Holiday of Champions

The Salvation Army provides, through the We Care program, a variety of healthcare – medical and dental – services through the collaboration of qualified volunteers and staff.

We Care is a partnership between The Salvation Army and the United Way, with support from community agencies and local dental and healthcare providers. We Care offers both comprehensive specialty medical and dental care services. We Care is Lee County’s only resource for limited, no-cost care.

We Care of Lee County – Coordination of Specialty Medical Care

We Care is a medical specialty referral and case management program. Medical care is provided by physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide their services voluntarily.

Healthcare services are provided to patients who are between the ages of 19-64 and who meet specified guidelines.

Providers of these specialty healthcare services are protected by sovereign immunity, as defined in section 766.1115, Florida Statutes.

Eligibility

• income criteria is 200% of the defined federal poverty level
• must have an acute medical condition which cannot be treated/managed by a primary care physician
• reside in Lee County for at least six months
• uninsured and not eligible for any source which would pay for the needed services (i.e., vocational rehabilitation, workman’s comp, litigation, VA, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.).

Ineligible

primary care, second opinions, motor vehicle accidents, injuries or illnesses that occurred in other states or countries, cosmetic surgery, disability or disability claims, epilepsy, screenings, worker’s compensation claims, pregnancy, infertility, birth control, litigation cases, substance abuse, elective surgery, any chronic illness such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, Chron’s disease, Alzheimer’s, pain management, emergency room or ambulance costs, or medical expenses already incurred. We Care is not an insurance agent and does not pay providers.

Referrals

Cases must be referred by a primary care physician, clinic, or other medical facility.

No self-referrals.

We Care Dental Clinic

Made possible with the generous support of Ron Gardner, M.D., and Gardner Orthopedics, the Dental Clinic allows the Salvation Army greater opportunity to reach those who most need free dental services.

The clinic is located at 3033 Winkler Avenue in Fort Myers (33916). Before getting an appointment, those seeking dental care must first be evaluated at our 2400 Edison Avenue location. Evaluations are by appointment only. Call (239) 628-1454.

Dentists or hygienists who would like to be part of the We Care Dental Clinic should contact Health Services Director at (239)334-3745.

Primary Care services provide treatment of minor illnesses to uninsured individuals who are homeless. Services include, but are not limited to, physical exams, x-rays, medications and sub-specialty care referrals. Care is provided by licensed healthcare providers in collaboration with Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida.

Healthcare for the homeless educates and empowers patients to have an active part in their health and well-being. This initiative also reduces the need for patients seeking non-emergent medical care in the emergency room. This comprehensive healthcare approach increases the likelihood that clients will be better equipped to enter the mainstream society.

Medical Respite Services
Our Medical Respite Unit (MRU) provides shelter while a client is recovering from an acute medical condition. The Salvation Army MRU provides homeless men and women with a no-cost, safe, and healthy environment to recover and heal from acute medical illnesses. Medical care, housing, transportation and meals are provided at no charge while the client successfully recuperates and participates in his/her “Plan for Living” and progresses toward obtaining employment, income and permanent housing.

Through on-site case management, clients who participate in our services are able to access the following in-house or by referral:

• Assistance finding permanent housing
• Vocational assessment for job placement
• Employment leads
• Life skill classes (budgeting, job interview skills, etc.)
• Counseling (domestic violence, mental health, addictions, etc.)
• GED classes

To be admitted to the Medical Respite Unit, one must be homeless/indigent with acute medical issues. Primary admission preference is given to those patients referred through Lee Memorial Health System (our community partner). Patients must be alert/oriented, medically stable with the need for recuperation, not using narcotic/pain medications and must be mobile (may have use of assistant devices). All patients must have a background check for clearance prior to admission.

Questions? Contact The Salvation Army Health Services Department at (239) 334-3745.

View our Auxiliary Aid and Services Plan

Crossroads Adult Rehabilitation Center provides spiritual, social and emotional assistance for men who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves.

Crossroads offers residential housing, work, plus group and individual therapy in a clean, wholesome environment.

The physical and spiritual care that program participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to gainful employment. Many of those who have been rehabilitated are reunited with their families and resume a normal life.

Crossroads Adult Rehabilitation Center is unique in terms of length of program. The commitment at Crossroads is 26 weeks. This longer-term recovery process gives each participant a better chance at changing habits and building better lifestyles.

Each program participant is provided with a clean and healthy living environment, good food, work therapy, leisure time activities, group and individual counseling, spiritual direction, and resources to develop life skills and a personal relationship with God as provided by Jesus Christ.

How Crossroads is Funded
The work program at Crossroads supports The Salvation Army Family Stores, which fully funds Crossroads. Family Store work activities include collection and repair of donated items for the stores. Restored materials are then sold at moderate prices. Crossroads participants also help staff the stores.

Read about our Family Stores>>

For more information about Crossroads, please contact us at 239-334-3745.

To reach and serve as many people as possible, The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties has service centers in three outlying areas: Bonita Springs, Clewiston, and  LaBelle.

Bonita Springs Mission Station
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – noon; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
26820 Old US 41 (Literacy Council Gulf Coast building)
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: (239) 948-5200

All services offered in English and Spanish

Food Pantry (Thursdays) – Families and individuals may come once a month for food bags (dry and canned goods) and frozen meat from Harry Chapin Food Bank and community donations. We ask each household to complete an annual intake documenting basic household information and verifying their income eligibility.

Bread and Pastries donated by Public (Tuesdays) – We are grateful to receive a large quantity of bread and sweets from Publix on Tuesdays and invite our families and individuals to come any Tuesday for these fresh items.

Diapers and Hygiene Items – We make small packs of diapers, wipes and hygiene items available as donations permit.

Emergency Financial Assistance – To qualify for help with past due rent and past due utilities, individuals must show proof of a loss of income or verifiable crisis. The client then takes part in a full assessment and plan, referrals and case management.  We use private donations and administer funds from the Care to Share FPL assistance program for emergency assistance and partner with other local agencies to meet the client’s needs.

Baby Basics – We partner with Baby Basics of Collier County for distribution of diapers to families that have at least one adult working in the household and do not receive government assistance such as Food Stamps or Cash Assistance (Medicaid and WIC are ok).  This is available for children 3 and under. Participating families come each month for a short educational lesson and receive a large box of diapers.

Christmas Assistance 

Red Shield Academy – A long term self-sufficiency program with intensive case management for individuals ready to increase their independence and earning potential.

ACCESS – The Salvation Army is an ACCESS Florida location and has a public computer available to apply for Food Stamps, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, etc. Assistance for the application and renewal process is available in English and Spanish.

Prayer and Spiritual Care – As a church, The Salvation Army offers prayer and spiritual counsel to all clients, volunteers, donors or members of the community at large who request it. All services in our offices are offered to anyone who qualifies, regardless of their religious belief.

If you need help: Please call us at (239) 948-5200

Volunteer Opportunities – The Salvation Army in Bonita Springs would love to have you as a volunteer! Call or stop in anytime to learn about regular and seasonal opportunities. You may also send an email to sarah.clarke@uss.salvationarmy.org

Wish List – If you would like to donate items to help vulnerable families in Bonita Springs, current needs include:

• Diapers size 1-6
• Baby wipes
• Children’s clothing and shoes
• Hygiene items (shampoo and toothpaste in particular)
• Laundry pods

Click here if  you would like to make a donation in support of The Salvation Army’s work in Bonita Springs and the surrounding areas.

Clewiston Service Unit
Hours: Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – noon (for walk-in emergent needs only)
969 W. Sugarland Hwy
Clewiston, FL 33440
Phone: (863) 233-6190
Fax: (863) 805-0386 fax

Emergency food pantry assistance available during normal business hours for Hendry County.

Financial assistance with rent, utilities and prescriptions (on a limited basis) There is an application process for these services.

Christmas Assistance

LaBelle Service Center
Hours: Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
133 N. Bridge St.
LaBelle, FL 33935
Phone: (863) 674-1441
Fax: (863) 674-0867 fax

Food Distribution (There is an application process for these services.

• Mobile Pantry – 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 9-11:00 a.m. at Barron Park (Harry Chapin Food Bank Mobile Pantry truck)
• Food Pantry for Glades County residents – 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the LaBelle office.
• Bread Day – every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m.-noon
• Emergency food pantry assistance available during normal business hours for Hendry and Glades counties at the LaBelle office location.

Financial Assistance with rent, utilities and prescriptions (on a limited basis)
There is an application process for these services.

Family Self Sufficiency Program – available on a limited basis (please call for more information) provides case management for families.

Back to School Supplies – grades K thru 8th (on a limited basis)

Thanksgiving – community is invited to a hot meal on Thanksgiving day (sit down or to go)

Christmas

• Bell ringing throughout Hendry County – contact the LaBelle Service Center to volunteer
• Christmas Cheer – toys for children in need in partnership with Toys for Tots. There is an application process for this service.

Lehigh Acres Service Center
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
25 Homestead Road, Unit 42A
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
(239) 491-6071
Services: Florida Power & Light assistance (requirements apply), emergency food (on a limited basis), referral to other agencies, crisis management