The Hope Review – 2021/2022 Annual Report

The HOPE Review

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. Outside of the government, we are the largest direct provider of social services in the country. Our programs and services feed, clothe and shelter vulnerable people every day, while helping others escape violence and addiction. Working in close to 60 communities in British Columbia, 400 communities across Canada and more than 130 countries around the world, we give people hope today… and every day.

The Salvation Army opened its doors in British Columbia in 1887. For over 100 years, we have provided practical, compassionate support to individuals and families in need, regardless of race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or religion. Across the province we are supported by private, public and government funding, which helps pay for programs and services such as transitional housing and emergency shelters, community feeding programs, addiction treatment and rehabilitation, long-term and palliative care, after-school programs, summer camps, Emergency Disaster Services, and anti-human trafficking programs.

B.C. LOCATIONS

Lower Mainland

Anchor of Hope Community Church, Vancouver Belkin House, Vancouver Boundless Vancouver Buchanan Lodge, New Westminster Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby Cascade Community Church, Abbotsford

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Chilliwack Community Church Illuminate (Deborah’s Gate)

Grace Mansion, Vancouver Harvest Community Church, Burnaby Kate Booth House

Langley Gateway of Hope New Westminster Citadel North Vancouver Corps Richmond Corps Richmond Shelter Ridge Meadows Ministries, Maple Ridge Rotary Hospice House, Richmond Southmount Ministries, Vancouver Southview Heights & Terrace, Vancouver

Surrey Community Church Vancouver Harbour Light White Rock Corps

The Willows Church & Family Life Centre, Langley

Interior Fernie Corps Kamloops Corps

Kelowna Community Church Kootenay Valley Community Church, Cranbrook Nelson Corps New Hope Community Church, Salmon Arm Renew Church, West Kelowna Trail Community Church Vernon Corps Williams Lake Corps

Northern Region

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Esperanza

Bulkley Valley Ministries, Smithers Camp Mountainview, Houston Dawson Creek Corps

Fort St. John Community Ministries Gitsegukla Corps Gitwinksihlkw Corps Hazelton Corps

Prince George Corps Prince Rupert Corps Quesnel Corps Sik-e-dakh Corps Terrace Corps Upper Skeena Circuit

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Vancouver Island

Alberni Valley Corps, Port Alberni Camp Sunrise, Gibsons Comox Valley Ministries, Courtenay Connection Point Church and Resource Centre, Langford Cowichan Valley Ministries, Duncan

High Point Community Church, Victoria

Mt. Arrowsmith Community Church, Parksville Nanaimo Corps

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Ocean Crest Community Church, Campbell River Sunset Lodge, Victoria Sunshine Coast Community Church, Gibsons

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Victoria Addictions & Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) Victoria Citadel & Next Steps Resource Centre

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER

The Salvation Army in British Columbia is looking forward to a new and bright future. Like many other organizations, the last two years have been difficult, challenging, and yet also helped us learn that we could adapt and innovate better than we had imagined.

Now that our services are almost all able to return to full capacity, we are looking forward to expanding our services to meet an ever-growing need across the province. We presently offer services in 60 communities in British Columbia, including shelters and addiction treatment, community feeding programs, long-term care and assisted living for seniors, spiritual care services, emergency disaster response, and many others. In this report, you will see some specific examples of the impact we have been able to make in communities for countless individuals and families.

I hope that you will take the time to read the exciting stories featured in this report so you can get a glimpse of what our employees and volunteers have been able to accomplish. I am so encouraged by the faithfulness of all our staff members. We are especially excited about our Nine Stories of Hope

campaign helping us toward the construction of the new Vancouver Harbour Light facility on the Downtown Eastside.

The need for our services continues to grow as more and more people are affected by inflation, supply difficulties, pandemic losses, affordable housing shortage, opioid crisis, and many other challenges. We have partnered with other agencies and organizations to relieve some of the pressure felt by so many British Columbians. We are grateful for the support of all levels of government as well and hope to continue these positive partnerships.

We feel extremely blessed to be able to continue to make a transforming impact on the lives of people in this beautiful province and we know that this is possible because of so many generous supporters like you. We simply cannot thank you enough.

Lt. Colonel Jamie Braund Divisional Commander

Lt. Colonel Jamie Braund Lt. Colonel Ann Braund

OF

“You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!”

– CATHERINE BOOTH, 1865 CO-FOUNDER

THE SALVATION ARMY

ADDICTIONS & REHABILITATION

Dreams for the future

Growing up in the Bahamas, Frank was living in paradise. He was a star athlete and a top-ranked swimmer with dreams of becoming a police officer. As a young adult, he was diagnosed with narcolepsy; a chronic sleep disorder that severely disrupted his daily life. Those who suffer from narcolepsy can be overwhelmed with drowsiness during the day and endure sudden attacks of sleep. This disorder limits the number of job opportunities for him and is something he will have to continue to adjust to and endure forever.

Frank battled with drug addiction as a ‘closet-user’ his entire life and explained how much he hated it, “every time I used, it would take me two-to-three days to recover.” He tried to stop but something always triggered him. When Frank found himself with an eviction notice and no place to go within his budget, he knew he needed to stop this behaviour. That’s when he called The Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) for help; spoke with Troy, a caseworker, and started his journey to recovery.

Even before arriving in Victoria, no matter what point he was in his life, Frank always wanted to give back. And found he could by becoming a drug and alcohol counsellor. This is where he met his wife, a Canadian. Together they moved to London,

Ontario before settling in Calgary, Alberta. Frank was then 12 years clean and found a job with The Salvation Army working night shifts at the Booth Centre. Unfortunately, a very difficult divorce left him devastated, “I was a wreck for six months,” he says. A friend suggested he get a change of scenery and move to Sidney on Vancouver Island, where unfortunately Frank relapsed.

Frank later moved into the Victoria ARC and started rehabilitation programs where he was given tools to help with his addiction. Like it was yesterday, he remembers his first meal at the ARC kitchen, a place he now volunteers at. “I learned over the years that by helping others you help yourself.”

Today, Frank is going onto 10 months clean and is looking forward to reaching one year sober when he will start to look for a place of his own. He has a part-time job cleaning downtown Victoria, where in one day he can see up to 60 needles. Thankfully, those needles are only a reminder of the past, and no longer are a trigger. He is extremely grateful and thankful for The Salvation Army, “rest assured that you’re giving your money to a trustworthy organization, I’ve seen firsthand... the hope I now have helps me believe that I can overcome anything, whatever the circumstance.”

“Without The Salvation Army, I would probably be on the street.”

—FRANK, GRATEFUL CLIENT

Pushing through the pandemic

These past two years have been some of the most challenging times we have ever faced. The global pandemic halted the world, everyone had to learn to distance themselves and wear protective masks to protect their loved ones and everyone else around them. We all faced these challenging and unprecedented times together.

COVID-19 hit us all financially, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. Isolation and physical distancing measures were (and continue to be) challenging for individuals and organizations. But with the help of the government, our donors, and community partners, The Salvation Army in British Columbia ensured that our communities were (and are still) being served.

As an essential service, we work in close to 60 communities across the province, providing food, clothing, and shelter to those impacted by the pandemic. When the crisis hit, our pandemic plans were put in place immediately to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, clients, and community members. We are still seeing the rising need for our services throughout the province; our locations have continued to adapt and modify programs to ensure we meet the growing demands.

As we move forward, we continue to navigate these challenging and unprecedented times together—with a unity of purpose—providing support and giving hope to those in need… today and every day in British Columbia and across the country.

“From 2019 to 2021 we saw a significant increase in food bank use, and between 2021 and 2022 we saw a further 25% increase. The pandemic brought on changes such as job changes, losses... we are not sure how or when things will improve. That uncertainty continues to challenge us as we proceed.”

—ROY LAW, COMMUNITY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR, PRINCE GEORGE

PATHWAY OF HOPE PROGRAM

Reconnecting with her goals

Growing up, Sarah had a great childhood. Her parents were both teachers and they were able to spend weekends, summers, and holidays together. As she grew older and entered her 20s, she was partying excessively, and at age 30 she found herself pregnant.

“The biggest thing I struggled with was stability,” shared Sarah. “I was a single mom… no money… no real place to stay.” She moved from job to job and from house to house. “I think I moved eight times in three years,” Sarah shared as she described the lack of foundation in her life. She struggled with money and couldn’t admit she needed help.

Sarah heard about the Play Café at the Connection Point Church & Resource Centre in Victoria; a program that provides a place for parents and their children, up to the age of five, to gather, play, and enjoy healthy snacks. This weekly program became a consistent stop for Sarah and the children she was watching as part of her nannying job. When things started to get difficult for her during the COVID-19 pandemic her sister reached out to a caseworker at Connection Point, letting them know Sarah could use some help during Christmastime.

“There were so many things in my life I wanted to change, but I didn’t know how to do it myself,” said

Sarah. The Pathway of Hope program allowed Sarah to work through her own goals as she learned about budgeting, eating healthy, and making time to take care of herself and her home. The counsellors also helped develop a plan for her to return to school and find a career.

She described the challenge of receiving support that first Christmas, “I’ve never been one to accept help… but the relationships I made at Play Café made it easier.” Since starting the Pathway of Hope program she has seen great results. She has applied to school, her budget is on track, she has savings again, and can focus on her mental and physical health, “it’s impacted every part of my life.” Captain Tinisha Reid explained the progress she’s seen in Sarah, “The biggest change has been the confidence to move forward and the means to do so… it’s been so beautiful to see her celebrate every goal.”

For the first time Sarah is looking forward to the change that is coming. She credits that to The Salvation Army, “you’ve changed my life, truly. Without this program I don’t know where I would be… now I’m so excited for my future.”

FLOOD RELIEF

Coming together during our worst disaster

In the Winter of 2021, British Columbia declared a state of emergency as the Lower Mainland experienced the worst flooding to hit the region in a century. Floods and landslides cut off major transportation routes and entire communities were under water. People lost their homes, businesses were destroyed, and the disruption in transportation limited the number of essential supplies that were available. In Indigenous communities, support was desperately needed as many of the villages were cut off completely from all forms of help.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services responded swiftly and were on the scene in six of the hardest-hit communities, feeding and hydrating first responders and evacuees, while also providing shelter, blankets, jackets and much-needed spiritual care. Thanks to your generous support we were able to quickly raise over $1.8 million to use towards

immediate and long-term recovery efforts. As part of our work with municipal leaders in the most critically hit areas, including those in the Indigenous communities, we were able to provide more than $600,000 to regions most impacted by the flooding. This initial round of funding went towards the immediate relief efforts: food security, evacuation supplies, and temporary shelters.

In May 2022 we presented $725,000 in support of communities dealing with recovery and restoration; including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Merritt, Princeton, and the First Nations Emergency Service Society. This money was put towards construction, equipment and labour, and continued support with food security.

Funds were also distributed to outlying communities to support the influx of evacuees. Communities such as Kamloops and Kelowna stepped up to support evacuees with everything from food

“The food has been very good... The Salvation Army has been really good to us.”

–BILL BLOKLAND EVACUEE STAYING AT TRADEX, ABBOTSFORD

security, to clothing, to Christmas gifts for those who were displaced into the holiday season.

Farms in the Yarrow and Sumas areas of Chilliwack were badly flooded, leaving many people without basic necessities including food and baby supplies. Stepping into this gap to provide support, Salvation Army volunteer Lindsay Armstrong helped organize food deliveries in these hard-hit areas— even delivering by boat where necessary. “We saw a desperate need,” she says. “A lot of people lost everything.”

cannot thank our supporters enough for putting their trust in us to manage their donations responsibly and efficiently. Special thanks to Z95.3 Radio for partnering with us to do a one-day fundraising blitz that helped raise over $600,000, companies such as TELUS and Craftsman Collision who stepped in at this critical time to support their communities, as well as a private local foundation. But most of all we want to thank you, our loyal and committed donors for going above and beyond, supporting individuals and families during this difficult time.

$210,000 was spent on Emergency Disaster Services programs and services, $815,000 shared with the hardest hit cities, $500,000 went to the First Nations Emergency Service Society, and the remaining amount is dedicated to future recovery programs.

We

“I think what the Army does the best is we’re there until the very end. We’re not quitting halfway through. We’re there to support you until you’re living again.”

—DON ARMSTRONG, FOOD BANK SUPERVISOR, CHILLIWACK COMMUNITY CHURCH

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

A true Christmas blessing

Losing his job at 28 was very difficult for Scott and for his family. Christmas was around the corner and being a father of two, he knew he had to do something for his family soon.

“I have an awesome home life. I want to work and do all that I can for my family. The only thing that kept me down was losing my job. I knew I needed help that Christmas.”

Scott came to The Salvation Army Kelowna Community Church after hearing about our Christmas Blessings program. This program is open to anyone in need at Christmastime. A meal is given through gift cards and families with children will also receive toys. Each year this program runs for five weeks leading up to Christmas. And with the cost of living rising we continue to see an increase in the need for services like this.

“I contacted The Salvation Army last November after hearing about the Christmas Blessings program. I signed up online and was quickly contacted by a very friendly person who asked me

a few questions and let me know that The Salvation Army would absolutely help my family. I felt no judgement and was received by smiling faces when I entered the building,” shared Scott.

“Not only did we receive enough for our Christmas dinner, but they also provided the opportunity to shop in their Toy Store of donated toys. There were so many options to choose from,” said Scott. “I felt a lump in my throat and could barely speak to the kind lady assisting me. Everything was brand new. When I left, I felt that the pressure of providing Christmas for my family had been lifted. I felt blessed. They did not know me, yet they treated me with so much kindness.”

Today Scott looks back positively at what was such a difficult time, “I could not believe how much I received that day. It was not an easy decision to ask for help, but I’m so happy I did. The entire process was dignifying and pleasant. I am forever thankful to The Salvation Army Kelowna Community Church.”

“They did not know me, yet they treated me with so much kindness.”

–SCOTT, GRATEFUL FATHER AND HAMPER RECIPIENT

SUMMER CAMP

Overcoming Austin’s anxiety

Eight-year-old Austin attended our camp last summer. His mom shared that he struggles with anxiety and was so anxious the night before that he had a stomach ache.

When Austin first arrived, he was quiet and barely made eye contact, feeling anxious and nervous. His mom said he spent the entire week leading up to the first day of camp crying, expressing he was scared to go.

During his first week, he met a boy named Joseph. They quickly bonded and the two hung out like best buddies. This was when Austin changed, becoming the most confident and sociable kid there. In fact, when a new group of kids showed up, he was the first to chat with them and introduce himself. We asked him to help with games and bible activities, and he became a role model for the other kids. Every morning after that he came in with a big smile, happy to see us and help where he could.

was a completely different kid.”

The camp staff quickly bonded with him because they all had similar backgrounds of attending a Salvation Army camp when they were young. It is okay to be scared of doing something new or to go out of your own comfort zone. It can be scary to show up to a brand-new place with brand-new people, but we all learned that camp is a safe and fun place to be. There is a place for everyone, you don’t have to be the most confident or outgoing, have the coolest clothes, or be the funniest kid in the room. You can just be yourself!

The Salvation Army hosts two summer camps in British Columbia. Camp Sunrise on the Sunshine Coast, and Camp Mountainview in Northern BC. Both camps offer safe spaces where children, youth and adults can experience a transformation and renewal of spirit while adventuring in the wonder of nature. Learn more at salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia/camps

“He

“We saw the biggest change in him.”

– KRISTEN DE BEER, CAMP STAFF

COMMUNITY

FAMILY SERVICES

Raising Willowbuds

Even though the addition of a baby to a family means the household is growing, it can actually be quite an isolating time for parents. With focus now entirely shifted towards the care and support of a child, there’s not usually much time left for anything else let alone getting together with other adults.

At The Willows Community Church in Langley a number of children were born within the same year, so in 2016 Captain Renée McFadden had an idea to start hosting the mothers and children at her home. That initial group of 10 families would eventually grow to become Willowbuds, a bi-weekly program that has seen up to 120 people come into the doors of the new Family Life Centre

The free Willowbuds program is open to the community and offers families with children ages five and under the opportunity to get together for socialization, educational activities and fun. The kids can play with toys, get creative with art supplies, try out a musical session, or rest in the quiet area for newborns and parents. The program has seen huge growth over the years as new families continue to learn about it through their Facebook group, which now has over 500 members.

Originally started as a ‘Mom and Tot’ program, organizers also noticed a lack of programs for fathers and grandparents. So, they decided to open The Willowbuds to be more inclusive of all guardians. Additional programs and services offered at The Willows include their Toy Lending library where families can borrow toys for an optional $20 fee. New parents can also take advantage of the library of essential items such as highchairs, booster seats, and play mats. Many parents have found donating items to these libraries as a way to give back. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was able to move to outdoor sessions at a local park, allowing families to safely break the cycle of isolation.

Kids and parents enjoy healthy snacks at each session, including food options for each age group. One thing that Andrea Petkau, Integrated Mission Supervisor at The Willows, enjoys seeing is the mix of backgrounds and cultures as the parents join their kids on the floor. “We are becoming a beacon here in Langley, where parents know they can come… it’s safe and a place their needs are met,” she says, “it’s building a stronger community.”

GRATEFUL MOTHER

“I really appreciate all the hard work that they put into organizing all of this… they really make it as easy as possible for moms to come and relax.”

–BOBBI,

Nine Stories of Hope

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The Nine Stories of Hope Campaign is the largest single capital investment The Salvation Army has ever undertaken in Canada. At nine storeys and over 170,000 square feet, the new building will meet the increased needs of those we serve in the Downtown Eastside and across the province for years to come.

Action is underway to replace our 100-year-old facilities with a new state-of-the-art, modern building offering increased services and new programs with special attention to women’s needs, accessibility, and cultural inclusion.

Our project continues to march forward. Demolition of the site is nearly complete, and we are well past the 90% mark of our overall financial goal of $25 million. The new Vancouver Harbour Light will be opening its doors to those most in need in 2025, and it will serve as a beacon of hope for our community and province for many years to come.

HARBOUR LIGHT

On May 18, we had an impactful evening of philanthropy at our Transform Gala, where over $2.6 million was raised. This magical evening helped us get even closer to completing this project, shaping the future of the Downtown Eastside for a generation. We continue looking forward to the future.

SHINING A LIGHT ON WOMEN AND ADDICTION

Earlier this year, we launched HERstory of Hope, a sub-campaign to bring awareness to the unique challenges and circumstances faced by women living with addiction. This campaign encouraged individuals to visit HerStoryofHope.ca to share their words of hope. Close to 200 submissions were made including these touching examples:

These messages of encouragement will live forever within the new Vancouver Harbour Light as part of a stunning art installation, inside the DIANE HARWOOD Centre for Women.

The DIANE HARWOOD Centre for Women will have 18 beds and four transitional rooms for women seeking addiction treatment. This new women’s programming will offer services designed specifically for women to meet their unique challenges, needs, and barriers. It will provide women with a safe, supportive, and loving environment as they navigate through their recovery journey to rebuild their lives— without discrimination or stigma.

For more information, and to learn how to be a part of this once-in-a-generation project, please visit ninestoriesofhope.org

“We are grateful for the strong support from all levels of government, the commitment and hard work of our project team, as well as all our donors and supporters helping to make this much-needed project a reality.”

– JIM COGGLES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VANCOUVER

“Change is possible. And once accomplished, leave the past behind. It’s not you.”

“You are worthy. You are loved. You will shine.”

Anti-Human Trafficking

In British Columbia, we operate eight antitrafficking direct services and initiatives with a bold goal: to end human trafficking in Canada. In 2020, there were over 500 incidents of police-reported human trafficking (Trafficking in persons in Canada, 2020), most cases involving exploitation related to the sex trade here in our own country. When one person’s liberty is at risk, our entire society’s freedom is at risk, and we must be moved to action.

At The Salvation Army, we have a powerful legacy starting in the 1800s of fighting modernday slavery, and we are leaders in British Columbia for Canada’s modern-day response through our Illuminate program. We use best practices, highsecurity safe locations, and innovative approaches to intervention and aftercare, setting the standard

in North America for effective responses that truly change the script of the story.

IN HER WORDS

“To find my authentic self means building a life that is mine and completely mine. With my experience in exploitation, I often felt I had to look and be a certain way. When removed from that environment and with access to supportive programming at The Salvation Army, I realized so much about myself. A lot of what was ingrained in my character was to survive. With no longer needing those survival skills, I am able to consistently discover deeper layers within myself. A new life, full of interests, hobbies, and my own identity. A new value system built on integrity.”

To learn more about our Anti-Human Trafficking programs please visit IlluminateHT.com

Kim Findlay

Divisional Director, Development (778) 228-7735 kim.findlay@salvationarmy.ca

Susan Bains-Grewal

Carol Barton

Charitable Gift Advisor (250) 858-0808 carol.barton@salvationarmy.ca

Bill Glasgow

Leadership & Legacy Giving Officer (250) 961-4029 bill.glasgow@salvationarmy.ca

Roger Kayo, CFRE

Legacy Giving Officer (604) 296-3815 roger.kayo@salvationarmy.ca

Janice Gillespie

Individual Gift Specialist (604) 209-2334 janice.gillespie@salvationarmy.ca

Serena Ratzlaff

Donor Services Coordinator (604) 970-3855 serena.ratzlaff@salvationarmy.ca