To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to service, several St. Mary School students and their families came together to prepare lunches for the Sister Isaac Center’s guests. Each bag included a sandwich, a piece of fresh fruit, a snack, water, and a handmade note written by the students.
We—and our guests—are so grateful to these students for spending part of their day off (when they could have slept in!) making the community a little brighter for their neighbors. They truly showed love through their actions.
We recently assisted a young woman named Jada, who came to us through the Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter. Jada and her three children had been living there for four months after fleeing a domestic violence situation. More than just a shelter, the Center of Hope is a transitional program—a place where individuals can learn, grow, and find their independence. With expanded life-skills training, access to social services, and nightly community meals, the Center is designed to help residents rebuild their lives with stability and hope.
Although Jada is legally deaf and eligible for full disability benefits, she was determined to work. The Salvation Army helped her get back on her feet by applying for the benefits she was entitled to and securing a reasonably priced apartment. Jada saved enough for the security deposit and received the keys to her new home, but an outstanding electric bill made her ineligible for service. That bill was the only thing standing between Jada and moving forward.
We were able to step in, pay the bill, and help Jada and her children move ahead. To top it all off, Jada was thrilled to learn that even while receiving disability benefits, she is allowed to work up to ten hours a week. Shortly after moving into her new apartment, Jada stopped by our office to share how thankful she was for the help she received and for the fresh start it provided.
There are so many people in need of assistance, and we are deeply grateful to have been part of this one family’s journey forward.