Making a Difference in the Midwest During COVID-19, August 25
Every dark cloud has a silver lining, or so the saying goes. Silver linings – those unexpected blessings – can often be found when we look for new opportunities and approaches to existing challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the Midwest, The Salvation Army is developing new programs and partnerships to help train those looking for work, keep guests and staff safe, and introduce neighborhood children to the Bible.
Rebuilding and Retooling
In late May, the Target store on East Lake Street in Minneapolis, MN was looted during protests and rioting which followed the death of George Floyd. Afterward, the store opened to community non-profits, allowing them to take any food items which remained and could still be used to feed the hungry during the social unrest and coronavirus pandemic. The Salvation Army was one of the organizations that benefitted from this kindness.
Target Corporation has taken the renovation of this store a step further and partnered with The Salvation Army and local construction firms to create a unique job retraining program that prepares adult students for careers in the construction industry. The inaugural class of four, some having lost previous jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spent two weeks learning both theory and practice of the construction trade. They now have fundamental carpentry skills and played a role in rebuilding their community.
As part of this program, the students were fully supplied with work wear and tools. They graduated with a paycheck and set of employable skills. Matt Price, an instructor with the Construction Training Institute, which is a partner agency, said, “These students are already very employable.” Price is helping the students to connect with contractors in the area who are hiring new employees.
Nurses Disrupted Provides COVID-19 Testing
Testing and tracing are some of the keys to victory in the ongoing war on COVID-19. Nurses Disrupted was formed in response to the pandemic and provides online screening and other services. They have been working with The Salvation Army of Dane County, WI to screen staff, residents and guests to its Family and Single Women’s Shelters. Thus far, more than 2,600 COVID-19 tests have been performed. Thank you to Nurses Disrupted and all the other testing providers around the Midwest. We appreciate all that you do to help us stay safe.
Backyard Bible School
Majors Caleb and Stephanie Senn of The Salvation Army in Oak Brook Terrace, IL knew that the ongoing pandemic could not cancel Vacation Bible School. “Vacation Bible School creates a large impact that affects the lives of children long after the summer is over,” said Major Caleb. “We did not consider VBS an optional activity this year as it remains a vital ministry which allows us to reach new friends with the Gospel news.”
The team discussed how to best host Vacation Bible School while keeping children and instructors safe and following all state guidelines. The answer was “God’s Big Backyard.” Curriculum focused on Mark 12:30-31 and created discussion about how we serve Jesus, friends, family and community. In their backyards, five instructors hosted groups capped at 15 children each. The backyard sessions offered a relaxed location to deepen students’ understanding of the Bible, and the format allowed for more personal connections with students and their families. Many had not attended Salvation Army programs previously, so the staff was eager to welcome the VBS families. They look forward to inviting them to future events.
These stories from around the Midwest show us that every dark cloud truly does have a silver lining. Even during a pandemic, with a little inspiration, we can introduce children to Christ from the backyard, use technology to help shelters remain safe places, and facilitate new careers for those who have experienced job loss.