Robert's Story
Robert Shares How The Salvation Army Assisted His Family
Robert, a single dad working on getting custody of his four boys, ages 9, 8, 7, and 3, recently came to the Salvation Army seeking rent and utility assistance through our Emergency Social Services program.
Robert shared with us that he was stubborn at first and did not want to ask for help, but he realized (as he put it), that he had to “put his pride aside” and do what was best for his four boys.
“When I was growing up, I always knew the Salvation Army as a household name, but I didn’t know much about them. I knew they were there to help people so when I found myself in need of help I knew where to go. Before I came to the Springfield Salvation Army, I had that nervous feeling in my stomach. I was worried about what I was going to do, but then I decided to come to the Salvation Army.”
Our Case Manager met with him and learned more about his story. Not only was Robert able to receive rent and utility assistance through recent Covid-19 funding we had, but he also found out he qualified for Christmas assistance for his boys. Christmas morning, his boys all had gifts to open and they had a nice Christmas meal to share, which were all provided by our generous donors.
During his visits with us, Robert became aware of our Pathway of Hope program and agreed to be a part of it. This program provides individualized services to families with children who desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that repeats generation after generation, seeking to address the root causes of poverty. He actively attends all of his Pathway of Hope meetings where he sets both short and long-term goals which are helping him to stabilize his family. His number one priority is to be able to provide a stable home for his boys and to be able to provide for his family going forward. Since enrolling in the Pathway of Hope program, Robert has been able to enroll the boys in school, find after-school care, daycare for the youngest, and find stable employment that he loves.
We are so proud of Robert and all that he has accomplished, we pray for God’s continued blessings on him and his sons!
To help support more families like Robert's please visit us at: https://donate.stlsalvationarmy.org/ozarksfirst
“With me just getting full custody of my sons there was a point in time where I needed assistance and the Springfield Salvation Army was there to help me. Because I didn’t have a job and at the time I couldn’t pay my rent. I got a sense of relief when the Springfield Salvation Army was able to help me and assist me with the things that I needed. Rental assistance, utility help, Christmas toys for my kids. It felt great, I felt like, well I had tears of joy. So, I joined the Pathway of Hope program and it helped me set some goals. So now I have a job, I also have daycare for my children and now I am living better than ever.
I appreciate everything that the Springfield Salvation Army has done for me and my family.”