Sarasota

HELP THOSE MOST IN NEED IN YOUR COMMUNITY ALL YEAR LONG

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Emergency Electric Assistance

For assistance please call:

Electric Assistance

(941) 556-0234

Spanish-Speaking Assistance

(941) 556-0233

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Electric Utility Assistance

Eligibility: Households in Sarasota County that have a minimum gross income that is at or below the federal poverty level of 150%.

Required Documentation:

Most recent home energy bill
Final Utility Termination Notice
Proof of Income (paycheck stubs or other proof that shows your current gross income)
Photo identification of the applicant and other household members or any document that establishes identity will be accepted
Social Security cards of all household members
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence

To Contact Us:

Call our Electric Assistance Line at

941-556-0234.

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Income	Maximum Annual Income
Family of 1	$1,595	$19,140
Family of 2	$2,155	$25,860
Family of 3	$2,715	$32,580
Family of 4	$3,275	$39,300
Family of 5	$3,835	$46,020
Family of 6	$4,395	$52,740
Family of 7	$4,955	$59,460
Family of 8	$5,515	$66,180

For Each additional person in the household with more than 8 people, add: $6,720

Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency financial assistance is our preemptive step to stop the crisis before families and individuals become homeless in Sarasota County.

Based on available funding, here are ways we can help:

Rent/mortgage assistance
Utilities assistance
Emergency clothing
Angel Tree Christmas gifts for children
Camp Keystone for children
Summer Camp scholarships
Work tools and work uniforms

M-Fri, 8:30am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm -4:00pm
(941) 954-4673
1701 S. Tuttle Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34239

Venice

M-Fri, 8:30am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
(941) 484-6227
1051 Albee Farm Road
Venice, FL 34293

North Port

M-Fri, 8:30am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
(941) 240-5108
14600 S. Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287

Financial Eligibility: Most services require the person or family applying to be low income. (This means gross income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level during the last 30 day period.) Most families who have experienced a financial crisis will qualify for some assistance.

Program sponsors include the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FEMA-EFSP, United Way of South Sarasota County, Season of Sharing and the generous Salvation Army donors.

Pathway of Hope

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative shifts from treating the symptoms of poverty to breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty and preventing the epidemic in future generations. Through Pathway of Hope, we are helping families overcome barriers like unemployment, unstable housing and lack of education. Working together with parents, we help them get training, further their education, obtain employment, budget their money and secure stable housing. Once those barriers have been overcome, we can break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability and lead families instead down a path toward increased stability and ultimately, self-sufficiency.

Pathway of Hope uses a “two generation” solution because children that are raised in poverty affected families perpetuate the cycle of poverty. That is why The Salvation Army partners with parents who are dedicated to improving their current life situation as well as increasing future prospects for their children. Throughout the program, Pathway of Hope families have a strong support network that helps them recreate the infrastructure of their lives.

The Salvation Army Family Resident Services enables homeless families with children to achieve self-sufficiency and housing permanency. The Family Resident Services (FRS) provides 12 furnished apartments for low cost housing; it is located on the Sarasota Center of Hope campus at 1400 Tenth Street. Families are required to pay no more than 30% of their income for the apartment; water, electric and laundry are offered free of charge.

It is a safe place to rebuild their lives by providing housing services, financial counseling and planning, family case management, continuing life skills education and a strong system of support services. Participants have the opportunity to pay off evictions, legal fees and other debts while increasing life and budgeting skills, education, employability and family income.

Families build community through Sustainability Groups and Pathway of Hope night at the Sarasota Center for Worship and Service, located at 1701 S. Tuttle Avenue. Families eat dinner together with other families. Children play together while parents share the joys and struggles of the day. After dinner, Pre-K children are connected with Children First workers who actively educate children through play and social interaction. Their older siblings are connected through character building programming where they earn badges for skill and accomplishments.

Pathway of Hope addresses family relations while working to create a family network of support. This includes acknowledging negative behaviors, showing commitment to change, and learning to communicate effectively. Through the skills and changes made during this program….participants are no longer planning day to day and living on the edge. They can now plan for continued success and a brighter future for their family.

Any family interested in accessing services may call the Sarasota Center of Hope (941) 954-4673, extension 3115 to complete an application.

Program sponsors include Sarasota County Government, the State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, United Way Suncoast and the generous Salvation Army donors.

Life Recovery

The Salvation Army’s Life Recovery programs provides individualized, life-saving services to adult women and men in Sarasota County who are homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or are incarcerated. Provided at no cost to the individual, these programs not only help improve the lives of the clients who gain sobriety and stability, it betters their family relationship as well as the entire community. It helps create stable citizens who contribute to the overall quality of life in Sarasota County.

Life Recovery is comprised of three unique programs:

Community Recovery Program (CRP) – Center of Hope
Voluntary Interim Placement – Enhanced Recovery (VIP-ER) Program – Center of Hope
Addiction Recovery Program (“Jail Pods”) - Sarasota County Jail

If you have a heart for those struggling with addictions and would like to volunteer in one of these programs, call the Sarasota Center of Hope (941) 954-4673, extension 1306 for an application or additional information.

CRP

Life Recovery – CRP

Established in 2007, CRP – the Community Recovery Program, is The Salvation Army’s response to the high demand for recovery services in our community. CRP helps those suffering from addiction who otherwise cannot afford services to recover from substance abuse disorders. This program is provided at no cost to the client. Approximately 75% of the participants are homeless. CRP is a three to four month non-clinical, abstinence-based, therapeutic community hosted at the Center of Hope shelter.

CRP is built on the 12-step model and a faith-based curriculum. It is run entirely by The Salvation Army, volunteers and member of the recovery community. Volunteers are a driving energy behind the program; many are in recovery themselves and bring with them experiential wisdom on how to achieve and sustain recovery.

Reunification with family and successful integration in society are possible when clients arm themselves with effective tools. As funds are available, transitional housing opportunities are provided to participants when they complete the program. We find that approximately 71% of participants who exit the program and transition to sober living environments – 12 months later they have not returned to homelessness.

Anyone seeking recovery may call the Sarasota Center of Hope (941)954-4673, extension 1307.

Program sponsors are the generous Salvation Army donors.

VIP-ER

VIP-ER is an intensive ten-week residential substance abuse treatment program with 12-month follow-up. It is a collaborative effort with 6 local community service providers, each contributing in their area of expertise. The core services include:

The Salvation Army - intake, room, board and milieu services
First Step of Sarasota – comprehensive substance abuse treatment curriculum
Jewish Family and Children’s Services – wraparound case management and family reunification services
Department of Health in Sarasota County – primary health and psychiatric medications
Suncoast Technical College – workforce readiness and general education diploma (GED)
Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities – employment development and placement services

VIP-ER has served 2,082 participants since 2006. There has been a 76% completion rate from 2006 to the present. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and Sarasota County resident. While the participant needs not be indigent or homeless to gain admission, the program is designed and funded as an alternative for those who cannot access treatment in any other setting primarily due to a lack of resources.

Anyone seeking recovery may call the Sarasota Center of Hope, (941)953-4673, extension 1307.

Program sponsors include Sarasota County Government and The Salvation Army donors.

Jail Recovery Pods

Over 10 years ago, local advocacy organization SURE, Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity, introduced the concept of Jail Recovery Pods to The Salvation Army and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The concept was for inmates to have access to addiction recovery programs while incarcerated. The Sarasota County Jail launched the program in 2009 with one men’s unit or “pod” which soon thereafter expanded to include a women’s “pod.”

Since its inception, hundreds of inmates have participated every year. Over 200 certificates of completion are earned annually. This represents the completion of modules based on developing the life skills needed to address personal issues related to addiction. Upon release, participants often continue the rehabilitation process with the contacts they have established in the recovery community.

The Jail Recovery Pods have marshalled hundreds of volunteers over the years and is run at no cost to taxpayers. Because of its innovative approach and success, the Recovery Pods are featured regularly in local and national media.

Quality of Life

Reflecting the quality of community in the lives of others increases the quality of life for all.

The Quality of Life by Choice model, or “QLife” represents a pivotal point in 2014 when The Salvation Army shifted the focus of our services away from reactive emergency services and towards proactive housing-focused services. We adopted a Housing First approach which means we believe that housing is the cure to homelessness. Today, “QLife” continues to represent our commitment to housing-focused services.

As the only 24-hour emergency shelter for adults 18 and older in Sarasota County, our QLife Shelter is the hub of homeless services. We take part in the Oneby1 coordinated entry system – a process for ensuring all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to housing opportunities and services based on strengths and needs. We serve as an Access Point where someone experiencing homelessness can be quickly identified and assessed for services.

QLife Emergency Shelter

The “overnight” shelter offers emergency type of accommodations to those seeking refuge from the elements. Shelter services are available to anyone in need, regardless of race, creed, age or gender. For those who have never stayed in the shelter, three nights of comfort are provided at no charge. Overnight stays are available to anyone over 18 with valid identification. Participants are provided a mat on the floor for sleeping, sheets, hygiene items, bathroom accommodations, dinner and breakfast.For those who are not working a plan toward self-sufficiency, the cost is $12.00 per night – based on the federal per diem of $12.50.Anyone can access these services simply by coming to the Sarasota Center of Hope complex located at 1400 Tenth Street; check-in is available every night from 7:00pm -9:00pm.

Q Life Rapid Re-housing

Rapid Rehousing is a housing solution that seeks to move people who are homeless in to housing as quickly as possible.

Rapid Rehousing is primarily comprised of three services:

Housing location and landlord relations
Financial assistance and/or rental assistance including utility deposits
Supportive services and case management

Rapid Rehousing opportunities are coordinated through the Oneby1 Coordinated Entry System. A person who is homeless is placed on a community list for housing resources as resources become available. These services are provided at no cost to the participant.

Made possible through funding from U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program Grant and generous Salvation Army donors.

Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT)

The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County have partnered with The Salvation Army for this initiative. It is a tool used by law enforcement officers to reach homeless persons and offer services. HOT was designed to reach long-term homeless persons who are in need of services and who are potentially seeking housing.

We provide The Salvation Army’s emergency shelter resources while extending the law enforcement efforts of outreach, diversion and connection to services. This program serves over 500 homeless adults each year. Referrals for this program are made directly through law enforcement officers and their staff. These services are provided at no cost to the participant.

Program sponsors include Sarasota County Government, City of Sarasota, State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and The Salvation Army donors.

Street Teams

Street Teams is a partnership with the City of Sarasota and The Salvation Army. Since 2012, Street Teams provides opportunities for homeless men and women to obtain stable housing and employment. Designed for able bodied adults, Street Team participants volunteer Monday through Friday with the City of Sarasota for four hours each morning; they seek employment and housing in the afternoon. The Salvation Army provides accommodations and three meals per day, supervision and employment assistance. These services are provided at no cost to the participant.

Street Teams help keep downtown Sarasota beautiful by keeping the streets free of litter. Annually, Street Teams removes an estimated 64 tons of trash off the streets of Sarasota.

Each year, 70-75% of participants gain employment and successfully move to stable housing. Anyone seeking information about joining in Street Teams may call (941)954-4673, extension 1405 or 1503 or walk-in to our Sarasota Center of Hope, located at 1400 Tenth Street.

Program sponsors include City of Sarasota Economic Development Grant and the generous Salvation Army donors.

Daily Feeding Program

The Sarasota Center of Hope, located at 1400 Tenth Street, provides breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, 365 days a year. Three meals a day are served to those participating in the various programs at the shelter complex. Dinner is also served each evening to our neighbors or anyone in need. Breakfast is served to anyone using emergency overnight shelter services.The Sarasota County community has been very generous in donating food to this program. Restaurants, All Faiths Food Bank and food distributors donate food on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Volunteers and paid staff daily prepare nutritional, well-balanced meals.

Community Centers

The heart of The Salvation Army’s outreach in Sarasota County is the Corps Community Centers.

From each center, a wide range of activities take place. Each of these activities has been successful in building relationships and self-esteem, encouraging the youth, adults and seniors and promoting a better sense of community. Activities may include:

Youth programs offered for children ages through teenager
Community fellowship groups
Senior programs
Summer camping programs
Group worship meetings
After school program

Financial Support

Your monetary donations are used to serve the residents of Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Laurel, Venice, Englewood and North Port.

Thank you for your support. Please send your check to one of the following addresses:

The Salvation Army
PO Box 2792
Sarasota, FL 34230

The Salvation Army
PO Box 69
Venice, FL 34284

You may also call 1-800-Sal-Army.

Donate Now

Remember, there are many different ways to give.

Some people’s legacies are written on monuments…yours can be written on lives of others.

Ways to give:

Cash
Real Estate
Gifts from an IRA
Stocks and other Appreciated Assets
In-Kind Gifts
Planned Gifts

Bequests by Will
Gift Annuity
Charitable Remainder Trust
Pooled Income Fund
Life Insurance
Hometown Endowment

The Salvation Army has trained giving advisors who will help you with your goals and plans while helping to sustain our life changing mission. Our professional advisors will work with your attorney or accountant to explain the many gift opportunities available to you and the financial advantages of each

For more information,
please call Glenda Leonard, Director of Development, Sarasota County at (941) 552-5177.

Volunteering

The Salvation Army is a volunteer-fueled organization with opportunities for individuals, families, and groups large and small. Gifts of time and talents go a long way toward improving the lives of those we serve. That is why volunteers are the backbone of philanthropic support for The Salvation Army.

Below are a few opportunities that may interest you:

Emergency financial services office assistance
Food services*, life skills and general maintenance
After-school and youth activities
Disaster Services
Beautification projects
Warehouse services
Mentoring to individuals and families
Angel Tree Warehouse
Bell Ringing

For group or individual volunteer opportunities, please contact Christine Varcoe by calling 941-468-0543 or email christine.varcoe@uss.salvationarmy.org

(* To volunteer in the Daily Feeding Program at the Center of Hope, we ask that you allocate a minimum of two hours of time. You need to be over 16 years of age; 12-15 year old youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For safety reasons, long pants and closed shoes should be worn; sorry, no shorts tank tops or sandals.)

Family Stores

When you donate goods to The Salvation Army, they are sold through our Family Stores. In Sarasota County, the proceeds from those purchases are used to fund our services within the communities that we serve. Every donation and every purchase can make a life-changing difference.

Venice Family Store
1160 Highway 41 Bypass,
Venice, Florida 34285
(941) 488-9300

Open Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm

Donation drop-off available Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm

Items in Good Condition that We Accept

Clothing
Linens
Furniture – sofas, recliners, chairs, coffee tables, dining room tables, desks, bed frames, dressers
Bicycles
Home Goods – pots, pans, dishes, silverware, kitchen utensils
Small Appliances – coffee maker, blender, mixer, etc.
Electronics*
Books, CDs & DVDs

(*We cannot accept computers, printers or building materials.)

Furniture and home goods pickups are available by calling (941) 488-9300, Press 2.
Home Delivery is not available.

Sarasota Family Store
2280 17th Street,
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 952-0349

Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 6:00pm

You may bring donations directly to the Thrift Store or call (941) 951-1744 or visit www.satruck.org to schedule a pick-up

Items to Give

The Schoenbaum Awards

The 2020 Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon Honoring Sheriff Tom Knight

The 2020 Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Honoree - Sheriff Tom Knight

2019 Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Honorees Brock and Julie Leach

Brock and Julie Leach

2018 Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award
Honorees - Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman

(Left to right: Major Julie Whiten, Event Chair Kim Cornetet, Honorees Howard Millman & Carolyn Michel, Luncheon Speaker, Christian Thomas Lee and Major Chuck Whiten)

Special thanks to 2016 Honorees, Keith & Linda Monda ad Bob & Lin Williams for their $50,000 challenge grant.

2017 Honoree Gerri Aaron

Major Ethan Frizzell, Gerri Aaron 2017 honoree, Kim Cornetet - 2017 event chair,
Betty Schoenbaum and Major Sue Frizzell

2016 Honorees Keith & Linda Monda

Keith and Linda Monda, Majors Sue and Ethan Frizzell, Betty Schoenbaum
Event Co-Chairs Gordie White and Wendy Rose

A special thank you to the Jay and Becky Kaiserman Foundation
who generously underwrote the cost of your lunch.
100% of the tickets purchased benefited homeless families
through The Salvation Army Family Resident Services.

2015 Honorees Elton & "Gordie" White

Major Ethan Frizzell, honorees Elton & Gordie White and Betty Schoenbaum. (L-R)

2014 Honorees Alice Rau and Joyce Tate

From left to right: Advisory Board Member Wendy Rose, Honoree Joyce Tate, Major Sue Frizzell and Event Co-Chair Michelle Crabtree

From left to right: Advisory Board Member Wendy Rose, Major Ethan Frizzell, Honoree Alice Rau and Event Co-Chair Michelle Crabtree

2013 Honorees Al and Barbara Siemer with Betty Schoenbaum
March 21, 2013

It was an exciting event this year, especially with the addition of two challenge grants. An anonymous donor provided a $10,000 challenge donation to help encourage attendees to bid on silent auction items and make donations. In addition, the Siemers made a $50,000 challenge grant, so that some donations were not only doubled but tripled the impact as proceeds from this event go to the FAITH(Families In Transitional Housing) program serving homeless families in Sarasota. We thank all the sponsors, businesses that provided items for the silent and live auction as well as all of the attendees. We appreciate your generosity and continued support of our efforts to continue "Doing The Most Good."

Warren and Margot Coville honored on March 29, 2012 at 12th Annual Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon

Event Chair: Marilyn Bezner with honorees Warren & Margot Coville and
Majors Phillip and Donna Murphy

The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon: This prestigious award is named for the late Alex Schoenbaum, founder of Shoney's Restaurants. He served as the 1994 Capital Campaign Chairman for The Salvation Army in Atlanta, Georgia. Under his guidance and direction, $33 million was raised for The Salvation Army Officers Training College in Atlanta, thereby assuring a solid future of leadership for The Salvation Army.

Past Award Recipients

2019 Brock and Julie Leach
2018 Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman
2017 Gerri Aaron
2016 Keith and Linda Monda
2015 Elton and Gordie White
2014 Joyce Tate and Alice Rau
2013 Al and Barbara Siemer
2012 Warren and Margot Coville
2011 Diane and Bob Roskamp
2010 Dr. Larry & Pat Thompson
2009 Tana & John Sandefur
2008 Maj. General Raymond and Margaret Mason
2007 Sandy and Jerry Loevner
2006 Elaine Keating
2005 Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy
2004 Lee Wetheringon
2003 Dr. Robert Windom
2002 Wilma Hamilton

Events/Sponsorships

Upcoming Events – Watch this site for details on future events.

Upcoming Events list The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon, Thursday, March 19, 2020 Honoring Sheriff Tom Knight
For sponsorship and ticket details call (941)552-5177

Recent past events:

The 10th Annual Jail Pod Recovery Celebration Breakfast -Saturday, October 5, 2019

The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon - Thursday, March 21, 2019 honoring Brock and Julie Leach

The 9th Annual Jail Pod Recovery Breakfast Celebration – Saturday, June 9, 2018

The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon – Thursday, March 15, 2018 honoring Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman with Keynote Speaker – Christian Thomas Lee

The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon – Friday, January 19, 2018

Community Engagement and Farewell Open House – Thursday, June 8, 2017.

8th Annual Jail Pod Recovery Breakfast Celebration – Saturday, June 10, 2017.

The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon – Honoring Gerri Aaron on Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Annual Kettle Kick-Off Celebration – Wednesday, November 30th at Phillipi Creek Estates.

7th Annual Jail Pod Recovery Breakfast Celebration – Saturday, June 11, 2016.

Easter Sunrise Service at Selby Botanical Gardens – Sunday, March 27, 2016 – The public is invited to be our guest. Open for personal Prayer Walk beginning at 7:00 am with Sunrise Service starting at 8:00 am.

The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon – Honoring Keith and Linda Monda on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

Doing The Most Good Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon – Tuesday, January 26, 2016 –
Volunteer Trade Show Reception and Luncheon at the Center for Worship & Service, 1701 S. Tuttle Avenue.

Third Annual Kettle Kick-Off Event – Thursday, December 3rd – Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota.

Open House – Thursday, October 1st – Ribbon Cutting and Open House for our new QLife Center at The Glasser Schoenbaum Center. (9am-1pm) 1750 17th Street, Bldg. N, Sarasota, FL 34234

Kettle Coordinators Kick-off Luncheon – Tuesday, October 5th – Luncheon and training for 2015 holiday season is scheduled in the meeting room at the Center of Hope – 1400 Tenth Street. To participate or learn more, call Sharna at 364-8845, ext. 222

Angel Tree Coordinators Kick-off Luncheon – Wednesday, October 6th – Luncheon and training for 2015 holiday season is scheduled in the meeting room at the Center of Hope – 1400 Tenth Street. To participate or learn more, call Sharna at 364-8845, ext. 222

August 8, 2015 – Day of Hope Back to School Event – Center for Worship and Service

March 10, 2015 -The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon honored Elton & Gordie White

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE- Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 7:15am
811 S. Palm Avenue – The public is invited

OPEN HOUSE – Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Center of Hope – 1400 Tenth Street

The public is invited to see the new Emergency Family Dorm Wing and FAITH apartments

THE SECOND ANNUAL LEGACY LUNCHEON- Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 11:30am
By special invitation – call 364-8845, ext. 221

THE SECOND ANNUAL SUNSET CAMPER CRUISE CHARTER – Monday, May 11, 2015 at 5:00pm
By special invitation – call 364-8845, ext. 221

THE 6th ANNIVERSARY BREAKFAST CELEBRATING THE JAIL (Recovery) POD – Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 8am
For information, call 364-8845, ext. 117

Leadership

Lt. Colonels Ward & Michele Matthews

Area Commanders

Prior to their arrival in Sarasota County, Lt. Colonels Ward and Michele Matthews served as National Community Relations and Development Secretary and National Director for White House Relations, respectively,. Lt. Col. Ward Matthews also served as The Salvation Army's national spokesperson.

Prior to their national headquarters appointment in 2018, Lt. Col. Ward Matthews was legal secretary, and Lt. Col. Michele Matthews was the Pathway of Hope director, both for The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory in Atlanta. Before those appointments, they served in leadership roles with the Dallas-Fort Worth Area Metroplex Command, Caribbean Territory, and Charlotte Area Command.

Their experience includes responsibility for more than 450 corporate partnerships during their time as Area Commanders in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, including the Dallas Cowboys, which has raised more than $2.2 billion for The Salvation Army. They were also founding officers of The Salvation Army’s Echelon organization, now with 19 chapters across the country, which provides a forum for young professionals to engage in their respective communities.
Both Lt. Cols. have extensive experience working alongside first responders with The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS). At age 9, Ward volunteered on a Salvation Army mobile kitchen with his father in the aftermath of Hurricane Camille. Since that experience, Lt. Cols. Ward and Michele have served survivors and first responders of catastrophic events like Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Floyd, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Michele also served as the Caribbean Territory EDS director and as the EDS logistics coordinator for the Carolinas.

Lt. Col. Ward Matthews graduated Phi Beta Kappa with degrees in history and religion from Emory University before being commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1984. Lt. Col. Michele Matthews earned dual degrees in psychology and social services from Asbury College and a degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Lt. Col. Michele Matthews was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1999.

Lts. Josh and April Davis

Venice | Corps Officers

Advisory Board

2019-2020 Advisory Board

Marilyn Bezner
Dr. Bill Brian
Carl Clayton
Kim Cook
David Cornish
Elena Darden
Floyd Dias
Dr. Kathleen Galica
Rich Hutter
Rabbi Jonathan Katz

Frank Kovach
Eddie Morton
Stephen Moyer
Greg Pitts
Ron Rayevich
Dr. Richard Rehmeyer
Dr. Parlane Reid
Nicholas Roberts
Wendy Rose
Neil Scott
Sue Sloan

Dan Smith
Kevin Stiff
John Strickland
Paul Sutton
Colin vanAntwerp
Kathryn Greenberg Wilcox
John Williams
Brad Wilson
Ernie Withers
Dale Woodling

Life Members

Robert Kimbrough
Mary Margaret McAdoo
David Farley

Emeritus Members

Joseph (Jody) Hudgins
Dr. Edgar Frush

Corps

News

Sarasota Corps

Monday:

Pickleball 8:30-1:00pm
Afterschool Program (Mon-Fri) 3:00-6:00pm

Tuesday:

Teen Worship Night: 3:00pm-7:30pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am - Sewing Group
10:00 am - Women’s Bible Study
11:00 am - Home League
12:00 pm - Women’s Ministry Lunch
5:45 pm - Pathway of Hope/Community Supper
6:30 pm - Life Enrichment Classes/Youth Programs
6:45 pm - Adult and Bible Study

Friday:

8:30am-1:00pm - Pickleball

Sunday:

9:00 am - Chapel Open for Prayer and Praise
9:00 am - Fellowship & Refreshments
10:00 am - Sunday School/Bible Classes
11:00 am - Holiness Meeting – Morning Worship & Junior Soldier Classes

Celebrate Recovery 6:00pm-8:30pm Sunday Evenings

Venice Corps

After-School & Summer Camp:

The Salvation Army is proud to provide activities for the youth of Sarasota County. Whether it is after-school care with homework help and a snack, a friendly place for teens to go, or structured fun during the Summer, we are here to help them grow and mature in a healthy and secure environment.

For more information call 941-484-6227, ext. 5120.

Club 316:

We welcome and invite the youth of our community to join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, and food. Thursday nights, local youth ages 4-17 come together for activities, dinner, and worship. Transportation may be provided in your area! Contact us for more details.

For more information call 941-484-6227, ext. 5122

Social Service:

Individuals and families may be able to find relief to overcome emergency and crisis through programs that provide a safety net to help carry them through. We offer our food pantry, clothing, and financial assistance by way of funding towards rental, electric, and utility payments, to those who qualify, along with various services for the homeless, and pastoral care.

Sunday (Church Worship)
Sunday School: 10 AM
Worship Service: 11 AM

Monday
Walking Club 9:30AM
Indoor Pickleball 10:30-2
Narcotics Anon. 7 PM

Tuesday
Women’s Meeting: 10 AM

Wednesday
Walking Club 9:30 AM
Indoor Pickleball 10:30-2

Thursday
Youth Programs 4-7PM
Bible Study 6 PM

Friday
Walking Club 9:30 AM
Indoor Pickleball 10:30-2
Teen Night (once a month) 6PM-9PM
After School Program (August-May)
Mon-Fri 2:30 PM– 6 PM
We pick them up at their school
Summer Day Camp (May-August)
Mon-Fri 7:45 AM—6:00 PM
*Schedule is subject to change*

Sarasota County Area Command Administration Office

1400 10th Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Phone

(941) 364-8845

Center for Worship & Service

Emergency Financial Assistance Office

1701 South Tuttle Avenue,
Sarasota, FL 34239

Phone

(941) 364-8846

Center of Hope Shelter Complex

1400 Tenth Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Phone

(941)954-4673 or 953- (HOPE)

CENTER FOR WORSHIP & SERVICE -VENICE CORPS

1051 Albee Farm Road
Venice, Florida, 34285

Phone

(941) 484-6227

SOCIAL SERVICES – VENICE

1051 Albee Farm Road
Venice, Florida, 34285

Phone

(941) 484-6227

SOCIAL SERVICES – NORTH PORT

14600 S. Tamiami Trail
North Port, Florida 34287

Phone

(941) 240-5108

Family Thrift Stores

Sarasota

2280 17th Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Hours: Monday through Saturday
10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Phone

(941) 952-0349

Venice

1160 US Highway 41 Bypass
Venice, FL 34293

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Phone

(941) 488-9300

Contact Form

“If you are requesting financial assistance – please follow the COVID-19 Rental and Electric Assistance instructions under the WAYS WE HELP tab on this site”

Speaker’s Bureau

SPEAKER’S BUREAU

Notice to all local civic clubs, fraternal organizations and churches:

Are you looking for an interesting speaker or venue?

You and your members are invited to be our guest for an upcoming breakfast or luncheon meeting at the Center of Hope. Your meal and a speaker are provided to you at no cost in the center Media Room. You will be provided a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch (including dessert) along with a passionate speaker from our Speaker’s Bureau. If time permits, participants may also take a tour of the center to see first-hand the work that is being done here in Sarasota. (Maximum capacity 100)

Need a speaker at your regular meeting site? Just complete the form below and we will provide a speaker at no cost for your preferred date.

Speakers include: Dr. Kitty Devine, Mr. Ron Rayevich, Mr. Neil Scott, and Mr. Dale Woodling

For information and reservations, please contact Glenda Leonard at (941) 364-8845, ext 1112 or email glenda.leonard@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Fill out the Speakers Bureau Request Form

DOING THE MOST GOOD®

Sarasota County

HELP THOSE MOST IN NEED IN YOUR COMMUNITY ALL YEAR LONG

Prayer Requests

Emergency Electric Assistance

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Electric Utility Assistance

Ways to give:

Lt. Colonels Ward & Michele Matthews

Lts. Josh and April Davis

Family Thrift Stores

Contact The Salvation Army | Florida Division

The Salvation Army Mission Statement

The Salvation Army | Florida Divisional Headquarters