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Empire.SalvationArmy.org
FALL 2018
good news How you’re doing the most good in New York
New Life and Hope for a Broken Woman
A difficult life and devastating health crisis left Jenn deeply broken, even suicidal. Your partnership with The Salvation Army gave her new hope... (continued on page 2)
Commander’s Corner Thanks to your support, miracles of transformation happen at The Salvation Army every day. Often, they begin with a “spark” — maybe an answer to desperate prayers for food, shelter, or some other emergency need. But the lives changed are not just limited to people receiving help. Those who give help, including volunteers and loyal friends like you, are also affected on a deeper level. One that inspires increasing empathy for neighbors in need. That’s so important as we approach winter. Many people will turn to The Salvation Army for crucial help. Each year it becomes more challenging to meet the diverse needs in our community — and without friends like you, it would be impossible. Thank you, and God bless you, for demonstrating sincere love and compassion for struggling children and families across New York. You do more than meet their most pressing needs — you restore hope. For that, I am forever grateful.
For more than a year, Jenn could barely leave her home Your support for The Salvation Army gave her new strength. There was a time when Jenn always had a smile on her face. “I was happy, and I liked to cheer others up,” she remembers. But her life has been difficult, and the scars of cruelty she suffered at the hands of people she trusted contributed to mental illness and addiction. That history, coupled with a sudden onset of inexplicable ill health, broke her spirit. “I knew something was wrong,” she says. “I was losing strength.” But doctors could find no cause, and the implication — that it was “in her head” — left Jenn devastated, especially because of her previous struggles with mental illness. “I felt hopeless and suicidal,” she says. One month later, doctors finally discovered the reason for her failing health: a dangerous blood clot in her leg. Despite this vindication, Jenn remained trapped in dark depression.
Finding new hope and purpose Jenn stayed shuttered in her home for nearly a year, until a friend suggested she turn to The Salvation Army for hope and new purpose. Thanks to your generous support, she found all that — and more. She was accepted, loved, and encouraged. She began volunteering, and became indispensable — often serving more than five days a week! Today, Jenn’s broken spirit has been replaced with a heart full of gratitude. “I know God put me here for a reason, and I’m so thankful. I love supporting the people who come here for help. I feel a sense of purpose that I never had before.”
Major Ronald R. Foreman
Every day, people come to The Salvation Army with all manner of needs. Whether that’s food, shelter, or new hope, your support ensures we can be there for them. Discover the joy of giving back to your community; become a Salvation Army volunteer TODAY! Thank you! Visit: http://bit.ly/TSAVolunteer for more information.
In their home, peace and joy replaced fighting and anger Before Candido, Lou, and their children became involved with The Salvation Army, their home life was chaotic and unpleasant. “There was a lot of fighting and disagreement,” Lou says. “We were unhappy and our lives were in turmoil.”
“We’re grateful because our lives transformed as we received guidance and counsel and experienced God’s love at The Salvation Army.” Your support ensures our doors are always open to the community, whatever the need. So when the family came here looking for change, we were ready to counsel and encourage them. They decided to become members of The Salvation Army, and their lives transformed.
“There’s no doubt they have a passion for serving their neighbors,” says Major Steven Lopes, who regularly works alongside Candido and Lou. “Candido cleans our building and keeps it in tip-top shape. Lou works in our food pantry. They’re making a difference. That’s why they’ve both won our ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award.”
“Candido gave up drinking, our family became heavily involved here, and we grew together. We experienced God’s love, and our lives are so different today,” Lou says. “Now we are a strong, united family, and our home is filled with laughter and joy.”
Putting their treasure where their hearts are Having been blessed, Candido and Lou decided they wanted to begin volunteering at The Salvation Army to impact other people in the community.
Thank you for meeting every kind of need in our community — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. As you can see, your support strengthens families! Worthy of Your Trust
81 cents of every dollar spent
sustains life-changing programs that bring hope to hurting souls.
Make “Doing The Most Good” Your Legacy, Too You can ensure a portion of your life’s work continues advancing your highest values by making a planned gift with The Salvation Army. Bequest - A gift in your will of cash, property, or some other specified asset. Gift Annuity - When you make a gift annuity to The Salvation Army, you receive a fixed, guaranteed income for life. Life Insurance - You can designate The Salvation Army as a beneficiary of your policy. Divisional Director of Planned Giving, Kristi Brennan, CAP, at 888-434-1391 or kristi.brennan@use.salvationarmy.org
81%
Programs and Services
12%
Administrative Support
7%
Fundraising Source: Latest National Salvation Army Annual Report
Empire.SalvationArmy.org
Empire.SalvationArmy.org
Pathway of Hope
Solving the root causes of generational poverty in New York It is a tragedy that children whose parents consistently struggle with unemployment, unsteady housing, and lack of education often “inherit” those same problems. Unfortunately, generational poverty is a crisis across America.
You have made a lasting difference for many struggling children, families, and seniors in New York. You have given them hope, and filled countless hearts with gratitude.
To date, results are outstanding: stability is increasing, dependence on emergency and public services is dropping, and families are being rescued from a lifetime of poverty.
Thank you for lifting up your least fortunate neighbors. If you know someone who would benefit from the Pathway of Hope, please reach out to Sarah Johnston at 315 565-7551 x 38225 or sarah.johnston@use.salvationarmy.org.
Your gift to The Salvation Army will be used now and throughout the year to support Salvation Army services in our community. To learn more about The Salvation Army visit our website at Empire.SalvationArmy.org Photos and services reflect actual Salvation Army programs from around the U.S.
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The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope changes lives, by treating the root causes of these difficulties. Families who enroll in the long-term program receive not just food and shelter, but guidance, counseling, accountability, and support to help move towards stability and self-sufficiency.
To help more neighbors in need, please send your next gift with the enclosed reply slip today. Your compassion transforms lives!