Pasta Sauce
The Mission of The Cafe Is to see the broken repaired, the hurting healed, and the desperate enjoying hope.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission at The Salvation Army is a simple one: to meet human need in His name, without discrimination.
Every day, thanks to the service of our staff and the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we pursue that mission, serving South Pinellas County/Greater St. Petersburg.
As a faith-based social services provider, The Salvation Army is uniquely suited to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of poverty in individuals and families.
Despite the improving economy, many of our fellow Americans are struggling.
Some are trapped in intergenerational cycles of poverty.
Others labor in low-wage jobs without the education or training that 21st century employment requires.
Single mothers, those challenged by addictions, and the recently incarcerated also face unique challenges.
Here in South Pinellas County/Greater St. Petersburg in 2018, The Salvation Army served more than 34,000 men, women and children providing 210,204 meals and 107,658 nights of shelter.
During the holidays we shared 5,544 gifts to children in need and throughout the year distributed 4,358 bags of food for families struggling to make ends meet.
Together staff, donors and volunteers, we are Doing the Most Good.
Our Local Leadership
ST. PETERSBURG AREA COMMAND(Southern Pinellas County)
Area Commanders – Lt. Colonels Gary W. and Suzanne H. Haupt
Lt. Colonels Gary W. and Suzanne H. Haupt presently serve as the Area Commanders for Greater St. Petersburg. As Area Commanders they direct services and ministries which include Sallie House and Children’s Village as well as comprehensive homeless services and direct community based crisis services for families.
Lt. Colonel Suzanne Haupt is a native of Mobile, Alabama and lived most of her years before marriage in the house that her father designed and helped build. A graduate of Auburn University, Lt. Colonel Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Education.
Lt. Colonel Gary Haupt was born in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to a blue collar family. He grew up amidst the uncertainty of the Cold War and in a family lacking a father. First, his grandparents, and later his mother instilled in him a sense of justice and fair play and a general understanding of God that enhanced his later integration into the Christian faith. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
The Haupts have been officers of The Salvation Army since 1982, with various appointments having served in LA, MS, FL, GA, and MD.
In 2008 they served at The Salvation Army National Headquarters, Lt. Colonel Gary as the National Treasurer/ Secretary for Business Administration and Lt. Colonel Suzanne as National Secretary for Personnel until 2011. In late 2015, they served joyfully in the Eastern Europe Territory, he as the Territorial Secretary for Business Administration; she first as Territorial Project Officer and later as Assistant to the Chief Secretary and Executive Secretary.
Lt. Colonels Haupt have been married for 37 years. They have three grown children and are blessed with six incredible grandchildren.
Gary.Haupt@uss.salvationarmy.org
Suzanne.Haupt@uss.salvationarmy.org
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Timothy Mann | Chairperson
Matt Luckey | Vice Chairperson
William “Bill” McQueen | Treasurer
Cheryl Gowen | Secretary
Lt. Colonel Gary Haupt | Area Commander
Mary Wyatt Allen
Roy Binger
Susan L. Blackburn
Lounell Britt
Melissa Byers
Norris Counts
Richard R. “Dick” Crippen
G. Kristin Delano, Esq.
Larry Fasan
Hal Heitler
Bill Hoyt
William “Bill” Kent
Malcolm King
Robert B. Moler, Jr.
Gordon A. Norton
Lee Romig
Mark Stalker
Joseph “Joe” Serrano
Richard Torra
Jay M. Walker
EX-OFFICIO
Lt. Colonel Gary Haupt
Area Commander
Lt. Colonel Suzanne Haupt
Area Commander
Major Donald Smith
Adult Rehabilitation Center
KEY STAFF DIRECTORY
Majors Chris and Heidi Farrell
Corps Officers
Chaplain Jay Deaton
Downtown Cafe Ministry
Barbara Bryan
Area Commander Administrative Assistant/Contract Specialist
Randi-lyn Farrell
Development Director
Holly Harmon
Social Services Director
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Careers
Find a Job You Love – View openings and apply online
Worship Opportunities
Welcome to the St Petersburg Citadel Corps
(Worship Center)
We are glad you are here. Among our pages you will find helpful information on who we are and what we do here in the southern Pinellas County community as well as in Florida, in the United States and around the world.
Our Corps (worship center) is a place that is full of activity. We offer many different types of programs throughout the year and we are certian we can help you find something of interest to you.
On Sunday morning and evening we conduct worship services that are open to the public where we have a great time of singing, Bible reading, and preaching. We are a holiness based church that is eager to reach out to the lost of our community and invite them to join with us as we strive to live our lives for Jesus.
We offer a variety of programs geared toward men, women, children, senior citizens, and the greater community at large. Some of the programs are designed to help build character in our youth as they grow up in a day and age that constantly challenges them and their faith. We also offer programs for men and women that provide fellowship, education, food and fun. Theses groups are always looking for new people to join them for fellowship.
Our Ministry Team are Majors Chris and Heidi Farrell. The Farrells have served throughout the state of Florida ministering and providing God’s love to others in practical ways – offering a cup of coffee, teaching the scripture, praying for the needs of the community and listening to the Lord’s leading. They would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and share with you the vision they have for ministry here in St. Petersburg as well as to introduce you to the many programs we offer.
If you do not have a church home we invite you to join us for worship:
- Sunday School – Sunday 9:30 am
- Holiness Meeting (Worship Service) – Sunday 10:45 am
- Salvation Meeting – calendar varies – call 727-323-2222 for update
- Youth Character Building Activities – Tuesday 5 pm
- Weekly Bible Studies – Wednesday 5:30 pm
Our address: Salvation Army St. Petersburg FL Citadel Corps
3800 9th Ave N St Petersburg, FL 33713 [Map]
The Salvation Army Downtown Corps (Non-traditional Worship Center) is a less traditional worship experience. The Downtown Worship Center, or ‘The Cafe,’ has a much more focused ministry approach to a specific target population in our community. The main population served by The Cafe is the homeless and poor of St. Petersburg. In a non-traditional setting of a coffee shop, people can come daily to receive a cup of hot coffee and sit and visit with others and the ministry staff of the Downtown Corps.
This mission is accomplished through four forms of ministry that include worship, discipleship, mission and social action. Through the use of these forms of ministry The Cafe is eager to change the world and the people that come through their doors on a daily basis.
We invite you to join us for worship
Worship Service
Sunday 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm
The Cafe
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Monday – Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Our address: Salvation Army St. Petersburg FL Downtown Café 1400 4th Street South St Petersburg, FL 33701 [Map]
Emergency Social Services
The Salvation Army’s Social Services Department encompasses a wide range of programs to help individuals and families overcome daunting obstacles.
The Salvation Army’s grand design in social work has always been one of empowerment, enabling those in need to change their life’s circumstances and overcome challenges that stand in their way.
For assistance or more information:
1400 4th Street South – St. Petersburg, FL 33701 – 727-822-4954
Services include emergency assistance, self-sufficiency programming, counseling, referral services and much more.
Emergency Shelter
Designed for men, women and families who are facing homelessness. The shelter provides case management services as well as three meals a day.
Emergency Food
Housed families or individuals in need will receive a small bag of groceries to supplement monthly food expenses.
Anyone is welcome to enjoy lunch in the community kitchen 7 days a week at 12pm.
Emergency Clothing
Available for extenuating circumstances. A voucher for The Salvation Army’s Family Stores can be issued for three (3) days of clothes. Victims of disaster or fire must be referred by The American Red Cross and live in South Pinellas County in order to receive a voucher for seven (7) days of clothes.
Furniture Assistance
Available for extenuating circumstances. A voucher for The Salvation Army’s Family Stores can be issued for the necessary furnishings (i.e. bed mattresses, frames etc.) Victims of disaster or fire must be referred by the American Red Cross and live in South Pinellas County.
Financial Assistance
Available once every twelve months for electric, gas or water bills but is limited to emergency situations. Emergency situations are justified by producing a Shut-off Notice or a Notice of Eviction. No deposits or rent.
Children’s Services
Sallie House
This Program is designed to be a safe haven for children ages birth to seventeen years who have been removed from their home because of abuse, neglect, abandonment or any situation that causes the home to be unsafe for the child.
Children may stay at Sallie House from one night to one year depending on whether they can be reunified with their parents, placed with relatives, placed in a foster home or adopted by a loving family.
The dedicated staff at Sallie House is ready 24 hours a day 7 days a week to provide the comfort and care these children so desperately need and deserve with the goal of providing an atmosphere that is as normal as possible until arrangements for each child’s long-term care can be made.
Sallie House is a safe haven for children, infant to seventeen years of age, who have been removed from their home because of abuse or, neglect or — even abandonment. Children may stay there as long as needed — for a few hours or several months — until they can be safely reunited with parents, placed with relatives, taken into a foster home, or adopted by a loving family.
In the 24 years since the doors were opened to these most vulnerable members of our community, Sallie House has sheltered more than 2,500 children.
Children’s Village
This program is designed to provide stable, long-term placement for large, hard-to-place sibling groups who have been removed from their families and not reunited because the risk of neglect or abuse is too great.
In addition, adoption planning has been unsuccessful and remains unlikely. Each home in Children’s Village serves six children ranging in age from birth to 18 years.
Every child needs a family… Every community needs its children.
The Salvation Army’s Children’s Village provides a home, a neighborhood and a community theses youngsters can call their own-with the security of knowing they can live in the Village throughout their childhood.
Children’s Village is designed for children in foster care, with special emphasis on keeping brothers and sisters together.
These children have been removed from their families and can not be reunited because the risk of abuse or neglect is too great, or because there is no family with whom to reunify. Adoption planning has not been successful for them and many have been in multiple foster care placements. Some of the children placed in the Village are members of sibling groups who would likely be separated if placed elsewhere.
Each child needs a stable place to call “home”.
Children’s Village is a neighborhood of four single family homes with areas for play and recreation. The length of stay is expected to be until the children reach adulthood. Children can leave sooner if an opportunity for reunification or adoption becomes available. A respite companion is provided to each home, giving the parents time to themselves, while the children will be familiar and comfortable with the companion while the parents are away.
No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination under any program or activity. Foreign language and sign language interpreters will be made available at no charge to the client.
Adult Rehabilitation Center
The Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) is a six-month residential substance abuse program, which houses up to 104 mostly indigent men at no cost to them.
The Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) is a six-month residential substance abuse program, which houses up to 104 mostly indigent men at no cost to them. They are provided with nutritious meals and clean housing in a stable environment. These men receive the benefit of group therapy, guidance and skilled spiritual counseling in a “work therapy” type program.
As part of their job training they learn trades such as furniture refinishing, appliance and computer repair, through the processing and repair of donated items, such as clothing, furniture, appliances and bric-a-brac. The renovated items are sold to the public through the Army’s thrift stores, with the profits used to maintain the center and its programs.
The ARC is the only department of The Salvation Army that is totally financially self-generating.
The demand for this service in our community is ever present. The ARC is the solution to the formerly destructive and life threatening behaviors of its residents. It continues daily to change lives by providing stability and normalcy where there was none.
Christmas Assistance
Christmas Registration
The Salvation Army of St. Petersburg provides Christmas assistance for residents of South Pinellas County. The Angel Tree program is for low-income families with children ages 12 and younger. Senior Christmas Food Baskets are for Seniors (ages 55+).
If you or someone you know may be in need this Christmas please refer to the information below.
Date: September 24-28, 2018
9/24 Monday 9—11:30 am and 1—4 pm
9/25 Tuesday 9—11:30 am and 1—4 pm
9/26 Wednesday 9—11:30 am and 1—4 pm
9/27 Thursday 10—11:30 am and 1—7 pm
9/28 Friday 9—11:30 am and 1—4 pm
Location
The Salvation Army – 3800 9th Avenue North – St. Petersburg, FL 33713
DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR APPLICATION:
- Picture ID for all adults in the household (copies are acceptable).
- Birth Certificates for all children in the home, 0—12 years of age.Child’s immunization record with date of birth can be used in lieu of a birth certificate.
- Verification of Income (i.e. Pay Stubs, Unemployment, Social Security Benefit Statement, Child Support Statement, Letter of Support, SNAPS, TANF, etc.)
- Proof of Residency (i.e. Utility bill, Lease) Applicant must live South of Ulmerton Road.
- If you are not the legal parent, please provide proof of custody of the child.
- Come prepared with Clothing Sizes (Pant, Shirt, and Shoes) and a Christmas Gift Wish for all children birth—12 years of age.
Everyday Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Services
Sallie House – Children’s Village
Volunteers are needed at our foster care emergency group home and foster care homes to assist children with homework, help staff with cleaning, accompany the staff and children on outings and organize fun activities for the children.
ONE-STOP RESOURCE AND OUTREACH CENTER
Help with programs and services targeting the prevention of new homelessness and increase services available to all. The One-Stop needs volunteers to help with computer training, job searches, resume writing and interview coaching. Open 9 AM – 12 PM Monday through Friday.
EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES
Response and recovery services include, but are not limited to: mobile feeding, congregate feeding, distribution centers, spiritual counseling and financial assistance. Needs are in national and international locations. Local volunteers are needed to respond to multiple alarm fires to provide assistance to city and county responders and to assist with local disaster recovery.
To learn more or to register as a disaster volunteer please visit: http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/
GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
Everyday there are opportunities for large group (corporate, civic, church and school) to partner with The Salvation Army to provide basic needs, support and hope to those in need in our community. Contact Wonetha Hall to schedule an opportunity.
Red Shield Lodge Homeless Shelter / Community Kitchen
The Salvation Army Red Shield Lodge serves men, women and children in a 110 bed emergency shelter. Each day The Salvation Army serves nearly more than 200 meals a day to individuals and families in need of lunch and dinner.
Stock our Shelves:
Volunteer to organize, sort and fill grocery bags for individuals and families in need of food assistance.
Volunteers needed: 9am to 12pm – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Serve Meals:
Help prepare, serve and clean-up while sharing a smile with individuals and families in the community dining room.
Volunteers needed: Lunch 9am – 1pm; Dinner 2pm – 6pm; 7 days a week
Cafe Assistance:
Help serve coffee and snack while providing encouragement to homeless and at-risk individuals.
Volunteers needed: 9am to 12pm – Monday – Friday
Volunteer Drives:
- Adult Toiletry Kits: soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, comb, brush, hair accessories, feminine hygiene products, manicure set, deodorant, disposable razors.
- Laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.
- Children and infants: disposable diapers, pull-ups, bottles, pacifier, baby food and formula.
- General supplies: sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, washcloths, school supplies.
- Food: Non-perishable food items – canned vegetables, fruit and meat, peanut butter, mac n cheese, ect.
For more information about volunteer opportunities
Call Ron George at The Salvation Army 727-550-8080 ext 328
or email Ronald.George@uss.salvationarmy.org
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
It’s that time again, when The Salvation Army prepares to help hundreds of families in in the St. Petersburg/South Pinellas County area with gifts of love and hope for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
YOU can make a difference by joining us in a number of Thanksgiving and Christmas volunteer initiatives.
BELL RINGING: Nov. 17 – Dec. 24
Change Goes In. Change Comes Out! Give Hope!
A special goal is to increase the number of Volunteer Bell Ringers this year. The annual Red Kettle Christmas fundraising campaign started in 1891 when a Salvation Army Captain in San Francisco set up a crab pot at Oakland Ferry Landing to collect donations to feed the poor at Christmas. The campaign has since become one of the longest-running and most recognizable fundraising efforts in the world.
Be an ambassador to the community for The Salvation Army. Your club, group or company employees can ring bells at a community location to help us raise funds and give hope to families in our community. Minimum shift is two hours but why don’t you take a day and ask your friends to ring?
Pick your location and sign up for a shift today at RegisterToRing.com.
Holiday Assistance Calendar
Pinellas County Schools Food Drive
Angel Tree
Nov. 10 – Dec. 8
Volunteers are needed at the Angel Tree Booth located inside Tyrone Square Mall (by JCPenney). Hours are flexible from 11am to 8pm Monday through Saturday. Minimum 2 -hour shift.
To volunteer email Ronald.George@uss.salvationarmy.org.
To ‘host’ an Angel Tree in your office/lobby/store/church. Contact Randi-lyn.Farrell@uss.salvationarmy.org
Thanksgiving Day of Caring
Nov. 24
Come help prepare, serve and clean-up after the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteer shifts from 8:30am to 2pm.
Christmas Eve Community Dinner
Christmas Canned Food Sorting
Christmas Day Sorting
Dec. 10-14
Help sort and package toys for children in the community.
Hours are flexible from 8:30am – 4pm.
Christmas Distribution
Dec. 17-18
Distribution of food, toys and other assistance to approximately 600 families from the community. Flexible hours from 8:30am – 4pm each day.
After Christmas
Jan. 3 – 31
Check dates and stock food donated to our Social Services Department in the pantry. 9:00am-4:00pm Monday – Friday.
For more information about volunteer opportunities Call Ronald George at The Salvation Army 727-550-8080 ext. 328 or email at Ronald.George@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Donations
Monetary Donations
MAIL DONATION TO:
The Salvation Army
340 14th Avenue S | St Petersburg, FL 33713
Your faith in our efforts and commitment to Greater St. Petersburg make it possible for us to achieve our mission. Your gifts of prayer and financial support are an investment – an investment that will be repaid many times over by the thousands of lives changed each year.
Donate Food
Here is a brief list of items that are needed to give out to residents of St. Petersburg that come to The Salvation Army for help.
Help us provide food for our food pantry by collecting non-perishable goods throughout the year!
Donations can be dropped off Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Donate Goods
Schedule A Pick Up
Find a Drop Off Location
Our Adult Rehabilitation Centers are funded by your donated goods.
Matching Gifts
Interested in MAXIMIZING your IMPACT? Perhaps even doubling or tripling your gift to The Salvation Army?
To those who want to positively affect their world, The Salvation Army is the charity that maximizes contributions.
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company will match your gift, please CLICK HERE.
Once you verify your company will match your donation, contact your Human Resources or Community Affairs Department to complete the matching gift process!
82 cents of every dollar donated provides direct services to the less fortunate in our community.
Planned Giving
Our neighborhoods and cities thrive in part because of a pervading generosity. Indeed, the work of THE SALVATION ARMY depends on private individual expressions of support that come our way in countless forms.
Americans continually set new records for charitable support.
In fact there are many ways that you can make a gift. The most common is by simply writing a check or giving cash. Many of these same individuals and families plan today for a gift that comes in the form of a bequest articulated in the Last Will and Testament.
But there are a number of other ways that friends provide critical support to The Salvation Army. Often the way that a gift is made can have dramatic impact on helping to meet the long and short-term objectives of a donor.
Almost every gift to a qualified charitable organization comes with certain tax benefits, thanks to our government's ongoing encouragement of the private support of charities. However, in many situations it is possible to receive more than just a charitable income tax deduction.
Indeed, certain ways of giving make it possible to bypass capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, significantly reduce estate taxes, and even establish a whole new source of income for yourself and your family.
The professionals in our Office of Planned Giving have been trained to help match your gift with your objectives. They'll provide you with no obligation, confidential information that will ensure that your gift - whether cash, insurance, stock, property or a gift in trust - is timed to meet your objectives and deliver maximum value.
Your support is greatly appreciated and we are available to provide you with information and assistance in this important matter. If you need wording to include The Salvation Army in your estate plans, creating a life income for you and your loved ones, or in updating or creating your estate plans, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact Us
Can‘t find what you’re looking for?
Call us at 727-550-8080
Media Contact:
Randi-lyn Farrell at 727-550-8080 x 330
Randi-lyn.Farrell@uss.salvationarmy.org
Our Officers:
Lt. Colonels Gary W. and Suzanne H. Haupt
St. Petersburg Area Commanders
Majors Chris and Heidi Farrell
Corps Officers
Chaplain Jay Deaton
Downtown Cafe Ministry
Our Address:
The Salvation Army
St. Petersburg Area Command
727-550-8080
340 14th Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
Social Services
727-822-4954
1400 4th St S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
St. Petersburg Citadel Corps
727-323-2222
3800 9th Ave N
St Petersburg, FL 33713
Contact Form
Kettle Krush 5K
4th Annual Kettle Krush 5K/1Mile Fun Run
November 9, 2019
The 4th Annual Kettle Krush 5K/1Mile Fun Run is a community fundraising event for The Salvation Army and for the men, women and children who lives will be changed.
With your support, The Salvation Army is krushing hunger and homelessness and offering hope and a fresh start to families right here in our community. When you see, the iconic Salvation Army RED KETTLES during the holidays remember by being a part of the 4th Annual Kettle Krush 5K/1Mile Fun Run you too are krushing hunger and homelessness in our community. #KettleKrush
Frequently Asked Questions
When & where is the 4th Annual Kettle Krush 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk?
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019
Albert Whitted Park
480 Bayshore Dr. SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
What is the race day timeline?
6:30 am Day of Pre-Registered Bib Pick-Up & Day of Registration Opens
7:30 am Pre-Race Announcements
8:00 am 5K Starts
8:10 am 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Starts
9:00 am Awards
What is the price of the race and is it timed?
The 5K is chip timed; the 1-mile fun run/walk is not chip timed.
5K: $25 until midnight 6/30/19; $30 7/1/19– 9/30/19; $35 1-/1/19 until midnight 11/8/19; $40 race day
1-mile walk/run – $20 until midnight 11/8/19; $25 race day
What is included in the participant registration price?
Chip timed numbered bib (5K); non-chip timed bib (1 mile)
A dri-fit shirt—5K only—guaranteed if registered by 10/25/19
NOTE: Shirts are not guaranteed if registering after 10/25/19
Finisher medal for all participants in the 5K & 1 Mile
Are there Awards?
Awards presented to Overall 1st place M/F and to Overall 1st place M/F youth (ages 9 & under)
1st place only M/F awards as follows: 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
How do I register for the Kettle Krush 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk?
All registrations must be completed on-line at: (RunSignUp link will be published soon)
Can I pick up someone else’s race bib or can someone pick up mine?
Yes, you can pick up for others, however, you must bring a copy of that person’s registration confirmation or photo ID
Where do I park on race day?
Parking is not available in Albert Whitted Park due to race staging.
We suggest using the City of St. Petersburg street parking and parking garages near Albert Whitted Park.
Parking fees will apply.
Is gear-check available race morning?
Gear check/hold is not available on race day.
Are bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, wheeled shoes or other wheeled transportation allowed in the race?
For safety reasons, except for participants pushing a baby stroller/jogger, no wheeled vehicles including but not limited to scooters, rollerblades, rolling shoes and bicycles are allowed on the race course. Participants pushing a baby stroller/jogger will line up in a designated start corral.
Are dogs allowed at the race?
Yes. For safety reasons, dogs must be on a non-retractable leash not to exceed 6’.
Owners must clean up after them and will line up in a designated start corral.
Do you need volunteers and how can they sign up?
YES, we always need volunteers! Volunteer tasks & times are on the race registration site at:
(RunSignUp link will be included here)
Where can I find 5K & 8K race results?
Results will be available on-site following the race and a link to results will be emailed to all valid email addresses post-race.
This event is designed to provide equal opportunity for enjoyment by all participants. If you would like to request any particular aids or services pursuant to disability laws, please contact the event planner at (727-550-8080) or City of St Petersburg Community Affairs Division at (727) 893-7345 or (727) 892-5259 TDD/TTY.
Through love and acceptance, Florida man finds hope for the future
News, Recovery, Social Services, Southern SpiritLove and acceptance helps Florida man reconnect with hope Just a few months ago, Ray Kinder could not imagine being clean, being out of jail, being hopeful. When you look at Kinder today, you could not, for one minute, imagine him being anything but.
Kinder grew up in a church-going family, but all was not right. His father was a career criminal, coming and going from prison. When his father was not in jail, he was abusing his mother and modeling the alcoholic lifestyle. He eventually ended up with a life sentence for armed robbery. People would speak over Kinder that he would be just like his dad. It had its effects.
Kinder was in juvenile detention 12 times. He got addicted to drugs in middle school and continued to make bad choices for the next two and a half decades. He was in jail, some maximum-security ones, 23 times. Each jail time was just a pause from his crack addiction, and the pause button would be reset when he got out.
“My reality was too hard to take,” he said. “I kne..