The Salvation Army Kingston Corps

Description

The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization with a simple mission: to help those in need without discrimination.

Headquartered in London--from a building at the foot of the Millennium Bridge--The Salvation Army serves in 115 countries and has an extensive presence in the United States. Adhering to a quasi-militaristic structure, The Salvation Army in the United States is divided into four territories, which are further subdivided into divisions. The Salvation Army Greater New York Division serves the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and seven counties in Hudson Valley.

There are overarching themes that run throughout The Salvation Army’s humanitarian efforts in the United States and beyond, such as relief for victims of disasters, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, food, and shelter. The programs and services that each country, territory, or division offers differ drastically depending on the populations they serve. For instance, programs in a third-world country might include a medical clinic or midwifery school, whereas a program in an urban region of the United States might attempt to remedy a lack of extracurricular education for youth by starting a basketball program or a music class.

Of the over 140 programs The Greater New York Division offers, many are operated out of 39 corps community centers (corps) overseen by Corps Officers--men and women who have undergone a two year course in residence at a Salvation Army college. Corps Officers have titles according to rank such as Captain or Major. From building maintenance to deciding whether to start an ESL program -- the Corps Officer is responsible for interpreting the needs of each community. Once needs are determined, Officers work with over 2,000 Salvation Army Greater New York employees (development and finance staff, social workers, etc.) and over 22,000 volunteers to create appropriate programming.