PHOTO CAPTION: Majors Isaias (left) and Adelma Braga.
“We are delighted to have been given this posting and we are already working on making this Corps an even more effective provider of services here.”
REDLANDS, CALIF.—The Salvation Army has appointed new leaders, Majors Isaias and Adelma Braga, to manage the San Bernardino/Redlands Corps and tasked them with both consolidating and expanding services to the greater San Bernardino community.
“We are delighted to have been given this posting,” says Major Isaias Braga, “and we are working on making this Corps an even more effective provider of services.” They have already combined the formerly separate San Bernardino and Redlands administrations into a single unit, located at 838 Alta St., Redlands.
This dynamic husband and wife team are originally from Brazil and have been instrumental in making good things happen everywhere that the Salvation Army has sent them. They met in 1976 at a Bible study. “Isaias was my first date,” says Adelma, “and we got married in 1980.”
The couple has three grown children: Isaias, Jr., who is 40 and an economist in Colorado; Felipe, 39, who is a Property Project Coordinator for the Salvation Army’s Northwest Seattle Corps; and daughter Aline, 36, also a Salvation Army officer, whose husband served in the U.S. Army as staff sergeant for 13 years (including two tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan and Korea), now on leave from the Salvation Army in order to care for her ill mother-in-law. Isaias and Aline each have two children and Felipe, one.
The Bragas moved to the USA in 1992, joined The Salvation Army in 1993 and spent 16 years with the organization, where from initial home meetings, they founded the first-ever Portuguese-speaking ministry, starting at the Torrance Corps, CA and now in operation at Redondo Beach Corps, CA.
The Salvation Army next invited them to take over a senior residential facility in Redondo Beach in 2005. That operation hosted 50 seniors and served 3,500 meals each week to residents and community members with a Meals on Wheels Program.
In 2012 the Bragas relocated to Colorado, first in Broomfield and then in Fort Collins for a total of seven years, followed by a two-year assignment to Renton, Washington. They then were appointed to their homeland, Brazil, where the Salvation Army gave Isaias the job of National Officer for Government Relations in Brasília, the Capital of Brazil.
PHOTO CAPTION: Majors Isaias (left) and Adelma Braga flank Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro.
Having served in the Brazilian Army from 1977 to 1987, mustering out as a First Infantry Lieutenant, Isaias knew the Brazilian system and during his Salvation Army posting, established close relationships with the country’s President and other prominent Brazilian leaders.
Unfortunately, Adelma was diagnosed with breast cancer, so the couple had to return from overseas for her treatment on a short medical leave. Happily, Adelma is now in remission and working alongside Isaias as they confront the challenge of finding a way to combine the Corps’ operations in four different locations into one, while also expanding the capacities of all their social services programs in order to serve an ever-increasing demand for Salvation Army services.
Major Braga’s team has identified a five-acre site in San Bernardino that could meet the Corps’ needs and is now in negotiations to secure the land, as well as the necessary funding for a building to house the church and all its service units.
“We will be able to use the proceeds from selling our existing lands and buildings,” says Major Braga, “but we will need additional resources in order to be able to build a facility large enough to accommodate all our needs.”
The Salvation Army opened in San Bernardino in 1887 and has been helping people in need since then. Its programs have proven effective in dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, hunger and coping with life’s many challenges. To find out more about the Salvation Army’s many community services and how you can get assistance or contribute to its mission, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/
About the Salvation Army
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 go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
“I’ve quit drinking and for the first time in years, I was able to buy school clothes for my children and a sturdy pair of shoes for myself for work. Mike Delgado at The Salvation Army is helping me now to qualify for section 8 housing. I’m excited about work and feel so much better now that a big weight has been taken off of me. All I can say is that you should never give up.” (From left) Angel, Hope, Zoe, Andrew, Nicholas and Noah (twins), and Amanda Arista.
“We’re gonna be okay, thanks to the Salvation Army!” says Amanda Arista
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—A few years ago, a young mother saw her children’s dad getting into trouble with drugs and going downhill. She got him involved with the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House program and today he’s clean and sober, has a good job and his life is in good order.
Unfortunately, things later took a turn for the worse for that single mother of six, Amanda Arista. In 2019 she lost her job and was evicted from the residence she had been renting, along with her children ages 10 to 16. She didn’t know what to do and it broke her heart to place three of her children with their father and three with her mother. Then Covid hit.
Her mom got ill and Amanda started caring for her. For a while, her mother got better but then took a turn for the worse and passed away in August 2021. Amanda went on a mental and emotional roller coaster, sometimes up, sometimes down. Her mom had always been the one to help her with paperwork for things like applying for government help. She found herself unable to fill out Social Security assistance forms.
Amanda Arista said “I prayed for help from God and who should come to my rescue but my children’s father, Miguel, who got in touch and told me he hadn’t realized how bad things were.”
Amanda started drinking heavily and got into such a dark mood that she was sometimes afraid to leave her room. She was losing the will to live. She prayed for help from God and who should come to her rescue but her children’s father, Miguel, who got in touch and told her he hadn’t realized how bad things were.
And that’s when everything started to change for the better. The man she had helped to recover from his own downward spiral now turned out to be the one to help her. On a Saturday, Miguel told her about the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House program and that as it helped him, it could now help her.
The following Monday, Naomi Goforth, the Hospitality House Program Director, and Mike Delgado, the Social Services Director for the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps, contacted her and processed her into the same program that had been so helpful for Miguel.
Delgado says, “Usually, our referrals come from churches, county agencies or veterans’ programs. Amanda’s case was different, as her children’s father, who she had referred to us a few years ago, was the one who got her into our program. It’s a great example of ‘paying it forward’ paying off for her and her children.”
“I was really in a dark place,” says Amanda, “depressed and anxious, talking to myself. Miguel saw that I needed help, and he got me connected with the Salvation Army. Today, I’m mentally stable, I have a place to live, I have my kids back with me and in school, and I have a job working for Super 8. The Salvation Army is paying the rent on two motel rooms for us, as the Hospitality House residence is at capacity right now.
Mike Delgado says, “Usually, our referrals come from churches, county agencies or veterans’ programs. Amanda’s case was different, as her children’s father, who she had referred to us a few years ago, was the one who got her into our program. It’s a great example of ‘paying it forward’ paying off for her and her children.”
“I’ve quit drinking and for the first time in years, I was able to buy school clothes for my children and a sturdy pair of shoes for myself for work. Mike Delgado is helping me now to qualify for section 8 housing. I’m excited about work and feel so much better now that a big weight has been taken off of me. All I can say is that you should never give up.”
The Salvation Army is able to help people like Miguel, Amanda and their children thanks to the generosity of the people and organizations who contribute money and other resources like food and clothing. To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House Program and other Salvation Army services, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is able to help people like Miguel, Amanda and their children thanks to the generosity of the people and organizations who contribute money and other resources like food and clothing. To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House Program and other Salvation Army services, go to https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/ or call (909) 888-4880.
“Demand has really picked up the past couple of months. We are serving more meals and distributing more food than ever,” says Mike Delgado, Social Service Director for the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.— The San Bernardino area Salvation Army Summer Meals Program is in full swing and ready to help area residents enjoy good-tasting and healthy hot meals.
“The Summer Meals Program at our San Bernardino Hospitality House served 5–7,000 meals per month last year, and we expect that because of inflation and a slowing economy, we will be serving more this year,” says San Bernardino Corps Major Isaias Braga.
Because of the current Covid situation, sit-down meals are served only to Hospitality House residents, located at 925 West Tenth Street, San Bernardino. Nonetheless, to-go hot meals in boxes are being distributed to community members in need at that location. Community meals are served from 4:30 to 5:30 pm six days per week, Sunday through Friday, and closed Saturday.
In addition to the to-go hot meals offered at the Hospitality House, the Salvation Army also distributes non-perishable food items and fresh meat through a community food distribution program on the first, second and third Thursdays of each month from 9:00 to 11:30 am.
On the first Thursday, this takes place at the Redlands Corps facility, 838 Alta St., Redlands, 92374; on the second and third Thursdays, at the San Bernardino Corps warehouse facility at the San Bernardino Airport, 295 North Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, 92408.
“Demand has really picked up the past couple of months. We are serving more meals and distributing more food than ever,” says Mike Delgado, Social Service Director for the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps. “In San Bernardino, we went from 120 to 168 food boxes and in Redlands from 120 to 144.”
As one recent meal recipient put it, “We’re eating good meals, thanks to the Salvation Army!”
Because the Salvation Army’s operations are so efficient, a gift of just $1.28 is enough to provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child, homeless adult, or struggling senior.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, the mountain communities, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Redlands, and San Bernardino.
To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Summer Meals Program and other Salvation Army programs, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/
About the Salvation Army
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 go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
The Salvation Army Hospitality House Program Manager Naomi Goforth
“All of us who are part of the Hospitality House team love being able to help single women in need, and men or women with children, get back in control of their lives.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Hospitality House stands ready to house homeless families and single women who need temporary, stable shelter. Their target population also includes multi-generational families, and single men with children as well.
“The Salvation Army Hospitality House serves as a safe refuge that provides residents with a supportive, caring environment and all the resources they need to deal with a wide variety of personal and/or family problems. It all starts with emergency shelter that can keep participants safely housed for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on their circumstances,” says Program Manager Naomi Goforth.
At intake, each new arrival is assessed by trained Salvation Army intake staff. Once the scope of a client’s needs has been determined, each family is given a detailed individualized case plan and assigned to a case manager who will maintain close contact during their entire stay.
Each family’s case plan includes a comprehensive goals and objectives that cover their intake, transition to permanent housing, help finding a steady job, legal advocacy, child welfare aid, and education. Every resident is treated as an individual with individual needs and every case is different and gets a customized case plan.
“People who come to Hospitality House may have been sleeping in their cars or were recently released from a hospital. At intake, each new resident gets clothing, bed linens, hygiene products, and a chance to take a breath after whatever ordeal they have just gone through,” says Goforth.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says one recent Hospitality House graduate.
“I’m a single mom and I lost my job during the pandemic. Thank goodness, at least my 15-year-old car was paid off and when we were no longer able to pay rent, that’s where we slept. I heard about Hospitality House from a friend and the people there have helped me find a new job, secure a place to live, and even got me enrolled in a course that’s going to add to my skill set so I can advance in my new-found career.”
Goforth says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”
“Sometimes, that may include a referral to one of our partner agencies for things like mental health services, substance use, and legal aid. Whatever they need, we can either provide help in-house or get them connected to the right providers,” says Goforth.
As current resident K.L. notes, “I had a pretty bad rent history and I knew not many landlords would want to take a chance on me, even though I now have a decent job. But the Salvation Army has helped me reestablish a better tenant history and now I have a place lined up to move to when my stay here ends next week.”
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.
The Salvation Army is ready to help with free meals and food boxes for your entire family.
“All the food here is excellent and balanced. I feel much better, more energetic, and more healthy. A million thank-yous!”
(San Bernardino, Calif.)The San Bernardino area Salvation ArmySummer Meals Program is in full swing and ready to help area residents enjoy good-tasting and healthy hot meals.
Because the Salvation Army’s operations are so efficient, a gift of just $1.28 is enough to provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child, homeless adult, or struggling senior.
“The Summer Meals Program at our San Bernardino Hospitality House served 5–7,000 meals per monthlast year, and we expect that because of inflation and a slowing economy, we will be serving more this year,” says San Bernardino Corps Major Isaias Braga.
As one retired healthcare worker put it, “All the food here is excellent and balanced. I feel much better, more energetic, and more healthy. A million thank-yous!”
Because of the current Covid situation, sit-down meals are served only to Hospitality House residents, located at 925 West Tenth Street, San Bernardino. Nonetheless, to-go hot meals in boxes are being distributed to community members in need at that location.Community meals areserved from 4:30 to 5:30 pm six days per week, Sunday through Friday, and closed Saturday.
In addition to the to-go hot meals offered at the Hospitality House, the Salvation Army also distributes non-perishable food itemsand fresh meat through a community food distribution program on the first, second and third Thursdays of each month from 9:00 to 11:30 am.
On the first Thursday, this takes placeat theRedlands Corps facility, 838 Alta St., Redlands, 92374; on the second and third Thursdays,at theSan Bernardino Corps warehouse facility at the San Bernardino Airport, 295 North Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, 92408.
To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Summer Meals Program and other Salvation Army programs, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/
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About the Salvation Army
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 go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
At the Salvation Army’s Summer Camps for Kids, campers learn to swim, play sports, go scouting and make music and art while under the watchful eyes of trained counselors. They make new friends, learn new games and activities, and have a great time enjoying California’s spectacular great outdoors.
“Tammy had no idea at age seven how her first experience with The Salvation Army summer camp would change the course of her life,” says Braga, “and now she is one of some 140 trained staff who run the camps all year round, as we make our facilities available to other nonprofits and agencies when we are not using them.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Growing up with a single mom and four siblings, Tammy remembers being shy and fearful as a little girl. She credits the music she learned at camp for bringing hope into her life. Even though her home life was tough, Tammy recalls singing those songs with her brothers and sisters to remember the joy of being at camp.
“Many children from low-income families rarely experience life outside their immediate neighborhood. That’s why The Salvation Army’s annual summer programs for kids are so important,” said Major Isaias Braga, The Salvation Army San Bernardino area director.
Years later, Tammy is bringing that same joy to children as a member of The Salvation Army camp staff, making sure kids in her community experience the life-changing power of summer camp for themselves.
“Every year, thousands of kids of all ages get a fresh perspective on life as they meet new friends, discover new activities, and get a taste of the great outdoors. As campers learn to swim, play sports, create music, make art, and scout, their trained counselors help them navigate the complicated emotions and struggles often associated with their lives back home,” said Major Braga.
“A week at one of our summer camps costs $350 for one child,” says Major Braga, “but the child’s family pays only $25, thanks to the generosity of people who know that being at camp exposes kids to positive influences and keeps them away from gangs and drugs.”
Sadly, we know that children are most likely to commit or experience criminal activity between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. But if they are at camp, their exposure is a whole different experience, said Major Braga.
At the Salvation Army’s Summer Camps for Kids, campers learn to swim, play sports, go scouting and make music and art while under the watchful eyes of trained counselors. They make new friends, learn new games and activities, and have a great time enjoying California’s spectacular great outdoors.
“Tammy had no idea at age seven how her first experience with The Salvation Army summer camp would change the course of her life,” says Braga, “and now she is one of some 140 trained staff who run the camps all year round, as we make our facilities available to other nonprofits and agencies when we are not using them.”
Please help our children have a safe and wonderful summer. Please mail a tax-deductible donation to: Salvation Army Camp Sponsorship, P.O. Box 26, Redlands, CA 92373 or donate online at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/equip-families/, said Major Braga.
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About the Salvation Army
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 go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
“From clothes that don’t fit anymore to books you don’t read anymore, to kitchen and household items you don’t want or use, the Salvation Army can use them to recycle lives.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Spring is here and spring cleaning is on a lot of people’s minds right now. But rather than throw things away, donate them to the Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center of San Bernardino will be happy to accept your donations of whatever you are cleaning out—clothes, furniture, even unwanted small appliances—and distribute them to our six Family Stores in the San Bernardino area,” said Administrator of Business at the San Bernardino Adult Rehabilitation Center, Major Donald Sheppard.
Shoppers get great bargains and the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs get funds to continue serving those in need, said Major Sheppard.
“Our Family Stores raise almost all of the program’s revenue, which is used to help the rehabilitation centers’ men new job skills, helping them become more productive members of society after they complete the program,” said Major Sheppard.
Major Martha Sheppard, Administrator of Program (L), and Major Donald Sheppard (R), Administrator of Business, at the San Bernardino Adult Rehabilitation Center. Their 122-bed facility posted a 39 percentsustained recovery rate this past April.
“From clothes that don’t fit anymore to books you don’t read anymore, to kitchen and household items you don’t want or use, the Salvation Army can use them to recycle lives and 100 percentof the monies raised at the stores stays within the operations of the rehabilitation program” adds Major Sheppard.
“We need donations of every kind,” said Carl M. Dameron, Chair of San Bernardino’s Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Advisory Board.
“We receive no other funds, and with the Covid pandemic, donations have been at an all-time low. You can donate cars, trucks, boats, clothing, furniture, small appliances and even property,” said Dameron .
You can drop-off donations at all locations located at all of The Salvation Army Stores. You can also call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) or visit the website at www.SATruck.org for the location near you.
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About the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
The Adult Rehabilitation Center is a six-month social model program, which combines a comprehensive rehabilitation program and work therapy for men who wish to overcome drug or alcohol addiction. These men attend individual and group counseling, substance abuse education, 12-Step meetings, and learn about stress management, anger management, parenting and overcoming addiction, as well as spiritual counseling. Re-entry and alumni support services are also provided. Many recreational activities are also provided, which alumni can continue after their treatment as part of a sober lifestyle.
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.
Long time Salvation Army supporters Skip and Cathy Chappell, Hospitality House Director Naomi Goforth and Major Martha Trimmer inspect the Hospitality House freezer.
(Redlands, Calif.) The Salvation Army’s Hospitably House had a big problem. The kitchen and bedrooms were just worn out. The problem was The San Bernardino Corps didn’t have the money to replace the 30-year-old kitchen. What to do?
Scott Carlson, The Salvation Army’s donor relations director thought of long time Salvation Army supporters Skip and Cathy Chappell. The couple have helped other Corps in Sothern California, so Carlson asked for help.
“The Chappell’s were eager to provide funding for a new kitchen when I described the need,” said Carlson. “But when they toured the Hospitably House, met some residents they saw the need for new beds and bedroom furniture as well as new kitchen equipment”.
“All together, they decided to provide funding for all new kitchen equipment, new beds and new bedroom furnishings for all 21 units at the Hospitality house”, said Carlson.
“We are so very happy and honored to receive this wonderful gift. This changes the lives for the better for our families who come to stay in the shelter,” said Hospitably House Director Naomi Goforth.
“We are so happy to help,” said Cathy Chappell. “We saw the need and knew we had to help these families through a very tough time,” she added.
The Hospitality House is The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter for families and single women.
The Hospitality House provided 31,534 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness. 1,612 children participated in educational and recreational programs last year. Many supportive services are provided with each night of shelter including meals, laundry, hot showers, tutoring and case management.
The people served at The Salvation Army shelter come from all walks of life. The challenges of homelessness touch all ethnic groups, family types and ages. Many people believe the Salvation Army shelter only accepts women and children. But that’s not true. Men are welcome if they are a part of a family unit with children. When it comes to families, children are the piece that is necessary to provide services.
The issue of homelessness continues to disrupt many families in the Inland Empire region. These displaced individuals are thrust into living situations that make them vulnerable to many problems.
Long time Salvation Army supporters Skip and Cathy Chappell donate new bedroom furniture to The Salvation Army Hospitality House. Salvations Army staff and volunteers put the all of the furniture together.
“Without proper and safe daily rest and food, health begins to decline. Anxiety caused by the uncertainty of finding needed resources causes fatigue, stress, and the breakdown of vital family relationships,” said Goforth.
The Salvation Army works with each homeless or transitional housing client to set up a Self-Improvement Plan that will move his or her family toward future independence, resolution of homelessness , and retention of stable housing long term.
For more information on The Salvation Army Hospitably House or to schedule a tour call (909) 888-1336. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may 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 is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and 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, more than 150 years, and in San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Who: Santa Claus, aka John Berry, long time bell ringer, supporter of The Salvation Army and retried 20-year veteran reporter from the Press Enterprise.
Children and families experiencing homelessness at The Salvation Army of San Bernardino’s Hospitality House (Homeless shelter)
What: Santa Claus will be at The Salvation Army Hospitality House on Christmas morning for the first time ever and make an already magical morning even more special by delivering donated gifts to homeless children.
Why: To Restore Hope to desperate families and children in dire circumstances. In this pandemic Inland Empire, we are called to Restore Hope and share joy through unique opportunities such as this with those who are most vulnerable.
When: Christmas Morning 12/25/2021 @ 9:00am
Where: 925 W. 10th Street
San Bernardino CA, 92411
Images: Santa giving grateful homeless children presents
The Salvation Army is ready to help with free meals and food boxes for your entire family.
