The Salvation Army - Cedar Rapids

  • Childhood Success
  • Community
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Economic Mobility
  • Housing
  • Safety Net Services

Who We Are

Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army,

an international movement,

is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.

 

Our message is based on the Bible.

Our ministry is motivated by the love of God.

Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and

meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

 

History:

In 1865, William Booth was invited to hold a series of evangelistic meetings in the east end of London. He set up a tent in a Quaker graveyard and his services became an instant success. This proved to be the end of his wanderings as an independent traveling evangelist. His renown as a religious leader spread throughout London. His followers were a vigorous group dedicated to fight for the souls of men and women. Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers and drunkards were among Booth's first converts to Christianity.

His congregations were desperately poor. He preached hope and salvation. His aim was to lead them to Christ and to link them to a church for further spiritual guidance. Even though they were converted, churches did not accept Booth?s followers because of what they had been. Booth gave their lives direction in a spiritual manner and put them to work to save others who were like themselves. They too preached and sang in the streets as a living testimony to the power of God. In 1867, Booth had only 10 full-time workers. By 1874, the numbers had grown to 1,000 volunteers and 42 evangelists.

They served under the name "The Christian Mission." Booth assumed the title of a General Superintendent. His followers called him "General." Known as the "Hallelujah Army,'" the converts spread out of the east end of London into neighboring areas and then to other cities. Booth was reading a printer?s proof of the 1878 Annual Report when the noticed the statement, '"The Christian Mission under the Superintendent?s of the Rev. William Booth is a volunteer army. He crossed out the words "Volunteer Army'" and penned in "Salvation Army'" From those words came the basis of the foundation deed of The Salvation Army which was adopted in August of that same year. Converts became soldiers of Christ and are known as Salvationists. They launched an offensive throughout the British Isles.

In some instances there were real battles as organized gangs mocked and attacked soldiers as they went about their work. In spite of the violence and persecution, some 250,000 persons were converted under the ministry of the Salvationists between 1881 and 1,885. Meanwhile, the Army was gaining a foothold in the United States. Lieutenant Eliza Shirley had left England to join her parents who had migrated to America earlier in search of work. She held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America in Philadelphia in 1879. The Salvationists were received enthusiastically. Shirley wrote to General Booth begging for reinforcements. None were available at first. Glowing reports of the work in Philadelphia convinced Booth to send an official group to pioneer the work in America in 1880. On March 10, 1880, Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven women officers knelt on the dockside at Battery Park in New York City to give thanks for their safe arrival. This was to be their first official street meeting held in the United States.

These pioneers were to be met with similar unfriendly actions, as was the case in Great Britain. They were ridiculed, arrested and attacked. Several officers and soldiers even gave their lives. Three years later, Railton and the seven "Hallelujah Lassies"' had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. President Grover Cleveland received a delegation of Salvation Army officers in 1886 and gave the organization a warm personal endorsement. This was the first recognition from the White House that was to be followed by similar receptions from succeeding presidents of the United States. Termed as the "invasion of the United States," The Salvation Army movement expanded rapidly to Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland and Germany. Currently in the United States, there are more than 10,000 local neighborhood units, and The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world.

 

What We Do

The Salvation Army Special Services:

Rental Assistance - Rental assistance can be used in emergency situations when a person cannot make their full monthly rent. This service can be used only once per calendar year. An appointment is made so an intake can be completed by the case worker who advocates for the client and speaks with the land lord to secure the living environment. Once an amount is agreed upon between the land lord and our case worker, a check is sent directly to the land lord. This program allows individuals and families to remain in their housing during a financially tough situation.

Utility Assistance - The emergency utility assistance program is designed to pay a portion of a utility bill to continue energy service to the household. An appointment is made so an intake can be completed by the case worker who advocates for the client and speaks with the utility company to secure power to the household. Once an amount is agreed upon between the power company and our case worker, a check is sent to the utility company. 

Food Pantry - The food pantry can be used by any individual experiencing financial difficulties. The food box, with approximately two weeks of meals, may be obtained quarterly. They must bring in picture IDs and social security cards for family members to receive the food package.

Meals with Love - This food program provides balanced nutrition meals to any individual in need. Breakfast and lunch are served Monday thru Friday at 1000 C Ave in the gym. 

Clothing/Furniture/Appliances Vouchers - If a family or individual experiences a disaster or is in financial need, The Salvation Army offers a voucher that can be used at any Salvation Army store in town. An appointment is made with the caseworker to assess client needs and obtain a voucher.

Referrals - The Salvation Army works very closely with Helping Hands, HACAP, St. Vincent DePaul, and general assistance; these organizations receive multiple referrals from our program. The United Ways resource number of 2-1-1 is also utilized and referred to by both staff and clients. On a regular basis, the Linn County Resource Guide is also utilized for referral options.

Gasoline - A gasoline voucher may be obtained to assist clients in getting to work, children's doctor appointments, and doctor appointments in Iowa City. To obtain a gasoline voucher, the person must have a valid driver's license and proof of valid insurance.

Transportation - In the case of an emergency, like a death in the immediate family, a bus ticket within the Midwest may be provided for family members. The individuals must meet with the caseworker to indicate financial need and transportation will be provided. 

Holiday Social Services Holiday food box  - During the holiday season, The Salvation Army provides holiday food boxes which include meat for needy families. Families are served based on need and poverty level.

Christmas Toys - The Salvation Army partnered with the Cedar Rapids Jaycees to form "The Christmas Toy Shop" for needy families. Registration begins in October for any impoverished family with children ages birth to seventeen. The Salvation Army coordinates all family registrations as well as the distribution of the Christmas gifts.

Summer Day Camp- The summer day camp provides an atmosphere where children can develop or enhance social, emotional, and physical abilities through a variety of activities. Some of the activities include: educational guest speakers, swimming, arts and crafts, picnics, and tours of area businesses. This day camp service is available only to children whose parents/guardians are employed or are continuing their formal education on a full-time basis.

Character Building Program - This a bible based program that teaches skills building to kids between the ages of four and twelve. The curriculum provides skills to maintain personal hygiene and cooking preparation. A class about drug awareness is also provided. This program is offered Tuesday nights from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster - This team provides continuous services, relieving crisis situations that result from any type of disaster in Linn, Johnson, Benton, Iowa, Keokuk, and Washington counties. The Salvation Army Disaster Team works alongside EMA, firemen, policemen and others to bring water, food, supplies, and comfort to victims. Furthermore, The Salvation Army provides social service programs to those in need following the tragedy. |

 

Details

Get Connected Icon (319) 364-9131 ext. 103
Get Connected Icon (319) 364-0801
Get Connected Icon Donnell Hoppes
Get Connected Icon Business Manager
http://sacedarrapids.org