The Salvation Army has always done its best to meet the unique needs of the communities in which it serves. This is why in many cities and towns around Ohio we operate Youth Groups, providing enriching after-school programs. In other communities, we provide engaging seniors programming. In every town, we aim to Doing the Most Good that we possibly can with the resources that you entrust to us.
The Salvation Army is so much more than just Red Kettles as Christmas. Browse through our programs and contact us to learn more.
Learning Center
School age children are provided with an after school program that includes meaningful opportunities for learning, resulting in academic, social, and spiritual growth. Staff and volunteers work with parents, teachers and other professionals tailor the program to meet the needs of the individual child. Children also receive a nutritious snack, time for physical activities and creative arts.
The establishment of a Salvation Army Learning Center is an attempt to create a program that will strike at the root of the cycle of poverty – lack of basic educational skills. The New York Times, March 15, 1999, reported that a “new study has shown that by starting early – in grades one through six – to foster an interest in school and learning among children, many of these risky behaviors (violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, etc.) can be averted and school attendance and performance can be improved.” By intervening before the child is used to failing, he/she is more likely to succeed.
If a child never fully grasps reading comprehension in the second grade, he/she will never fully grasp math story problems in the third grade or science problems in the fourth grade. It is a vicious cycle which leaves children feeling inadequate and causes low self-esteem. The “streets” hold more appeal because that child often understands the streets far better than they understand their textbooks. Fortunately, in many cases, children only need light tutoring in grade one to understand concepts that may lead to their success in later grades.
It is the Learning Center’s aim to reach these children before they are used to failing, and before they become statistics of our social welfare programs. By sharing the love of Christ through educational empowerment, we give them valuable tools needed to succeed in life.
For more information, please call us at (440) 354-3774
Goldenaires: For Seniors
Every 3rd Friday of the month Seniors meet for Dinner at 5:00pm followed by a program (usually musical with sharing of God’s word). This is open to any Senior ages 55+. For more information please call (440)354-3774 and make a reservation.
Red Shield/Homeless Program
The purpose of this program is to provide day-time shelter for men, women and families who are in crisis with basic shelter needs. The Red Shield will provide a safe environment where these individuals can become stable, confronting the issues contributing to their homelessness. It will encourage participants to focus on establishing a plan and working towards the goal of finding permanent housing (through either employment or connection to appropriate agencies/services), and enriching their spiritual lives. We want people who are homeless to have the reassurance that their immediate needs will be met with care and compas. With the collaboration of local agencies and churches, the services of this program may include some, if not all of the following:
Day Shelter • Meals • Showers • Laundry Facilities • Case Management • Personal Care Kits • Counseling • Computer Training • Referrals • Arts/Music Therapy • AA Meetings • Life Management Classes • GED Classes • Recreation Activities • Health & Education Programs • Free Health Clinic • Bible Studies & Vespers • Money Management & Budgeting Workshops • Spiritual Guidance sion.
Procedures:
All participants will be required to adhere to The Salvation Army rules. Those who enter The Red Shield may suffer from mental illness, physical disabilities or chemical addiction. Regardless of their circumstance, they will find a comprehensive range of services. Sign-in times will begin as early as 6:30 AM. Everyone must leave the facility and property by 2:30 PM daily due to after-school activities for young people. For more information, call 440-354-3774.