The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Our Mission Statement www.SAMilwaukee.org
Dear Friends,
The message of The Salvation Army in 2023 was “Love Beyond.”
Love Beyond... being evicted and finding yourself with no place to sleep.
Love Beyond... food insecurities and growling stomachs.
Love Beyond... not having warm clothes for the cold winter nights.
Love Beyond... addictions.
Love Beyond... hopelessness, fear, and loneliness.
Love Beyond...
Our mission is to meet human need in Jesus’ name without discrimination and through the various programs across Milwaukee County, which are highlighted on the following pages. You will discover how we are able to put practical expressions to help individuals and families experience what it looks like, feels like, and sounds like to get beyond the crisis and discover they have not walked the journey alone.
It is through the generous donations of time, talent, and treasures from volunteers and donors like yourself that we are able to come alongside those needing help and not only provide a hand-out, but a hand-up.
Matthew 22:37 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It is our hope and prayer that as we treat “ our neighbors” through the love of Jesus Christ, they will know what is on the other side of “Love Beyond,” which is hope, respect, dignity, compassion, and support.
We pray that as you read through the stories you would be blessed by the ways you have helped to make a difference in the lives of so many in our community.
God bless you,
Divisional Secretary for Milwaukee Area Command
Young adults have the desire and the capacity to make a difference in their communities. Echelon provides this opportunity through fellowship, networking, fundraising, service, and volunteering at The Salvation Army.
Echelon Milwaukee is group of young professionals (ages 21-40) who support The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County and focus their efforts on ending homelessness in Milwaukee. It is one of 35 active chapters in the country.
“Echelon is an opportunity for local Salvation Army’s to engage emerging professionals across the US in meaningful community engagement, ” said Susan Barton, the National Echelon Consultant for The Salvation Army. “Through networking, volunteerism, and fundraising, young adults find compelling ways to serve others and share The Salvation Army’s mission. As we grow Echelon, we are excited at the opportunity to increase our impact through mobilizing the next generation.”
Echelon Milwaukee was founded in 2014 and currently has over 30 active members. These individuals focus on ending homelessness in Milwaukee County through their annual fundraiser, Dinner in the Alley, and their Meaningful Makeover and Served events.
Dinner in the Alley is an evening of shared community and engaging discussion on how to fight homelessness in Milwaukee County. In 2023, Dinner in Alley took place at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and guests enjoyed an outdoor experience along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Meaningful Makeover is a two-day event during which Echelon members update and repaint rooms at the Emergency Lodge. They offer residents a shopping experience from clothing items collected prior to the event. Beauty treatments for residents are also included in Meaningful Makeover.
For their Served event, Echelon Milwaukee provides a catered meal to residents at the Emergency Lodge. The members of Echelon decorate the dining space with linens and serve the residents, while engaging with them.
“I joined Echelon because I was looking for approachable ways to be involved in the community,” said Jacob Westphal, who began his term as President of Echelon Milwaukee at the beginning of 2024. “I like that it is run by likeminded young professionals. It’s provided me the opportunity to meet a lot of great new people while I give back. As I’ve gotten to know The Salvation Army more through my involvement, I’ve really come to respect everything they do in Milwaukee and across the nation. I never realized how deeply embedded The Salvation Army is into our community.”
Beyond Echelon’s annual events, members also volunteer for The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County’s events and programs. Each year, Echelon members volunteer at the Feed the Kids Kickoff, Coats for Kids Telethon with FOX6 News, and the Class Act School Supplies Drive with WISN 12 News.
If you are interested in joining Echelon Milwaukee, please email echelonmilwaukee@gmail.com or visit their website at echelonmke.org.
34,835
Number of nights of shelter provided at the Emergency Lodge
10,403
Number of volunteer hours
27,540
Number of individuals served though our five food pantries
4,500
Number of meals served on Christmas Day
2,198
Number of backpacks distributed to children
73,996
Number of meals served during Feed the Kids
858
Number of patients served at our health clinic
1,613
Number of chaplain service hours
4,119
Number of coats distributed to children
Christmas may be known as the "Season of Giving" but need knows no season. The Salvation Army strives to meet needs all year long. In 2023, The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County celebrated Christmas in July in efforts to spread the joy of Christmas – and spirit of giving – during the summer.
The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles were out for two weeks at select Pick ‘ n Save locations. Volunteer bell ringers stood at the kettles, encouraging shoppers to donate and help support the mission of The Salvation Army.
PJ Glavey, a bell ringer during the Christmas season, eagerly signed up to the ring the bell during our Christmas in July campaign.
“I enjoy ringing the bell for The Salvation Army,” Glavey said. “I believe it’s important for individuals who are experiencing hardship to be met with the gospel of Jesus Christ and material assistance simultaneously, and that’s what The Salvation Army seeks to do. So, I’m all too happy to help them grow that mission.”
Christmas in July culminated in a celebration at a Milwaukee Milkmen baseball game in Franklin, Wisconsin. To kick off the festivities, Divisional Commander Trevor McClintock threw out the first pitch. The concession stands at the game featured Christmas-themed drinks, including frozen hot chocolate, and Santa and his elves even stopped by our Christmas village with games and prizes, dressed in their summer style!
The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County partnered with 103.7 KISS-FM, and radio hosts DZ and Alley Faith attended the game and rang the bell at the kettles. While engaging with those attending the game, they sold 50-50 raffle tickets, sponsored by The Lions Club, that benefited The Salvation Army.
The game was an incredible ending to two weeks full of Christmas spirit. Overall, Christmas in July raised $5,897.65.
This year, The Salvation Army is bringing back Christmas in July and we can ’ t wait to spread more Christmas cheer and continue “Doing The Most Good” no matter the season.
The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is home to four worship and community centers, four thrift stores, five food pantries, one adult rehabilitation center, and an emergency lodge. We have been serving others in Christ's name since 1889 in Milwaukee County.
We provide backpacks filled with necessary school supplies to children in need.
This partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department allows volunteers to provide emotional and spiritual care to those who have experienced a traumatic incident.
Christmas Family Feast is the largest feeding event hosted by The Salvation Army on Christmas Day in the country.
We distribute coats to children and adults who do not have one for winter.
We help individuals needing assistance to meet basic needs in emergency situations including loss of a loved one, loss of employment, illness, fire, and other crisis situations.
The Salvation Army prepares for and responds to emergencies such as natural disasters and structural fires.
We provide bagged lunches to children in 21 different neighborhoods on Milwaukee’s north and south sides for 10 weeks in the summer.
We have five food pantries in Milwaukee County that serve those in need.
Booth Manor provides high quality, subsidized housing for older adults.
We distribute toys, games, and other gift items to families in need.
Hanan Benelouald and Omar Ait Zaghar were able to move from a cramped one-bedroom apartment with their three children to a home with more space, while keeping a stable income and learning the English language, thanks to The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program.
“We were new to Milwaukee County, and our family came to The Salvation Army of Oak Creek in search of emergency food assistance,” Hanan said.
There was a language barrier, as the couple did not know English, but the couple could speak some French, Spanish, and Arabic.
“Thankfully, we had staff who were able to translate and found they were seeking more than food assistance,” said Jessica Dhuse, the Social Ministries Coordinator at The Salvation Army of Oak Creek.
After three weeks of meeting and understanding the family’s needs, the family was enrolled in the Pathway of Hope program.
“Pathway of Hope is The Salvation Army’s approach to create a path out of poverty, ” said Rachel Fjellman, the Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (WUM). “Through the program, families set their own goals, and case workers partner with them to provide the resources needed to accomplish each one. ”
Since 2011, nearly 900 households in WUM have been enrolled in Pathway of Hope. Since then, 28 locations across WUM have implemented the program, including two in Milwaukee County.
After three months in the program, the family signed a lease for a new apartment, with The
Salvation Army covering the first month's rent. Dhuse personally worked with landlords to secure the housing.
"We prayed for them, and our prayers were answered," she said. “The family was overjoyed to have their new space!”
The Salvation Army also helped provide a furniture voucher to the Thrift Store to help them choose a few items.
In addition, the family received assistance in looking for classes that would help them learn English. The children are learning through their immersion school in Milwaukee, and the parents took ESL courses through MATC.
Eventually, with assistance from The Salvation Army staff, the father was able to find a new job that paid well.
“After one year in the program, the family felt empowered to graduate from the program, due to their resilience and The Salvation Army's support, ” Dhuse said.
Despite graduating from the program, their connection to The Salvation Army of Oak Creek remains strong, as they continue to access food pantry services, the Christmas Toy Shop, and participate in their youth sports programs.
“It is an honor to be able to walk alongside someone and to see how their strengths help them thrive,” Dhuse said. “Being a Pathway of Hope case manager has also helped me to see how God works through us in ways that I have never seen before. There are challenges of course, but all it takes to move forward is even just one small step at a time.”
Did you know that 84 cents of every dollar donated goes toward our programs and services in Milwaukee County? Donations can be made online at SAMilwaukee.org, by scanning the QR code, by texting MKE to 24365 or by mailing a check to: 11315 W. Watertown Plank Rd. Wauwatosa, WI 53226. If you would like to make a donation in person, please contact Megan Warlin, Senior Donor Relations Director, at 414526-1925 or Megan.Warlin@usc.salvationarmy.org.
We could not do what we do without our volunteers. Choose from several programs throughout the year. Interested in volunteering? Contact Nettie Perry, Volunteer Services Director, at Nettie.Perry@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Your donations to The Salvation Army Family Stores help fund rehabilitation programs that help heal addiction, changes lives, and restore families. To schedule a pick up and see what you can donate, visit SATruck.org or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK.
You can make a gift through your estate plan without donating today, or you can make a current gift that will turn an income to you, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. Regardless of the method you choose, you may designate your gift to The Salvation Army location or program that matters the most to you. To make a gift, contact Bruce Clark CFP, Senior Director of Gifts & Estate Planning, at (414) 207-5825 or Bruce.Clark@usc.salvationarmy.org.
The future Center of Hope building project will replace our current, antiquated Emergency Lodge building. Naming rights available. To make a gift, contact Dr. Beverly Peterson, Executive Director of Development, at (414) 302-4300 x2208 or Beverly.Peterson@usc.salvationarmy.org.
We want to grow our Advisory Board with dynamic community leaders who are willing to make a difference in the lives of those we serve in Milwaukee County. Apply today at www.SAMilwaukee.org.
Rick McKenna, Vice Chair Foley & Lardner LLP
Christopher Hamilton, Treasurer Bank of America
Eric Hobbs, Secretary Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Mara Ahmad Hayat Pharmacy
Christopher Boston Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church
Tim Bultman (Life Member) Bultman Investment Management, Inc. (Retired)
Tanisha Collins-Johnson Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin
Lafayette Crump City of Milwaukee
Tammy Gilpin-Ripp Freelance Writer
Jeff Janza CIBC
Erik Kennedy Advocate Aurora Health
Bob Larsen Medical College of Wisconsin
Jarrett Luckett Chipotle Mexican Grill
Sharlie McCain MRA- The Management Association
Kelly Matenaer Business Owner
Tim Nemec TriCity National Bank
Chris Sauvé VJS Construction Services
Christy Stone Milwaukee Public Schools
Daniel Thielen
Oak Creek - Franklin Joint School District
Robert Wagner (Life Member) R&B Wagner, Inc.
Jacob Westphal Echelon Representative