Last year the faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to donate Toys to the Salvation Army. Together they donated more than 100 toys filling the wishes of children in Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, and San Bernardino. To the left of the presents is Debbie Becker and me Kathy Poss. To the right is Shirley Sing (kneeling) and Dana McCree. (photo by Loma Linda School of Allied Health)
WHO: The Salvation Army, Wal-Mart WHAT: The Salvation Army raising Christmas toy donations in partnership with Wal-Mart on December 8th for their “Fill The Truck” toy drive. Toys are donated to needy children whose parents and families cannot afford to buy toys this Christmas. WHERE: Wal-Mart Locations:
1. 4001 Hallmark Pky., San Bernardino, CA 92407.
2. 1120 S Mt Vernon Ave, Colton, CA 92324.
3. 1610 S Riverside Ave, Rialto, CA 92376.
4. 4210 Highland Ave, Highland, CA 92346. WHEN: Saturday, December 8th 2012. VISUALS: Salvation Army volunteers and donors filling the truck with toys. Wal-Mart shoppers smiling and buying toys as donations. CONTACT: Carl Dameron (909) 534-9500 cell, or CARLD@DAMERONCOMMUNICATIONS.COM About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Tera Snow of Highland Donates a bag of canned goods to the Boy Scouts, while at the East Highland store on Highland Ave. Photo by Richardo Tomboc
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Local Boy Scout troops did a good deed for needy people in the San Bernardino Valley. They recently collected food to feed those in need at local Stater Brothers Grocery stores. The food will be donated to the Salvation Army.
13 Boy Scout troops from San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Highland, Grand Terrace, and Bloomington helped collect food for The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps. They participated the Boy Scouts of America nationwide event called “Scouting for Food.”
“The food collected during this Food Drive will help feed hundreds of people this holiday season in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino,” said Major Stephen Ball of the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino office.
Arrowhead District Boy Scout Troop 1 and Cub Scout Pacts 1, 20, & 14 were out in full force at the Stater Bros. located on 977 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino.
West Highland Stater Bros. SB: Troop 836 SB Elks Lodge Front row: Alejandro Padilla, Carlos Rivas, Jovanni Bello, Jennifer Lister (Scout Master) Back row: Bryan Padilla Jordan Padilla. photo by Richardo Tomboc
Nancy Alvarez, Commissioner of the Arrowhead District of the Boy Scouts, has been involved with the Boy Scouts for 18 years.
Alvarez’s job is to organize and work with all church leaders, scout leaders, scout committee members, and administrative staff.
“I feel fabulous,” said Alverez when asked about how she felt donating her time to perform such a great service.
A core element of being a Boy Scout is growth and learning new skills, said Alvarez. “We teach Scouting skills, we teach life skills and it’s definitely character building.”
Joanne Macdonald, left, smiles at Victor Butler, Jr. Victor Butler, Jr., a 10-year-old scout from Pact 1, volunteered his time to help The Salvation Army feed the hungry. “I volunteered to help people that have no home, and don’t have any food,” said Butler. Photo by Paul Martinez
Victor Butler, Jr., a 10-year-old scout from Pact 1, volunteered his time to help The Salvation Army feed the hungry.
His current ranking in the Scouts is Webelos, which stands for “We’ll be loyal scouts,” said Butler. He joined the Boy Scouts because he thought he would enjoy it and says, “I’m enjoying it a lot.”
“I volunteered to help people that have no home, and don’t have any food,” said Butler. His father, Victor Butler, Sr., accompanied him and also volunteered.
Another scout volunteer Zane Bracken, has a long family history in the Scouts that goes back to his great grandfather. “My grandpa told me a lot about scouting, and it sounded like a lot of fun.”
“I volunteered at the food drive to help The Salvation Army feed the hungry,” said Bracken.
Bracken 13, started as a Cub Scout. “I keep working with the Boy Scouts because we do big projects and activities that help the community.”
His most recent achievement is a Life Scout ranking, and he is one step away from achieving the highest ranking in the Boy Scouts, an Eagle Ranking.
Will Williamson, Scout Master for the Boy Scouts Arrowhead District, has been a volunteer with the Boy Scouts since 1982.
Williamson joined the Boy Scouts to help the youth, train them, teach them; it’s a fun job to do.
”A lot of the boys I first worked with have grown up into fine men. The Boy Scout Training in and all of the things they went through made them the good men they are today,” said Williamson.
For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Salvation Army creates holiday food baskets for more than 600 local families. Canned food donations received from the Boy Scouts will be included in those baskets.
Nancy Alvarez, far left, loads a truck with food donations, with help from Thomas Eilander, far right. Nancy Alvarez, Commissioner of the Arrowhead District of the Boy Scouts, has been involved with the Boy Scouts for 18 years. “We teach Scouting skills, we teach life skills and it’s definitely character building,” said Alvarez. Photo by Paul Martinez
On Thanksgiving Day, the Salvation Army San Bernardino hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner that often brings in 300 people. Although much of the food served at that dinner is fresh, some of the non-perishable items the Boy Scouts collect may be included.
“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House homeless shelter,” said Major Ball. Up to 75 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
The Salvation Army also needs food daily for up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week. Approximately 40,000 meals are served annually from the Army’s kitchen located at 746 West 5th Street in San Bernardino.
The Boy Scouts received food donations from Stater Bros. stores in Lake Arrowhead, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, Highland and San Bernardino.
For more information on how to become involved with Boy Scouts of America, call Nancy Alvarez at (909) 553-6453 or you can visit their website at www.scouting.org.
For more information about donation or volunteering for The Salvation Army call (909) 888-1336. About the Boy Scouts of America
Founded in 1910, The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
DR_G_Hurrican_Relief_Flyer By now, I’m sure we all know about the tremendous destruction, loss of life, and upheaval caused by Hurricane Sandy on the East coast. Some of us may have experienced a natural disaster, some not. Either way, the terrible conditions experienced by our east coast brothers and sisters cannot be ignored. It is for this reason, I’m announcing the launching of a citywide collaborative effort know as the; Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund Drive. I would like to thank the following groups for their collaboration effort on helping to launch this project.
CHS Music Department
Lefty’s Sports Outfitters
The Salvation Army
Basically the details are this; 1. Flyers are being handed out over the next three days. 2. Cash and checks will be accepted at:Lefty’s Sports Outfitters, downtown Colton (address and phone number are on the flyer) 3. All checks should be made out to The Salvation Army 4. Money collected this week at Lefty’s will be delivered to the local Salvation army headquarters next Friday, who will in turn deposit the money and wire it to the Salvation Armyon the East Coast. If you, or any group, or anyone you happen talk to, would like to participate, please contact me at 909-213-3730 (cell). Flyers are available (see attached) and started going out yesterday, with the goal of covering 5,000 households and busineeses this weekend. If we to are able to get more groups involved, we can certainly cover more households and businesses. The drive will last for two weeks,ending November 16 just before the Thanksgiving break.
Volunteers help sort and package Basic hygiene supplies, socks and other items are appreciated as donations to the San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army, which gives them to guests of its Hospitality House. Many of these guests lack the resources to provide for their own most basic needs.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps’ Hospitality House emergency family shelter has an ongoing need for personal items to help its residents.
“Our Hospitality House residents are facing especially hard times, so we give them not just shelter and food, but also other necessities that most people take for granted,” said Corps Officer Nancy Ball. “Since the residents have an ongoing need for these items, it is a great help to us when we receive them as donations instead of having to purchase them.”
The needed personal items are:
Diapers (all sizes)
Baby wipes
Feminine hygiene products
Combs and brushes
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental floss
Body/hand soap
Hand lotion
Deodorant (men’s and women’s)
Shampoo
Razors
Blankets
Towels
Wash cloths
Socks (men’s women’s and children’s)
To make a donation, call the San Bernardino Corps Headquarters at (909) 888-1336 or drop off the donations at the Headquarters building, 746 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino. About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
Do you have plans for thanksgiving?
The Salvation Army needs your help with donations and volunteers for their annual thanksgiving dinners. Each year the Salvation Army’s of the Inland Empire plans to deliver thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings for hundreds of needy families.
The Salvation Army needs your generous donations of food, money and time to make our plans a reality and help those in need.
The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, and needs people to donate food and time. As these youth have discovered, it is a great opportunity for a family or an organization to work together for the good of their community. Photo by Ricardo Tombac.
Please plan to help families in need. Please call to make your donation at 1-800-7-2-5 27 – 69. That’s 1-800-7-2-5 -27 -69. Or click below to donate to the Salvation Army today. https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=206
San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps’ Sam Valdez, Director of Path to Prosperity. Photo by Michael Downer
Path to Prosperity Client Louie Martinez showing off his new eyeglasses, courtesy of St. Bernadine’s Medical Center Foundation. Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Clients of the Path to Prosperity, a program offered by the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps, are bringing their future into focus with new eyeglasses and dental work, thanks to a $13,000 grant from St. Bernadine’s Medical Center Foundation.
“If you can’t see you can’t do well in school,” said Samuel Valdez, director of the Salvation Army Path to Prosperity program. “Thanks to this grant, our clients are given the opportunity to continue their progress in getting their lives back on track.” A one of a kind 18 month program limited to 27 men at a time, the Path to Prosperity program assists its participants in obtaining the skills they need to become self-supporting and financially independent after battling substance abuse.
“While many of our participants are graduates of our Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), this program is open to any man who has successfully completed a six month sobriety program, is now living clean and sober and has the desire to make a positive change in their life,” Said Valdez.
A recovering alcoholic and drug addict himself, Valdez points out that Path to Prosperity is not for everyone. However, he stresses the benefits received by those who are focused on beating their addiction are many, laying a foundation to living a productive lifestyle.
“When you are battling drug addiction, you sometimes make choices that are not the best, falling back on what you know from the past and are comfortable with doing. Here at Path to Prosperity, we provide clients with the tools to make good choices, relying on what they need to succeed,” said Valdez.
Providing them with what they need to succeed includes onsite programs that focus on: anger management, life skills, goals setting, attitudes, relapse prevention, job readiness as well as life and recovery.
The job readiness class prepares clients by assisting with resumes and mock interviews. Even though in this digital age, much of the application process is done online, the understanding is that at some point clients will need to be in front of an interviewer and this class gets them ready for just that.
Since the main purpose of Path to Prosperity is to help the men obtain the skills they need to live independently, most Path to Prosperity members immediately enroll in San Bernardino Valley College. The goal is to complete an associate degree or certification for a vocational trade.
Some men go even further and enroll in California State University, San Bernardino, while others have the experience to become job ready very quickly and choose to seek employment rather than go to school.
“We find that those clients who have the potential to truly excel do a combination of going to school along with working,” said Major Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino Corps. “Clients have 18 months to focus on getting their lives back together, while they’re obtaining their college degree or certificate.”
Major Ball also notes that those clients who have eligible income are required to pay one-third of their income, up to $430 per month as rent. This helps to provide structure and reintroduces them to following rules and being accountable.
For more information or to make a donation, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1336. You may drop off your donations at the headquarters building, located at 746 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org <http://www.salvationarmyusa.org> or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY or (909) 888-1336.
Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps Hospitality House Director Anne Metu hard at work, providing area families with shelter and an opportunity to become self-sufficient. Photo by Michael Downer
Anne Metu, Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps. Hospitality House Director, explaining tutorial services provided to children courtesy of the San Bernardino Unified School District. Photo by Michael Downer
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps’ Hospitality House Emergency family Shelter has selected Anne Metu as director. In her new role, she continues to provide vital services for the Inland Empire’s homeless children and families.
Originally from Nigeria, Anne Metu came to the United States, settling in Houston, Texas in 1997. No stranger to helping others, she began her career, with the Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston, where she worked for six years. It was while Metu worked there, that she decided to become a chemical dependency counselor. She later moved to the Family Drug Treatment Court as a coordinator.
“Working in Houston, I noticed a lot of families dealing with both substance abuse and homelessness,” said Metu. “Usually only one person in the family comes forward. My desire grew, wanting to help the entire family heal, not just that one person. I wanted to do what whatever it takes to help them live a normal life and functioning in society.”
Determined to combine her Christian counseling with her passion to battle drug and substance abuse, she began working with women, children and eventually all family members, including men and other extended members of the family, who contribute to its dysfunction. This dysfunction led to what she refers to as unhealthy behaviors such as addiction, shoplifting and more.
After working as a dependency counselor for ten years, she moved to California in the summer of 2010, and began volunteering with the Salvation Army.
“I heard that the Salvation Army was looking for someone to become the director of their Hospitality House,” said Metu. “The opportunity seemed perfect for me, being able to utilize my background of helping others through drug counseling, grant management and administration. I decided to apply for the job, and I got it.”
Coming on board as the new director in 2011, Metu started with emergency shelter, providing those in need with 75 beds available for overnight stays. Clients were required to check out by 8 am.
“When I first started, we allowed short term stays for a maximum of 90 days, as long as a client is seeking employment,” said Metu. “In the Fall of 2011, we expanded our services to become a fully operational transitional housing shelter. Now we can provide 18 to 24 month stays, giving clients an opportunity to move to a higher level of self-sufficiency and permanent housing.”
Offering life skills training, mental health referrals, individual case management and counseling job readiness, Metu says the shelter provides clients with tools to be successful and get back on their feet.
“We provide clients with job skill training,” said Metu. “They receive job preparation coaching classes, parenting skills, along with group counseling and tutoring for children four days a week with the San Bernardino Unified School District (SBUSD).”
Clients are required to locate and maintain employment, pay rent, at least 30% of what they earn. They are also required to save 20% of their income, in an effort to secure permanent housing by time they graduate from our program.
Metu says she is thankful to the Salvation Army for giving her a platform and encouraging her to pursue her passion for helping other people. However, Metu points out that she receives assistance from many areas to make lives better for the San Bernardino underserved through in-kind donations.
“So many people have come together, providing the support we need to do what we can for other,” said Metu. “The children receive tutoring from the SBUSD. The tutors come here, rain or shine and Ms. Brenda Dowdy, with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, provides school supplies and gifts form different agencies for the children during the holiday season and as they go back to school.”
Other organizations that assist the Hospitality House on a weekly basis include: Ann Curtis with SAC-Norton Clinic, Jerry Heffington with Options House, Peter Emelue form Inland Counties Legal Services,, The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino (CAPSBC) and San Bernardino employment and Training Agency (SBETA).
“This is really is a community effort,” says Metu. “I feel privileged to be apart of such a wonderful team that is dedicated to helping improve the lives of those who are less fortunate and going through a difficult time.”
For more information or to make a donation, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1336. You may drop off your donations at the headquarters building, located at 746 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino. About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY or (909) 888-1336.
Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network host free seminar highlighting effectiveness of amateur radio use during disasters relief efforts
Trace Willete, Inland Empire SATERN section coordinator and Salvation Army Division Public Information Officer Suzi Woodruff Lacey discussing the role of media relations during emergency response efforts. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Salvation Army Corps San Bernardino Commander Major Stephen Ball greets crowd of enthusiastic amateur radio operators during Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network’s Annual Introduction and Seminar. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Are you interested in amateur radio? Want to learn how you can help one of the world’s oldest disaster relief organizations in its communications efforts?
The Inland Empire’s Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), also known as SATERN, will host its 16th Annual Introduction and Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 28. This free event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, 746 W. Fifth St., San Bernardino. It’s open to the public and includes free refreshments and lunch.
Amateur shortwave radio technology has been around since World War II. SATERN relies on this two-way communication, which can reach across areas of about 200 miles, to communicate among its own members who are participating in a Salvation Army disaster relief effort, and with the emergency workers they’re helping.
The Salvation Army has helped in practically every disaster that has occurred over the last century, including fires, earthquakes, floods and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“Amateur radio is a great hobby and participating in SATERN is a great way to turn that hobby into something that helps our Inland Empire tremendously,” said Tony Stephen, Inland Empire SATERN Committee member. “If more people join us, we will be able to deliver communications more effectively during the next fire or other disaster that hits our area.”
The seminar gets underway at 9 a.m. with a welcome and introduction from Trace Willete, an Inland Empire SATERN section coordinator and Maj. Stephen Ball, commander of the San Bernardino Corps.
Topics of discussion features:
“The Resilient Responder”
As an officer with the Salvation Army Escondido Corps, Maj. Ebel has spent time in Haiti after the recent earthquake. He will discuss the emotional well being of emergency disaster responders.
“The Earthquake Lady, Dr. Kate”
Kate Hutton is a seismologist at Cal-Tech in Pasadena. Referred to as “The Earthquake Lady or Dr. Kate” she is an expert on earthquake and emergency preparedness communication through the use of shortwave amateur radio.
“Maritime Communications & Connections to Emergency Communications”
Bill Scholz, an Auxiliary Unit Coordinator for CAMSPAC and FCC 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator, will discuss this role of ship to shore communications during disaster relief efforts.
So it will have an accurate lunch count, SATERN asks those attending to RSVP, either by email to Trace Wilette at ki6dpn@arrl.net or by calling (909) 800-1681.
For more information go to the website www.satern.net. About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY or (909) 888-1336.
