Press releases issued by The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, Florida.

Salvation Army Community Center offers 10-week Bible and Basketball program to local youth.

West Palm Beach, Florida (April 14, 2021) – On Monday, April 20, the Northwest Community Center of The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County will begin its 2nd session of its “Bible and Basketball Program.”  Offered quarterly, the 10-week athletic development program serves local youth ages 5-18. The multi-week course aims to foster friendship, teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, love, and leadership through the effective use of biblical principles and the game of basketball.

bible basketball program 2Sixty-three high school students ages 14-18 participated in the previous 10-week session that ended on April 10th. Through the effective use of weekly devotionals and corporate prayer the game of basketball reinforced Biblical principles.

“Basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts by an ordained Minister named James A. Naismith,” said Dr. James Easley, the Community Center’s Director. “He developed the game 26 years after The Salvation Army was founded in London, England in 1891. Naismith believed that the game of basketball was a God given vision that he designed as an evangelism tool with the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus with children.” According to Easley, “Naismith dedicated his entire life educating students in Spirit, Mind and Body for leadership and service to others.”

The upcoming session is scheduled for April 19 to June 21 and is offered without charge. The program runs Monday through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is intended for Elementary (Ages 7-9) and Middle (Ages 10-13) School students. The Salvation Army Northwest Community Center is located at 600 N. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Parents are invited to call 561-833-6767 to enroll their children.bible basketball program 3

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County is among the largest global nonprofit providers of social services to people living in impoverished communities around the world. The Salvation Army nationally helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services including food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need.

For more information, to volunteer, and/or make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications at 561.686.3530 and/or visit www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco.

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 99 years.

Dunkin Donuts Joined The Salvation Army of West Palm Beach County to Provide Morning Treats to Local Social Workers.

West Palm Beach, Florida (April, 2021) – On Tuesday, March 30th, three Dunkin Donut locations joined The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County to celebrate National Social Work Month by treating local caregivers to morning donuts. The theme of this year’s morning give-away was “Social Workers are Essential” and highlighted the invaluable contributions social workers have made to the community during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Social workers who showed proper credentials received their “treats” at the following Dunkin Donut locations:

palm beach county social workers

  • 4440 Lakeworth Road, West Palm Beach, FL
  • 1999 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton, FL
  • 4644 Military Trail Blvd. Lake Worth, FL

In addition, Salvation Army Officers personally delivering 200 elegant Spa Gift Sets that included an inspirational Bible pocket card to local Social Workers who are providing care to families and individuals in partnership with the Army’s local programs. The Bible verse, “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” (Ephesians 4:23) is a meaningful message for Social Workers who provide extraordinary care to those in need.

National Social Work Month was first organized in March of 1963 by National Association of Social Workers as a means of encouraging public support for the profession. Then in 1984, a joint resolution of Congress was passed and was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan under Proclamation 5167 on March 22 as National Professional Social Work Month.

“Social workers are indeed essential,” said Majors James and Leisa Hall, Area Commanders for The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County. “Without their professional assistance, The Salvation Army would not be able to protect children from abuse and neglect, provide mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assist veterans and their families. As caregivers, we do not know how we would have served the most vulnerable during the Covid Pandemic without their help!”

For more information, to volunteer, and/or make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications at 561.686.3530 and/or visit www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco.

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 99 years.

Salvation Army College Cadets and Faculty share their inspirational stories of self-sacrifice while visiting Palm Beach County Area Command

West Palm Beach, Florida (March 10, 2021) – On Saturday, March 13, an interview with cadets and several faculty members from The Salvation Army’s Evangeline Booth College for Officer Training will air on “Frankly Speaking,” the weekly radio program of The Salvation Army of West Palm Beach. The episode can be heard at noon on 1290 WJNO.

The Salvation Army’s Evangeline Booth College for Officer Training is an accredited theological college administered by The Salvation Army. The school is located in Atlanta, Georgia and is named after General Evangeline Booth, the 4th General of The Salvation Army. The Training College was established for the training of Salvation Army Officers. Enrolled students are referred to as either first-year or second-year cadets.

Featured in the photo taken at the I-Heart Studio are Major Leisa Hall, Cadet Brittney Donegan, Captain Andrea Hoover, Cadet Gessica Pierre, and Dr. Frank Marangos, Director of Development, and host of the “Frankly Speaking” radio program. Back row includes local radio personality Brian Mudd, Program Director and Radio host for WJNO & WIOD, Cadet Anthony Rowe, Cadet Roy Fisher, Cadet David Donegan, Cadet Jimmy Pierre, and Captain Scott Hoover.

“The public is unaware, that in order to enter the college Cadets must sell their possessions, leave their careers and homes,” said Area Commanders Majors Chip and Leisa Hall. “While the personal stories of each pair of cadets is inspiring, the Donegan’s best illustrates the commitment that is needed to become a Salvation Army officer. We are certain that the “Frankly Speaking” radio audience will enjoy listening to them. Their story is a great example of self-sacrifice for others!”

Cadets are required to be Christians, adopt the eleven doctrines of The Salvation Army, and not carry any sort of financial debt. To graduate, students must complete coursework in addition to summer and winter assignments at Salvation Army locations. Additionally, students must partake in mission trips that often occur outside of the United States. Once a cadet completes two years of training and receives his associate degree (or higher degree if building upon credits from another institution), they are commissioned as a Salvation Army officer with the rank of lieutenant.

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County is among the largest global nonprofit providers of social services to people living in impoverished communities around the world. The Salvation Army nationally helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services including food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need.

For more information, to volunteer, and/or make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications at 561.686.3530 and/or visit www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco.

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years.

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County renews valued partnership with #ENDITMOVEMENT. 

West Palm Beach, Florida (February 26, 2021) – On Thursday, February 25th, The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County joined 16 coalition partnerslocal residents, and individuals across the world, to participate in END IT DAY 2021. END IT DAY is an annual invitation of the #ENDITMOVEMENT coalition to take a stand against human trafficking. By utilizing a simple RED X drawn on the hand, END IT DAY calls others to join in the fight for freedom and to shine a light on human trafficking.

Majors Chip and Leisa HallArea Commanders of The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, along with Area Command department heads, blazed the path in the fight against human trafficking by boldly displaying the RED X on END IT DAY 2021 (Photo Attached). In addition, END IT DAY was observed at the Territorial Headquarters chapel service by inviting participants to pray for those experiencing human trafficking and to join in the END IT DAY movement.

The Salvation Army, among the largest global nonprofit providers of social services to people living in impoverished communities around the world, is deeply committed to the modern-day fight against human trafficking (for sexual and labor purposes) and forms of commercial sexual exploitation innately linked to sexual trafficking. This commitment emerges from both The Salvation Army’s mission – to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination – and is rooted in the organization’s early history.

On the local level, The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County has partnered with Catholic Charities to provide a safe house for victims of Human Trafficking in Southeast Florida. Catholic Charities is providing supportive services (case management, transportation, community resources)Apart from providing safe 24/7 shelter, security, and meals, The Salvation Army Anti-Trafficking initiatives work alongside local law enforcement, FBI, ICE, and numerous other community partners to identify, rescue, and restore victims of forced labor and sexual exploitation. We help both foreign and domestic victims of all ages and ethnicities through our nationwide case management network.

The Salvation Army was founded in London, England, in 1865 by Catherine and William Booth. The Booths went against Victorian conventions and took their ministry to the dirty and dangerous streets of London’s east side where they reached out to the destitute and desperate. Their efforts eventually evolved into a battle to protect women and children from the horrors of sex trafficking. In the 1900s, the organization pioneered an undercover sex trafficking investigation, which directly shaped the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885.  

If you would like more information about The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, and/or to inquire how you can help the #ENDITMOVEMENT, please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications at 561.686.3530 and/or visit www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found @salarmypbco. 

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years. 

Local wealth management expert and family therapist author appointed to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s Advisory Board.

West Palm Beach, Florida (January 25, 2021) – The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, among the largest global nonprofit providers of social services to people living in impoverished communities around the world, announced the appointment of William Mikus as Chairman of its Advisory Board. Author and family therapist Kristin MacDermott was also inducted as Board member. Mikus, who joined the Board in 2016, succeeds David Ackerman, who served as Chairman since 2019

Words are inadequate to express how much David Ackerman has meant to The Salvation Army over the past two years,” said Area Commander, Major James Hall.  “His leadership has been instrumental in helping us successfully navigate the most challenging crisis we have ever faced.  He is not only a man of unquestionable integrity but modeled what it meant to be courageous in the face of adversity.”

“It has been a great honor to have served as Chairman of the Advisory Board,” said Ackerman. “Our Advisory Board is in a great place with Bill Mikus as Chair. He brings his superior business experience and acumen, along with his engaging and charismatic leadership style, to this role. The Salvation Army takes on the most pressing needs our community helping children, teens, the elderly, victims of human trafficking and those hurt by COVID’ s devastating health and economic impacts. We are grateful for Bill’s wisdom and commitment to serve in guiding our Board through these times with continued success.”

William John Mikus is a Managing Partner at Dakota Wealth Management in Palm Beach, Florida, with over 4 decades of experience in the financial markets. “I am deeply honored to have been appointed as the Chairman of The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s Advisory Board,” said Mikus. “During this historically challenging time it is a privilege to contribute to The Salvation Army’s 156-year efforts to help the “Least, the Last and the Lost.”  It is my goal to continue the momentum started by Budge Jamison (Chair 2017/2019) and David Ackerman, (Chair 2019/2021, whose thoughtful leadership has strengthened and enhanced The Army’s commitment to our community.”

New Board Member, Kristin MacDermott, is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a decade of research in resilience. Kristin is the author of It Takes Two Minutes to Shift Your Mindset and Build Resilience (2019). “Until recently, I had no idea how many lives The Salvation Army touches, said MacDermott. “I knew they supported people at Christmastime, but I was blown away to learn about the vast array of programs and services they provide to thousands of families in Palm Beach County all year long. I am honored to be part of an organization that has the capacity to help so many people when they need it most.”

If you would like more information about The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, and/or make a financial contribution, to please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications at 561.686.3530 and/or visit www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found @salarmypbco.

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County:

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years.

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County expresses, love and appreciation, to volunteers who help serve their community.

West Palm Beach, FL (January 20, 2021) – February has been designated by The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County as “We Love Our Volunteer” month.

In addition to several other media strategies, the organization will publish Love Heart Appreciation Messages in the two-page center spread section of the February 26th issue of the Palm Beach Society Magazine and the February 27-28th weekend edition of the Town Crier Newspaper.

Due to COVID, 2020 was a challenging year for local nonprofit organizations. Thanks to generous supporters, however, The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County was able to appropriately help those most effected by the pandemic in the community. Apart from financial support, The Salvation Army’s programs, ministries, and services would not have been possible without the organization’s life-blood – its dedicated volunteers!

“We invite every resident to show their love and appreciation to a Palm Beach County volunteer, and/or volunteer group of their choice during the month of February,” said Area Commanders, Majors James and Leisa Hall. “Without volunteers, nonprofit organizations such as The Salvation Army could never maintain a high level of philanthropic service to our community. So, we decided to show them how much we love them!”

Individuals, as well as other nonprofit organizations, who would like to express appreciation to their respective volunteers can purchase a Love Heart Message by calling the administrative office (561-686-3530) of The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County and/or using their website’s online purchase system.

For more information, please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications by calling 561.702.4698 and/or visit The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County webpage at: www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco. ­­­­­­­

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County:

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years.

Thanks to the generosity and dedication of its donors and volunteers, The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County was able to “Rescue Christmas” for many local families affected by the COVID pandemic in the greater Palm Beach community.

Over 16,509 toys and gifts were opened on Christmas morning by local children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Fourteen noted restaurants partnered with local foundations, ambassadors, major donors, media outlets, and corporate sponsors to host Covid-compliant Holiday community dining experiences. In addition, even with a limited number of only 40 locations, $140,000 was collected through the Salvation Army’s signature Red Kettle program. Finally, thanks to matching grants from the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Foundation and the Nelson and Claudia Peltz Family Foundation, over $300,000 was raised through the Giving Tuesday Campaign that launched the organization’s Holiday goal to help local families in need.

“We’re very thankful to greater Palm Beach County for helping us rescue Christmas this year,” said Area Commanders, Majors James and Leisa Hall. “Rescuing Christmas was the 2020 national theme of The Salvation Army,” they said. “We really feel like we have done that for so many local families making this a great success story. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of our volunteers, families had something to eat, individuals were given lodging, veterans were offered social services, hand sanitizers were distributed, and young children were able to find gifts under the tree on Christmas morning!”

For more information, please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Development and Communications by calling 561.702.4698 and/or visit The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County webpage at: www.salvationarmyflorida.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco. ­­­­­­

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years.

Corporate Sponsors gathered for ribbon cutting celebration for The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s Angel Tree Program at the Army’s Angel Tree Toy Warehouse, 1902 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 8:45AM. Hundreds of families lined the outdoor patio eagerly waiting to receive their respective children’s Christmas gifts from nearly fifty dedicated volunteers. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Area Commander Leisa Hall, Miguel, Ilene and children Solomon and Bella Mayorca, owners of Simple Life Medical, Houston Tate, Director of Palm Beach Office of Community Revitalization, and Steve Steinberger, owner of Klik Twice Technologies.

According to Houston Tate, who oversees 85 designated communities within unincorporated Palm Beach County, “the Office of Community Revitalization is grateful for the partnership with the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County who has provided toys to our most vulnerable families.” Tate also applauded The Salvation Army “for providing a workspace at their headquarter facilities twice per month for OCR to coordinate a box-food distribution drive-up event for our residence. We are so grateful for this partnership,” he said, “and thank the Army for their passion to assist the needy.”

Angel Tree is a needs-based program meant to serve impoverished families with small children during the Christmas season. Families who struggle month to month, have recently lost work or who are undergoing an emergency need of some kind can get assistance through this program. The program matches individual children with sponsors who purchase gifts for them. All toys and clothes purchased for a child go directly to that child’s parent. The distinguished sponsors of the 2020 Angel Tree campaign include: Seacoast Bank, Hearst Television WPBF, Florida Power & Lighting, Retail Property Group, Gardens Mall, and Rosemary Square.

“I am filled with gratitude for our supporters who make this program possible,” said Major Leisa Hall, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in West Palm Beach. “Our corporate sponsors, the individuals who give, and our partners in the community do so much for these deserving children. Thanks to their generosity the Angel Tree Program will provide holiday gifts to more than 2,200 children in Palm Beach County this year. It is a tangible expression of The Salvation Army’s 2020 theme of “Rescue Christmas” for those in need … with a sea of bicycles, toys, clothing, and a large food box for each family.”

For more information about the Angel Tree Program and/or other initiatives of the The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, please contact Frank Marangos, Director of Communications and/or visit its website, www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco.

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years.

Lake Worth community leaders gathered with other distinguished guests for the Grand Re-Opening of the athletic center of the Nation Champion Warriors Basketball Team on Friday morning (December 11, 2020).

Located at the Community Center of The Salvation Army Corp of Lake Worth, Florida, the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony celebrated the completion of extensive renovations of a facility that has provided a safe and healthy environment for local Lake Worth children to grow and learn for over 16 years. Adherence to local health guidelines were met.

The Lake Worth Community Center is the home of The Salvation Army’s Warriors basketball team. Under the coaching and leadership of Director Eva Whitehouse the Warriors have won numerous local tournaments and National Championships. Located at 4051 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, the Center’s basketball program enriches the lives of local children through Christian mentorship, volunteering, Vacation Bible School, music lessons, academic coaching, and college readiness.

The extensive $100,000 + renovation project included a new gymnasium floor, cost-saving LED lights, state-of-the art scoreboards, and adjustable nets for younger players. Apart from local schools, the Warriors shared their athletic facilities with over 90 groups and nearly 15,000 spectators in 2019.

According to the Corps Officers and Pastors Lieutenants Jeremy and Crystal Porter, “the Salvation Army Lake Worth Corps seeks to meet the needs of the community through education, food, clothing, social and financial services, and spiritual formation.”

The Lake Worth Community Center facilities are open to the public for functions that require a large gathering space for sporting events, family gatherings, small conventions, company activities, receptions, family reunion, and other community activities. Individuals may support the Center’s programs and services by donating $500 for a commemorative brick.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, and/or purchase a commemorative brick, please contact the Director of Communications and/or visit its website, www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org. Facebook information can be found by searching for @salarmypbco.

About The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1922, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 98 years.