Annual Report
The Salvation Army Fort Lauderdale has been active in Broward County since 1926 serving thousands of our most needy community members each year.
To learn more about us, schedule a tour of our facility by contacting us today.
1445 W. Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-712-2431
Our History
The Salvation Army has been active in Broward County since 1926. Ft. Lauderdale pioneer Ivy Stranahan was active in the formation of The Salvation Army in Broward County and was one of the original board members.The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth, a Methodist minister, in London in 1865. Booth worked with the poor and homeless in the East End of London, providing "soup, soap, and salvation." The Salvation Army came to the United States in 1879 through the work of a teenage girl in Philadelphia and expanded into New York in 1880. Within five years, The Salvation Army was operating in Canada, India, Switzerland, Sweden, Sri Lanka, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan and today is active in over 125 countries throughout the world.During World War I, Salvation Army "Doughnut Girls" served coffee and doughnuts to soldiers battling on the front lines. The Salvation Army was instrumental in forming the USO in 1941 in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt determined it would be best if private organizations handled the on-leave recreation needs of the rapidly growing U.S. armed forces. Roosevelt's call to action led The Salvation Army and five other civilian agencies to coordinate their civilian war efforts and resources to form a new organization - the USO (United Service Organizations).Officers
Majors Stephen Long & Connie Long, Area Commander
Captain Amber Morris (Assistant Corps Officer)
2020 Advisory Board Members
The Salvation Army Advisory Board includes influential business and community leaders who provide their time and wisdom to support the work and programs of the organization. The board members assist the officers and staff in solving complex community needs and identifying strategic opportunities to advance the The Salvation Army’s mission. They work tirelessly to connect The Salvation Army of Broward County to the community in meaningful ways.
Dom Pino – Chairman
Marivi Bryant | Principal MVB Consulting
Dan Aimone | Vice President Forney Construction Florida
Gerald (Gerry) Cahill
Kimberly Dees | Assistant Corporate Controller AutoNation, Inc.
Patricia (Pat) Houchens
Elsie Johns | Owner Melina's
Christopher Lagerbloom | City Manager City of Fort Lauderdale
Pam Masters | Realtor Galleria International Realty
Robert (Bob) Moorman, Jr. | Owner Carroll’s Jewelers
Curt Nichols
John Rodstrom | Attorney, Conrad & Scherer
Romney C. (Cam) Rogers | Partner Rogers, Morris & Ziegler LLP
Tracy J. Saunders | Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Pete Sudler | VP, Associate Services JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
The Salvation Army Ambassadors group, founded by Virginia (Ginny) Miller, was brought together with a primary mission to inform the community of The Salvation Army’s importance and relevance. Ambassadors are advocates of The Army. Ambassadors meet once or twice a year for networking and an informative presentation regarding current and future endeavors of The Army. They are educated as to the way The Army works, how it is funded and operates. Ambassadors will be “the first to know” when we are heading off to assist in some disaster recovery out of the area – and of course, in our backyard as well. The expertise and talents of members of the Ambassadors are utilized to further the mission of The Salvation Army.
- Jim Moran Foundation
- William R. Watts Foundation
- Fabrize Foundation
- Broward Homeless Initiative Partnership
- Amaturo Foundation
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Publix Super Market Charities
- FPL
- G. B. Knecht Foundation
- United Way of Broward County
- Kearns Family Foundation
- Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation
- Food For All
- Helen Ingham Foundation
- Charles F. and Esther M. Frye Foundation
- Allen Foundation
- American Plumbing
- Medallion Decorating Center
- John and Nellie Bastien Memorial Foundation
- JM Family Enterprises
- Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund
- Josephine S. Leiser Foundation
- SunTrust
- City Furniture
Food Pantry
If your group is interested in holding a food drive to benefit the pantry call 954-524-6991.
The Salvation Army’s food pantry supplies groceries to those in need each week. Much of the food in the pantry is collected and donated by local groups, schools, and businesses. The pantry is open on Thursday mornings.
A significant portion of food distributed is supplied by the USDA. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Salvation Army is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 (voice) or (202)720-6382 (TYY).
The Salvation Army and the USDA are equal opportunity providers and employers.
Emergency Assistance
Homelessness has a very high cost, both in terms of money and the emotional trauma and upheaval suffered by those who are affected. By helping people in crisis to remain in their own homes and feed their families on a temporary basis until they can stabilize their situation, The Salvation Army works to minimize the problems by providing emergency funds for rent or mortgage assistance on a one time basis.
When funding is available, Rent and/or Mortgage assistance is provided to any resident of Broward County. Applicants must call the main line at 954-524-6991 and put their name on a list. A case manager calls the applicant within 72 hrs. to do a preliminary screening on the phone. If the applicant appears to qualify, they will be given an appointment and a list of documentation they must bring to the appointment. All documentation must be verified prior to approval of their application.
The Center for Worship and Service in Fort Lauderdale offers the opportunity for people of all ages to participate in worship, service, youth programs and other community activities each week.
Salvation Army centers of worship are called “corps.” We invite you to worship with us every Sunday at 11:00 am.
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.
Please call 954 524-6991 and ask to speak to one of our Ministry Staff to learn more about our Worship Services and programs.
New Beginnings
The New Beginnings Program was established to offer a safe, stable environment for expectant mothers who are homeless.
The women in the program have become homeless for many reasons, including poverty, unexpected pregnancy complications that cause them to lose employment, and domestic abuse. Each family in the program receives a private room with bath, meals, day care for older children, case management, life skills training, job and medical referrals, as well as educational classes.
The goal of this structured program is to increase the self-worth of each mother and motivate them to work towards independence for themselves and their family.
If you would like to support our mothers-to-be, please consider donating a “Baby Shower Basket.” Suggested items include diapers, wipes, lotions, clothes, bottles, etc.
For more info, please contact Niecy Choice, Program Manager.
The Open Door project provides safe shelter to 45 chronically homeless people each night. For some homeless people, especially those who have been on the street for a length of time, lack of trust in “the system” keeps them from seeking shelter. The only “commitment” at this facility will be a one night stay, which includes breakfast.
Each night, homeless people seek safety and a comfortable bed; they also have the opportunity to engage with our staff and some begin to believe that a different way of life is possible.
- Homelessness is a challenge shared by all members of the community, and The Salvation Army is taking a proactive approach to meeting a critical unmet need through the Open Door low demand shelter.
- The goal of the Open Door project is to build trust with chronically homeless people who then may be more willing to receive services to help them attain permanent housing.
- The Salvation Army collaborates with 211 Broward and other homeless providers in the Broward County Continuum of Care including Broward Partnership for the Homeless and Broward Outreach Centers.
If you’d like to donate and support the Open Door Project, here’s how.
- Online
- 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
- P.O. Box 230, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
If you’d like to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Alyse Gossman, at 954-712-2435 or Alyse.Gossman@uss.salvationarmy.org
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A CHANGE?
Discover how to get ahead and accomplish your goals!
Offered by:
The Salvation Army
Online through ZOOM Video Conferencing
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World
A series of 15 weekly groups will begin on
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Groups will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Bus Passes, Gas Cards and other incentives will be provided for completed sessions.
Call to see if you qualify for the program (954) 712-2453 and ask for Jaid or Email: Jaid.Jones@uss.salvationarmy.org
Economic Stability Programs
The Salvation Army’s Economic Stability Program, for families is an essential component of the work that we do here at the Salvation Army.
The Program provides families with the financial information and tools they need to make informed decisions. Financial education, combined with case management, resources, support groups and guidance assist families taking their first steps out of poverty.
Services Provided:
- Groups: Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World, is an 18 to 20-week program for individuals and families living in generational poverty, generational poverty, or in unstable situations, build and develop the necessary resources needed for stability. The program does not “teach” its participants in a typical lecturing style class. Instead, Getting Ahead participants navigate weekly groups where they discover their own reality by identifying an area or areas in their life that they are looking to change. Participants become problem solvers for themselves, and for their community. The program requires diligent work, and motivation! Success comes through the application towards the development of a future story!
- The Bridges training: provides case studies, videos, mental models, helpful charts and exercises, and specific solutions that agencies, schools, hospitals, and other organizations and service providers may implement.
- Staying Ahead provides graduates with the necessary resources needed to accomplish their goals. Community Resource Partners (CRPs) meet with graduates once a month, providing education within their area of expertise, hands on tools that enable each individual to realize their goals, and provides mentoring opportunities that brings forth encouragement and sustainability. Staying Ahead provides resources in housing, health & fitness, financial management, entrepreneurship, employment, grants & small business loans and more!
- Pathways of Hope: Provides targeted services to families with desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and enable a path out of intergenerational poverty. It is rooted in a case management approach, focusing on client needs through a strength base lens.
VITA (Voluntary Income Tax Assistance) Partner: The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
For further information, please contact Jaid Jones, Programs Manager.
THE ROAD TO GRADUATION
Good evening ladies and gentlemen, young boys and girls. I will like to start off by extending a special thanks to everyone that made this possible. A special thanks to Philip Devol the author of the Getting Ahead text. The Salvation Army and all its partners. Our great facilitators Lilly and Ana. My wonderful team whom I had the pleasure of seeing for the past 17 Thursdays and all the supporting family members who are here tonight sharing in this joyous occasion.
I am not going to be before your front long. I just want to share what Getting Ahead has done for me. First, it gave me a reason to get out the house every Thursday. Not to mention the gas cards I was provided with every Thursday. Most important, Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By-World has given me knowledge about the resources I can use to not only get out of poverty but maintain stability. We can do something about poverty by building individual, institutional and community resources. Poverty is a mindset. Ben Carson said it best, “low income persons with strong motivation can escape poverty, while those with negative attitudes remain poor”.
Let’s be positive! Let’s take what we have learned and apply it to our everyday life.
Thank you!
Kizzy Thomas
Make a pledge to yourself and create a simple savings plan that works.
We’re Here to Serve.
The Salvation Army is helping our neighbors in need during this global health crisis.
The Salvation Army is always here, in time of need. We are reaching out to you, today, to share our concern and support for your health and well-being during this time of uncertainty.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to Broward and have made timely adjustments to our community services programs during this COVID-19 crisis. In order to comply with CDC health standards and protect our long-term clients and staff, we are shifting our focus to provide more meals to go and prepare for an increased demand for food pantry services, in light of government-mandated business closures. Many people rely on us, daily!
To maximize safety, daily wellness checks will be mandatory for our employees, disposable gloves will be provided to staff, store surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected multiple times, daily, and all will be asked to maintain a distance of 6 feet.
The Salvation Army of Broward County will continue to work in conjunction with the county and other homeless providers to develop viable solutions for the area’s residents in need. Those experiencing homelessness should call the Homeless Hotline at (954) 563-4357 for assistance and information. For all other related services, call 2-1-1 Broward.
Services
Food Pantry – Supplies a week’s worth of groceries each week to those needing food assistance. Distribution takes place every Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm at 1445 W Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Nightly Dinner – A hot dinner is served curbside every Friday through Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 5:15 pm.
Utilities Assistance – Assists with monthly FPL bill payment. To apply, call 954-524-6991 on Wednesdays between 9:00 am and 3:00 and leave your name and phone number. A case manager will return your call to determine eligibility and set up an appointment.
Worship in a Bag – Everything you need for your weekly service at home including scripture, devotional, songs and encouragement. Ideas for staying at home and other goodies included. To reserve at bag, please call 954-712-2464 to leave voice message with your name and number. Bags can picked up on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Corps Community Center located at 100 SW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
Kitchen
Volunteers help to prepare and serve meals to individuals and families living in our shelter, along with other kitchen tasks. Currently there is a great need volunteers Monday – Friday with an availability that is between 8:00am – 12:00pm. There are also volunteers needed between 3pm-7pm as each day we have community feeding, which provides meals to anyone in the community beginning at 4PM.
Food Pantry
Volunteers stock, sort, bag, and distribute non-perishable and perishable items for county residents in need of assistance. We currently need volunteers to help in the food pantry Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00AM – 12:30PM.
Disaster Relief
Volunteers are needed to assist the public during times of disaster, both locally and regionally. Advance training is required. For the next available training session, please contact William Bauguess at Jasper.O’Neal@uss.salvationarmy.org. To learn more about our disaster services, please click here.
Child Care Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help teach children living in our shelter various activities while their parents are attending life skill classes. Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings in Fort Lauderdale. All child care volunteers must be 18 or older and successfully pass a background check along with fingerprints.
Life Skills Classes
Volunteers teach life skills to clients in evening classes ranging from computer skills to knitting. This is a great opportunity to use your talents to help others. Creativity is highly encouraged, so if you have an idea for a class, please let us know! With the opening of our apartment facilities at Plymouth Colony, we are especially interested in finding instructors for classes in nutrition and general homemaking skills.
Maintenance Workers
Volunteers assist our maintenance staff in general upkeep of our facilities. Hours are anytime Monday-Friday.
Product Drive Coordinators
Volunteers coordinate various product drives through their school, church, or neighborhood to be donated to our shelter. Examples of drives include food, toiletries, and baby care items. All items collected and donated will go to the thousands of individuals and families we help right here in Broward County.
Fundraising
Volunteers work with the Development Director to generate ideas, plan and manage special fundraising events throughout the year. This opportunity requires a strong familiarity with the community and its resources, as well as a continuous time commitment. If you are interested in this opportunity contact Alyse Gossman directly at Alyse.Gossman@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Please note: All volunteers working directly with children will be subject to a background check.
Application Process
To apply to become a volunteer, please save the Volunteer Application to your computer, complete all fillable entries, and email the application to Jasper O'neal Jasper.O’Neal@uss.salvationarmy.org.
(You may also fill out an application at our Administrative Offices – 1445 W. Broward Blvd. | Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312)
The Volunteer Coordinator will review your application. If you meet the basic requirements, she will contact you to set up an interview.
If you have any additional questions regarding our volunteer program, or need additional information,
please contact Jasper at 954-712-2435
Court Ordered Community Service
Court Ordered Community Service Guidelines
The Salvation Army of Broward County accepts Court Ordered Community Service on a case by case basis.
We are unable to accept:
- Felony Charges
- Violent offenses, including but not limited to: battery, assault, and crimes committed with weapons
- Minors needing to complete Court Ordered Community Service
We reserve the right to deny anyone from our program, regardless of the charge.
Application Process
To apply for court ordered community service, please save the Community Service Application to your computer, complete all fillable entries, and email the application to Desiree Saunders Desiree.Saunders@uss.salvationarmy.org.
(You may fill out an application at our Administrative Offices – 1445 W. Broward Blvd. | Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312)
The Volunteer Coordinator will review your application. If you meet the basic requirements, she will contact you to set up an interview.
If you have any questions regarding our Court Ordered Community Service program, or need additional information,
please contact Desiree at 954-712-2435
The Loaves and Fishes program is a great opportunity to directly help homeless people through support of our efforts to provide daily community meals.
Groups of up to 8 people from corporations, schools, churches and civic organizations are invited to sponsor a dinner or weekend brunch and help prepare, cook, and serve their meal under the leadership of our food services staff.
Sponsorship costs are as follows:
Dinner, Friday - Wednesday $500
Weekend Brunch $250
The Salvation Army in Broward County is Community Based, Community Funded
You can donate now using our secure online donation form. Your donation will help The Salvation Army shelter the homeless, feed the hungry and provide emergency assistance to keep people from becoming homeless. In all, we serve over 15,000 Broward County residents every year in a multitude of ways. More than 70% of The Salvation Army, Broward County’s funding comes directly from the community – individuals, groups, and businesses like yours. Every gift to The Salvation Army has a direct impact on transforming lives of people who are hurting and in need. Person by person, we are creating a lasting, positive change in the lives of men, women and children in our community. The Salvation Army depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to help thousands of individuals and families every year.
Click on Donate Now below or send a check to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 230
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302
"Helping with the Angel Tree Program always gets me in the holiday spirit."- Sandy, volunteer
Mall Angel Tree Program
Volunteers staff Angel Trees at various malls to aid the public in "adopting" angels and collecting gifts. This project requires a large number of volunteers and is perfect for high school students wishing to fulfill their community service requirements as well as retirees and church organizations.
Corporate Angel Tree Program
Each year, over 100 local organizations participate in the Angel tree program by setting up trees for their employees, members, and students. Many of those corporate employees also volunteer time to help with the toy sorting and distribution process.
We hope you will consider joining us this year. It’s simple-- just determine how many of your employees would like to purchase a gift for a child and we will do the rest. The “angels” are real children with real needs who live in our community. The Salvation Army works with several other agencies in our community to identify and qualify those families who need our help most. We ask that you spend between $25 and $30 per child, as this may be the only gift the child receives.
If your organization decides to participate in the angel tree program, you will receive angel tags for your tree, packaging and instructions. You can display the tags on a Christmas tree, bulletin board or any visible area, or simply distribute the tags to each participant. Participants fulfill the request on the tag, and bring the item unwrapped to your collection site with the tag attached. The Salvation Army arranges to pick up the group’s gifts and distributes them to families in need before Christmas.
The "Angels" will be available for pick-up the beginning of November, and all gifts must be returned by December 13th AT THE VERY LATEST to allow the volunteers and staff time to process the thousands of presents in time for our Toy Shop distribution which takes place on Friday December 21 this year. The Salvation Army will again provide all the necessary information: the angel ornament with the child's name, age, clothing size, and the special request of that child as well as the bags used for packing and transporting the toys.
Toy Shop
Volunteers sort and package toys for each Angel and aid in distribution of toys to families. This position requires a lot of mobility and some lifting, but in exchange for all of that sweat, you get to feel like you work at the North Pole.
QUESTIONS?
Alyse Gossman, Director of Development
The Salvation Army
1445 W Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-712-2431. or Alyse.Gossman@uss.salvationarmy.org
If you and your co-workers would like to volunteer during our toy shop to help sort, organize and distribute the toys, please contact Desiree Saunders at 954-712-2435. or Desiree.Saunders@uss.salvationarmy.org
Double Your Gift To The Salvation Army Through Your Employer’s Matching Gifts Program
Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your gift to The Salvation Army in Broward County. Ask your company if there is a matching gift program in place. Processing an employer match is easy. Just complete and send your section of the matching gift form provided by your employer — we’ll handle the rest! If you’ve already made your donation, you can still send us the completed matching gift form, and we’ll verify it directly with your employer.
Please send matching gift forms via email to Alyse Gossman alyse.gossman@uss.salvationarmy.org or mail to:
The Salvation Army ATTN: Alyse Gossman
PO Box 230
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302
For many of the residents introduced to our transitional housing and shelter, receiving basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing is a priority concern. Once these initial needs are met, we begin to explore ways in which to further bring hope, confidence, and happiness back in to their lives.
We rely on the generosity of our community members to help brighten up the lives of our residents in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:
Rewarding Progress
Gift cards for $10 – $25 to Publix, Winn Dixie, WalMart or Target. These are used to reward the “Client of the Month.”
Baby Shower Basket
For expectant mothers, the inevitable life-changing event can be overwhelming. Receiving donated pregnancy and baby items can help alleviate some of the worry. Suggestions include a baby blanket, diapers and wipes, clothing, bottles, etc.
House Warming
For clients who are moving into an apartment or home, procuring the necessary items can be a daunting task. We forget, most who are homeless have little to no possessions. Receiving a head-start to a stable, independent residence eases the transition from homeless to a home. Suggestions include pots & pans, plates, bowls, & utensils, towels, sheets, etc.
Blessing Bags

An example of Blessing Bags
Each night 45 individuals who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets of Ft. Lauderdale come to our Open Door shelter. Zip lock bags containing small toiletry items – soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, comb, and snacks (raisins, small cans of juice, granola bars, trail mix) would be a welcomed gift.
Administrative Offices
1445 West Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
(954) 524-6991
Administrative Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Donation Mailing Address
To make a donation, make checks payable to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 230
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-0230
Corps Community Center
100 S.W. 9th Ave
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
(954) 524-6991
Thrift Store Donations
To schedule a pickup of your donated household items in Broward County, call the Thrift Store Administration Offices
(954) 463-3725
The Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) is an effective residential work therapy program that offers men addicted to drugs and alcohol the opportunity to recapture their dignity, pride, and families through emotional, physical, and spiritual rehabilitation. Job training gives residents valuable technical skills in a number of vocations and in-house classes provide life skills and the opportunity to earn a GED certificate. Residents have the opportunity to regain sobriety, self respect, and a new start in life.
This rehabilitation program is solely supported by income from the thrift stores and monthly car and boat auctions.
Thrift Store Locations
1801 W Broward Blvd
Ft Lauderdale
954-463-3725
2300 SW 56th Ave
Hollywood
954-961-7523
7707 Commercial Blvd
Tamarac
954-721-0705
310 N State Rd 7
Margate
954-979-6999
451 E Copans Rd
Pompano Beach
954-782-3925
888 N. University Drive
Pembroke Pines
954-433-2160
THE SALVATION ARMY ORLANDO FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Local News, News, OrlandoTHE SALVATION ARMY ORLANDO CHANGES FOOD DISTRIBUTION TIME TO MEET NEED To better meet needs, we are shifting our distribution to early afternoons. February 23, 2021 | 1PM – 3PM Who: The Salvation Army Orlando Metro Area Command What: Our free weekly drive-thru food distribution has a new time! We will […]