We thank YOU, the contributors, the volunteers and the community for supporting us and encouraging us each year. Without your assistance, The Salvation Army would be unable to meet the growing needs in Central Virginia. It is truly because of you that we are transforming hope into reality everyday.
Among our greatest challenges is to continue to fund and develop relevant programs and services that address the emerging spiritual, social and economic needs of our community. This is what The Salvation Army strives to do 365 days of the year.
Our Programs and Services
Youth
The Challenge
Generational poverty in Richmond’s East End, within The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club’s service area, is causing adverse childhood experiences, cognitive impairment, social problems and poor health outcomes. A lack of access to resources and programs with intentionality behind breaking the modern cycle of poverty further perpetuates the cycle. Nearly 3,000 children ages 5-17 live in the neighborhoods immediately adjacent to The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. 56% of those children live below the poverty line.
The Salvation Army Solution
Together, we’re building bridges out of poverty by providing access to cross-cutting programs that will keep youth attending The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and succeeding in school, expose youth to growing fields & careers, open the door to lifelong health and wellness, and guide youth as they graduate high school prepared for college, work and life. See more here.
How You Can Help
We welcome volunteers with a variety of skill-sets from athletics to arts and/or education. See more here to sign up for information on becoming a volunteer at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.
Family Services
The Challenge
Right here in our local neighborhoods, more than 31,000 children, 151,000 adults and 27,000 seniors are experiencing challenges in having their most basic food-related needs met.
The Salvation Army Solution
Our Family Services programs give hope directly to families in need by providing warm meals, food supplements, utility and rent/mortgage assistance, clothing, shelter, counseling and job training. See more here.
How You Can Help
Adopting a day to serve or prepare either breakfast or dinner makes for a great team-bonding project for groups. See more here to learn about volunteering opportunities.
Community Education
The Challenge
In Petersburg, up to 43% of individuals older than 16 read at the lowest literacy level, placing the city among areas in the nation with the greatest adult literacy crisis.
The Salvation Army Solution
Our Community Education Center in Petersburg, provides free computer training and courses in three distinct tracts: Academic Skills, Business Skills and Life Skills. Each course is designed to help clients gain the skills needed to obtain stead jobs that provide steady income. See more here.
How You Can Help
Your experience can make a big difference as an instructor to individuals looking to improve their education and skills. See more here to sign up for information about volunteering opportunities at our Community Education Center.
Homeless Prevention
The Challenge
The number of people in homeless families living in suburban and rural areas rose nearly 60 percent during the depths of the Great Recession. In 2012, schools in Central VA reported 2,265 homeless students.
The Salvation Army Solution
Our Emergency Shelter Services help residents break the cycle of homelessness. In addition to providing a bed, a place to shower and at least two hot meals each day, we help residents develop realistic goals to overcome their situation and find a way out of poverty. See more here.
How You Can Help
Gifts of new twin bed sheets, comforters, blanket, towels, toiletries and GRTC bus tickets make a big difference to residents in our shelters as they strive to overcome their situation and get back into society.
Addiction
The Challenge
Many of our neighbors in Central Virginia have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves and/or their families due to chemical and alcohol addiction.
The Salvation Army Solution
Our Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) on Hermitage Road, helps men address issues related to addiction. The ARC offers the men a second chance, by providing training in job skills, individual and group counseling, as well as other tools for rebuilding positive lifestyles. See more here.
How You Can Help
Donations of used clothing, furniture and household items are accepted at any of our local Salvation Army Family Stores, as well as at the ARC on Hermitage Road, or through a household pickup. Items received are sorted, refurbished, priced and distributed to the thrift stores by the men at the Adult Rehabilitation Center. The proceeds from the sale of these items are used exclusively to fund the ARC program, shelter and counseling services. See more here about our Family Stores.