Founders Day: July 2, 2020
History of the Salvation Army
Soon after beginning his ministerial career in England in 1852, William Booth abandoned the concept of the traditional church pulpit in favor of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ directly to the people. Walking the streets of London, he preached to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute.
When fellow clergymen disagreed with Booth’s unconventional approach, he and his wife Catherine withdrew from the church to train evangelists throughout England. The couple returned to the East End of London in 1865, where many followers joined their fight for the souls of lost men and women. Within 10 years, their organization, operating under the name “The Christian Mission,” had over 1,000 volunteers and evangelists.
Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards were among their first converts to Christianity. And soon, those converts were also preaching and singing in the streets as living testimonies to the power of God.
When Booth read a printer’s proof of the 1878 “Christian Mission” annual report, he noticed the statement “The Christian Mission is a volunteer army.” Crossing out the words “volunteer army,” he penned in “Salvation Army.” From those words came the basis of the foundation deed of The Salvation Army.
From that point onward, converts became soldiers of Christ and were known then, as now, as Salvationists. They launched an offensive throughout the British Isles that, in spite of violence and persecution, converted 250,000 Christians between 1881 and 1885. Their message spread rapidly, gaining a foothold in America and soon after Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland, and Germany.
Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world and serves in over 100 countries, offering the message of God’s healing and hope to all those in need.
Our Founders
William Booth
William Booth began The Salvation Army in 1865 as a means to help the suffering souls throughout London who were not willing to attend – or even welcomed into – a traditional church.
Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards were among his first converts to Christianity, and as his ministry grew, the gospel of Jesus Christ was spread far and wide to the poor, the vulnerable, and the destitute.
Though General Booth died in 1912, he laid a firm foundation for the lifesaving work that The Salvation Army continues to perform today in over 100 countries.
Catherine Booth
Catherine Booth was known as the “Army Mother.” In her world, women had few rights,no place in the professional sphere, and a minimal presence in church leadership.
Yet in her marriage to William Booth, she became an evangelist, preacher, theologian, and co-founder of The Salvation Army.
A truly passionate Christian, Catherine believed that loving God meant loving people through action. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, and service continues to shape The Salvation Army today.
Evangeline Booth
The seventh child of William and Catherine Booth, Eva Cory Booth was a gifted speaker, musician, and leader sent by her father to spread The Army’s mission in North America.
During her 30 years as national commander in the United States, Evangeline was responsible for the volunteers who served as chaplains and “Doughnut Girls” during World War I, and also for the division of the country into four territories.
In 1934, Evangeline became The Army’s fourth general. She left America on the highest crest of love and popularity she had ever known, and retained her American citizenship until her death in 1950.
Joe the Turk
Though often considered a rude and even obnoxious rule-breaker, “Joe the Turk” opened many important doors for Salvationists across America.
With an inherent passion for protecting the persecuted, he eventually traded in his drinking and smoking habits for a life as a Christian, where he went on to serve as a spirited captain in The Salvation Army until 1925.
Famous for his colorful ministry and attention-getting antics, Joe was often “jailed for Jesus,” and he became known as a spiritual father to thousands of formerly lost souls.
Eliza Shirley
Eliza Shirley pioneered the establishment of The Salvation Army in the United States.
After faithfully serving with the Booths in London’s East End as part of “The Christian Mission,” a 17-year-old Eliza followed God’s call to America.
There she joined her parents (who had recently immigrated to Philadelphia for work), and swiftly began her work for The Army. Her humble mission grew into a nationwide presence of peace and hope for those most in need.
George Scott Railton
After serving as the Booths’ family secretary in London, George went on to establish The Salvation Army’s presence in New York.
His talent for languages and love of travel also helped him pave the way for Salvationist work in France, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, China, and Japan.
In addition to creating Army song books in Zulu and Dutch and beginning the Army and Navy League for Salvationist servicemen away from home, Railton founded the Prison Gate work for recently released prisoners.
Samuel Logan Brengle
Well known as a minister to The Salvation Army’s officers and soldiers in the United States, Brengle served for 30 years.
He believed that those who seek God “burst into flame” when they first touch Him and that they can bring those “left out in the cold” to His light.
To Brengle, the Corps was a sacred place from which the love and power of God could be communicated to all; entire cities could be energized and “lit up” by the prayer of soldiers who had “caught the flame.”
NOW HIRING: visit links below
https://usr57.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/tsa/Posting/View/31202 – Cape Coral Store
https://usr57.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/tsa/Posting/View/31204 – South Store
Schedule your donation pick-up at your convenience. Schedule Now!
Did you know that we accept vehicle donations? Click here for more information.
Family Thrift Stores – two locations to serve you!
Drop off items and shop at these stores
4506 Del Prado S., Cape Coral (239) 540-0265
15418 S. Tamiami Tr., Ft. Myers (239) 267-9652
Monday - 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Tuesday - 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Wednesday - 9:00 - 6:00 pm
Thursday - 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Friday - 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 -6:00 pm
Your donations to our Family Stores lead to sales which help fight for good against homelessness and hunger through our outreach centers and shelters.
Furniture, clothing, housewares, appliances, antiques, collectibles, and more! You want it? We have it at a fantastic price. Have it but don’t need it? We’ll take it.
Need to do some household cleaning but can’t bear to throw away a favorite sweater you don’t wear anymore or a comfy recliner you no longer have room for?
We accept clean, gently used furniture, housewares, bedding, bikes, kitchen items, jewelry, clothing, electronics in working condition, tools, sporting goods, and cars, boats, motorcycles in running condition.
Drop Off Items at the Following Locations
- 10291 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers 33919
- 15418 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 33908
- 4506 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral 33904 (from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- 2581 Palm Ave, Fort Myers 33916
- 26820 Old U.S. 41, Bonita Springs 34135
Call for a Pick-up (239) 337-0955
Vehicle Donations
When you donate your car to The Salvation Army, you’re helping us heal broken lives and assist individuals on the road to recovery and stable housing. Your used vehicle will help change the road ahead for someone who’s lost direction. Proceeds from the sale of your donated automobile are used to help fight for good against homelessness and hunger through our outreach centers and shelters.
Please call (239) 337-0955, and we will pick up your car, boat, truck, motorcycle or RV at no charge to you. When we pick up your vehicle, we will provide you with an IRS-approved receipt for your donation. Additional information will be mailed after your vehicle has been sold.
To volunteer at our Family Thrift Stores. Call Kris Volpone at (239) 278-1551.
Who We Are
Last year, The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties impacted more than 71,000 lives.
We offer a wide variety of outreach services ranging from help with utility bills to residential substance abuse program for men and a residential program for families and women.
Outreach services include:
- Family Shelter and Emergency Transitional Shelter (12,328 bed nights)
- Crossroads Substance Abuse Recover (387 clients)
- Medical Respite Unit (2,612 bed nights)
- Federal and State Corrections (267 clients)
- Transitional Housing (43 clients)
- Rapid Rehousing (121 families)
- Bob Janes Triage Center/Low Demand Shelter (1,040 clients)
- Meals served to residential guests (189,310)
- Emergency Needs/Food Pantry ( 14,044 individuals; 2,869 families)
- Meals provided at Red Shield Diner – Outreach Service Center (15,142 meals)
- Health Care for Homeless Clinic (1,043 patients treated)
- Elderly persons visited (2,037 with 4,179 gifts given)
- Christmas gifts to children (26,940)
- Summer away campers (100)
- Clients served in Glades County (1,607)
- Bonita Springs residents served (basic needs assistance – 5,381) (family food bags -16,853)
- Hendry County residence served (family support services – 1,681), (food bags – 4,696)
How did 170 employees accomplish so much? (2018) With the help of 4,493 volunteers who served 25,923 hours!
Learn how you can Do the Most Good>>>
Leadership
Speakers Bureau
Take a Tour
Schedule Donation Pick-up
Crisis Services
Sometimes a personal crisis
such as a job layoff, a house fire, an illness, or an injury can set a family back. We may be able to help by providing crisis services such as emergency FOOD and CLOTHING, assistance with UTILITIES, as well as referrals to other community resources to help families and individuals meet basic needs.
Are you behind on rent payments due to a crisis? Now through June, 2017, we have a program that may be able to help. If you have a child in the home, reside in Lee County, and are behind on rent due to a provable crisis, please call (239) 628-1415 on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (noon). Leave a message with your name and phone number, and we will return your call to discuss your options and eligibility.
Our Outreach Service Center is located at: 2476 Edison Avenue in Fort Myers.
From the Shelter to a Home
Malaysia happily plays in her new back yard, which includes a huge mango tree.
Sometimes the laughter of a child is exactly what is needed to make a house a home. That’s what happened when the keys to Lakeshia Boyd’s rental house were turned over to her.
Lakeshia, the mother of two small children, was homeless and, as a last resort, came to The Salvation Army for help. After living in the shelter for a few weeks, a house became available, and it was offered to the family.
The furnished house was perfect for the three-person family, but the best part, according to three-year-old Malaysia, was the back yard with her very own mango tree! As Lakeshia put away food and sundries in her kitchen, she could hear Malaysia laughing and watch her picking up mangos from beneath the huge tree.
“This program speaks to the core of our Social Services mission at The Salvation Army,” commented Shannon Cherizier, director of Social Services for The Salvation Army. “It is giving a homeless family, who has experienced huge hardship, the ability to thrive. Once in the home, we equip the family with the tools for self-sufficiency through classes, education, assistance, and continued case management. Not only does the family benefit, the community does as well. It is truly a blessing for the family and the community.”
Gabriel Falk, property manager from That Sweet Rental, hands over the keys to Lakeshia Boyd. Boyd is holding her daughter Malaysia, and daughter Azriah is in carrier on porch.
The Salvation Army works with local realtors to provide housing and connect the family with other organizations as needed.
Cherizier continued, “We expect to place 60 families into homes within the next 12 months, so anything our community can help with will be greatly appreciated. Some of the furniture and appliances in the houses are supplied by the rental agencies, and what is not provided comes from our Family Thrift Stores. We are giving families a hand up out of poverty, and you can help.”
Donations of money and goods are needed to assist these families who come from The Salvation Army shelter and, therefore, have little or nothing when they are placed in their homes. A list of needed items is to the right.
For information on how you can help, contact us at (239) 278-1551.
Please help out by donating the following cleaning supplies for families as they transition from the shelter to their own homes:
- Broom
- Dust pan
- Vacuum
- Dust mop
- Mop
- Bucket
- Bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap
- Dish towels
- Bath towels
- Toilet bowl brush
- Sponges
- Kitchen dish scrubbers
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Disinfecting wipes
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
Food Assistance
Children cannot do well in school when their stomachs are empty, and it is difficult to hold a job when you have not had enough or anything at all to eat. Last year, with the help of the generosity of those in our community, schools in Lee County, and the purchasing strength of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, The Salvation Army provided food assistance in:
Fort Myers – 4,463 families with food for 225,909 MEALS
Bonita Springs – 238 BAGS of food
Hendry County – 994 INDIVIDUALS received food bags.
The food pantry is housed at our Outreach Service Center (2476 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers 33901). We try to help everyone who comes to us for food or referrals to to other services at The Salvation Army or elsewhere in the community.
Our pantry distributes food on Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Food includes portion-appropriate canned and dried food, perishables such a meat, bread, produce and pastries. Clients may come in Monday through Friday during open hours to help themselves to any bread and produce that is available.
The pantry is in need of any type of canned (pop-top lids when possible) or packaged foods (especially meat, sauces, dried beans and rice, peanut butter and jars of baby food). In addition hygiene items such as diapers, laundry soap and bath items as well as metal can openers are also welcome.
The pantry is largely supported through the work of volunteers who help manage and distribute the food.
Meals With Compassion Anyone in the community who is hungry is invited to dinner at our Outreach Service Center (2476 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers 33901). Dinner is served every evening, seven days a week, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meals are donated by local restaurants or they are cooked in the kitchen of our Red Shield Lodge. Last year, volunteers served an average of 674 meals per week. Diners have access to a shower station. Because of this, single-use-sized shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors and feminine hygiene items are needed. You Can Help! We need individuals and groups who to help serve and/or prepare meals and bring them to our location to be served to our dinner guests. This is an incredible hands-on opportunity to truly serve our neighbors in need. Church groups, civic organizations or businesses can support the program on a regular basis, adopting a day per month or quarter to help us help others throughout the year.
- coordinate a canned food drive
- donate hygiene items (shampoo, laundry soap, diapers, feminine hygiene products, disposable razors, etc.)
- individuals, groups or restaurants can bring in enough dinner for 80 people to Sally’s Cafe
- volunteer to serve dinners
- work at the food pantry
To learn more about these and other community service opportunities contact our volunteer coordinator at 239-278-1551.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
- laundry detergent
- inexpensive can openers
- diapers
- towels and wash cloths
MEALS WITH COMPASSION NEEDS
- diapers (for adults and babies)
- feminine hygiene products
- soap
- shampoo
- razors
- men’s shaving foam
- toilet paper
Utilities Assistance
To see if you qualify for assistance, please call and leave a message on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. – noon at (239) 628-1417. This is a first-come, first-served service and it does require documentation of certain items. If you qualify for assistance, we will call you (within 48 hours) to schedule an interview.
If you have questions about eligibility or what documentation you need, call our receptionist at (239) 334-3745.
Clothing Vouchers
We assist families with verifiable emergencies with both clothing and furniture vouchers to use at our local Family Thrift Stores. To quality, you must have verification of an emergency.
To see if you qualify, call the Outreach Service Center at (239) 334-3745 to set up an appointment. We accept walk ins on Wednesday-Friday.
The Outreach Service Center is located at
2476 Edison Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 334-3745
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Donate clothing to our Family Stores.
For information, contact the Community Relations Office at (239) 278-1551.
Family Store Locations
- 4506 Del Prado S., Cape Coral
(239) 540-0265 - 15418 S. Tamiami Tr., Ft. Myers
(239) 267-9652 - 1855 Boy Scout Dr., Ft. Myers
(239) 628-1147
Shelter
Corrections
Service Centers
WAYS WE HELP
The Salvation Army is serving more people in the United States than ever before. We are already seeing large increases in the number of Americans seeking the basic necessities of life – food, shelter, and warmth. Approximately 30 million people received help from The Salvation Army last year.
Support for Adults
Children and Families
International
Disaster Relief
The Salvation Army has many locations and services:
Administrative & Corps Office (Church)
10291 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
(239) 278-1551
Red Shield Lodge (Social Services, Family, Medical and Corrections Services)
2400 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 334-3745
Bob Janes Triage Center (Low Demand Shelter and Veterans’ Services)
2789 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33905
(239) 275-3222 or (239) 791-0110
Outreach Service Center (Evening Meals With Compassion and Food Pantry)
2476 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 334-3745
Bonita Springs Mission Station
26820 Old U.S. 41 Rd.., Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 948-5200
Services offered at the Bonita Outreach Center>>>
Clewiston Outreach Center
969 W. Sugarland Hwy, Clewiston, FL 33440
(863) 233-6190
Services offered at the Clewiston Outreach Center>>>
LaBelle Outreach Center
133 N. Bridge St. LaBelle, FL 33935
(863) 674-1441
Services offered at the LaBelle Outreach Center>>>
Lehigh Acres Outreach Center
25 Homestead Road, Unit 42A, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
(239) 491-6071
Make Donations and shop at our Family Stores (thrift stores)
(239) 337-0955 or (800) SA-TRUCK 1-800-728-7825
- South – 15418 S Tamiami Trl, Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 267-9652
- Cape Coral – 4506 Del Prado Blvd, Suite D, Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 540-0265
Lee Hendry & Glade Counties
Fort Myers Area Command
10291 McGregor Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Phone
(239) 278-1551
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