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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Doing the Most to Help Families

Doing the Most to Help Families

The Salvation Army Helps Make Families Whole. As long as there's The Salvation Army, there's no such thing as "no place to go".

To keep our clients, staff, and volunteers safe, and in accordance with city and state guidelines, most programs and services at The Salvation Army Lake County Area Command are closed until further notice. Modified programs and services may still be available. Our Food Pantry is extending hours, opening Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM until further notice. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us at 219-838-0380 or find a location near you.

Click here to learn more about local and national Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.


Every child deserves a childhood.

We open our arms and our hearts to give families the support they need to grow together and thrive.

Families are the foundation of our society and we give them the programs and support they need to become strong, successful and productive.
Through hundreds of after school programs, we provide kids a safe place to play, and in many cases, the option for sports and music programs they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Through summer camps, we enable children to see the world in a fresh new way. And, through our community centers, we provide families with the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need to foster better, brighter futures.

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The Salvation Army equips families in our community through:

Pathway of Hope

A comprehensive case management system to help families identify barriers to self-sufficiency (unemployment, insecure housing, lack of job skills, lack of childcare, etc), Pathway of Hope also provides guidance on how to address these barriers, and connects families with community support organizations, and more.

Character-Building & Mentoring Programs

Weekly scout-style and mentoring programs are offered at our Corps Community Centers and designed to support youth and teens as they navigate their world and grow into adulthood. Topics addressed can include bullying, peer pressure, making a positive impact on the community, family life, and more.

Food Pantry

The Salvation Army hosts food pantries in the Lake County area. Items provided include shelf-stable pantry foods, breads, cereals, meat, and other household necessities. At The Salvation Army Hammond-Munster Corps Community Center, the Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. - Noon, as well as Tuesday and Thursday from 1 - 4 p.m. At The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps Community Center, the Food Pantry is open Monday - Thursday, between 9 - 11 a.m. The Salvation Army Gary-Merrillville Corps Community Center food pantry is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Community Meals

The Salvation Army serves a free, nutritious meal Monday - Friday for whomever chooses to join us. On the first Friday of each month, you'll also have fresh vegetables from our community garden. Lunch is served between noon - 1 p.m. at The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps Community Center. The Salvation Army Hammond-Munster Corps Community Center provides nutritious meals for children before weekly youth programs. Supper Club is Wednesdays during the school year at 6 p.m. The Feast at The Salvation Army Gary-Merrillville Corps Community Center Tuesday night church includes dinner, worship and small group for Adults (discussion on various themes/Bible Study) & Youth (STEAM activities paired with Theme of Night).

Homelessness Prevention & Emergency Assistance Programs

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance to help with mortgage/rent, utility bills, clothing, medication bills, and other needs in order to keep families in their homes. For more information or support: contact us at 219-838-0380, find a location near you, or learn more online

Music, Visual and Dramatic Arts Education

The Salvation Army is the largest music educator in the world, with offerings in brass, vocal, guitar, drums and more. It is important to provide additional creative outlets for youth, teens and adults to share their experiences, hopes, dreams and fears. Classes are held during the school year at all three of The Salvation Army Corps Community Centers in Lake County, Indiana.

Recreational, Sports & Fitness Programs

Sports, recreation and fitness programs help kids learn the value of health, physical activity and teamwork. Zumba classes at The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps Community Center get you up and moving to fun music. Join us Monday - Friday at 9 a.m.

Camp

Hidden Falls Camp, nestled among just under 700 acres of beautiful nature, provides week long summer camps each year. It supplies both a scenic and functional setting for business retreats, conferences, family reunions, church group activities and so much more.

Adult Rehabilitation Centers

The Adult Rehabilitation Centers provide intense work-based substance abuse therapy for a minimum of six months. Clients live onsite and work in Salvation Army Family Stores and other areas, while participating in a full range of treatment programs.

How You and Your Family Can Help the Homeless

Homelessness is an issue plaguing cities and neighborhoods across the country. Here are some ideas for how to talk with your children about homelessness, how you can help fight poverty, and what you can do to make an impact in your community.


Spread the Word

Turn your passion into action. Share these facts with your friends and
followers to educate and inspire change.

All over the country, children are fending for themselves.

In communities today, 11.3 million children take care of themselves after the school day ends.

When you give to The Salvation Army, you provide funding for programs that help support safe family centers and after-school programming.Give children a safe place to play.

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Parents benefit from after-school programs, too.

Parents with children in after-school programs are less stressed, have fewer unscheduled absences, and are more productive at work.

Your support of The Salvation Army provides funding for programs that keep families safe.Provide parents peace of mind.

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Homelessness is a family crisis.

The Salvation Army's family shelters are among the few that keep fathers and older male children with the rest of the family.

Your gift will keep families intact until they find more stable housing. Keep families in crisis together.

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Give now. Change lives forever.

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The Salvation Army gives kids and families a chance at life.

Watch how The Salvation Army lets kids experience summer camp for the first time.


Other Ways We Meet Needs