C O M M U N I T Y

R E P O R T

Building Ladders of Success:

Teaching Children and Teens Paths to Positive Lives
Last summer students enrolled in the afterschool program at The Salvation Army Citadel Corps in the Lawncrest section of Northeast Philadelphia found themselves in Hawaii without boarding a plane. The summer Great Adventure: Hawaii theme set children on a virtual journey to the Pacific islands where they were immersed in the states unique geography and culture. Each week the children learned about volcanoes, tropical vegetation, art, music and language in the Islands of Aloha, providing them with exposure to a world far beyond their neighborhood. Located in an area with diminishing employment opportunities and rising juvenile crime rates, the afterschool and out of school program serves approximately 100-130 children in pre-school through sixth grade. The program is designed to support working parents in the community by providing affordable and enriching childcare yearround from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Between 14 and 15 staff members offer students a learning environment that exposes them to new and different opportunities while helping them develop social skills and discover talents and abilities. Tutoring and help with homework, music and dance classes, a clay studio, urban gardening, healthy meal preparation, field trips and mentoring engage the students - mind, body and spirit - every day. The success of the program is evident by the teenage alumni who return as volunteers. Monica Ning-Menten, director of youth services for The Salvation Army Citadel Corps, created what she calls a teen volunteer ladder. By linking current students with teens who have been through the program, we are maintaining connections and continuing mentorships that help everyone, said Ning-Menten. When students are introduced to people from their neighborhood who identify with their situation, the model for success becomes authentic and attainable. Sixteen year-old Brielle Jordan was three when she started attending the afterschool program at the Citadel Corps, and now volunteers two hours each week alongside some of her former teachers. Jordan recalls wonderful memories of learning how to read music and play instruments at the program, but says that it was the structure and support from her teachers that made the biggest difference in her life.
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Hope in the Midst of Despair:

The Salvation Army Emergency Services Department Helps Oklahoma Recover From Devastating Tornados and Storms
Its one thing to provide disaster relief services after a tornado, but to help out during a tornado, well, thats a different story, and exactly what happened to Bob Myers and Captain Chas Engel. Seven days following the vast tornados and flash floods that tore through Oklahoma in May 2013 killing 20 people, Myers, Director of Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) for the PENDEL Division, and Engel, of the Williamsport Salvation Army, were deployed to the devastated area. It was while they were on the ground providing spiritual comfort and making assessments as to where resources were most needed when another major tornado hit just west of Oklahoma City. We spent two to three days on high alert with widespread power outages before another major tornado touched down, recalls Myers. Experiencing first hand how people regularly ride out storms was nerve-wracking but connected me to them on a local level. The Salvation Army EDS coordinates all disaster-related prevention, mitigation and response efforts whenever disaster strikes. The EDS department is equipped to provide first responders from local fire, police and emergency services departments, as well as survivors, with meals, beverages, emotional and spiritual counseling, and additional resources to assist survivors with both short- and long-term services and support. During major disasters, like the one occurring in Oklahoma, additional Salvation Army divisions may be pulled in to support local and regional groups already at the scene. In Oklahoma, Myers helped meet immediate needs of storm survivors as well as anticipate additional needs that may occur long after first responders have left the scene. For example, a portion of the money raised through generous donations from the public is already earmarked for a grant project to help survivors build safe rooms in their homes to protect against future storm damage. Similarly, Salvation Army Captain Chas Engel helped serve meals and talked, listened and prayed with many survivors still reeling from the profound trauma and loss the storm left in its wake. When asked what struck him most about the two weeks he spent in Oklahoma, Myers says he was humbled by the sense of resiliency in so many people he met. For one woman, the recent tornados marked the third time since 1999 that her home had been either completely leveled or severely damaged. She has lost so much over the years, said Myers. Yet she spoke hopefully about rebuilding once again.

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Granting Access to Education:

US Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Helps Philadelphia Afterschool Programs

In June the doors of elementary schools across the region closed for summer vacation. But thanks to the U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center (CLC) Grant, doors remain open year-round for students enrolled in Salvation Army afterschool programs and summer day camps. High-poverty areas where affordable childcare is lacking and juvenile crime is abundant present particular challenges during non-school hours and summer months. The 21st Century Grant addresses the need for continuous learning and enrichment for inner city children by providing federal funding for academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities year-round. The grant, now in its third and final year of funding, provides $300,000 for five locations. More than 300 children are served each year through programs at Lewis Elkins Elementary School, Dr. Ethel Allen Elementary School, The Salvation Army West Philadelphia Corps, The Salvation Army Temple Corps, and The Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps. Funds are allocated based on program offerings, number of staff and number of students at each site, and requires that staff at the schools participate in the design of the program. The 21st Century CLC grant is focused on closing the achievement gap, engaging parents and tracking outcomes, says Ingrid Broadnax, Director of Foundation and Government Relations for The Salvation Army. It is uncertain if the Pennsylvania Department of Education

will have funds beyond September 2014, but The Salvation Army continues to seek funding through other sources for our out-of-school time programs. Providing programs at the schools eliminates the need to transport students to other locations and distinguishes the 21st Century CLC grant from similar funding streams. Student attendance requirements and a mandated 21st Century CLC Advisory Board also set the grant apart from others. Approximately 100 children attend the afterschool program at Elkins Elementary that operates during the school year and summer months. The majority of the students are Hispanic and many must learn English as a second language along with other academic lessons. The 21st Century CLC funds provide resources to help purchase books for reading and math and, according to program coordinator Angel Rodriguez, parents are already noticing improvements in homework and better report cards. I would stay here if I was a millionaire, says Rodriguez of the neighborhood where he was born, raised, and now works and raises his own family, including children ages 6, 9, 10 and 15. Rodriguez was once a student at Elkins Elementary. I know what its like to live here and I had extra help and positive reinforcement when I was younger, Rodriguez continues. If there is at least one person I can reach, Im doing my job.

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Opening Doors to a Brighter Future

The Salvation Army Youth Leadership Development Program at The Kroc Center
When The Salvation Army Youth Leadership Development program celebrates its one-year anniversary in October 2013, some of the most important participants wont be there. Thats because theyll be at colleges around the country using skills they learned at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in the Nicetown section of North Philadelphia. Each high school senior who participated in the program is attending college according to Youth Leadership Development Coordinator Maurice Williams. Tuskegee University, Millersville University, Atlanta University, Cheney University and the Community College of Philadelphia will welcome program participants this fall. The program is focused on cultivating potential in youth ages 6-19 by exposing them to a variety of core values and paths to success. Spirituality, education, identity and image, recreation, health and wellness, personal finance and other life skills are lessons designed to encourage growth and prepare them for a bright future. The first activity offered last October was focused on learning how to tie a tie and dress appropriately in business and casual settings. Volunteer mentors from 100 Black Men of Philadelphia, Daughters of the True Savior and Crusaders for Christ Church spent time teaching knot instruction and other ways to project a positive selfimage through attire. It was amazing, and a real eyeopener for the kids, says Williams. Unfortunately, so many of the kids didnt know that how they dress can affect how they are perceived by others. Education, however, is the key focus, explains Williams. Program participants are not able to play in the recreational leagues, to attend field trips or other fun activities until homework and grades are improved. Volunteer tutors from Philadelphia University and Penn Charter are at the Kroc Center every day to help develop study skills, complete college applications and financial aid paperwork, or anything else needed to promote academic success. Williams requires that all students develop their own five-year plan and hold each other to high standards. When youth arent enjoying the basketball league, evening art and poetry classes or performing community service, they may be found in a weekly bible study. When asked what his five-year plan is for the program, 24 year-old Williams says without hesitation, I want to be a voice for change for the Kingdom of God. I want youngsters to know that its all right to be young, Christian and positive, and to realize that regardless of their circumstances God loves them and has a special plan for each one. I know if I can help change one, I can help change two.

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Answered Prayers:

The Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps Receives a Commercial Refrigerator To Help Feed More People In One Of The Nations Hungriest Areas
Call it a coincidence, or call it a miracle, but one day a Salvation Army staff member driving by the Tabernacle Corps on her way to work saw the sidewalk crowded with people waiting in line. When she got out of her car to investigate, she learned about the Tabernacle Corps hunger relief efforts through a federal program that provides boxes of food to seniors as well as the Emergency Food Pantry that provides groceries to approximately 50 families each month. The staff member took photos, spoke with clients and later that day secured a $5,000 donation from an anonymous donor. The generous donation purchased a commercial refrigerator, stocked it with food and answered many prayers. Since receiving the two-door commercial refrigerator in March, the Tabernacle Corps in partnership with Philabundance has gone from providing a monthly average of 600 senior meal boxes to more than 800 in just a few months. Philabundance, the regions largest food bank, identifies senior citizens most in need of food assistance and directs them to neighborhood partners to receive a monthly supply of pantry staples. According to Cruz, The Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps is Philabundances largest distribution site. Finally, seniors and families dont have to worry about whats simply a basic necessity for you and me: food, says Cruz. Many of them wonder, Am I going to have something to eat tomorrow, next week or next month? They know The Salvation Army will be there, so they dont have to worry.

Some prayers are answered in cooler ways than others. The Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps is located in Kensington, considered one of the poorest, most troubled sections of North Philadelphia. Like most areas within Pennsylvanias First Congressional District, Kensington is federally classified as a food desert since there are very few places to buy food. Tabernacle Corps feeds many of the neighborhoods residents, including more than 600 senior citizens and families who cannot afford to buy enough food. But with only one refrigerator to store perishables for the hundreds fed each month, the corps was in danger of losing its ability to feed hungry community members. I was praying to God that we wouldnt lose our ability to feed our clients because we didnt have the refrigeration capacity, says Wanda Cruz, case worker at the center. We had the food, but only if we could store it properly.

Building Ladders of Success

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I might not be in such a good place now, says Jordan matter-of-factly as she reflects on the programs impact on her life. The program exposed me to positive people and experiences and opened my eyes to possibilities. I really enjoy music and math, and when I graduate I definitely plan to go to college. Jordan says one of the best things about volunteering at the program is, Sometimes I see kids from the program in the neighborhood and they always run up to talk to me. It makes me feel good to be considered a leader.

THE SALVATION ARMY CITADEL CORPS YOUTH DANCE CLASS

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What You Should Know about Recent Changes in the Tax Law
Every year, the tax laws change. Usually changes are minor - income tax brackets expand slightly or the standard deduction increases a bit - nothing that is radically different. But the 2013 changes are not the usual. Today, the outlook on federal taxes is both clearer and more complicated than it was just a year ago. Clearer because many parts of the tax law that were once temporary are now permanent. This allows you to plan with greater assurance. More complicated because there are new rules and new taxes which mainly affect higher-income taxpayers. On the whole, taxes will go up for some people, and tax planning will require more foresight. In our booklet, What You Should Know about Recent Changes in the Tax Law, we outline these recent changes and how they impact our donors. To request your free copy, please call our Office of Planned Giving at 1-800-262-2523.

Gift Options
CREDIT CARD
Charge your donation to your Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express card by: Calling 1-800-Sal-Army Going Online, using our secure server, at: www.SalvationArmyPhiladelphia.org

SalvationArmyPhiladelphia.org/Give
E-TRANSFER

The Salvation Army gives children the physical, emotional, and spiritual nourishment they need to thrive. All thanks to your donations. Thank you!

GIFT OF STOCK AND PLANNED GIVING

Join The Armys LifeChangers pledge program by having your gift transferred each month from your checking account directly to The Salvation Army, using electronic fund transfer. For details, call Arminta Watkins at 215-787-2971.

MATCHING GIFTS

Our planned giving staff is available to assist you with a wire transfer of stock or to visit with you to discuss the most appropriate estate plan or provide you with information about charitable gift annuities. For more information, call Sharon Somers at 1-800-262-2523.

To find out if your employer or your spouses employer matches charitable contributions, visit www.SalvationArmyPhiladelphia.org.

UNITED WAY

Designate your gift to The Salvation Army using code #107.

OUR MISSION
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs, in His name, without discrimination.

MAIL

Help Army programs in your area at any time by sending your check or money order, made payable to The Salvation Army, to 701 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

is published by The Salvation Army, PENDEL Division, Divisional Development Department to educate our partners on the services we provide to those in need. If you are receiving duplicate copies of this newsletter or have questions or concerns, please contact Arminta Watkins at 215-787-2971.

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