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.
The faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to be able to help with the Giving Tree program. 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)
Wells Fargo’s Lien Release department adopted a family buying presents for the children and needed household items including needed pots, pans and cooking utensils for the family.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Thanks to the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino (www.salvationarmyusa.org), more than 2,500 children will have a gift to open this Christmas morning.
The faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to be able to help with the Giving Tree program. Together they donated more than 100 toys filling the wishes of children in Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, and San Bernardino.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., mothers, families, children and businesses from throughout the community recently volunteered to make a difference, by spreading the holiday cheer with their donations and time, which will help 600 families celebrate the season.
Wells Fargo’s Lien Release department adopted a family, buying presents for the children and needed household items including needed pots, pans and cooking utensils for the family.
“We have been at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for five years now, using the this location as a distribution center and storage facility for the distribution of food and gifts for families in need,” said Maj. Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino Corps. “The location has been very convenient in reaching those who need our help the most. They really have embraced what we are doing in the community and are a wonderful partner. They even provide parishioners as volunteers. They have really been a blessing.”
Bringing 100 families in at a time, each family receives a basket of food for a holiday dinner, a gift card from Stater Bros. and a bag of toys for their children, donated through the Salvation Army Giving Tree program.
“We try to make it fun for the families as they come to receive their donation. We have a small worship service and music with holiday songs. Our goal is really to keep things entertaining and uplifting for each family,” said Maj. Ball.
The San Bernardino Corps serves the cities of San Bernardino, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland and Rialto. While busy coordinating volunteers, along with managing more than 600 baskets loaded with food, toys scheduled for distribution to needy families, Maj. Ball points out this undertaking could not be possible without public contributions and red kettle donations which help fund the basket distribution program.
To make a donation or sign up for local assistance call the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps at (909) 888-1336. About the Salvations 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 San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
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.
Proving that you are not too young to make a difference, Rae Ann Ortiz volunteers to serve holiday meals at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corp. Photo by Ricardo Tomboc
Community volunteers assist the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corp prepare food for their annual Christmas dinner. Photo by Ricardo Tomboc
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corp (www.salvationarmyusa.org) will host its annual Christmas Eve Dinner for hundreds of needy families at their Center for Worship and Service, located at 746 W. Fifth Street in San Bernardino. The Christmas meal will be served between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Salvation Army annually provides holiday meals to families and individuals in need. In 2010, more than 300 individuals were served. They are anticipating serving food for another 300 individuals again this year, guests will enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, consisting of potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, pie and other food received through donations.
“Every year, the community and volunteers come together to provide the food preparation and service of holiday meals to dinner guests,” said Maj. Stephen Ball commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino Corp. “Our volunteers really do an outstanding job, helping to make such a difference for those who are less fortunate during the holiday season, as well as throughout the year.”
This year, the holiday dinner will be held on Saturday, December 24, which is Christmas Eve.
“We traditionally provide meals on Christmas Day. However, since Christmas is on a Sunday this year, we will adjust things slightly and offer our dinner to the community on Christmas Eve,” said Maj. Ball.
Many of the services provided by the Salvation Army, such as this annual Community Christmas Dinner, are made possible through in-kind donations and money raised through the Red Kettle Bell Ringer campaign. Each Thanksgiving, Christmas and in some cases Easter, Inland Empire Salvation Army Corps combine to serve more than 1,000 people holiday meals.
The Salvation Army provides hundreds of families with free community dinners Sunday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. and provides shelter for the homeless individuals and families for up to 90 days. For more information call (909) 888-1336. About the Salvations 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 San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
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.
For local help, please call (909) 888-1336.
Volunteer as a bell ringer with the Salvation Army
Roslyn Billings (Salvation Army Advisory Board member) and family volunteer as a Salvation Army bellringer! If your family, organization or business can supply enough people to ring bells at one of the San Bernardino Corps Red Kettle locations for an entire day, please volunteer by calling (909) 888-1336.
Ricardo Tomboc (Salvation Army Advisory Board member) with son Ben Tomboc, playing guitar, enjoy entertaining while raising donations for the Salvation Army as bellinringers.
Amy Ball greets everyone with a smile, as she volunteers to raise money for services provided by the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps as a bellringer.
(San Bernardino, CA) –The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The San Bernardino Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) is seeking volunteers to ring bells in San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and Bloomington starting the day after Thanksgiving and going through Christmas Eve.
The traditional shiny red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.
“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Maj. Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “We’re looking for individuals, families and groups to spend a day at one of our more than 30 locations in the San Bernardino area.”
The Salvation Army began ringing its bells this year on Friday, Nov. 18 and continues from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Anyone who would like to donate a few hours of his or her time can volunteer. However, a parent or guardian must accompany individuals under the age of 16. Most volunteers ring two hours at a time, but groups are asked to provide ringers who can work in shifts for an entire day.
“The more people who volunteer, the fewer people the agency must hire,” said Maj. Ball “For each volunteer bellringer we have, it means more money raised in direct support of our services to those families in need.”
Each Thanksgiving, Christmas and in some cases Easter, Inland Empire Salvation Army Corps combine to serve more than 1,000 people holiday meals. But, these local corps serve almost as many meals on a daily basis to those who are homeless and hungry. Some Corps also maintain a food pantry for those who most need help with the cost of groceries.
Feeding the hungry is just one of the ways money donated to The Salvation Army helps. Salvation Army Corps also help with lodging for homeless or evicted families; clothing and furniture for burnout victims, evicted and the homeless; prescriptions, assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities and transportation when funds are available.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in disasters such as fires, while the San Bernardino Hospitality House also provides temporary emergency shelter and support in rebuilding their lives to thousands of homeless families.
To volunteer as a bellringer in San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Grand Terrace or Highland, call (909) 888-1336. The San Bernardino office is setting up a volunteer schedule to which Maj. Ball and his staff are eager to assist local residents in adding their names
To volunteer as a bellringer in Redlands and other East San Bernardino Valley communities call (909) 792-6868. Volunteer Services Coordinator Capt. Patrick Lyons will provide an application and on approval, will assign volunteers to bell-ringing duties.
To volunteer as a bellringer in San Bernardino County’s High Desert, call (760) 245-5745 and ask for Margot Barhas.
To volunteer as a bellringer in Ontario and other West San Bernardino Valley communities, call Envoy Abel Tamez at (909) 509-2503 or Envoy Naomi Tamez at (909) 509-2741.
To learn more about volunteering as a bellringer in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Norco and other West Riverside County communities call the Riverside Corps Office at (951) 784-4490 ext. 102.
To learn more about volunteering as a bellringer in Hemet, Beaumont, San Jacinto, Perris, Murietta, Menifee, Temecula and other central and southern Riverside County communities, call the Hemet Corps Office at (951) 791-9497.
To learn more about volunteering as a bellringer in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indio, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Banning and other desert communities, call the Palm Desert Corps Office at (760) 324-2275.
In addition, one may donate to The Salvation Army online, through the website www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donors may specify to which branch of The Salvation Army the money should be sent. How the Bell Ringer campaign began:
Capt. Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps back in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.
Mc Fee remembered as a sailor in Liverpool, England, seeing people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.
He set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.
His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which formed in 1887. About the Salvations 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 San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
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.
For local help, please call (909) 888-1336.
View of parking lot entrance to Salvation Army Family Store, located at 911 so. E. Street in San Bernardino. Photo by Carl Dameron
Store check out counter is the center of activity, providing shoppers with plenty of room to browse merchandise and clothing. Photo by Carl Dameron
Gleaming floors and well light organized areas provide customers with enjoyable shopping experiences. Photo by Carl Dameron
Victoria Bennett, Salvation Army Administrative Assistant HR/Personnel stands ready to spin the wheel to give lucky customers a chance to win discount prizes. Photo by Carl Dameron
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The Salvation Army Family Store’s one-year anniversary sale is this Friday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the first 50 customers receiving an opportunity to win one of five free shopping sprees awarded at random.
Located at 911 So. E. Street, the Salvation Army Family Store opened Dec. 2, 2010 with a modern department store design, similar to Target, allowing shoppers to walk easily from one section of the store to another, and giving them plenty of room to browse the merchandise and racks of clothing.
The public is encouraged to come out and enjoy the FREE coffee, cocoa, doughnuts and popcorn beginning at 8:30 a.m. and take advantage of the huge savings during the celebration. Many items have discounts of up to 50% off. In addition to special discounts, which will be announced at several times throughout the day, you can even take a chance and spin the lucky wheel for even more discounted prizes.
The E Street store, along with others in San Bernardino (on Highland Avenue), Redlands, Fontana, Pomona, Hesperia and Victorville, support the work of the San Bernardino Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. This program provides drug and alcohol rehabilitation to more than 300 men each year. About the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
The Adult Rehabilitation Center is a six-month program, combining rehabilitation and work therapy for men who wish to overcome drug or alcohol addiction. These men attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, receive one-on-one and group counseling, and learn about stress management, anger management, parenting and overcoming addiction. They also participate in spiritual and recreational activities they can continue after their treatment as part of a sober lifestyle.
Men in San Bernardino County or Pomona Valley who are seeking help to overcome drug or alcohol addiction should call the Adult Rehabilitation Center in San Bernardino at (909) 889-9605. The Salvation Army offers a similar program for men in Riverside County; for more information about that program, call (951) 940-5790.
Women can learn about Adult Rehabilitation Centers for them by calling the center in Anaheim at (714) 758-0414, San Diego at (619) 239-4037 or Pasadena at (626) 795-8075.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. 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. To donate, call 1-800 SATRUCK.
A line of needy families awaits distribution of gift boxes by the San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army. Photo by Chris Sloan
San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps Officer Maj. Nancy Ball and volunteer Tara Murphy give gift cards to a recipient of one of 600 holiday gift boxes distributed last Christmas. Photo by Chris Sloan
Jason Hulsey, a Salvation Army volunteer, loads gift boxes onto a dolly so that he can give them to recipients. Photo by Chris Sloan
(San Bernardino, Calif.) During the holidays, area businesses, churches and organizations join together with the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps (www.salvationarmyusa.org) to sponsor families, by making donations that bring the joy of Christmas to those in need.
Every year, hundreds of families in need turn to the Salvation Army to help feed their families during the Christmas season and to provide their children with joy through the toy donations received from the “Christmas Giving Tree” program.
“As the economy tightens, we have seen an increase in the number of families that are in need of our help, especially around the holiday season,” said Major Stephen Ball, director of the San Bernardino Corps. “Some families struggle year-round. Others find themselves in unusual need due to a recent job loss. Regardless of the situation, we are here to help as much as possible.”
As in years past, each family will receive a Christmas gift basket filled with canned goods and a gift certificate to Stater Bros. Adopted families also benefit from the Salvation Army’s annual “Christmas Giving Tree” program, which accepts donations of toys through Dec. 24, giving them to the children.
“This year we plan to help more than 600 families with food and toys for Christmas,” said Maj. Ball. “With the increase in families seeking assistance, we are asking the public for additional donations of canned food items, as well as Stater Bros. gift certificates.”
The Salvation Army is also seeking organizations and businesses that can help some of these families by taking part in its “Adopt-A-Family” program. Participants in this program are matched with one of between 25 to 50 identified families with the greatest needs, receiving additional food and clothing from their benefactors.
To make a donation or sign up for assistance call the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corp at (909) 888-1336
Those individuals who want to donate toys can find the Salvation Army’s “Christmas Giving Trees” at the following locations:
San Bernardino Corps – Inland Center Mall (500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino) near the food court.
The Ontario Corps – in front of JC Penney’s at the Montclair Plaza (5060 E. Montclair Plaza Lane, Montclair)
The Redlands Corps – at Wal-Mart (2050 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands).
The Riverside Corps asks shoppers to call (951) 784-4490, ext. 100 to obtain the name of and requests of more than 3,000 children on its “Angel” list.
The Salvation Army urges Inland Empire residents and families to help other families have a holiday they will never forget.
The San Bernardino Corps benefits residents of San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and Bloomington. About the Salvations 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 San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
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.
For local help, please call (909) 888-1336.
Supporters can add an Angel to their Christmas list at jcp.com/angel
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The Salvation Army and JCPenny have joined forces again this holiday season to give joy to even more children and seniors in need by offering businesses, churches or civic organizations the option of adopting multiple angles through the Angel Giving Tree Online program at jcp.com.
The annual Christmas gift drive provides toys, clothing, special-needs gifts or other wish list items to kids and senior citizens experiencing financial hardship. The Salvation Army expanded this annual Christmas tradition by partnering with JCPenney to make its easier for supporters to participate this holiday season.
In a few easy steps, customers can visit jcp.com/angel to request an angel by zip code, city/state, age range and gender. An Angel who matches the criteria will be e-mailed to the customer along with a list of requested items. The confirmation e-mail includes a link to view drop-off locations in the recipient’s area and ship-to addresses for online orders.
The Angel Giving Tree Online program enables individuals or groups to shop for Angel online at jcp.com, in JCPenny stores or at any retailer they choose. Families can sign up for Online Angel Tree through their local Salvation Army
In collaboration with UPS, Angel Giving Tree gifts purchased through jcp.com can be shipped free of charge to a local Salvation Army collection center – putting the entire selection, shopping and delivery process at the customer’s fingertips.
In order to ensure all gifts are delivered in time for Christmas, the deadline for adopting and shopping for your angel online is Dec. 9; otherwise supporters have until Dec. 13 to purchase a JCPenney gift card.
The Salvation Army of San Bernardino has approximately 1,600 children in need of adoption by angels. 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 San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
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.
For local help, please call (909) 888-1336.
