Grantee Spotlight - Salvation Army

To better acquaint our members and the greater community with our grantees, we are highlighting some of the nonprofit organizations that have received WGC grant funds. This quarter, we reached out to Major Kelly English, Corps officer at the Frederick Salvation Army. .

Please introduce yourself. What is your role at your organization and how long have you been with the organization?

Major Kelly English, Corps officer of the Frederick Salvation Army. I have been in Officer Ministry in The Salvation Army for the last 31 yrs.

What is the mission of the organization, and what personally moves you about that mission? The mission of the Salvation Army is to meet human need spiritually, physically, and emotionally without discrimination. What moves me about the Salvation Army Ministry is the purity and unconditional nature to help. We love the unloved and embrace the disenfranchised in society.

What are the most significant challenges that the organization is facing right now? What are the most significant challenges faced by the clients/populations that you serve? Our challenge has been the cost of operation as goods and service have seen a steady increase. We know that this also shows up in the homes of our participants and can cause significant difficulty. Things cost more and they don’t go as far as they used to.

What is the nature of the Giving Circle grant that you received in our last grant cycle, and what impact will it have on women and their dependents in Frederick?

The Giving Circle contributed to our Pathway of Hope program where we can address practical barriers that may be hindering women from reconnecting to work or family. Sometimes the smallest thing can get in the way of a major breakthrough. We walk with participants to see what their needs truly are and guide them with set goals and lots of accountability.

Do you have any specific stories that you can share with us that illustrate what you are doing in the community?

Recently we had a participant that came to us that needed two things. Number one was an ear to listen to her. She didn’t have a lot of outlets so we became the place where she could come unload her emotions. She was trying to figure out how she was going to get school clothes for her children who had a recent growth spurt.

With school student fees and other everyday living expenses she was worried about how she was going to be able to get clothes for them that fit properly. We were able to help her with shopping for school clothes which was a huge relief for her. And it turned into a fun day for the kids😊. It was truly an honor to know that we made a real impact on her dignity and that of her family.

Is there anything further that members of the Giving Circle can do to help, in terms of volunteering, in-kind donations, etc?

In regard to plugging in and volunteer touch points. Seasonal in-kind giving is always appropriate we like to have on hand gloves and hats in the winter. And limited toiletry items like soap, toothbrushes, and socks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Salvation Army understands and is awed by the way the Women’s Giving Circle loves this community. Thank you for letting us help you reach further in the lives of women in Frederick County.