Elgin Corps Community Center 2021 Annual Report by uscmetdivision

ELGIN CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER

2021 annual report

“Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters you did for me.” matthew 25:40

You continue to amaze us. Greetings Family! I say family because when we’ve been through several trials and challenges, those standing beside us become brothers and sisters from that point on. We have the shared experiences of Covid losses, caring for those in need, comforting family members, and longing for the innocence of routines and daily life prior to these years of restrictions. Slowly we’ve begun reengaging in all our family enrichment programs and services, taking precautions as we’ve begun youth activities and fellowship gatherings once

THANKS TO YOU

13,066

TOTAL PERSONS SERVED

more. Every day seems a little more precious, each conversation lingers a little longer, and we appreciate the blessing that each day is in and of itself. Our message for you is to be encouraged! You are here, you are loved, and you can be such a blessing to others every day! If you are looking for fellowship—look no more, you are welcome here! For those who have partnered with us we thank you. For the school groups, service clubs, corporations and individuals who have rolled up their sleeves to focus on the needs of others, we stand with you! The challenges have increased, continue to shift, and we are mobilizing to address what we anticipate is coming. We are always open to partnering with others who embrace our mission and would like to address needs in our community. We are increasing our Advisory Board and welcome your interest.

We’d love to meet with you to discuss this further, please drop a note and we will make the arrangements. It is such a blessing to see and hear the youth coming and going from our building with the reintroduction of the Let the Music Begin classes for beginner musicians. We love hearing children singing Bible Songs and learning truth from God’s word in Kidz JAM (Jesus and Me). Archery classes have resumed as well, and the 8-week beginner classes are filling fast. Arrows are flying as the youth and adults are refining their skills at the archery range. We are excited to host an invitational competition between the various Salvation Army Archery Clubs this year. Summer Camps for youth are resuming this year and one can register at the Salvation Army Camp Wonderland website to participate. Capt. Linnea and I will be on staff at the Outdoor Adventure camp this year, we can hardly wait! We want to thank you for opening your heart and resources to help us fulfill our dual mission of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination. We welcome you to partner with us in serving our neighbors in need in our Elgin and surrounding communities. Blessed in Elgin, Captains Rich & Linnea Forney Corps Officers

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

YO U H E L P E D P R O V I D E

Always responding to our

14,706

(home gods, rent & utily

I N S AT N C E S O F A S I S AT N C E

,asitnce clothing)

neighbors’ needs

Whether for rent, utility assistance, clothing, or home goods, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the community is at the heart of our mission.

Providing Personal Care & Household Items

Clothing Kids with Winter Coats Providing kids with new winter coats to protect them from the harsh cold has been a priority for the past several years. We work with local elementary and middle schools to identify needs for coats in addition to providing coats during Christmas time.

Our Home Goods Pantry provides essential personal care, cleaning products, and household items not available through WIC or SNAP. After initial distribution, clients can come back every 60 days.

Keeping Families Safe

Assisting with Support in Times of Need

During the pandemic we worked with local and state partners to distribute PPE and other necessary items to help individuals and families navigate those difficult times.

When the unexpected happens, families look to us to provide critical assistance for rent and utilities to help them get through difficult times. Helping to keep families in their homes during these challenging times allows them to focus on getting back on track.

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Ensuring

noone goes without

The Joy of Christmas Morning Christmas is a special and exciting time of the year, especially for children. The excitement of waking on Christmas morning and opening gifts can put a smile on any child’s face. Thanks to our partners and volunteers, we are able to bring joy to children on Christmas morning with toys and pajamas.

YO U HEL P E D P R O V I D E

2,302 / 6,906

Feeding the Hungry

CHIL D R E N / TOY S

Food is essential and many look to us to fill that need on Saturday mornings 9:00am – 11:00am throughout the year. Items include meat, produce, canned and boxed items to help meet nutritional needs. YO U HEL P E D P R O V I D E

4,591

BAG S O F G R O C ER I ES

YO U HEL P E D P R O V I D E

850

CHR I STMAS FO O D BOX E S

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Caring for the most vulnerable We take special care to help those hit especially hard in their time of need. Being there when it counts can make all the difference in someone’s life.

When a Family of Four Becomes a Family of Nine Every year at the holidays, Larissa* and her husband, Vance, would adopt a family, blessing them with tangible support at the end of the year. Last year, that changed. “Suddenly, we became one of those families,” Larissa said. Their new need came from the sudden addition of five more members to their family. One of Larissa’s cousins lived a tumultuous life and ultimately died. The fathers of her five children – ages 6 to 17 – weren’t in the picture, and other family members didn’t have the stability or financial means to take them on. Larissa’s mom had been a foster parent for years and had impressed on Larissa that she didn’t want the kids to wind up that system. Unfortunately, she wasn’t in a place to take on the five children herself. Larissa and her family were the best option. “My husband graciously agreed to take this on,” she said. So their family of four, including their 2-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, became a family of nine – all shoehorned into their three-bedroom townhouse. The couple did their best to attend to the kids’ many emotional needs, which were compounded by loss, abuse, and neglect. “The kids have been through a lot,” Larissa said, adding that the oldest is often withdrawn and the youngest still cries for her mom. To meet the family’s immediate expenses, Larissa took on another fulltime job and Vance worked overtime. Still, with the need for clothing, bedding, groceries, and medical insurance, the couple maxed out their credit cards.

When Larissa went to pick up the items, she said, “My trunk wasn’t big enough to hold everything they gave us. It was overwhelming support. I have no words. I didn’t think it would be that much.” The books were especially appreciated, she said, as the youngest likes to be read to at night. In this new year, Larissa is focused on providing therapy and insurance for the children, offering a healthier and more stable life than they have previously known. The couple also hopes to purchase a house, so the family has the room they need to flourish. Along the way, Larissa says they will keep trusting and depending on God, knowing too that The Salvation Army will be there for any other emergency needs. “They were there when we needed that push,” she said. “We are very, very thankful.”

NEW CASES

1,600 SERVED IN 2021

FA M Y I L C A S E S

2,942

SERVED IN 2021

Though she had reservations about asking for help, Larissa followed through when the school district pointed her to The Salvation Army. The officers and staff at the Elgin Corps Community Center provided the family with pajamas for all the children, toys, groceries, and books. *Name changed to protect client privacy 8

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Transforming lives

Volunteers play an important role in helping us meet our mission in the community.

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

VO L U N T E R S D O N TA E D

1,552

HOURS OF SERVICE

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

6,906

2,942

850

FAMILY CASES SERVED

TOYS DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS

3,726

CLEANING SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTED

7,018

INCOME

CHRISTMAS FOOD BOXES

Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $831,787

361

In 2021 The Elgin Corps worked every day to meet the needs of the community, turning away 0 people in need.

CASES OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

3,601

CLOTHING ITEMS DISTRIBUTED

Government Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,028

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Program Service Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,822

GIFTS IN KIND

Other Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74,933

876

FAMILIES RECEIVING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

1,552

EXPENSES Corps Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $181,299

ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDRAISING CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER

Social Services Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 589,645 Administration of Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166,474 Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,235,136 ADMINISTRATION

VOLUNTEERS SERVED PEOPLE IN NEED

Services of The Salvation Army Elgin Corps

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS

358

VOLUNTEERS GAVE HOURS OF SERVICE

The Salvation Army provides programs and services that strengthen the body, mind, and spirit. Several of these programs were suspended or adapted for a time during 2021 to keep our clients and staff safe during the pandemic.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Total Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,401,321

Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297,718

953

OTHER INCOME

PROGRAM SERVICE FEES

HOME GOODS PANTRY HOUSEHOLDS

PERSONAL COMFORT KITS PROVIDED

INVESTMENTS

Gifts in Kind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399,741

4,591 BAGS OF GROCERIES

2021 Financial Highlights

For a more detailed description of services and a schedule of programs and services, go to salarmyelgin.org and click on “services” or call 847-741-2304.

Thank You We wish to thank our generous donors who help us transform lives every day. To learn more or make a donation, please visit salarmyelgin.org

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

The Salvation Army Elgin Corps Food pantries

Body

Holiday meals Family shelters Senior apartments Clothing assistance

Rent/mortgage/ utility assistance

Health and wellness

ELGIN CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER STAFF

Sports and recreation

Captains Rich & Linnea Forney Corps Officers

Emergency Disaster Homeless outreach Services Substance use disorder (clinical and work therapy)

Kaitlyn Ehler Social Services Coordinator Carlos Navarro Corps Ministry Assistant Rick Reigner Resource Development Director Hannah Reynolds Business Administrator

Mind

Spirit

Head Start

Character building

After-school support

Music and arts programs

Life coaching and counseling

Violence prevention

Job training

Anti-trafficking

Worship

Retreats

Bible studies

Pastoral care and counseling

Men’s and women’s ministries

Sunday school

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

ELGIN CORPS ADVISORY BOARD Drew Groharing, Chair Officer Edwin Alva Mark Bender Natalee Dismuke Ed Hunter Chad Reynolds Teri Stein

Camp

Fellowship

SALVATION ARMY ELGIN CORPS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Thank you! Doing the most good in the Elgin area THE SALVATION ARMY, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His Name without discrimination. Elgin Corps Community Center 316 Douglas Avenue | Elgin, IL 60120 salarmyelgin.org | (847) 741-2304 www.facebook.com/tsaelgin