Rochester Area Services 2023 Spring Newsletter

Spring into Salvation Army Events!

Rochester’s Day of Caring is Thursday, May 11th!

Help us serve the homeless on our traveling food and essentials truck. Get details by visiting salarmy.us/events4roc

Our 28th Annual Golf Tournament FORE Kids is Monday July 10th!

Foursomes, event sponsors, auction donors and volunteers are needed. Get event details by visiting salarmy.us/rocfore23

Serving Greater Rochester since 1884

Spring 2023

Donuts are good just about any time, any day, but they're GREAT when they come as a gift of thanks from a friend!

What started as a confectionary treat for soldiers in WWI has become a tradition for The Salvation Army on the 1st Friday of June.

This National Donut Day (June 3rd) we aim to provide free donuts to Rochester’s first...

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There’s no better way to continue a cycle of good work then by recognizing those who have made an impact with their efforts and contributions. That’s why we decided to host an appreciation event to thank the many individuals and groups who supported The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester in 2022.

Dubbed a “Gratitude Gathering”, this 1st annual breakfast celebration encompassed community members from all over Monroe County. The 60 minute program recognized their exceptional efforts that made it possible for us to meet the needs of thousands last year. Their contributions were recognized in categories including service members, major donors, community partners, volunteers, Advisory Board members and more.

Special guest, City of Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith, addressed the attendees with a personal story of how The Salvation Army’s ARC program positively affected one of his close family members. He also shared his commitment to leading our city’s officers in volunteering, giving time and care to the people they serve.

More than 80 Salvation Army supporters attended our Gratitude Gathering, including members of the Women’s Auxiliary Group, honored teachers and students, partnering businesses and service organizations. The Hyatt Regency Rochester provided a perfect ballroom space for networking and buffet breakfast that was enjoyed by all!

• How to nominate an organization for free donuts

• Grant dollars put to great use

• Radio interview shares our latest community support initiatives

• Truck pick up is BACK in the ROC!

• Upcoming TSA events

The event concluded with a presentation of plaques for our top Battle of the Bells contest participants, who rang at red kettles to raise the most donations in their categorized group. Eight winners were present to receive their plaque and share in the spotlight of our first-place Battle of the Bells group and legacy trophy recipients: The Lions Clubs of Chili, Churchville and Scottsville.

Organizing an event like this is no easy feat! From selecting a venue and a keynote speaker, to creating invitations and selecting décor, we can always use support from friends who enjoy party planning. Our community relations and development committee is open for new members. If you’d like to know more, please call our committee liaison at 585-754-9919.

Major Doug Burr, Lt. Greg Bello, Advisory Board member Daisy Rivera Algarin, Chief David M. Smith, and Major Debbie Burr stand proud of the work accomplished by many.

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Student representatives from Greece Odyssey Junior Honor Society- Middle School accepted their 1st place plaque for Battle of the Bells Category: School Group

RochesterArea Community Foundation Shares $3K+ Grant

Rochester Area Community Foundation works to close achievement and opportunity gaps, foster racial and ethnic under- standing, and partner against poverty to help our neighbors in need. This philanthropic organization recently awarded The Salvation Army Rochester Area Services a generous $3,778 towards assistance with Affordable Housing Fees for Shelter Residents.

The timing of this allocation couldn’t be better, as the cost to apply for affordable housing in Rochester is now $25. This may seem like pocket change to many, but to those who are residing at one of our homeless shelters, it can seem like an insurmountable barrier.

Covering this application cost will help those at our shelters get one step closer to housing stability and independence, building momentum towards a future of self-sufficiency.

Rochester Radio Show Highlights

The SalvationArmy’s Many Services

Last month, two of our team members had the rare opportunity to share what’s new at the Rochester Salvation Army through a live radio interview.

ROC Image Radio on WAYO 104.3 FM is hosted by Mary Therese Friel and her husband Kent Friel. They invited Major Doug Burr, Shared Ministry Coordinator of the Salvation Army Finger Lakes Region, and Torsha Hawkins, Director of Social Services at the Salvation Army of Rochester, to share the latest information about our programs and services.

ROC Image Radio has a mission to broadcast positive accomplishments of Rochestarians and promote awareness and action for charities and causes that are enriching Greater Rochester. Their goal is to showcase great, local people and provide a positive forum for listeners to hear about opportunities to make a difference.

Topics covered during the hour-long show included treasures you can find while thrifting at one of our local Salvation Army stores,

Rochester Area Community Foundation also recently awarded our Summer Adventure Program $1,250 through the Donald and Elizabeth Cohn Fund. Amazing!

We are very grateful to have Rochester Area Community Foundation support us as we provide “a hand up” to those staying at our homeless shelters and to local children in need. To learn more about Rochester Area Community Foundation and the many ways they serve our region, visit racf.org

Emergency Family Services and the many resources available there, and case worker availability for walk-in guests and for our shelter residents.

Having Major Doug and Torsha on the show was a great way to share our services, but also a great way to offer ideas to the public on how can get involved. The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers to donate time and talents that can brighten the lives of those who are struggling.

One of the most important mentions during the show was how The Salvation Army serves all regardless of race, gender or religion. We are called to serve and to do the most good. We encourage others to do the same!

You can tune into ROC Image Radio on WAYO 104.3 FM every Tuesday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Interested in listening to our show, featuring Major Doug Burr and Torsha Hawkins? Find the recorded interview online here: wayofm.org/shows/episodes/03142023

With Great Appreciation To:

For some, spring cleaning means following the KonMari method that involves getting rid of household items and keeping only the ones that “spark joy.” This method - or using your own strategy - can have more of an impact on your health than you realize.

Here are three tips for Spring Cleaning that can also be considered “life changing”!

1) Set realistic daily goals. You may want to tackle your entire place without stopping, but running out of steam can leave you feeling frustrated, causing stress and negatively impacting your mood. Start with one room or closet, and check your ability to continue once that space is done.

2) Be conscious of overlooked areas. To really get a deep clean, bypass the areas you do frequently and get to spots like the top of the fridge, under the bed, and inside the coffee machine. Consider washing curtains and pillows, which you may only do 1-2x a year. Keeping these areas dust-free is especially important if anyone at home has allergies.

3) Look at labels. Spice drawers, refrigerator doors, and medicine cabinets need love, too! Remove items and give the space a wipe down. Only put back what isn’t expired and discard he rest. Old seasonings lose flavor and can ruin a good meal. Discard medicines that have expired or that you no longer use.

BONUS: Bring your unwanted items to a Salvation Army Donation Center near you!

(from page 1) responders and essential workers in thanks for their hard work and dedication to our community.

Donuts Delite, our returning donut partner, is donating over 100 donuts to this tradition and on Friday, June 3rd. Volunteers and staff will deliver these sweet treats to organizations across Monroe county.

How will we decide who to share these donuts with? That decision is up to you! We need your nominations for local emergency departments, healthcare facilities, essential care providers to the elderly/ disabled, military units, etc. Nominate on our webpage, salarmy.us/donutsROC and they might get a surprise visit from us on donut day!

Volunteers are needed to deliver donuts and spread our gratitude. If you’re available the morning of Friday, June 3rd maureen.hill@ use.salvationarmy.org to share your availability.

The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester is again accepting larger donated items including furniture, appliances, etc.

If you have a large item to donate and you need a truck and driver to pickup please call 585-235-2769 ext. 329400.

“He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” Zechariah 10:1

Major Doug Burr and Torsha Hawkins from the Rochester Salvation Army team shared the impact being made through our local programs.