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PROVIDING TO THE VULNERABLE LIVING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Salvation Army has been providing help and hope to those in need in Hagerstown/Washington County since 1903.

about

The Salvation Army seeks to respond to as many of those reaching out for assistance as possible, either through the weekday mass feeding program, food pantry, women and children’s shelter, transitional housing, human services, ministry, clothing assistance from its thrift store, Christmas assistance to families in need, youth programs in the Shifler Family Community Center or a summer camp experience for underprivileged youth. The population served by The Salvation Army, Hagerstown Command, is unserved and underserved individuals and families throughout Washington County, those for whom poverty is a way of life.

Vision

Motivated by the love of God, as a leader in Christian faith-based human services, The Salvation Army is committed to serving the whole person, body, mind and spirit, with integrity and respect, using creative solutions to positively transform lives.

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 love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. "

Luke 19:10

The Salvation Army exist to meet human need wherever, whenever,
and however we can.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELp

How We Meet Local Needs

Assess the Need

FIRST, we assess the needs of the community in which we serve. We work to understand the obstacles, hardships, and challenges native to the area’s particular population.

Build the Programs

NEXT, we build local programs designed to offer immediate relief, short-term care, and long-term growth in the areas that will best benefit the community.

Invest in the Community

THEN, we offer the local programs to the community, working to continually optimize their efficacy via spiritual, physical, and emotional service.

Your donation fuels the Fight for Good

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to persish, but everyone to come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:9

Our Ministries

The Salvation Army is a worldwide church

We Believe

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
There is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
There are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essesce and co-equal in power and glory.
In the person of Jesus Christ, the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and pro-perly God and truly and properly man.
Our first parents were created in a state of innocence, but by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall, all men have become sinners, totally depraved and as suck are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
The Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever believes in Him may be saved.
Repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
We are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
Continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
It is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul band body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the immortality of the soul, in the resurrection of the body, in the general judgement at the end of the world, in the eternal happiness of the righteous, and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

Opportunities for Worship & Service

Sunday School 10:00 AM

Worship Service 11:00 AM

Youth and Music Programs

Mondays 5:00 PM

Together Tuesdays 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study

Thursdays at 6:00 PM

Men’s and Woman’s Ministries

Thursdays at 7:00 PM

Community Care with Gary Dawson

Every Second & Third Sunday at 1:30 PM

Every Fourth Wednesday at 10:30 AM

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song' and he has become my salvation."

Isaiah 12:2

WE BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES

FAMILY SERVICES

The Salvation Army’s social services encompass a wide range of programs to help individual and families overcome daunting obstacles. Motivated by the love of God, as a leader in Christian faith-based human services, The Salvation Army is committed to serve the whole person, mind, body and spirit with integrity and respect, using creative solutions to positively transform lives.

We strive to empower people and to enable those in need to change their circumstances and overcome the challenges that stand in their way. Our services include emergency assistances, self-sufficiency programs, counseling, budgeting, referral services and much more.

Youth Programs

The Salvation Army has been actively serving America’s youth for over 120 years. The Salvation Army Hagerstown Worship services offer religious and character-building programs that can include Sunday school, youth group, music classes, educational resources, athletic and sporting events, arts and crafts, camping, and more.

Many youth who participate in such programs do not have access or opportunity to have these experiences otherwise. They have not experienced the peace or safety of camping in the rural countryside. Many have never had the opportunity to play a musical instrument, or to make crafts and play competitive games in a protected setting.

The Salvation Army gives all youth a chance to experience educational enrichment, life skills development, and spiritual and phusical wellness. Such experiences allow these at-risk children and adolescents to envision and pursue better futures.

These youth enrichment programs are offered in conjunction with other family services that promote positive living. By offering helpful alternatives and hope, The Salvation Army assists at-risk youths and families to avoid social dysfunction and crime.

The Salvation Army’s programs place special emphasis on activities that encourage character and life skills development. Through mentoring and education, disadvantaged children and teens are shown the possibility of a better life.

Summer Camps for Kids

Many children from low income families rarely experience life outside their immediate neighborhood. That is why The Salvation Army’s annual summer camp programs are so important. Ever year, thousands of kids get a fresh perspective on life as they meet new friends, discover new activities, and get a taste of the great outdoors. As campers learn to swim, play sports, create music, make art, and scout, their trained counselors help them navigate the complicated emotions and struggles often associated with their lives back home.

At the Salvation Army we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good

Helping to overcome poverty

shelter

Housing insecurity is often interconnected with prolonged poverty. We work to provide both short and long-term housing assistance to families and individuals who have been displaced. Each year, The Salvation Army provides 10.8 million nights of safe, climate-controlled shelter, helping to restore the health, dignity and stability of each person we serve.

Meal Assistance

Poverty is often defined by painful choices, such as “heating vs. eating.” The decision between paying bills and feeding you family is an impossible position to be in. That is why, each year, The Salvation Army provides over 60 million nutritious, warm meals to people in need.

Pathway of hope

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative provides individualized services to families with children who desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that repeats generation after generation. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty in addition to The Army’s history of compassionate serving. By helping families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can lead families down a path toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.

Employment Assistance

We believe in a comprehensive approach to helping families pull themselves about the poverty line. This includes equipping parents with educational resources, career coaching, and opportunities for job placement. When people are better prepared for stable and gainful employment, we can reduce the need for bill, food, and shelter assistance.

To end poverty is to help end a host of related struggles: hunger, addiction, housing insecurity, mental illness, unemployment, educational voids, and various forms of abuse. Generation after generation, these interrelated issues persist. Through short and long-term support we strive to meet the needs of the whole person. We combat the symptoms of poverty with programs serving the body, mind, and soul , then look for the root issues causing them. It is a holistic approach that creates a lasting chance for millions of people each year.

Serving the LGBTQ Community

Homeless shelters

Our homeless shelters are available to anyone in need, according to their need and our capacity to help regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Almost one-third of transgender people have been rejected from an emergency shelter. Because a majority of homeless LGBTQ people are under 18, we take special care of that vulnerable community.

Help with substance abuse

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, LGBTQ adults are more likely than their straight counterparts to abuse substances. The Salvation Army recognizes the need for all people, regardless of income, to have access to rehabilitation programs. Our LGBTQ-friendly programs help with housing, food, counseling, community and employment as we work to treat symptoms and, ultimately, the root causes of prolonged alcohol and drug dependence.

Job Training

Despite progress toward hiring equality, LGBTQ Americans often lack access to educational resources, counseling services, and vocational training to help them obtain well-paying jobs. Our programs help LGBTQ individuals cultivate vital life skills needed for successful and stable careers.

Food Insecurity

More than a quarter of LGBTQ Americans are food insecure and rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As one of the nations largest providers of social services, we understand the importance of helping people maintain their dignity when looking for nutritious food by providing options.

Teenage Suicide

LGBTQ youth contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth. With a presence in every zip code in the nation, we are committed to providing spiritual and emotional care to those in need regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Fighting hunger and Food security

Food Pantries

By supplying free fresh produce, canned goods, and healthy frozen items, our food pantries provide valuable meal supplementation while helping those in need maintain their independence and dignity.

Meal Programs

From sit-down programs that provide nutritious hot meals and valuable human interaction, to our Soup for the Soul that brings a hot soup and beverages to those most in need during the cold winter months, to the feeding programs available at our shelter, we help the most vulnerable members of our community escape the daily burdens of food insecurity.

When it comes to hunger, families face the greatest threat

Fight against food insecurity - families face the greatest threat

19% of all American households with children are food insecure.
35% of households headed by single women are food insecure.
26% of black non-Hispanic households are food insecure.
22% of Hispanic households are food insecure.

disaster recovery

emergency preparedness

As one of the largest disaster relief organizations in the country, The Salvation Army recognizes the need to be prepared. We educate other first responders in the public about how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and aid in the development of emergency disaster plans.

Immediate Emergency response

Natural disasters strike without much warning, so The Salvation Army is ready to jump into action on short notice. We gather donations, resouresm and volunteers in a predetermined staging area so we are ready to help as soon as the federal, state, or local government declares the are safe to enter. Our disaster assistance includes providing food, water, and shelter to survivors, lending a hand with cleanup, and putting people in touch with their loved ones.

Long-term disaster recovery

The Salvation Army continues to aid survivors of natural disasters throughout the recovery process. We collaborate with local, state, and federal governments to develop and execute a long-term disaster relief and recovery plan, including restoration and rebuilding initiatives, meeting basic needs, covering medical expenses, cutting funeral costs, and distributing in-kind donations to help survivors rebuild their lives.

The Salvation Army is ready to jump into action with disaster relief services whenever natural disasters strike. In addition to addressing the typical needs of survivors, The Salvation Army tailors its services to fit specific needs of the individuals and communities as well as to the magnitude of the disaster.

the salvation army
fights natural disasters
with acts of god

Educational and Athletic Programs

The Salvation Army's Shifler Community Center

The Shifler Community Center gives families a chance to discover new skills, passions and hobbies while connecting with friends and neighbors in a safe, educational ways. The Community Center offers after-school programs, recreation opportunities, and community programs dedicated to fostering healthy futures for families, children and individuals who participate.

Individuals will have the opportunity to learn computer skills, earn their GED, search for employment, and build a resume. These skill will assist them in finding employment. The Salvation Army’s Community Center is dedicated to equipping parents with the skills needed to support their children’s educational needs.

By offering after-school and summer programs, we provide a safe place for children living in low-income and moderate-income neighborhoods to learn, play and connect. These faith-based community programs play a vital role in supplementing the athletic, artistic, and educational programs that are often unavailable. Each extra-curricular after-school program provides a supervised opportunity for children of all ages to broaden their interests, abilities, and aspirations.

BENEFITS FOR YOUTH

Effective after school programs bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families and communities. Afterschool programs can boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe, structured environment for the children of working parents. The athletic programs are designed to teach the youth values outside of the sport itself, like teamwork and respect for others.

Physical education and athletic activities offer improved health, enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, in addition to increasing motor skills, fostering self-discipline, teamwork, creating leadership skills, the necessity in cooperating with others and strengthening peer relationships.

Educational

The Salvation Army after school programs serve children of all ages. We provide one-on-one assistance with homework and school assignments, as well as the teaching and advancement of literacy and study skills.

ATHLETIC

The athletic programs provide children from low-income neighborhoods a chance to play sports, learn athletic skills, and cultivate healthy, safe relationships with friends.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Help us do the most good

DONATE MONEY

Your donations to The Salvation Army help to serve the most vulnerable members of your community.

DONATE GOODS AND CLOTHING

Your donation to our Thrift Store helps to fund all of the programs that The Salvation Army provides to those most in need.

BECOME A FUNDRAISER

Create your own fundraiser to support a cause that is important to you, and provide hope to those in need within your community.

DONATE MONTHLY

The assurance of ongoing revenue from recurring gifts empowers The Salvation Army to expand our services further and faster.

Bonds, funds, stocks and ira rollover

Make a gift of your securities to help those that need it most.

Planned Giving, Wills, and Gift Annuities

Provide hope for the future with the gift of a planned donation.

Airline Miles

Donate airline miles to help The Salvation Army meet need all over the U.S.

DONATE A CAR

The donation of a car can open the door for an individual or family in need.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Mark 10:27

Volunteering with the Salvation army

From its inception, The Salvation Army has relied heavily on volunteers who support its programs. Often referred to as “The Army behind The Army,” volunteers play a crucial role in The Salvation Army’s ability to provide quality social services for the entire community. Volunteers are valuable assets in The Salvation Army’s efforts to meet the changing needs of our communities.

One - time Opportunities

Our one-time opportunities are perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to make a difference. These include activities like serving a meal any day of the week, or ringing a bell during the holidays.

Ongoing Opportunities

ongoing opportunities are designed for those who want to get involved on a regular basis. We’ll know you by your first name, and you’ll get to know the people in our programs. These include activities like working with youth, using your professional skills or serving after a disaster.

GROUP OPPORTUNITIES

We can accommodate your group’s desire to do something good together – whether family, friends, coworkers, civic or church groups. Group volunteer activities are typically project-based or part of a larger event.

HELP THE SALVATION ARMY CREATE CHANGE AND PROVIDE HOPE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Galations 6:9