Current News
Restructuring of Salvation Army Board
The Salvation Army serving Durham, Orange and Person counties is in the process of restructuring its board of directors in order to focus efforts and fully utilize the talent of its members. "With the twin challenges of increased need and reduced funding from traditional sources, we need to be able to respond faster," said James Bick, Chairman of the Advisory Board, "Board committees will better utilize the skills and passion of our volunteers in supporting our staff in their daily work in the community."
As before, all members will be part of the Advisory Board; however, each member will also participate on one of six committees, focusing on: Social Service, the Boys and Girls Club, the Family Store, Resource Development (including fundraising and marketing), and Finance & Property. In addition, an Executive committee will be formed that is responsible for important matters between Advisory Board meetings.
Qualified community members who are interesting in serving on both the Advisory Board and at least one committee are invited to contact Martin Banning at 919-688-7306 or martin.banning@uss.salvationarmy.org for more information. By utilizing the plethora of talent within our community, we can maximize the impact of our programs and resources.
Announcing Release of New Booklet
In an effort to improve our marketing efforts and increase our visibility among residents of Durham, Orange and Person counties, The Salvation Army is announcing the release of a new booklet to help inform the public about the multitude of services we have, designed to help to community members in need.
The booklet provides an overview of the various programs within the departments of Social Services, Boys and Girls Club, and Corps Services. In addition, there are detailed descriptions of how individuals can become involved with the Salvation Army, either through various volunteering positions and/or investment opportunities. Please click here to view a virtual copy of both booklets and learn more about the ongoing activities at the Salvation Army!
Increasing Collaborative Partnerships
The Salvation Army is looking to increase its number of collaborative partnerships with local organizations who also engage in activities with the goal of helping our local community. "We know solutions to our community's problems are out there, it's just a matter of putting the pieces together", said Martin Banning, Resource Development Director at the Salvation Army. Partnerships entail discovered overlap in existing activities at different organizations, and uniting our efforts and resources in order to achieve a greater impact; we current have successful partnerships with both the East Durham Children's Initiative and the Benefit Bank. If your organization is interested in establishing a partnership with the Salvation Army, please contact Martin Banning at 919-688-7306 or martin.banning@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Working through 'Jobs for Life'
On April 21, the Jobs for Life program proudly graduated three students from their spring 2013 class. Angela Watkins, Kischa Nelson, and Connell Green proudly stood in front of friends, family and mentors as accomplished graduates with a bright future ahead of them. Since late February, teachers and students have been coming together on a bi-weekly basis to discuss and learn about important life tools necessary for a successful future. Topics such as long-term planning, resume building, successful interactions with employers, managing money, networking overcoming obstacles, and long term planning.
Debbie Avolin, Director of Social Services, explained the purpose of the program, saying "God created us with gifts, talents, and abilities, and 'Jobs for Life' is changing lives one person at a time. The program does more than provide individuals with the necessary tools to have a success interview; it provides an opportunity for students to evaluate their character, evaluate any physical or emotional roadblocks they may be facing, and create a realistic and measurable road map that will allow them to obtain their short and long term goals."
During the ceremony, each graduate made a speech about what the program meant to them. Angela Watkins reflected her experience, saying "I think a large of my success is because Jobs for Life is a bible-based program. I never knew that God has created us to work, and that has changed [my perspective]." Kischa Nelson spoke about how helpful the program was, saying, "You can always know, but it's always better to know more." Lastly, Connell Green concluded with an especially emotional reflection, explaining that "It's been a long time since [I've been in the position] to take a step forward. I'm just speechless... I have a second chance in life to make a difference. Jobs for Life gave me that encouragement; they said 'Yes, you can'." Connell concluded by thanking the program for giving him the opportunity and the chance "to take another step with my future".
If you're interested in being a part of the next Jobs for Life class in August, please contact Matthew Hodges at matthew.hodges@fbsdurham.org. A preview lunch will be held on August 21, and class begins on August 28. More information about the program can be found here.
Congratulations Angela, Kischa and Connell!
Join Us For a Fundraising Breakfast
The Salvation Army of Durham, Person and Orange counties is hosting its first fundraising breakfast in support of the Boys and Girls Club. The event will take place on May 23, 2013 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham from 7:30 - 9:00 AM, and will feature a keynote speaker.
Individual seats can be purchased for $125, and sponsorship levels range from Bronze (1 seat) to Platinum (8 seats). Your support will go towards supporting such programs as Health and Life Skills, Leadership Development, Education and Career, and many more. Individuals and organizations can register for the event here. Additional details can be viewed here.
Plan Ahead for Summer 2013
Did you know that it costs $1,708 of tax payer dollars per week to support one youth in the NC Juvenile Justice System? This same amount would support 17 youth for a week in the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp. The Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp, designed for children ages 6-12, will occur from June 17 through August 16. During this time, children will spend time with caring staff and positive role models. A variety of activities will be offered, such as swimming, sports, fitness, arts & crafts, bible study and a summer reading program. In addition, the children have the opportunity to go on field trips; past trips have included such places as the NC State Zoo, Emerald Point Water Park, bowling alleys, museums, universities libraries, skating rinks and movie theaters.
The best part? The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp is a highly subsidized summer experience, making it one of the most affordable options in the area. While the Salvation Army incurs approximately $100 per child in the camp, we know that this amount is not feasible for the families we serve. For only $40 a week, children will enjoy an all-inclusive summer camp experience, including food and any fees incurred during field trips.
Considering the high financial burden incurred in order to keep the experience affordable for underprivileged families in our community, we are looking for individuals and organizations that are interested in sponsoring a child. If you would like to help provide a positive and memorable summer experience for a child in your community, please contact Martin Banning at martin.banning@uss.salvationarmy.org or click here. In addition, we also accept in-kind donations, such as equipment and food items. Items can be donated directly or through our online donation platform, GiveSomeThing.
Healthy Living Events for Youth
Students from North Carolina Central University are hosting a variety of health-focused events over the next few months, targeting the members of the Boys and Girls Club in an effort to improve the health outcomes of youth in our community. The first event was the annual Health Fair, hosted by students enrolled in 'School Health' from the department of Public Health Education. On April 12th, from 4-5 PM, the fair featured booths on various topics such as asthma, smoking, bullying, and other health-related issues facing youth in our community; most booths were interactive for the kids, such as including a physical activity or distributing samples of healthy snacks. Kanesha Whitworth, a current NCCU student and regular volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, commented, "I am a Public Health major, but I think it is important that we give back to the community and, most of all, educate our youth on the issues that are prominent in the younger generation. It is my duty to give back to them about what I have learned."
Secondly, on April 17th from 5-7 PM, Dennis Hamlet from NCCU led a two hour program focused on healthy living, including proper eating habits and exercising. This event included an interactive classroom session, games, and entertainment from organizations at NCCU.
If you are affiliated with a healthcare provider or dentist office, and are interested in participating in such an event (either educational or clinical), please contact Martin Banning at martin.banning@uss.salvationarmy.org. Together, we can work together to promote the health of underserved members of our community.
Customer Appreciation Day
The Family Store recently held its annual Customer Appreciation Day, in an effort to thank our customers for their loyalty and support. As always, the Salvation Army uses sales from the Family Store to fund many of its outreach programs; we transform reusable goods into much needed funding to help underprivileged members of our community. This year, Paulette of Zebulon, NC won the drawing for a $250 voucher to the Salvation Army Family Store. Congratulations, Paulette!