Frontline Report Owosso Citadel for 2019-2020
THE SALVATION ARMY
OWOSSO CORPS
FRONTLINE REPORT – 2019-2020
At the Salvation Army Owosso corps, we are committed to helping everyone in our community through a variety of programs and services at our location on 302 E. Exchange St. Below is a current summary of those programs and services:
SOCIAL SERVICES
HOMELESS MOTEL VOUCHERS: The Salvation Army recognizes the seriousness of homelessness in our county and particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. We provided an unprecedented number of stays at local motels for those homeless during the crisis. During the COVID-19 crisis we provided 116 individuals and families with a total of 1,154 bed nights.
PATHWAY OF HOPE: Our Case Workers support families who are ready to work on goals through a personalized action plan, accountability and celebrations for goals met. This innovative initiative increases the sense of hope in individuals, and is The Salvation Army’s most transformative social ministry at a local corps level. Many of these families are without support systems and we offer love and support and point them to hope in Christ. Last year we had 5 families enrolled in this program.
FOOD PANTRY: Our food pantry provides non-perishable food and basic hygiene items for individuals in need. Clients sign up for food assistance with our case worker and are able to receive several bags of groceries for their family. Each month, we serve an average of 35 individuals through our food pantry.
BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY: Each year over the summer we collect backpacks and school supplies for children in need in the area. We are committed to supporting the educational needs of children in the area so they can achieve a quality education. This year we provided 154 children with backpacks stuffed with school supplies.
COATS FOR KIDS: Each year we collect coats for children and adults of all ages, as well as hats, mittens, and gloves. We distribute those supplies during November each year so that children and families in need will have the gear they need to stay warm and healthy during the winter. Last year we provided over 150 individuals with new coats, as well as hundreds of hats, mittens, and gloves.
COMMUNITY MEALS: In addition to the assistance we provide through our food pantry, we also provide lunch 5 days a week for anyone in the community, free of charge. Each day, we serve an average of 12-16 individuals through our Community Meal program.
UTILITY ASSISTANCE: The Salvation Army recognizes that a request for help with a utility shut off, water or electric often involves a complex set of circumstances. For this reason The Salvation Army caseworker aims to identify the often multiple factors contributing to the household’s emergency situation and provide other forms of assistance, including referrals, budget counseling, and emotional support as necessary. This holistic approach of meeting need, wherever it is found allows The Salvation Army to help in a way that reduces the likelihood of future crisis, and, in many cases, prevents homelessness. Each month, we are able to assist an average of 10 individuals with their utility bill.
CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE: The "miracle" of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless. Donations and financial assistance provide Christmas dinners, and toys for families in need. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten. Because we want to respond to the varying needs of the communities in which we serve, all of our holiday assistance programs are administered locally. Last Christmas, our location was able to distribute 450 toys to over 43 families in need.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
As William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army believed, transformation is the goal of all services we provide. We assist all people without discrimination while at the same time helping people understand that our motivation is Jesus Christ – His grace, love and mercy to us all. We have breakfast at 9:45 AM for anyone. We also have Sunday School for all ages every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., followed by Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. In the evenings we also have Come to the Table Dinner Church at 5:30 p.m. Sundays open to anyone to enjoy worship music, a devotional, and a fun dinner meal!