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.

View our Auxiliary Aid & Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Plan

Corrections Mission Statement

The Salvation Army Corrections Services Department of Southwest Florida provide effective evidenced based programming in a residential setting.  We guide offenders, veterans, and targeted individuals in their endeavors to achieve their personal, spiritual, emotional, and physical goals, while providing opportunities for successful re-entry into the society by capitalizing on community partnerships.

Corrections Vision Statement

We, the staff of The Salvation Army Correctional Services Department, see ourselves as an integral component of the community based corrections system in the State of Florida.  Our programs will be known for their quality, integrity and compassion.  We will be equitable and professional in our dealings with colleagues and clients.  Participation in our programs will be a beneficial experience for all clients.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons calls on The Salvation Army to provide effective programming for some individuals under the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system.  The State Department of Correctionscontracts with The Salvation Army to provide guidance and substance abuse rehabilitation.

A number of local agencies work together at the Bob Janes Triage and Low Demand Center to reduce overcrowding in jails and emergency departments. This center also serves homeless veterans.

The Salvation Army believes people coming out of the prison system should have opportunities to put their lives back together. Our comprehensive approach to corrections services helps people become productive members of society.

There are two components to Corrections Services:

The Federal Bureau of Prisons facility uses a half-way house model. Program residents comply with strict rules and regulations and work with case managers to determine their individual goals. Included in the program are

• assistance in making positive transition back to the community
• opportunity to work outside the center and earn free time to gradually reunite with family
• participant monitoring to ensure positive activities take place during transition
• life skills courses such as money management, parenting, anger management and cognitive skills training
• bi-weekly meetings with case mangers to monitor progress

Florida Department of Corrections is a jail diversion approach for drug-related offenses. The six-month program offers intervention to break the pattern of use and gradually moves participants back into society. Residents are referred by certified addictions professionals, and the program is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services

• intensive treatment phase in the first two months requiring participants to stay at the facility
• opportunity to work in the community during the next four months
• aftercare treatment following the six-month program

For more information about Corrections Services at The Salvation Army, contact Kate Geist, director, at (239) 332-0140.

The Bob Janes Triage Center and Low Demand Shelter is a facility which provides a jail diversion program to help reduce overcrowding of jails and hospital emergency departments, and shelter for homeless veterans.

The center serves those experiencing behavioral health crises, who are homeless, indigent and/or intoxicated. Non-violent offenders are voluntarily placed at this shelter by law enforcement agencies or by Lee Memorial Health Systems.

The 58-bed shelter is operated by The Salvation Army, in cooperation with Lee County Human Services, Lee Memorial Health Systems, the Veteran’s Administration, SalusCare, the United Way and local law enforcement agencies. It is staffed by medical and behavioral health professionals. Services include:

• comprehensive mental health/substance use assessment
• short-term shelter at no cost for individuals and veterans including three meals a day
• case management
• housing referrals
• referrals for treatment
• transportation
• mental health and substance use education
• medication management
• financial assistance
• assistance with government benefits

For more information about the Bob Janes Triage and Low Demand Shelter, contact Sabrina Gadson, program manager, at (239) 275-3222.

Read more about the Bob Janes Triage and Low Demand Shelter

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

Holiday of Champions

The gift that keeps on giving.

The joy of opening a gift on Christmas is a feeling we can often remember for a lifetime. The hurt a mother may feel from being unable to provide that joy may last a lifetime as well. After being laid off just before the holiday season, a mother is more focused on putting food on the table rather than gifts under the tree. This is the reality that many families have during the holidays. Falling on hard times holds no prejudices, it can happen to anyone at any time. Thankfully, The Salvation Army understands this and has been able to aid those families during Christmas. A mother who needs assistance could call The Salvation Army and register for help.

These are the kind of stories many at The Salvation Army hear during the holiday season and throughout the year. Families falling on hard times and are faced with the reality that Christmas gifts may not be a possibility. The Salvation Army’s Christmas programs help bring hope to discouraged parents and joy to local children. Local churches, organizations, and work groups hosted an Angel Tree that helped donate 30,000 gifts to disadvantaged children throughout the holidays and ring bells at our local kettles to help advocate change in the community throughout the year.

Christmas is a holiday indicative of the phrase tis better to give than to receive. Volunteers, the life-blood of The Salvation Army, take that phrase to heart. Over 6,800 hours were provided by local volunteers to help make Christmas possible for 4,459 children in our communities. Those that volunteered at the Christmas Cheer warehouse also put their time in at The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles.

The Kettle campaign is the single largest fundraiser for the year where many volunteers sign up to ring the bells. Funds raised during the Red Kettle campaign go toward funding the various programs that help support our community year-round. Programs such as its family shelter unit that helps women and children in dire situations with a hand up. Empowering them along their journey back on their feet with life-skills coaching and rehousing initiatives. Helping find stable jobs and providing emotional and spiritual care along the way to champion their own lives.

This year looked very different than years past. Faced with starting bell ringing two weeks later and nearly $100,000 down, The Salvation Army needed a large rally of time and generosity in order to overcome the deficit and continue to serve its communities in the same capacity. Many of those that were once assisted by The Salvation Army give back with their time and efforts that they were once so freely given. Volunteers and generous donors responded bringing the Kettle campaign’s final number to $676,916.

“It’s our volunteers that make this all possible,” said Eric Lane, Kettle campaign coordinator. “As our volunteers were finding out of our deficit whether through the news or word of mouth, we saw many of them put in even more effort than they already had!” Many volunteers who normally volunteer two hours of their time to ringing bells during the holiday season now contributed four. Those that typically donated four hours were taking full days at a kettle stand. Local fire districts began ringing at kettles this year. While doing so the local firemen challenged other fire districts to do the same. “Calling” each other out via social media and challenging them to ring for any amount of time possible.

The Salvation Army is very visible during the holiday season. Its work continues long after the trees are taken down and the kettles are stashed away. The impact is seen in our local communities through The Salvation Army’s various programs. Its family shelter, out-reach programs, Meals with Compassion, Crossroads men’s rehabilitation program, emergency disaster services, just to name a few that are helping people overcome obstacles in their most difficult hour. Providing a light when darkness seems to be closing in and families can experience not only the joy of Christmas, but the joy of life throughout the year.

As the young boy peers around the corner, his eyes wide open in excitement as he sees what is in front of him. He runs back to his bedroom and wakes up his younger sister who rockets out of bed to see what the excitement is about. The two dart into their mother’s bedroom waking her from a peaceful sleep as she slowly opens her eyes. She can feel her children’s vibrant smiles and it warms her heart knowing she was blessed with this opportunity. She slept well knowing that her children would experience this joy. She felt gratitude knowing The Salvation Army was there to help when she fell on hard times.

2018 CHRISTMAS REPORT

FORT MYERS, CAPE CORAL,LEHIGH ACRES

Families Served – 1,714

Individuals –  6,184

Children – 3,555

Toys – 25,717

Clothing – 7,858

Food bags – 1,181

Gifts – 2786

(The gifts include those given to Seniors in the community)

Mass Feeding –  296  on Christmas Day

BONITA SPRINGS

Families Served – 200

Individuals –  973

Children – 443

Toys – 3544

Clothing& Shoes – 1472

Food Bags – 127

Gifts (WC) – 127

HENDRY AND GLADES COUNTIES

Families Served – 164

Individuals Served –  735

Children Served 461

Food Bags –164

Toys  -922

VOLUNTEERS:

Fort Myers  1398 volunteers  6854 Hours

(Includes Applications, Warehouse set up, Mass Feeding, Distribution, kettle counters, bell ringers and CCM volunteers)

Bonita Springs “Friends” –  72 Volunteers  246 Hours for Distribution

GIFTS IN KIND

Fort Myers Program – 21,733 Toys,  302 Bicycles,  7,858 Clothing items, and 1,149 pair of shoes

Lee County Schools Food Drive –  82,146 cans,  62 schools participating

Bonita Program – 467 Toys, 1276 clothing items, 200 pair of shoes, and 8 bikes

Hendry and Glades – 924 toys

SPONSORS:

Adopt A Family –  17

Angel Tree Hosts -71