SALVATION ARMY RENOVATING NEW COMMUNITY CENTER
The Salvation Army of Petoskey recently acquired a facility that will become the new Regional Community Center. The building is located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive in Petoskey and was previously home to the Red Cross. The 35-year-old building needs many repairs, updates and renovations before it opens. The estimated cost of the renovations is around 1 million dollars and The Salvation Army hopes to have it completed by the beginning of 2024. The decision to relocate is based on current structural limitations and issues surrounding existing key programs and services, and the inability to meet the increasing demand for them in the future. With this relocation, The Salvation Army plans to expand many vital programs and services that will meet the increased and rising needs of individuals and families in our community for years to come.
“The renovated facility will provide solutions to many existing issues that have been limiting the quality and capacity of many programs and services” says Envoy Greg Irwin. “It is barrier free, has enough parking space for the public, green space for outdoor play and room to expand critical services such as Community Meals, and Children’s programming”. Since the onset of Covid, financial need and the need for prepared meals have more than doubled and there remains a shortage of children’s programs in our area. Due to the expense of renovations and expanded programming, The Salvation Army is requesting donations to enable them to continue meeting the basic human needs of our struggling and most vulnerable neighbors.
The new barrier-free facility has increased parking for public events, food delivery service vehicles and transportation service vehicles. It also features a larger pantry, an elevator for mobility impaired, commercial kitchen equipment, a larger community room for community and senior events, a playground for the Bible Adventure Corps program and more. The Bible Adventure Corps program provides children of low-income working households help with homework, snacks, activities, field trips and more every weekday from 3:30-6PM while Petoskey Public Schools are in session.
The Salvation Army of Petoskey helps thousands of local individuals and families each year. To give, please visit SAPetoskey.org online and click on “Donate Now”, drop-off or mail a check or money order made out to The Salvation Army to their local office located at 712 Pleasant Street, or you may donate gently used items and shop at The Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1615 Clarion Ave in Petoskey.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. For more information about our ministries, programs or services, please visit www.SAPetoskey.org or call (231) 347-3531.