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. Vision Statement:
To provide a caring environment for hurting persons needing temporary assistance who desire personal wholeness with economic self-sufficiency

Description:
The Salvation Army was established to provide humanitarian services consistent with the values and goals of the Christian faith.

The Salvation Army's mission is to minister to and support those in need through various physical, emotional and spiritual means.

The Salvation Army provides a variety of programs for the disadvantaged and elderly as well as coming to the aid of individuals and communities during a time of crisis.

The Salvation Army is probably best recognized for their holiday bell ringers and kettles. Activities and services, however, are provided year-round and include housing, meal service, adult rehabilitation, special events and disaster-relief work.

Some of the programs for which The Salvation Army provides volunteer opportunities are the holiday bell ringers, Angel Tree set-up and sites, Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners, Holiday meal home deliveries, food & toy drives, sorting and gift baskets, children's back-to-school programs, chaperones and special event support, clerical assistants, laborers and shelter maintenance.

History:
William and Catherine Booth founded The Salvation Army in 1865 to evangelize the unchurched poor who lived in the slums of London. The first goal of the Booths was to bring these forgotten people into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. They quickly learned, however that people were too preoccupied with the desperate needs of life - food, clothing and shelter - to be able to focus on eternal matters. The Army soon became known as an organization that understood the necessity of responding to the pressing needs of hurting people. Meeting the client's stated need first is one of the basic principles of social work - and the work of The Salvation Army.

In the United States of America, Salvation Army social services grew quickly. The Salvation Army expanded into every state in the union. Beginning with the "slum sisters" in Philadelphia in the 1880's, The Salvation Army added specialized programs for the homeless, children at risk and families without food.

The Salvation Army is currently serving in over 110 countries.

Contact people:

Major Keith Petrie, (phone), (email) Amy DeCastro, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (515) 282-0760

Address:

City Office,1326 6th Ave Des Moines, IA 50314 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

Approximately 1/2 mile north of I-235 on Sixth Avenue.   Nearest Bus Stop: Bus stop in front of building