Strong Families Equal Strong Communities

Once we've met a family's immediate needs, we invite them to participate in Pathway of Hope, our approach to securing a long-term path out of poverty. The program offers targeted services to families with children under the age of 18, both traditional and non-traditional family structures, that desire to break the cycle of crisis. Through case management, we focus on a family’s capabilities and raise hope by empowering them to overcome barriers on the path to sufficiency. Families set their own goals, and we partner with them to provide the resources needed to accomplish each one.

This program is available at every Salvation Army Worship and Service Center in the Midwest. Learn more about Pathway of Hope.

Salvation Army Kroc Centers serve families in a non-traditional way, through recreation and entertainment for all ages. Kroc Centers are state-of-the-art facilities that provide arts, education, fitness, and organized athletics opportunities. Youth can swim for the first time in their lives, young adults gain access to official-sized basketball and volleyball courts, families can join in fellowship at large-projection movie screenings, and more. Kroc Centers are strategically placed in communities with the most need — allowing families to see the beauty of their very own neighborhoods.

Salvation Army officers – ordained pastors – are available for individual counseling. Many locations also offer special group counseling opportunities, such as Fatherhood in Action or counseling for specific difficulties. Contact your local Worship and Service Center to ask about weekly programming.

Building character starts young and helps determine who a child will become in life. Our programs help develop a child's unique personality and individual strengths, based on Biblical principles.

Girls can attend Moonbeams (preschool to Kindergarten), Sunbeams (first through fifth grades) and Girl Guards (sixth through 12 grades). Boys can attend Moonbeams (preschool to Kindergarten), Adventure Corps Explorers (first through fourth grades) and Rangers (fifth through eighth grades).

At The Salvation Army, we provide counseling and teaching assistance to empower kids of every age. A critical piece of this is our ability to recognize what level of assistance is needed, which varies drastically depending on socioeconomic conditions. We work closely with parents to develop trusting relationships and encourage support that continues at home.

We bring children into an environment where the learning continues long after the bell rings. The Salvation Army operates hundreds of after-school programs to give kids a safe place to play, do homework and pursue extracurricular goals. During a time where they could otherwise be at risk, we open our doors to kids for growth in literacy, sports, arts and music skills.

For many kids, summer camp is the first time they will see the world outside of their neighborhood. Each year, we enable thousands of children from low-income families to enjoy fresh air, exercise and new friendships through our annual summer camp programs. This camping experience is more than just a few days away from home. Here, children learn new skills and self-reliance. Trained counselors who understand their emotional needs and problems help them mature and grow. Camp activities include learning to swim, scouting, arts and crafts, music development and sports.