and changing lives

to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” has a food pantry as part of its facilities.

When you’re facing a hardship, having some support or a resource you can count on to help you through it can make all the difference. The Salvation Army has been serving the poor, hungry, troubled, homeless and displaced since its establishment in England in the 1860s. It’s an international charitable organization and church that offers guidance in spiritual ways, as well as by providing ways to help individuals not just survive, but also thrive.

“Part of the universal Christian Church, its message is based on the Bible,” said Captain Jim Prichard with the Porter County Corps of the Salvation Army. “Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is

Prichard knows firsthand the kind of impact the Salvation Army can have.

“As a child, The Salvation Army was my safe haven, a place for me to go to feel loved and safe as my home life was not the best,” he said. “I strive each day to provide a safe place for kids to be able to come and feel safe and loved.

The Salvation Army does so much to meet the needs of those in the community from the food pantry to Christian education on Sundays. Most of our services go unnoticed by the community, but we are here to help when and where we can.”

Besides the Porter County Corps, northwest Indiana is also served by facilities in East Chicago, Gary/Merrillville and Hammond/Munster. Each site

One of the Porter County Corps recent projects was Archery Day Camp for ages 7 to 17, which had 12 kids attending each day. “They learned new skills for archery and then we had a fun trip,” said Prichard. The afternoon activities included a splash pad, a movie outing, the Porter County Fair and a South Bend Cubs game.

Prichard said they are looking to expand their structure and programs in the future. “We are still looking to expand our building to meet the needs of our community that we service. This would include new office space, pantry, kitchen, gym and classroom for kids as well as community use,” he said. “This fall we hope to have an after school program that would include a safe place for kids to go after school, have homework help and participate in our music programs. Archery would be our character building groups.”

Lola Jennings has been a longtime bookkeeper for The Salvation Army and has been proud to be part of an organization that does so much to make a difference. Her husband also served on the advisory board and was an active volunteer.

“The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization,” Jennings said. “People who make donations can be assured that they money they give is being used for good. God had blessed The Salvation Army of Porter County in so many ways in the 32 years I have worked here. I am always amazed, but humbled by all the people of Porter County in how they give to the Salvation Army — all of the food that is donated, the Christmas Angel Tree Program and many more programs.”