37 individcalling and sharing information left and uals through its travel assistance proright,” Delgado said. “They had paid gram. That might not seem notable as the bills and there was no money to pay far as statistics go, but as Communica$700 for his plane ticket to get home… tions Manager for The Salvation Army People across America are living pay- in Alaska Natalie Clendenin said, each check to paycheck. No way can they person’s life is important. pay for an emergency plane ticket.”

“It’s minimal what we’ve done—and Delgado said The Salvation Army is it could be expanded—but it’s also a currently working with three people in very specific type of person that we’re similar circumstances. Once she gets going to put on an airplane,” she said. the needed information, she said the “Everyone has their own unique circumprocess can take as little as two days. stances.”

“Once we get all of that, we make the Delgado said travel assistance could flight as soon as possible,” she said. include bus passes, cab vouchers, gas “And then we drive them and put them cards and more. And for those local to on the plane ourselves…and we get the area who are experiencing homethem a meal before they go.” lessness, The Salvation Army offers In Michael’s case, it took just one day. support through programs aimed to “I think we started at eight o’clock in meet their needs, including McKinnell the morning, and he was on the flight House, an emergency shelter with indiat six o’clock that night,” Delgado said, vidualized case management. In these noting for long flights, The Salvation cases, it’s different.

“If it takes us a plane ticket to get somebody’s home to be stabilized, with family or friends who will take them on, then by all means let us help them,” Delgado said. “It’s better to go somewhere else where they have that stability than to be here and not have a place to go.” NFC

MONITOR FROM PAGE 4

manager through The Salvation Army that they meet with weekly in addition to meeting monthly with a VA liaison.

“We ensure that they are staying up to date on their mental health and their physical health,” Fusco said. “We try to be a one-stop shop.”

Fusco extended gratitude toward the American Heart Association for helping the program fill gaps for needed services, and said feedback surrounding the blood pressure monitoring resources has been positive from the veterans.

“They’re really grateful that other agencies and organizations are jumping in and they are being seen,” she said. “It’s not just the VA, but community partners.” NFC

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CHEF

FROM PAGE 5

throwing an occasional curveball at the students to keep them engaged.

“I’ve learned in 15 years of teaching to set the bar really high,” he said, and the results show. The course’s graduation rate is about 90 percent over the eight years of the program.

“You can’t fake it when you get your job. So we set that standard now,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re only as good as our students, as the stuff that they do.”

And graduates are doing great things in San Francisco. Jaime Fimbres is giving back to The Salvation Army, as chef at the Harbor Light Center. Jermaine Simpson interned at Osito, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco; he now works at Homebridge as a caregiver and recently got his own apartment—a goal for many students who live at the Joseph McFee Center, The Way Out’s transitional living center.

And Jeff Cristobal is employed at Osito.

“Chef Timothy encouraged me to pursue things that I thought I wasn’t qualified for,” Cristobal said. “That’s the biggest thing…that you will do amazing

SHELTER FROM PAGE 6

complications and how his daughter, who had just graduated from second grade, also has diabetes.

“We are trying to get everything going and get back to life,” he said. “You can’t just quit. You have to keep things going. [The Salvation Army] is giving families hope.”

The two are now living in a transitional housing program called Family Promise in which case managers work closely with just four families at a time to help them find permanent, stable housing, Turner said.

“It is truly a celebration with the new configuration,” she said of serving single dads.

With more children at the shelter than ever before, the Hansons learned very quickly that they needed more playground equipment and space for them to thrive. Hanson said they hope to install a playground before Christmas.

Additionally, the local Women’s Auxiliary donated $15,000, which will be

things even though you don’t believe you can.”

Tucker appreciates it when graduates stop by to encourage current students.

“We stop what we’re doing, and we hear the fantastic things that they’re doing,” he said. “There’s things they could tell the class that I can’t, ways they can connect.”

Tucker hopes to grow the San Francisco program through support and partnerships. In recent years, he’s wit-

PATHWAYS

nessed a societal shift, with more people identifying as “foodies,” and with the farm to table movement.

His ongoing motivation, though, is the students.

“I’m lucky I can be a part of watching someone grow in a positive way,” Tucker said. “You don’t change people, but you can provide a vehicle that people can hop into and show them the way they can go. You can give them tools to succeed—and that’s what we do.” NFC

FROM PAGE 3

to the current humanitarian crisis.

The emergency shelter was completed in January 2019 after a 75-day turnaround. The expedited timeline was achieved thanks to the teamwork and leadership of the City of Anaheim, The Salvation Army Orange County, Kardent and Swinerton.

The Center of Hope is a long-term project, expected to be completed in phases by summer 2025. Through it, The Salvation Army promises to provide not only the necessities, but also beauty, in a state-of-the-art complex.

The tranquil outdoor areas will be designed to assist people in their transformations.

The Salvation Army aims to help people experiencing homelessness in Orange County transition toward hope and self-sufficiency by providing case management, housing and employment navigation, addiction recovery resources, life skills workshops as well as connection to a community determined to encourage, support, inspire and strengthen every single individual who walks through its doors. NFC

used to furnish the common areas, in- ilies currently housed there, each day cluding family rooms and the children’s the intake team turns away between 6 play areas, one of which is dedicated to to 10 families seeking shelter, Turner children ages 4 and under. said.

“The new atmosphere and transforThe plan is to start a capital cammational rebuilding opportunities for paign next year to build a brand-new families experiencing homelessness facility to serve even more families is amazing,” Turner said. “The Family on The Salvation Army’s main campus Hope Center is meeting families’ imme- located at 908 Yuma Street. The new diate needs as well as providing case shelter would double capacity again. management and resources that equip, “We’re confident our plans to build a educate and empower families for suc- new family shelter on our Yuma Street cess.”

Campus is ultimately the best solution While the emergency shelter is to help address the growing problem meant to be a 90-day shelter, and fam- of family homelessness,” said Hanson. ilies can stay longer if they are work- “We’re already seeing a tremendous ing with a case manager, the average amount of community support and enstay is just under 60 days, Hanson thusiasm for the project.” said, adding even so, the need for the Recently when Turner visited the shelter always exceeds its capacity. En- shelter, an 8-year-old boy named Margagement with the shelter’s services is cus ran up to her, a big smile spread also high, he said. across his face as he told her he would “We provide a continental breakfast be leaving to go to a “real house.” and a hot dinner as well as case man“He went on to say he was going to agement services, which while aren’t re- miss [the Family Hope Center] bequired, more than 90 percent of people cause he had made friends and ‘people opt to accept the help,” Hanson said. were nice,’” Turner said. NFC While the RJ Montgomery Family With reporting by Hope Center is a blessing to the famCaramie Petrowsky.

METAMORPHOSIS

FROM PAGE 4

Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) beneficiaries attended the show at the Kroc Center, with Captains Jennifer and Paul Swain, ARC Administrators for Program and Business, respectively.

“The men and women in our program had not ever seen anything like it,” Paul Swain said. “They were overwhelmed with gratitude and awe.” Jennifer Swain said the beneficiaries were still talking about it months later.

A new relationship grew from that event. Early in 2023, Maley attended an event at the ARC. “He was so impressed with our beautiful chapel that he suggested a special performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ just for our beneficiaries,” Jennifer Swain said. “We requested a Christmas in July performance to allow those men and women who had not been with us at Christmas to see this special show. He said ‘yes’ with enthusiasm and the impact was felt again.”

Maley said while he rarely is able to have lengthy conversations with audience members, he can tell when people are moved—the ARC group was.

“So much of the heart of the show is about transformation,” he said. “Scrooge goes from a place of deep disappointment

about life, and he has profound regrets about his choices in the past and the results that have occurred…It was really beautiful to perform a story of this nature for a group of 100-plus people who are so brave and so honest, as they’re forging new paths ahead in spite of so much difficulty in their past situations.

Their enthusiasm and appreciation were really generous. I felt like I got more than I gave.”

Meanwhile, the Kroc Center recognizes Maley’s donation of his time and talent.

“If I didn’t know and work with Paul, I would still think his one-man show at The Salvation Army San Diego Ray and Joan Kroc Center, each December, was fantastic,” said Major Rob Birks, Kroc Center Corps Officer. “However, I do know and work with Paul, so I think one of the best humans I’ve worked with performs one of the best and most meaningful shows I’ve witnessed.”

Maley believes everyone can relate to “A Christmas Carol.”

“We've all had days where we felt like Ebenezer Scrooge, where life was bad or disappointing,” he said. “And yet, in so many different ways, God intervenes in that story, and brings about a change or at least an opportunity to change.

This is a way for me to bring that hope to an audience—that regardless of circumstance there's always an opportunity for things to turn around…and to see the hand of God coming into the story and taking it in a different direction.” NFC

11

PATHWAY OF HOPE FROM PAGE 6

Army’s support in purchasing her laptop and books so she could go back to school.

Scriven said Nou’s resolve to keep going inspired him; his office serves about 60 people a day. “She kept working and working and going to school,” he said. “The program works, but it takes the whole community coming together, it’s not just us. We were just the catalyst to get her started.”

That fresh start has had its challenges, but Nou said she and her family are doing their best to weather the storm. When it’s been tough to pay bills from time to time, she’s found ways to cope with active communication with the landlord and things like flex-pay for utility bills. “The Salvation Army taught me a lot about how to talk to people and be on my own,” she said.

“I learned how to depend on myself.”

Today, she and her husband and children, now ages 5, 6 and 10, are in a new home. Jon has his own window and gutter cleaning business, and the kids have developed interests of their own: trampoline, violin, jujitsu. In addition to her schoolwork and internship, Nou is active in her church.

But even with all these accomplishments at work, at school, and at home, her biggest goal is to soon be able to give back to The Salvation Army as an intern, and eventually, as a caseworker.

Scriven said, “She’d be a wonderful asset to this place.” NFC

QUILTS

FROM PAGE 5

it,” said McCarthy. “A lot of our guys are rough and tumble…You get a lot of that hard exterior, but they loved it. It was good to see.”

The JMC serves as the third step of The Way Out’s continuum of care, McCarthy said, noting that it aims to be a solution for a common problem many seeking sobriety face—achieving sobriety and then experiencing setbacks when they return to their old situation.

“This gives them a period of time to where they can really establish their sobriety and network,” she said. “So much of recovery is community and connections in the community with a similar group of people.”

McCarthy said the men who are part of the program all have chosen to be there, with some coming out of incarceration. Many are also trying to achieve certain steps to firm up their foundation for life after the JMC, like saving first and last months’ rent, working with contacts in the community and getting a GED or vocational training.

“We want them to flourish,” she said.

“To have the work-life balance that is so important, and the recovery—the recovery is the base and you work on the things you need to do to stay in this beautiful city of ours.”

McCarthy shared the JMC’s goals— aiming to expand to around 100 participants.

“We’re really trying to make it available to all who need it,” she said. “Anyone who needs the help, we want to get it to them, so they can succeed because the ultimate goal really is self-sufficiency.” NFC

PROMOTED TO GLORY

12 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 MAJOR FRANCES JOY BROWN March 31, 1934 – June 27, 2023 Major Frances Joy Brown was promoted to Glory June 27, from Rancho Cordova, California.

Frances Joy Bennett was born March 31, 1934, in Anacortes, Washington, to Charles and Dorothy Bennett, Salvation Army officers. At a young age, she dedicated her life to Jesus.

When Joy was 11, her mother was unexpectedly promoted to Glory, and this had a lasting effect on her—she resolved to emulate her mother’s traits of love and care for family and others. She never forgot her mother’s legacy.

Joy met her future husband Frank Brown in Boise, Idaho, where her family was stationed and where he served as corps assistant. They wed in August 1954. In 1956, they entered the School for Officers Training in San Francisco with the Faithful Session, and they were commissioned as officers in 1957.

The Browns served in corps appointments throughout California. They also served at Intermountain and Del Oro divisional headquarters (DHQs) and at Western Territorial Headquarters.

Joy was skilled at piano and played several brass instruments. She participated in Salvation Army music camps growing up and on music camp staff as an adult. During their time in Southern California, Joy was pianist at several divisional events, including the Gowans and Larsson musicals, “Take Over Bid” and “Hosea.”

The Browns had three children, all born during their time as Anaheim Corps Officers: Richard, Dorothy and David.

Joy dedicated herself to doing whatever she could to ensure her children—and anyone else she met—would understand God’s love for them and commit their lives to him.

In 2000, the Browns retired from active service and settled in Antelope, California. Joy continued to serve, as Del Oro DHQ hired her to visit retired officers.

Joy Brown is survived by her husband, Frank; siblings: Florence, Carol and Charles, and their families; and her children: Richard, Dorothy and David and their families, including nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life took place July 22 at the Sacramento (California) Citadel Corps. Major Rio Ray gave the devotion.

MAJOR MARGARET FOOTE June 28, 1924 – Feb. 6, 2023 Major Margaret Foote was promoted to Glory Feb. 6 from Monrovia, California.

Margaret Stromsmoe was born June 28, 1924 in Eagle Hill, Alberta, Canada. During her childhood, the family settled in Huntington, Oregon.

She graduated from high school

VOLUNTEER FROM PAGE 4

lessness or hunger. The event brings over 200 individuals together to eat, spend time in fellowship and listen to music.

After hearing Schildgen sing, Alexander decided to involve him as a live vocalist at the barbeque, aiming to add another level of connection and ambiance to the events.

“I would gladly serve food or drinks,” Schildgen said. “But Captain Jeremy wanted me to sing, and I was happy to do so.”

San Diego Communication Manager Jake Minger said the live music has enhanced the monthly barbeque event by creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for everyone involved.

“People just love it,” Minger said. “Some will come up and sing along or dance, but everyone has a smile and is happy to be at an event with a performer.”

According to Schildgen, volunteering has positively impacted his life, creating a sense of connection with people around him along with the fulfillment in knowing he's reaching others through music.

“When you serve others, God starts to show himself in different ways,” Schildgen said. “Seeing the appreciation and the happy faces and smiles while also hearing about

and the city of Khon Kaen for two years. With a sponin 1942, and that summer, while on a family vacation to sorship, they relocated to Santa Rosa, California. There Tacoma, Washington, her cousin introduced her to his best the family met The Salvation Army, under the leadership friend, Loren W. Foote. It was love at first sight. In October of then Majors Roger and Svea Malmberg and Lt. Frank1942, they wed. ie Jones, who assisted them with food and clothing. Upon Loren served with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. For a time, Margaret worked as a “Rosie the Riveter,” meeting the entire family, the officers asked if they had any nicknames, since those would be easier to remember than one of the women who wanted to support the troops. their Laotian names.

During this time, their first child, Loren D., was born.

One of Bob’s sisters, who became known as Shirley, In 1945, with Loren safely home, they lived in Tacoma, christened the other girls based on names they had where Loren worked at The Salvation Army Men’s Social heard since coming to America. Phaynikone had a childService Center (today called the Adult Rehabilitation Cenhood friend in the neighborhood whom he described as a ter or ARC). They then moved to California, where they “cowboy,” always sporting a cowboy hat, boots and a big, both worked at The Salvation Army Home for Boys and shiny belt buckle inscribed “Bob”—and so Phaynikone Girls at Lytton. In 1950, their daughter Donna was born. became Bob. The Footes entered The Salvation Army Training A few years later, the Louangamath family moved to SeCollege in San Francisco in 1954 with the Soul-Winners attle, where they remained active with The Salvation Army.

Session of cadets. They were commissioned as officers in Though Bob was involved with its programs and with his 1955. high school marching band, he became entangled with Their first appointment was to the Men’s Social Service gang life. By the grace of God, his involvement was shortCenter in Spokane, Washington. They specifically chose lived. Many loving individuals came alongside him to nurthe ARC ministry, with the goal of helping beneficiaries ture him, to guide him, to love and to pray for him. He and live healthy, blessed lives with the Lord’s help. his sisters were raised by a mighty village; many of them Margaret did whatever was needed at the center: secfrom their Seattle Temple Corps family. retary, bookkeeper, warehouse sorting and helping in the Bob never forgot the impact of The Salvation Army on thrift stores. Her specialty was researching the donated his life. He was called to be an officer in The Salvation Army antiques to assign them a fair price. in his late teen years, though he had originally planned to During 32 years of ministry, the Footes held nine join the military. He entered The Salvation Army College For appointments, They retired in 1987 to Monrovia, CaliforOfficer Training in 1993 at the age of 20, and was commisnia. After retirement, Margaret worked for a while at the sioned as an officer and pastor in 1995 with the Messengers Pasadena (California) ARC, helping out in the thrift store of Hope Session. It was during his second year of training with the antiques. Throughout her active service and in that he met Joanne Habal, a soldier at the Whittier (Califorretirement, Margaret was a prayer warrior. nia) Corps, and they later started dating.

Major Margaret Foote is survived by her daughter, DonHe had various appointments throughout his 28 years na (Michael) Kluch; four grandchildren; eight great-grandof officership As a single officer, he was appointed to corps children; eight great-great-grandchildren; her brother, throughout California and to Southern California DivisionRon (Deb) Stromsmoe and a niece. She was preceded in al Headquarters. After he and Joanne married, they had apdeath by her husband, Loren W. Foote and her son, Loren pointments in Santa Maria, California, Cascade Divisional D. Foote.

Headquarters, Territorial Headquarters and at the Suisun A memorial service was held March 1.

City (California) Kroc Corps and Community Center.

Bob was a warm-hearted and funny soul who loved many MAJOR BOB LOUANGAMATH things including gardening, woodworking, fixing things, Nov. 22, 1972 – Aug. 4, 2023 cooking and the Seattle Seahawks. He was a man of God, a Major Bob Louangamath was proloving husband, father of Lia and Alana, a leader and helpmoted to Glory Aug. 4, from Fairfield, er in his community, and a friend to everyone he met. He California, surrounded by loved ones. could make anyone feel appreciated, and he loved getting Born Phaynikone Louangamath, to know people. Most of all, he loved Jesus. in Vientiane, Laos, Nov. 22, 1972, he His survivors include his wife, Major Joanne Louanwas the oldest and only son with four gamath; daughters, Lia and Alana; father, Phone Louansisters and an aunt similar in age to the siblings. When gamath; sisters: Michelle, Shelly and Lori Louangamath; Phaynikone was 6 years old, his family had to escape to Thailand to avoid dangerous conditions. They left by boat, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Thailin, in April 2023 and his sister, Shirley, who was crossing the Mekong River in the night. Phaynikone was promoted to Glory after a snowboarding accident in 2020. given the task of scooping out the water from the bottom A celebration of life took place Sept. 9 at the Torrance of their broken boat with a small cup, perhaps to keep his (California) Corps. Commissioner Dave Hudson gave the mind distracted as the enemy fired their guns at them.

In Thailand, they lived at the Nong Khai refugee camp devotion. NFC

some of the lives changed through The Salvation Army has been heartwarming.”

Additionally, Schildgen said the platform The Salvation Army has given him has also blessed his personal life.

“Since the barbeque, people have requested that I sing at private parties or events,” he said. “So I felt prepared to start up my first business, Schildgen Entertainment LLC.” On March 24, Schildgen finalized the paperwork for his business and began booking performances under his performance name “Rat Pack Reborn.” He said he currently has five bookings for a December Christmas set list.

“It’s really amazing because I didn’t get any of these ideas until I started volunteering,” Schildgen said.

For Schildgen, singing to others has fulfilled his desire to reach and serve people, motivated by their responses of gratitude and enjoyment.

"I don't think any of this would have happened without the opportunities I've received from The Salvation Army,” he said.

Schildgen is still active in the Navy, but he said he will continue bellringing and singing for Salvation Army events for as long as he can.

“It’s just been a blessing for me,” he said, “and I hope for others, too.” NFC

FULL HEARTS

FROM PAGE 7

fellowship is very heartwarming and fulfilling to me,” Ammon said. “It’s something I look forward to every month.”

According to Ammon, she sees Alexander’s presence at the event boosting engagement and fostering a sense of comfort and connection among the guests. “He knows how to bring people together,” she said.

As attendees enter the barbecue, they recognize Alexander as a familiar presence and often exchange warm greetings and a hug. Many are regulars—whom Alexander knows on a first-name basis.

“I appreciate his ability to set this up and invite us in,” said a resident of the nearby Silvercrest residence—a home for low-income seniors that The Salvation Army runs. “He will treat you like family and make sure you leave with enough food.”

According to Alexander, the event’s attendance has increased over time, primarily through word-of-mouth in the community.

“At first, we would do a prayer walk down the block to invite people to the barbeque,” Alexander said. “Now, people are coming to us and asking when it’s going to be, and they look forward to it.”

Retired Major Edward Covert, who met Alexander upon his intake at the San Bernardino ARC, said he is happy to see him serving in this way, applying what he learned and experienced at the ARC to deliver support and guidance to others.

“People really seem to connect with him through shared experience,” Covert said. “I would say he represents the highest level of success you can achieve through the ARC.” For Alexander, serving the community is a calling that has become second nature.

“I feel honored to be in a place where people come to me for spiritual guidance,” Alexander said. “I just want people to experience a moment of God’s love.” NFC

AROUND THE WEST

NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

ALASKA

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS

Alaska officers respond to Maui fires

Local Home Depot team helps kids in Maui The Home Depot in Maui partnered with the Kahului Corps in the ongoing response to the devastating fires. In addition to a $5,532.52 grant, Home Depot volunteers organized and sorted toys ahead of the distribution to kids who lost everything. The Home Depot also donated supplies to build as many keiki (kids) zones as possible across the Disaster Resource Centers, Family Assistance Center and the 13 hotels sheltering displaced families. The zones allow children to spend time with caring volunteers while their parents receive emotional support and other community resources.

Stacy Dertien, Territorial Director of Emergency/ Disaster Services (EDS) Volunteers and Training, said, “They responded to the need with lightning speed, turned out in large numbers and paid attention to every detail.”

Captains Steven and Romelia Howard are Kahului Corps Officers

A team from the Alaska Division traveled to Hawaii to assist in The Salvation Army’s response following the devastating fires in Lahaina, helping with the ongoing feeding programs and meeting with disaster survivors to offer emotional and spiritual care, among other tasks. The team, comprised of Mat-Su Valley Corps Officer Major Tina Bottjen, Anchorage Corps Officer Major Jennifer Erickson-King and retired officers Majors Barbara and Scott Schneider deployed to Maui on Sept. 26 and 27, thanks to donated transportation from Airlink, who made travel possible for Salvation Army Incident Command team members and volunteers from all over the Western U.S.

CASCADE Medford Salvation Army honored

In Jackson County, Oregon, the Medford Salvation Army was named Outstanding Corporate Citizen Nonprofit of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards. At the event, held Sept. 14, the Chamber and community leaders joined to recognize the talents and achievements of prominent companies and outstanding individuals who have not only progressed in business, but have also succeeded in setting a great example of community involvement and advocacy.

Majors Jonnette and Randy Mulch are Medford Corps Officers and Jackson County Coordinators.

DEL ORO

INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION St. George Outpost relocates to Washington City On Oct. 2, The Salvation Army St. George Outpost celebrated its relocation with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The outpost moved to Washington City, Utah, Sept. 11. Real estate service NAI Excel provided assistance in selecting a more spacious location, where the Army could still serve Washington County as a vital resource for emergency supplies, food, clothing, financial assistance and bus tickets.

Majors Bob and Karen Schmig are in-charge of the outpost.

13

Lt. Colonels Mike and Cindy Dickinson are the Southern California divisional leaders.

SOUTHWEST

Globe Service Center opens client choice pantry The Salvation Army Globe (Arizona) Service Center held the ribbon cutting for its client choice food pantry Sept. 25. At the event, 28 people shopped from a range of frozen, fresh and pantry food items.

The pantry was made possible in part by the support of Molina Healthcare of Arizona—which sponsored the pantry for $55,000 for its first year—along with the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and Freeport-McMoRan. Colonel Olin Hogan is the Southwest Service Extension Director.

ARCC

NORTHWEST

Santa Rosa Senior Center celebrates remodel

The Santa Rosa (California) Senior Activity Center held its grand reopening Sept. 26. A $250,000 donation from Vigil Light funded the project, which includes new wood flooring and a new HVAC system, plus fresh paint inside and out. The center is adjacent to a 10-story Silvercrest senior residence.

“You really can’t grasp how nice the place is now if you weren’t here before,” said Santa Rosa Corps Officer Captain Sean Kelsey, who emphasized the center is not just for Silvercrest residents.

Del Oro Divisional Commander Major John Brackenbury attended the event and spoke during the ceremony.

GOLDEN STATE Modesto receives grant to upgrade lab

The Modesto Red Shield Center received a grant from the Raymus Foundation for its computer lab and Community Center programs. The $28,766 grant will fund 24 new computers.

“The hope and plan is to get new computers so that youth can build skills and keep up with technology,” said Maria Arellano, Operations Manager for the Modesto Corps and Red Shield Center. Youth classes will include coding, web artistic skills, basic resume building and job searching, PowerPoint presentations and typing skills.

Captains Raymundo and Thelma Jimenez are Associate Corps Officers for the Modesto Corps and Red Shield Center.

Longview Corps receives donation for facility upgrade On Oct. 2, the Longview (Washington) Temple Corps received a $50,000 donation from Amerigroup, a health insurance provider. The funds will support a hygiene center and client-choice food pantry that will offer fresh produce, meat and dairy products to clients experiencing food insecurity. The mayor, city officials and Salvation Army Advisory Board members convened for the check presentation and a facility tour.

Majors Lawry and Phil Smith are the Longview Temple Corps Officers.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2023 Finding a Way Home Gala raises $775K The Salvation Army Southern California held its annual Finding a Way Home gala at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on Sept. 21. The event brought together guests, LA Metro Advisory Board Members, and sponsors under the theme “A Night to Benefit Homelessness.” The philanthropic gathering raised $775,000 for Salvation Army services and resources in place to address homelessness.

Anaheim ARC goes deep-sea fishing On Sept. 8, the Anaheim Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) organized a deep-sea excursion from Mission Bay, which included 15 men from the program and participants from two additional ARCs. The groups successfully caught fish they cooked for their dinner before spending the night at the San Diego ARC. According to Anaheim ARC administrators for program Captains Tim and Tanya Pemberton, the day revolved around ministry, connection and learning new ways to have fun in recovery.

CFOT Cadets’ Fall Blitz takes them to the Southwest The cadets traveled to Arizona, in the Southwest Division, Oct. 6–8 for their annual Fall Blitz.

The Joyful Soldiers brigade served at the Maryvale Corps; Agents of Grace at the Chandler Corps; and Rise Above at the Ray and Joan Kroc Phoenix South Mountain Corps. They participated in various ministries: family night, youth carnival outreach, community block party, teen night, Celebrate Recovery and Sunday services.

“They were able to take what they learned in the classroom out onto the field as they gave heart to God and hand to man, serving the Phoenix communities,” said Assistant Training Principal Captain Joy Groenleer. NFC

AROUND THE WORLD

14 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

World leaders visit South Africa General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham visited the Southern Africa Territory for its 140-year anniversary celebration Sept. 22–24. The event included the Congress, an officers’ council, outreach events and meetings with local dignitaries.

During their visit, the Buckinghams received the “Torch of Divine Power.” For the celebration, each of the territory’s eight divisions lit a torch to symbolize reigniting the passion of those who began the Army there 140 years ago.

At the Congress, the divisions brought their individual flames to light one torch.

More than 4,000 participants represented all nine provinces in South Africa, as well as Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia and the Island of Saint Helena.

Salvationists also engaged in outreach initiatives, including open-air events, street ministry activities and a meal and food distribution, which created opportunities to share Jesus

UK senior cycles for the Salvos with local people in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

“These efforts expressed The Salvation Army’s commitment to alleviating the struggles of the communities they serve in Southern Africa,” the General said.

In the Southern Africa Territory today, there are nearly 250 corps and outposts in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, the Island of St Helena and Swaziland where the Christian message is preached in 10 languages. NFC

Ukrainian Salvationists deliver aid Salvationists and volunteers in Ukraine frequently visit the village of Gorenka to deliver clothes, food and hygiene products, most recently provided by the France and Belgium Territory. The village houses families displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and those whose homes were destroyed. They are housed in temporary accommodation blocks where they share bathroom, kitchen and other facilities.

“Visiting residents is always a tear-breaking moment, as these people share their stories of living without electricity, water, gas and heating in their apartments in extreme winter conditions before the temporary accommodation was built,” said Ukraine

Divisional Commander Major Kostiantyn Shvab.

Extremely heavy fighting took place in and around Gorenka early in the war, and citizens were evacuated March 5. They were allowed to return April 14.

“It was a very big stress for them to see their homes destroyed and the belongings they had to leave burned,” Kostiantyn said. “Most of the village residents lost everything they owned.”

According to the United Nations, 1,200 houses have been destroyed in Gorenka since the war began, approximately 80 percent of the village.

The Ukraine Division of The Salvation Army is part of the Eastern Europe Territory. NFC

In September, Peter Langford, a 90-year-old retired vicar from Suffolk, U.K., became the oldest person to cycle the length of Britain to raise money for the homelessness services of both The Salvation Army and Access Community Trust. He traversed 1,100 miles in just under one month.

“I am aware of my good fortune in having a home to live in,” he said. “It makes me very aware of people who are homeless, and I pray for them almost every day…The Salvation Army has a long record of helping people who are homeless, and I have always had admiration for them.”

The self-funded trip was Langford’s fourth over the challenging route. He’s already raised over $73,000, including from rides he completed at the ages of 75, 80 and 85.

“I look back and think, ‘How did I manage some of those hills?’ he said, adding he would not attempt it at 95.

Angela Carlucci, U.K. Salvation Army Community and Events Team Manager, said the money Langford raised would make a significant difference in people’s lives.

“The pandemic and cost of living crisis has led to an increase in homelessness and many charities are struggling to meet demand,” she said. “The selfless acts of people like Peter are vital to The Salvation Army—we were cheering him on all the way.” NFC

Beekeeping project boosts Zimbabwean farmers’ income A Salvation Army beekeeping project in northern Zimbabwe aims to help farmers diversify their income sources and build resilience against natural disasters. The project is a collaboration between the SAWSO (Salvation Army World Service Office) and Salvation Army Switzerland, focusing on the Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association in the Guruve District of Zimbabwe, an association already familiar with beekeeping.

The project introduced modern beekeeping methods that promote sustainability, providing each individual with one wooden hive and essential resources, including beekeeping suits, smokers, prop-

NEW APPOINTMENTS CASCADE DIVISION Effective Oct. 4, 2023 Major Robert Lloyd, Portland Metro Social Services Coordinator Major Thomas Stambaugh, Southern Idaho Coordinator* Captain Peter Pemberton, Portland Metro Coordinator* Captain Jan Pemberton, VAVS and Older Adult Ministries Secretary* Captain Grant Hall, Men’s Ministries Secretary*

olis (a resin-like material made by bees) and wax.

As a result, The Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association quickly improved their business by working together to achieve better results. Farmers grouped their hives and developed a constitution outlining how they would support each other in honey production, marketing, and sales in the future.

Since the project’s inception, farmers have reported an increase in honey production and sales.

Furthermore, the association has proven to serve as a platform where individuals support and uplift one another, advocating for change and growth as a community. NFC

Captain Ivan Landeros, Community Care Ministries Secretary* GOLDEN STATE DIVISION Major Angela Strickland, Retired Officer Liaison and Silver Star Fellowship*—Effective Sept. 6, 2023 HAWAIIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION Majors Benji and Rosebee Rakin, Corps Officers, Jabor Corps (Marshall Islands)—Effective Nov. 29, 2023 Zebty and Tricia Zebty, Ministry Leaders, Ine Corps (Marshall Islands)—Effective Nov. 29, 2023

SOUTHWEST DIVISION Captains Brent and Kristy Church, Corps Officers, Tucson Amphi (Arizona) Corps—Effective Sept. 13, 2023 Captains Christopher and Eunha Kim, Corps Officers, Tucson All Nations (Arizona) Corps*—Effective Sept. 13, 2023 INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Major Brian Saunders, Executive Secretary–Designate, effective Jan. 1, 2024, to become Executive Secretary to the General, effective Feb. 1, 2024, with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, MYANMAR AND THAILAND TERRITORY Majors Nigel and Stacy Cross, Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries—Effective Jan. 1, 2024, with the rank of Lt. Colonel. * Additional responsibility

RETIREMENTS

Major Magda Villarreal December 2023­—Assistant Hispanic Ministries Officer, Southwest Division Major Herine Hampton December 2023— Leadership Training Center Instructor, Republic of the Marshall Islands

KNOW YOUR ARMY

NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

15

Brightest at Christmas THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION SHINES

IT’S OFTEN SAID Christmas is when The Salvation Army’s mission shines brightest. From providing family dinners and keeping the heater on to putting toys under the Christmas tree, for many The Salvation Army is a key part of the holidays, and its brass bands, carolers and bellringers are symbols of its legacy of caring for humanity featured throughout popular culture.

Notable examples:

* “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) Shows a glimpse of The Salvation Army.

• “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) Includes a clip of a Salvation Army band caroling at Christmas.

• “The Lemon Drop Kid” (1951) Bob Hope creates a scam of bellringers to raise money for a gambling bet gone wrong. The song “Silver Bells” (inspired by the imagery of Salvation Army bellringers) is introduced to the world.

• “A Christmas Story” (1983) The Salvation Army’s Northeast Ohio Youth Band appears playing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in a Christmas parade.

• “Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean” (1992) Mr. Bean conducts a Salvation Army band out caroling.

• “The Grinch” (2000) The band seen at the beginning is a Salvation Army band.

SEE MORE about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can help Love Beyond today at caringmagazine.org.

Join in the merriment

by volunteering to ring the bell with your local unit or creating your own virtual kettle. See more at westernusa. salvationarmy.org.

16 NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

CONGRESS

USA WESTERN TERRITORY