2022 Elgin Annual Report

north & central illinois division

2022 annual report

love beyond red kettles

elgin corps community center

Solving problems across the greater Elgin area

BLESSED IN ELGIN. Truly we are. Post COVID-19 we all seem to be falling into new patterns of activity. People are selective about commitment and engagement.

Many people are working from home. Meals at home have become more frequent, and people have reprioritized almost everything. Post COVID Life is different now.

Shopping is different, work is different, the economy is different, even church ministries are different. As we seek to reconstruct our lives, let’s make sure to include Hope-giving activities in our plans. We hold fast to the promises of the timeless truth of the Gospel of Jesus, putting our trust in Him, and living with Hope.

Now more than ever volunteering provides such a blessing in helping others in need. It’s a great way to find meaning and purpose in blessing others. Those helping run our Food Pantry on Saturdays have developed relationships with our guests, and with each other. There’s a special bond that forms with those we work side by side with in serving others. These relationships are formed with each other and those we serve through our Pantries, Coats given to children, and during appointments for rent and utility emergency assistance. It’s a privilege and honor to help families in despair get through a difficult month and move forward with hope.

Our Let the Music Begin youth participants are improving and looking forward to attending music camp at Camp Wonderland in Camp Lake WI. Kids are hearing the gospel through Bible Stories and enjoying dinner at our midweek Sunday School Classes KIDZ JAM. Archery classes are keeping neighborhood kids engaged, helping them develop new skills, and build new friendships. New neighbors are attending worship services on Sundays and finding the support of our church family. We have increased our partnering with the local Police Explorers and Officers. What a blessing to watch families, individuals, and volunteers coming and going for so many reasons at this Corps Community Center.

Summer is again around the corner, and we will soon be sending children off to an amazing camp experience that they will never forget!

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

Providing Essential Needs to Families

THE GROWING IMPACT OF INFLATION in 2022 had a profound impact on the families we serve, as many struggled daily to stay out of poverty. Rising costs on all essential daily needs created challenges for families having to make the difficult decisions of paying their rent or putting food on the table. Youth thrive when their families have the support they need. We help those we serve overcome challenges that can destabilize the family.

hope for better things to come. Whether the need was for food, home goods, rent assistance, utility assistance, clothing, spiritual support or prayer, our team was there to help.

YOU HELPED PROVIDE

21,138 INSTANCES OF ASSISTANCE

Our social services department works with families to help minimize challenges to give them peace of mind and

Our Home Goods Pantry has seen a significant increase in requests this past year serving over 1,130 families with more than 12,000 items. The pantry provides essential items that SNAP and WIC do not support including paper products, cleaning supplies, baby products, and personal hygiene items. The Elgin Corps has the only dedicated Home Goods Pantry in the community.

Winter Coats for children were a high priority for families this past year. We provided more than 840 brand new coats to keep children warm during the winter months.

Reaching out to neighborhoods

KEEPING KIDS SAFE and giving them opportunities to grow and thrive during out of school hours is a priority for the Elgin Corps. At The Salvation Army, programs for children are free of charge and include music, archery, Kidz Club and summer camp. “Many parents tell us they are grateful and would not be able to enroll their kids if there was a fee attached,” said Elgin Corps Officer Captain Rich Forney.

YOU HELPED SERVE

556

CHILDREN IN PROGRAMS

skills and graduate by “splitting the arrow”. Field trips are also included to area archery courses and there are opportunities for competition. In addition to youth programs there are also events to bring the entire family together including the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Pumpkin Patch.

“Let the Music Begin” is a 13-week music program for beginner to intermediate school aged youth. Options include brass and rhythm instruments and guitar and each session ends with a recital. Children in the music program also have the opportunity to attend music camp at The Salvation Army Camp Wonderland in Wisconsin. Archery is the newest youth program and is a nationally certified program for children in first grade and up. Children learn the basics, improve their

Waking up to Christmas Joy

Elgin’s Hope for the Holidays

YOU HELPED PROVIDE

14,749 PRESENTS AND PJ’S

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY of nearly 50 community partners, children in need woke up on Christmas morning filled with joy as they found presents under their tree. The Salvation Army and its partners helped make Christmas a little more special for 973 families.

Partners got involved by taking Angel Tree tags, adopting families or carrying out toy drives. The Hoffman Estates Park District has been a big supporter of the Angel Tree program, taking 140 tags this year for their members to purchase presents for children in need. “The Angel Tree Program is a community favorite,” stated Katie Burgess, Superintendent of Communications and Marketing. The Kalvin family has donated 20 bikes for children in need of

presents. While most donors send money, clothes, food items, etc., the bikes donated by the Kalvin family have a unique motivation. The heads of the Kalvin family, John and his wife Jolea, were deeply moved by the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting that occurred in 2012. Understanding that a tragedy like that could happen anywhere, even to their own children, they felt motivated to donate 20 bikes in honor of the victims every year since 2012. The bikes are symbolic of the victims of the shooting with 12 bikes donated for girls and 8 for boys. Over the years, the family has purchased 20 bikes from local retail stores and assembled them and now, they are donating the bikes to support the families and children served by the Elgin Corps.

our Volunteers Engaging and Celebrating

THE ELGIN CORPS provides a number of services and programs to the community. This would not be possible without volunteers. “We are a small staff team of five and would not be able to fulfill our mission without the support of our many amazing volunteers. We are truly blessed, “said Captain Linnea Forney, Corps Officer. Volunteers help with the Food and Home Goods Pantry, music program, archery, holiday programs, Advisory Board and more.

Volunteers are thanked in many ways including the annual Partner Recognition Breakfast. This event celebrates the wonderful work and contributions of the many volunteers who help make Christmas possible for so many children and families each year. Among

3,642 VOLUNTEER HOURS

the many awards given are the Bronze, Silver and Gold Partner Awards, Golden Kettle Awards, Christmas Impact Award and Special Partner Recognition awards. Attendees enjoy fun and fellowship and lots of door prizes. “It’s a wonderful way to say thank you and recognize our many partners in front of their peers,” said Rick Reigner, Elgin Corps Development Director.

Melissa Miziniak, CPA and Audit Manager for PKF Mueller, has dedicated her time to helping our organization with key logistics during Christmas. She devotes her earned vacation time each year to volunteer with our organization.

Toy distribution is a vital part of what The Salvation Army does to help those struggling in the community. For several years, Melissa has devoted 2 weeks of her time (80 hours of volunteering) to help The Salvation Army of Elgin with logistics and other hurdles during the challenging season. Our work is made so much easier with her help and care.

Services of The Salvation Army for the Greater Elgin area

The Salvation Army provides programs and services that strengthen the body, mind, and spirit.

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

4,670 BAGS OF GROCERIES

12,213 HOME GOODS SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTED

14,749 TOYS DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS

2,160 FAMILY CASES SERVED

1,071 THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS FOOD BOXES

2,160 CASES OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (RENT, UTILITIES, ETC.)

2,953 CLOTHING ITEMS DISTRIBUTED

973 FAMILIES RECEIVING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

3,642 VOLUNTEER HOURS OF SERVICE

556 YOUTH SERVED IN PROGRAMS

1,138 HOME GOOD PANTRY HOUSEHOLDS

2022 Financial Highlights

Food pantries • Holiday meals

• Clothing assistance • Homeless outreach • Health and wellness • Rent/mortgage/ utility assistance • Emergency disaster services Substance use disorder (clinical and work therapy) Sports & recreation

Job training • Anti-trafficking • Camp Music and arts programs • Violence prevention • After-school support • Life coaching and counseling Character building

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

Worship • Pastoral care and counseling • Retreats Fellowship • Bible studies • Men’s and women’s ministries • Sunday school

The Salvation Army Elgin Corps

CORPS LEADERSHIP

Captain Rich Forney Corps Officer

Captain Linnea Forney Corps Officer

Rick Reigner Resource Development Director

Nelly Cruz Emergency Case Worker

Hannah Reynolds Business Administrator

ADVISORY BOARD LEADERSHIP

We salute each member of our Advisory Board, who give so freely of their time, talent and treasure to make a positive impact in our community.

Drew Groharing – Chair

Officer Edwin Alva

Mark Bender

Dan Dodson

Natalee Dismuke

Rebecca Huguley

Edward Hunter

Matt Morgan

Chad Reynolds

Teri Stein

The Salvation Army North and Central Division

DIVISION LEADERSHIP

Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson

Divisional Commander

Lt. Colonel Patty Richardson Officer Development Secretary

Major Caleb Senn General Secretary

Chicago Area Commander

Captain Jessica Martinez

Divisional Secretary

Major Beverly Gates Divisional Secretary for Business

Major Stephanie Senn Divisional Secretary for Program

Major Joanna Rose

Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary

Captain Claudia Simmons

Divisional Youth Secretary Divisional Candidates’ Secretary

Captain Daniel Simmons

Divisional Youth Secretary

Major Paula Pyle

Community Care Ministries Secretary

Major Heath Sells

Divisional Secretary

Peoria Area Commander

Major Anita Sells

Associate Peoria Area Commander

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIVISION COMMANDER

Cliff Marshall Executive Director of Development

Leon Denton Divisional Social Services Director

Dennis James Divisional Finance Director

THE SALVATION ARMY is committed to meeting human needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination. As the nation’s largest private provider of social services, we are uniquely positioned to respond to changing needs throughout the areas we serve. We are committed to love and serve anyone who is hungry, homeless, or hurting.

The Salvation Army’s mission embraces that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should be defined by their challenges or circumstances.

As the divisional commander, I see firsthand every day the mission impact of dedicated officers, staff and volunteers. I am inspired and humbled by their compassionate service.

But we cannot do it alone. We work with government at all levels and non-profit and corporate partners to tackle the challenges we face. The Salvation Army remains grateful for your generous support in the past year.

I hope as you read this report that you catch a glimpse of the amazing life-changing work being done all across the Greater Chicago Area.

Lt. Colonels Lonneal and Patty Richardson

Divisional Commander and Officer Development Secretary

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

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