2024 Impact Report

Fiscal Year 2024

Annual Report The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024

Dear Friends, In your hands, you hold the 2024 Impact Report for The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County.

Within these pages, you’ll find stories and statistics that reflect the profound difference made in the lives of those we serve through our four Corps and Community Centers, Emergency Shelter, and Distribution Center.

letter from the area commander

This impact was felt...

When a struggling family no longer had to choose between rent and groceries.

When a child went to bed with a full stomach instead of hunger pains.

When a single mother found warmth in a winter coat for her little one.

When a father, out of work, was able to give his children gifts on Christmas morning.

When someone without a home found safety and dignity in a warm bed.

When a person facing hardship received guidance and resources to rebuild their life.

When a child discovered confidence and belonging through youth ministries.

When someone in crisis found comfort in a listening ear, a caring embrace, and a word of encouragement.

If you donated your time, talent, or resources this past year, YOU made these moments possible.

YOU provided relief, dignity, and hope. YOU were the light in someone’s darkest moment.

Thank you for being a part of this mission. Thank you for changing lives.

God Bless You,

Major Beverly Gates Milwaukee Area Commander

The shelter serves an average of 30 children per month.

Supporting children's growth is a top priority for Fitzgerald.

“Our approach focuses on three key areas: schooling, essential supplies, and enrichment programs,” she said.

School attendance is mandatory, so staff ensure kids are enrolled and have transportation. After school, college volunteers assist with school work. In FY 2024, 89 total after school programs were provided.

From Eviction to Hope: A Family's Journey at the Emergency Lodge No one ever plans on being homeless, especially those with young children.

Unfortunately, that was the case when Charisse went into labor early and her newborn had complications.

She, her partner, and their 10 kids, were evicted from their home and had used the last of their funds on a motel room before coming to the Emergency Lodge, our 24-hour shelter.

For children, moving into the shelter may feel unfamiliar, but Loni Fitzgerald, director of the Children’s Development Program at the Emergency Lodge, and her staff work hard to create a sense of stability and routine each day.

Inside the shelter, there are 12 family rooms for parents with children, a play area, and a study space equipped with computers and desks.

“Children are able to get individualized assistance with their homework and work on their basic primary and literacy skills,” Fitzgerald said.

When it comes to essentials, the shelter provides children with clothing, school supplies, and toys. Infants receive diapers and wipes.

For enrichment, staff strive to create moments of normalcy with weekly activities like arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and movie nights.

“Charisse would participate in activities when she could, giving her the opportunity to engage with the children in a fun and positive way during a stressful time in their lives,” Fitzgerald said.

Families can stay as long as parents are actively working toward their goals, but the ultimate goal is to help them transition into their own homes within 90 days.

After a lot of persistence and savings, Charisse, her partner, and their kids were able to secure housing! The Salvation Army was able to provide beds and basic household items to get them started on their new life ahead.

“Our approach focuses on three key areas: schooling, essential supplies, and enrichment programs.” ~ Loni Fitzgerald, Director of the Children’s Development Program

FY 2024 Budget The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County Operating Budget Income Sources FY 2024 Program Service Fees 2.1% Government Funds 11.2%

United Way 1.4%

Donations in Kind 16.4% Contributions 51.3%

Other Income 17.6% 17.5%

Functional Expense Composition Fundraising 12.3%

Management and General 4% 3.9%

Programs: $12.6 million Fundraising: $1.9 million Management/General: $6 million Budget: $15 million

Programs 83.7%

The Salvation Army Of Milwaukee County Advisory Board Tim Nemec, Chair Rick McKenna, Vice Chair Christopher Hamilton, Treasurer Sharlie McCain Mara Ahmad

Christopher Boston Tim Bultman (life member) Tanisha Collins-Johnson Lafayette Crump Tammy Gilpin-Ripp

Jeff Janza Erik Kennedy Bob Larsen Jarrett Luckett Kelly Matenaer

Chris Sauvé Jamey Shiels Christy Stone Robert Wagner (life member) Jacob Westphal Jay Wille

Milwaukee County At A Glance FY 2024

88,538 Individuals Served Emergency Disaster Services

1,742 Individuals Served

Emergency Lodge

Seasonal Programs

30,597

110,773

Nights of Shelter Provided

Toys Distributed at Toy Shop

91,791

40,553

Meals Served To Residents

Meals Served through Feed the Kids

97

4,500

Individuals (67 adults, 30 children) Served Per Month On Average

Meals Served at Christmas Family Feast

4,554

Every Dollar Spent 84% directly supports vital lifesustaining programs that help locally.

Health Clinic Visits

Social Services

chaplaincy program

24,726 Grocery Orders Provided

51

18,663

Active Volunteer Chaplains

Cases Served

2,681

7,211

Individuals Served

Clothing Items Distributed

Programs and Services The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is home to four worship and community centers, five food pantries, an adult rehabilitation center, a distribution center, and an emergency lodge. We have been serving others in Christ's name since 1889 in Milwaukee County.

Army Lake Camp Children of all ages experience the best of the outdoors on Army Lake in East Troy, WI, through camping, swimming, boating, hiking, music, sports, dance and other adventures.

Chaplaincy Program Volunteers provide emotional and spiritual care to those who have experienced a traumatic incident. This program runs in partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Corps Community Centers Neighborhood facilities that offer worship, fellowship, education/recreation activities, and casework services.

Day Camp Seasonal learning experiences that provide children with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and organized group activities, including music, and sports.

Emergency Assistance Includes utility and rent assistance, food pantry access, and spiritual support.

Emergency Disaster Services Volunteers respond to fires, natural disasters and emergencies. They provide meals, snacks, beverages, and emotional and spiritual care to first responders and people affected.

Medical Respite And Clinic The Emergency Lodge provides onsite monitoring, medication management, and transportation to and from appointments.

Nutrition The feeding and food pantry programs provide meals for individuals of all ages, including the Feed the Kids summer meals program.

Older Adult Services Booth Manor provides subsidized housing for individuals 62+. The Senior Center at The Salvation Army of Oak Creek provides a place for seniors in the community to socialize.

Pathway of Hope The Salvation Army’s approach to create a path out of poverty. Through the program, families set their own goals, and case workers partner with them to provide the resources needed to accomplish each one.

ROOTS Permanent Supportive Housing This program provides stable housing and case management services to chronically homeless individuals with a disability.

Seasonal Assistance Includes backpacks and school supplies for kids, Christmas gifts through Toy Shop, Coats For Kids, and Christmas Family Feast.

Shelter The Emergency Lodge provides housing, meals, programming, children's development, case management, and housing assistance for men, women and children.

Treatment Services The Adult Rehabilitation Center provides alcohol and drug addiction recovery programs, assistance and long-term support for continued sobriety.

Veteran Support Includes spiritual support as well as participation in the bi-annual VA Stand Down, which helps veterans in need to reintegrate back into society.

Some are on call 24/7 to support to those who have experienced a traumatic incident. Others serve a presence at community events like National Night Out. In addition, there is a new prison ministry program, where chaplains support officers who are surrounded by prisoners daily and may need someone to talk to. In FY 2024 there were 2,681 individual people served.

Julie is an emergency response chaplain. Her desire to serve stems from a time when she was going through a traumatic situation, and nobody came to comfort her.

Chaplains provide Calm in the chaos They arrive in your darkest hour. It could be a warm hug, a comforting prayer, or just a sturdy shoulder to cry on.

“We have seen the worst of the worst of every situation,” said Pastor Veloris Mann, who has led The Salvation Army Chaplaincy program for the past five years. “Sometimes you just get a call and go ‘What? What happened?’ You can’t believe it.”

The program, now in its tenth year, runs in partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department.

All of the chaplains are volunteers and are called upon when police request their presence.

“I strive to be the calm in the chaos,” she said.

“I always try to bring God’s light into the darkness through prayer.”

Dan, who has been a chaplain for six years, responded to a house fire this year and came upon a family of five that had been outside in their bathrobes and slippers.

To help, he took them shopping for some essential items since they were not allowed back into the house.

“The most rewarding part is offering hope, care, and compassion to those who are hurting,” he said. “Also, encouraging them that God is always with them.”

“I always try to bring God’s light into the darkness through prayer.” ~ Julie, Volunteer Chaplain

Volunteers Make A Difference “I volunteered for The Salvation Army because of my mom, who has worked there for 30+ years. I remember going to work with her when I was young, and seeing all these people making sandwiches. I thought it was weird, so I stayed by her in her office. But as I got older I understood what Feed the Kids was. I started volunteering some days throughout the summer. Eventually joining the route staff because of it.

That job shaped me to who I am today. I remember a day where it was pouring out and a kid stood underneath a tree and waited for us to stop by. When we got out of the van he ran up to me and said, ‘I didn’t think you were going to come out because of the rain’ and I said, ‘little man rain or shine we will be here,’ and he hugged my leg.

Feed the Kids was a wonderful experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

- Joey Waldoch, Feed the Kids Volunteer

Advisory board members took several bell ringing shifts this season. From left to right: Robert Larsen and family, Tammy Gilpin-Ripp and her husband, Christopher Hamilton and family, and Tim Nemec and his wife. $323,092 was collected through red kettles in 2024.

“Tri City National Bank had ten employees volunteer for Toy Shop this year.

Personally, I’ve always supported The Salvation Army’s efforts, so it was great to get our team involved in such a meaningful cause. As an organization, we make volunteering a priority, and since I oversee 13 branches, there’s always individuals eager to contribute their time. The event itself went well, and it was clear that the volunteers felt the importance of giving back. I could see the positive impact it had on the families who received help. We look forward to continuing our partnership with The Salvation Army and making a difference together."

- Lori Wandron-Randall, Corporate Volunteer, Tri City National Bank

Make A Difference Monetary Donation

Planned Gift

Give today by mailing a check to 11315 W Watertown Plank Rd. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 or scan the QR code below.

You can make a gift through your estate plan without donating today, or you can make a current gift that will return an income to you, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

You can also give through an IRA distribution, a Donor Advised Fund, or a gift of appreciated stock.

Planned Giving website

Questions?

Megan Warlin, Sr. Donor Relations Director Megan.Warlin@usc.salvationarmy.org (414) 526-1925

Questions?

Bruce Clark CFP, Sr. Director of Gifts/ Estate Planning Bruce.Clark@usc.salvationarmy.org (414) 207-5825

Donate Goods And Clothing

Collection Drives

Your donations to The Salvation Army Family Stores help fund rehabilitation programs.

Host a coat, toy, food or school supply drive with a group or on your own.

To schedule a pick up and see what you can donate, visit SATruck.org or call 1-800-SATRUCK.

Questions?

Fill out a form on SAMilwaukee.org

Volunteer We could not support our programs without volunteers. Opportunities available throughout the year at SAMilwaukee.org. Questions? Nettie Perry, Volunteer Services Director Nettie.Perry@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Corps Community Centers The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is home to four worship and community centers. They each offer a worship service on Sundays, a food pantry, programming, and emergency and seasonal assistance to residents residing in their zip codes.

Citadel Corps 4129 W Villiard Ave. Milwaukee (414) 463-3300 SAMilwaukeeCitadel.org

Cold Spring Corps 2900 W Cold Spring Rd., Greenfield (414) 763-9797 SAColdSpring.org

Captain Patricia Williams Lieutenant Donna Gooden

Major Yaneth Scott Major Clifford Scott

Service Zip Codes: 53206, 53209, 53213, 53216, 53217, 53218, 53222, 53223, 53224, 53225

Service Zip Codes: 53204, 53214, 53215, 53219, 53220, 53221, 53228

Oak Creek Corps 8853 S Howell Ave., Oak Creek (414) 762-3993 OakCreekSA.org

West Corps 1645 N 25th St., Milwaukee (414) 342-9191 SAWestCorps.org

Captain Dana Bigelow Captain Jason Bigelow

Major Karen Holness Major Patrick Holness

Service Zip Codes: 53110, 53129, 53130, 53132, 53154, 53172, 53207, 53235

Service Zip Codes: 53201, 53202, 53203, 53205, 53208, 53210, 53211, 53212, 53226, 53227, 53233

Mission Statement 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.

Your Support Restores Hope: Bill's Journey to Independence Thanks to generous donors like you, Bill* found more than just shelter at our Emergency Lodge – he discovered a path to rebuild his life. After serving 10 years in prison, Bill arrived at our doors with nothing: no identification, no support system, and no hope for the future.

Your support made it possible for our dedicated Lodge staff to provide Bill with not just a safe place to sleep, but comprehensive care that transformed his life.

With your help we were able to offer Bill patient professional guidance throughout his year-long journey with us. We secured his vital documents - including a birth certificate and social security card, connected him with essential medical and mental health services, and provided access to literacy programs that expanded his opportunities.

Today, because of donors like you, Bill has transitioned into permanent supported housing and is awaiting approval for Social Security Income.

His success story represents the life-changing impact your generosity creates every day at the Emergency Lodge.

"Each step forward was possible because someone cared enough to give," shares Tate Walters, Emergency Lodge Director.

"Donors transform our ability to help people like Bill rebuild their lives with dignity and hope." *Name has been changed

The Salvation Army Of Milwaukee County 11315 W. Watertown Plank Rd. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 www.SAMilwaukee.org (414) 302-4300