Salem’s Salvation Army Social Services

“Much of this help would not be possible were it not for the support of the local communities throughout Marion County…. The Army in Salem, as in many other states and nations, has won the admiration and respect of men such as Peter Drucker, who has called The Salvation Army “the most effective organization in the United States,” and the most trusted when it comes to charitable giving.”

The Women’s Home League

The Salvation Army Women’s Home League is both an “interior” and “exterior” ministry. Based for many years on a four-fold purpose of spiritual, educational, fellowship, and service development, it has enjoyed a fine history of contribution both for Salvationists, for church women who enjoy its offerings, and for others in the community who may never attend its meetings.In the latter category, for example, are young mothers who have benefited from the layettes prepared by the women of the League for new babies born to mothers of limited means. Records of Home League activity go back as far as 1926 in Salem.

Emergency Shelter

One of the most visible and frequented ministries of The Salvation Army is its Emergency Shelter, opened originally in 1957 near what is now the Gilbert House at the Riverfront in Salem. Because Salem lies on a major north/south route between Canada and Mexico, this facility has housed many individuals and families over the years until it presently shelters 80 individuals a night and provides literally thousands of meals annually to those who are in transition or homeless.

Family Services

The Salvation Army provides family services including: food baskets, clothing, some furniture, and assistance with utilities, medical care, and transportation have also been a part of the Army’ service to those in critical need over the years. Much of this help would not be possible were it not for the support of the local communities throughout Marion County, primarily during the Christmas season, and annual reports on dollars spent and individuals assisted are a part of the public record available through The Salvation Army. The Army in Salem, as in many other states and nations, has won the admiration and respect of men such as Peter Drucker, who has called The Salvation Army “the most effective organization in the United States,” and the most trusted when it comes to charitable giving.

Salvation Army’s Camp Kuratli at Trestle Glen

This camp, located just outside of Portland, near Estacada, has become the object of many youthful memories gleaned over its 75-year history. From the beginning, it provided a healthy outdoor experience to young and old alike, and to those facing physical challenges as well as to healthy. Incorporated in its schedule of weekly camps during the summer were community service camps, sports camps, mother and child camps, family camps, men’ camps, women’ camps, music camps, creative arts camps, and spiritual retreats. A severe ice storm in the 1980s meant that the camps had to be held off-campus for several years, while new cabins, a new dining room, and a new all-purpose building, as well as a new sewer system were built. Within the last five years, the old swimming pool was replaced by two new ones, so that swimmers and non-swimmers alike could be accommodated. Because each cabin has its own restroom and shower, as well as heating, the camp can be used year-round. Providing many happy opportunities for social, spiritual, and educational growth, the camp and its well-appointed staff and volunteers bring much enrichment to those in attendance in this beautiful and inspirational atmosphere.

Youth Work

The youth work of the Salvation Army is rich and variable, too, at the Corps level throughout Oregon and Southern Idaho. The Army works to strengthen and prepare the young people attending its programs for responsible adulthood. Many opportunities are given to these young people, both in their home communities and in joint meetings with young people from around the State, throughout the Western States, and even outside of the continental United States.

These opportunities range all the way from musical and artistic development, to spiritual ministry and interaction with other young people and adults around the world. At the present time, a Bachelor of Arts program, located in the Greater Los Angeles area, is available to young and old alike.

Community Care Ministries

No stranger to bringing joy and blessing alike to shut-ins, the elderly, and even to the incarcerated, this ministry, formerly known as the League of Mercy, enables anyone interested in serving in this vein to visit and uplift those who are unable on a regular basis to come to the worship and other activities of The Salvation Army. Children, young and older musicians, and adults – – all are able to distribute food and gifts, provide services, including:

1. transportation to medical appointments on a regular basis,
2. and even see that the children of prisoners are not forgotten at Christmastime.

It should be stated here that participation in many of the activities highlighted above are not limited to members of The Salvation Army Church, but are open to the community at large, and often those serving find themselves being as roundly blessed as those they are seeking to encourage.

The Salvation Army Advisory Board

The Salvation Army, because of its enormous complexity, is deeply indebted to those who volunteer to serve on its Advisory Board. The terms are, generally speaking, a three-year commitment, but many Board members have become so enamored of the mission of The Salvation Army that they have served for many more years and, in some instances, have become life members. Intended to be a voice for the Army to the community and, simultaneously, a voice from the community to the leadership of the Army, the “bridge” membership has served the Salem Salvation Army very well, helping in many instances to develop the outreach of The Salvation Army by the purchase of property and buildings, and strengthening the financial resources to effect its service.

Compiled by Florence Robb and David Vanderhoff, Salem Salvation Army members, 2003

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This article originally appeared on the original Salem Online History site and has not been updated since 2006.