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Serving Greater Rochester since 1884

Fall 2021

September 30th: “Red Wings Red Kettle” Day at Frontier Field Join us at the Rochester Red Wings 6:05p.m. game as we ring for donations, give away prizes and throw out the 1st pitch! Buy your tickets for our special game now at https://salarmy.us/rocredwings930 or scan this QR:

November 13th: National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Begins • • • • • • •

Saturday 11/13: Kettle Kickoff at Tops Grocery and Hobby Lobby Stores Monday 11/15: Angel Tree Program begins Wednesday 11/17: Adopt-A-Family Program begins Sunday 11/21: Thanksgiving Community Meal Tuesday 11/23: Kettle Telethon with WHAM News13 Thursday 11/25 Kettle Kickoff with Dallas Cowboys - Happy Thanksgiving! Monday 11/29: Toy Shop set-up starts

Major Debbie Burr, Director of Monroe County Operations Major Doug Burr, Finger Lakes Shared Ministry Coordinator Thomas Kagoro, Director of Operations

70 Liberty Pole Way PO Box 41210 Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 987-9500 RochesterNY.SalvationArmy.org

ext. 2310 ext. 2311 ext. 2315

Looking to donate or volunteer at one of these events? We’d love your support! Call 585-987-9500 ext. 2319 or email ras.volunteer@use.salvationarmy.org

Robert Barlow, Director of Development Maureen Hill, Media/Community Relations C. Mike Henry, Development Associate

ext. 2320 ext. 2319 ext. 2318

It was a cheerful (and rain-free!) day for those who participated in this year’s golf fundraiser on July 12th. 92 players as well as volunteers and staff enjoyed the afternoon at Irondequoit Country Club. Thanks to a combination of donors, sponsors and participants, more than... (continued on page 3)

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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Client Spotlight: Turning Life Around with TSA

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How Much Did We STUFF the Bus?

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Meet our new Development Team

As the statewide eviction moratorium ends, thousands of Rochester residents are expected to be without a home in the coming months. Rochester City Court eviction and foreclosure hearings are climbing with more added to the docket every day. The aftermath of this moratorium is greater than you think with long-term effects spreading across our community. Studies show that evicted families face a variety of health problems including higher infant mortality rates, high blood pressure, drug overdoses, and suicide. Rochesterians with eviction records and back rent are struggling to get rental application approval. And now, affordable, safe housing is nearly impossible to find with the influx of renters being added to today’s competitive residential market. Many are moving into crowded households, finding refuge at homeless shelters or turning to unfavorable low-income housing. Families, including children of all ages, will be displaced from their homes just as their school year is getting underway.

Although relief is still available in Monroe County, evictions continue while applications are pending.

How do these evictions affect The Salvation Army in Rochester?

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Fall Volunteer Opportunities and How You Can Help

The Salvation Army has been preparing for the eviction moratorium all summer long. We’ve increased volunteer support, stocked nonperishable foods, revised our donation center production, and made resources available to those who find themselves in a challenging situation.

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Summer Camp Wrap-Up

Through our emergency and long-term homeless shelters we’re providing beds, food, basic hy-

giene resources, and spiritual/physical care to those in need. We’re combating long-term homelessness through our four shelters here in Monroe County with more than 70 beds designated for men, women and children, youth and veterans. Our continuing efforts help the homeless and newly evicted population return to a stable living environment; whether becoming employed and living on their own or returning to their families.

How can I help those facing eviction or homelessness? 1. Donate your time Our homeless shelters around the country are always looking for the smiling faces of volunteers to brighten up our residents’ lives. Email ras.volunteer@use.salvationarmy.org to let us know that you can be of service. 2. Donate money Undoubtedly, there’s someone in your community who needs help getting a roof over their head. A one-time or monthly donation to The Salvation Army can help your neighbors most in need, all year long. To pledge an amount of any size, visit easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/rochester/ 3. Donate food and goods Rochester’s local homeless shelters are in need of basic supplies like food, winter hats, gloves and warm socks. Contact us at 585-987-9500 to find out what they need most during this eviction plight. Each year, thanks to generous donations, The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester provides over 30,000 nights of lodging to those in the most need who come from a variety of backgrounds. People who come to us for assistance will be served according to their need and our capacity to help - regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

In Memory of Ronald B. Williams (1940 -2021), Local Architect Who Regained Life Through The Salvation Army

A picture-perfect day at Northwest’s Summer Adventure Program included a special visit from Assemblyperson Demond Meeks. As a Rochester 19th Ward native and representant, Meeks shows particular interest in the safety and growth of Rochester’s youth. “We must meet with our communities and take into consideration their views on the issues in which we, as representatives, will vote on.” says Meeks.

The campers enjoyed sharing both artwork and ideas with our special guest. Kudos to our Assemblyman for taking the time to hear what our children had to say!

In and out of jail and rehabilitation, Ron struggled to get back on his feet until receiving support at The Salvation Army. At 40 years old he lived at one of our local shelters, worked at the front desk and helped wherever needed. Ron met a Chaplain during his stay who gave him a copy of the Good News Bible – dated January 21st ,1979 – which led his heart to the Lord. His turnaround began with faith, hope and strength given to him from the Word and the compassion shared through The Salvation Army. Throughout his life, Ron always advocated that sobriety and The Salvation Army were the most important factors in regaining control of his life. He attributed having his last 40 years to the support he received. Ron never missed an AA meeting, worked

“Stuff The Bus” Yields 300+ Back-To-School Donations Thousands of Rochester families are about to face the upcoming challenge of heading back to school. For some, preparing kids can place a burden on families as they are forced to choose between putting food on the table or making sure their kids have the tools needed for educational success.

In this issue we celebrate a man whose life was not only changed by The Salvation Army, but who supported our work for decades after surviving homelessness and alcoholism. Ron Williams was raised in Watkins Glen with great achievements in store. He became a well-educated (Cornell, University of Michigan) and successful young man, earning his masters and moving to Boston where he transformed swamps into high-end resorts. At the height of his career he moved to Rochester and started a family. Unfortunately, his career path came to an abrupt halt as his alcoholism increased significantly. This affected Ron’s life greatly; he lost his job, his home and the trust of those closest to him.

That’s A WRAP for Summer Camp!

To meet this need, The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester worked with five local Walmart stores to collect school supplies for disadvantaged families during our annual Stuff the Bus event, August 6th - 8th. Donation bins were placed at each location and an online registry was created.

diligently and made it right with his family. He pushed himself to succeed, moved his career forward and found love again later in life. Ron’s journey continued and by retirement owned two homes and paid for his children’s educations and weddings. Ron was creative, determined and unbelievably grateful for God steering him in the right direction to get help. Even after quadruple bypass surgery and being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Ron’s activities included bike riding, hiking, kayaking and golf. Artistically he excelled as a water color artist, carving birds, and even played the ukulele! A special thank you to Ron’s wife, Cindi Williams, who shared his story with us. They were married for 10 years and made the most of the time they had together.

More than 30 children enjoyed our Summer Adventure Program this year at our West Avenue Corps. Free meals and fun activities, including creative experiences provided by Flower City Arts Center, were enjoyed by all.

Families unable to send their children to expensive summer camps turn to The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester. They count on us to give their kids a fun, educational experience at little or no cost.

In total, more than 300 school supplies were collected and distributed to children in Rochester. Walmart and The Salvation Army have partnered for more than 30 years to meet community needs through a range of social services, helping individuals and families overcome poverty and economic hardships.

This fall we’re providing an after-school program that gives our local youth a safe place before heading home. Snacks, homework support, and lots of fun are part of our extracurriculars.

(from page 1) ...$65,000 was raised this year! The funds will benefit our local youth programs including summer camps, emergency shelters, clothing, food and other services. The event included a catered lunch and silent auction with more than 30 locally donated gift packages and certificates. Prizes for best scores and swings were awarded during a networking and appetizer hour. The 27th annual Golf Fore! Kids Tournament will be held on Monday July 11th, 2022. To pre-register your foursome now, please contact Maureen Hill at 585-987-9500 ext. 2319. See you next year! RochesterNY.SalvationArmy.org

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31