SM

Doing TheMost Good

The Salvation Army Annual Report 2010

SM

Doing TheMost Good

We Shine Because You Shine SM

Doing TheMost Good

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We Shine Because You Shine

Darkness can be overwhelming. Finding a source of light is not always easy, especially when it must come from within.

The Salvation Army dares to reach into the darkness of lost hope to guide individuals, families and entire communities to brighter days. The Army helps people shine, but we don’t do it alone. When a community comes together to help those in need, we all shine. We shine because we have hope in what we can accomplish together. We shine because you shine.

There are thousands of “you” who donate your time, services, income, possessions — and light. This year the Army had many shining moments. We received grants for successful programs, teamed up with Girl Scouts to fight hunger, expanded Winter Night Watch to South Omaha, bused kids from throughout the community to the Kroc Center and much more. Thank you for all you’ve done to help us help others this year. Keep shining.

Dear Friends,We sometimes forget that the work of The Salvation Army is not just seasonal, nor does it occur only when disaster strikes. Day in and day out, the Army accepts responsibility for helping a growing number of individuals and families here in metropolitan Omaha who struggle to gather basic necessities.

The unwavering dedication of the officers, staff and volunteers of the Army moves us to praise Him in whose name they serve. They fulfill the biblical instruction to let your light shine by working to serve God through serving others.

We hope you are inspired by this report and find comfort in the fact that The Salvation Army is doing everything in its power to make our community a shining example of caring and compassion.

Many blessings,

Steven W. Seline Chairman, Advisory Board

Welcome to the 2010 annual report, We Shine Because You Shine.Throughout these pages, you will see many examples of how lives are affected by The Salvation Army’s ministries in metropolitan Omaha. Because of your continued support, many individuals are able to shine through adversities that would otherwise be overwhelming.

I extend a sincere “thank you” to all of our supporters, volunteers and community partners and offer this wisdom from Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” May God bless you!

Your partner in service,

Major Paul D. SmithDivisional CommanderWestern Divisional Leader

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Our MissionThe Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Girl Scouts Fight Hunger and learn the importance of giving.

“Their eyes get big when I tell my young Girl Scouts about families who need the basics of food, clothing and shelter, and they’re so pure of heart, they want to help,” explained Madeline Madden, troop leader and Girl Scouts Fight Hunger event organizer.

More than 200 Omaha-area Girl Scouts shined with the success of their second annual campaign to fight hunger in 2010. Their efforts yielded approximately 14,000 food items for The Salvation Army food pantry.

According to Madeline, the event had an impact on multiple levels. “The girls are remembering this, and that’s part of getting youth involved in the community. I see this as a great collaboration between the Girl Scouts and The Salvation Army to help the growing number of people who are having trouble making ends meet.”

Just Can It makes indelible impression on UNO students.

For one week each spring, UNO students from Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Xi Delta sorority forego the comfort of their beds to sleep in cardboard boxes in

the parking lot of Crossroads Mall. Their motivation is Just Can It, an annual event to raise homelessness awareness and collect goods for The Salvation Army food pantry.

Just Can It gathered more than 31,000 nonperishable food items in 2010. That pleased student event organizer Bill Larsen, but it was the interactions he had with homeless individuals that

left the biggest impression. “We had a couple people visit who were just walking by. They would come up and tell us about the hardships they’ve endured. It was an experience I won’t forget.”

A legacy of volunteerism sparks this teen’s bright idea.

Allie Baxter competes on her high school cross-country team and enjoys running in the city’s various fundraising races. “I was doing a charity race and had this idea that instead of paying for entry, people could donate food.”

Because her grandmother and mother have been devoted supporters of The Salvation Army, Allie came up with the concept of the Red Kettle Run to benefit the Army’s food pantry. The inaugural event was held on Oct. 30, 2010, with an entry fee of 10 cans of food or a $10 donation.

Allie had a goal of 200 participants for the first Red Kettle Run. Yet on the day of the race, 400 people showed up and contributed $16,000 worth of food. “One person donated $250 to $300 right on the spot, just because he thought it was an amazing cause. We’re already planning the next Red Kettle Run,” said a beaming Allie.

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“They would come up and tell us about

the hardships they’ve endured. It was an experience I won’t

forget.“

Shining through Youth Volunteerism

In 2010 alone, individuals gave more than 55,000 hours of time to The Salvation Army. A surprising number of these volunteers were youths who were able to experience firsthand the need within our community – especially for things as basic as food. It is volunteers like these who make the future of The Salvation Army and those we serve look that much brighter.

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Shining through Education

Knowledge is the single most empowering tool that we can help to provide. That’s why education is behind everything we do at The Salvation Army. Here are some programs that allowed all participants to shine brightly in 2010.

New program gives Sudanese youth an after-school haven.

Though 2010 was the program’s first year, as many as 75 children experienced nourishment for the body, mind and soul each school night at the Citadel chapel, located on The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center campus.

The program helps these youths to avoid becoming latchkey kids while their parents strive to make a living. It also gives them the opportunity to explore new avenues such as Manners 101, a class created in collaboration with First National Bank and Opera Omaha.

According to Madeline Madden, Director of Annual Fund/Advancment, “Manners 101 ended with a graduation luncheon on the top floor of the First National Tower downtown, and it was heartwarming to see that the kids had learned very well how to be gracious and carry themselves. They were very thankful to have such a unique opportunity. Their faces were just beaming.”

Back-to-School program prepares kids on many levels.

Since 1998 nearly 100,000 children have gotten new backpacks and school supplies through The Salvation Army and KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program. Now Boys Town Pediatrics is seeing that children

receive care that can even save their lives.

“Doctors and nurses set up mini-clinics at each distribution site and do free health checks. For many of these kids, it’s their only chance to get an exam all year,” explained Lino Vigil, Seasonal Events Coordinator at The Salvation Army. “One physician discovered that a young child had a very serious heart defect. He sent the mother and

child straight to the hospital. The mother had tears of gratitude in her eyes.”

As for the backpack distribution, a teacher at Blackburn Elementary School said it best in a testimony that read, “For the kids who received backpacks, these aren’t just school supplies. These are their treasures.”

Scholarship lets DJ’s Hero keep on shining.

During her senior year at Fremont High School, Emily Essen logged more than 260 volunteer hours and rose above her own health problems to help others. For her efforts, Emily was awarded a DJ’s Hero scholarship of $5,000 to go toward higher education.

“The scholarship money helped me pay for school so I didn’t have to get a job. That meant I had more time to continue doing the volunteer work I love,” said Emily, who founded Little Rays of Sunshine, which provides gifts and meals to children and their families who are in hospitals during holidays. She also volunteers her time to a variety of other causes. 

Named in memory of D.J. Sokol, the award is given annually to Nebraska teens, aged 17-19, who – like D.J. – have exhibited uncommon character and commitment to

good works.

“For the kids who received backpacks,

these aren’t just school supplies. These are their

treasures.“

Shining through Outstanding Programs

More than 20 programs are housed on The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center campus. Add them to the programs at four additional corps locations, the Gene Eppley Camp & Retreat Center and the Adult Rehabilitation Center with its five family stores, and you just might get enough positive energy to light the entire city. But since this isn’t possible, the best we can do is shine a light on some of the outstanding program advancements of 2010.

Winter Night Watch and the people it serves benefit from grant.

In his job as director of Winter Night Watch, John Kuzma experiences both the joy of helping others and the sorrow of an ever-growing need for homelessness services in our community.

“We’re constantly hearing, ‘Thank you for being here’ and, ‘God bless, this is the only hot meal I get.’ You just have to see it for yourself: a whole line of people standing in line out in the cold for a warm meal to arrive. It hurts to see that.”

A significant grant from Dundee Presbyterian Church in 2010 allowed The Salvation Army  to add a second Winter Night Watch mobile canteen and distribute warm meals, hats, coats, blankets, gloves, socks and other winter supplies to approximately 300 people per night. While it can’t take away the hurt of homelessness, Winter Night Watch can deliver a bit of warmth and kindness on cold nights. 

New program helps people during and after mental health crises.

The newly formed Mobile Crisis Response Team is a collaborative effort among law enforcement, Lutheran Family Services and The Salvation Army to diffuse crisis situations resulting from mental health issues and arrange appropriate after-care services – many of which are offered through the Community Assisted Support Services program at The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center.

The crisis team is unique in that it serves both youths and adults, explained Jessica Woodard, program director of Post Crisis Response Services at The Salvation Army.

“Our youngest client was a 10-year-old girl in a foster home that wasn’t working out. Her case manager has worked with her for a while now and is seeing positive changes. She was a young girl with a pessimistic outlook,

but we are seeing her become more optimistic, goal-driven and excited to go back to school. We’ve gotten her to start dreaming again.”

Wellspring grant recognizes life-changing services.

For years the Wellspring program has been helping people recover from lives of prostitution with little attention from the world beyond the walls of The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center. That changed in 2010 when a grant from the Women’s Fund of Omaha was awarded to the program in recognition of the life-changing work that happens here every day.

Typically Wellspring clients are women who have just been released after being in jail for solicitation. The Salvation Army is often the only place where they can find shelter, along with therapeutic services, support groups and life skills training.

Program director Mary Raynovich is thrilled to have received extra funding to help Wellspring participants. “These women are incredibly brave. They have often had a life of poverty or a chaotic family life and ended up on the street where they have been raped or succumbed to drug addiction. Now we have several women who have established their own residence for the first time in years or even the first time in their lives. These are huge shining moments, and we don’t want them to go unnoticed.”

“... we are seeing her become more

optimistic, goal-driven and excited to go back to school. We’ve gotten her to start dreaming

again.“

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Shining through the Kroc Center

“Joan Kroc never learned how to swim or ride a bike and that’s part of the reason she wanted The Salvation Army to build Kroc Centers in underserved communities. She wanted to present people with opportunities to realize God-given talents they may not have discovered otherwise,” explained Major Todd Thielke, Senior Officer at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. In 2010 the generosity of Kroc scholarship donors helped 155 families gain membership to the center, allowing an additional 645 people to open the doors of opportunity in South Omaha.

Swimming programs help build children’s self-esteem.

“Shine is the perfect description of what these kids’ faces look like when they accomplish something like making it across the pool for the first time. They’re beaming,” said Major Cathy Thielke, Officer for Congregational Life at the Kroc Center.

The main pool at the Kroc Center is 25 yards long, which can look like a mile to a child. Many are hesitant at first, especially since most kids who come here for swimming lessons haven’t been to many or any pools in their lifetimes. But as their experience grows, so does their confidence, and sessions often end with a new group of water lovers. Even those less enthusiastic come away with important water safety awareness.

In the eyes of those who are involved with the Kroc Center, we all come away as winners.

Road to Citizenship classes help enrich and improve lives.

Gina Ponce, director of Education and Arts, is proud that the English as a Second Language classes (ESL) are among the most popular offerings at the Kroc Center. “Contrary to some of the negative perceptions out there, people

who come to our country really do want to learn English. They understand the importance of speaking the language when looking for jobs, communicating with their children’s teachers and achieving a higher quality of life for their families.”

ESL is offered in three levels so that participants can build upon their reading, writing and speaking skills. The same class structure also applies to Spanish

as a Second Language classes.

Language classes are only a part of The Road to Citizenship curriculum at the Kroc Center, which also includes an

Immigration Information Workshop and a Citizenship Class.

Community partnerships shine a light on collaboration.

No matter the season, 2010 was a year of strengthening bonds between the Kroc Center and community partners — such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which began providing on-site health screenings, and the Red Cross and Wells Fargo, who together started a free swimming program.

In summer the Westside Nutrition Services’ Summer Feeding Program for children started up, along with the Food Bank for the Heartland’s distribution of free produce on Thursdays. Concerts were heard on the lawn because of ConAgra and other corporate sponsors.

Autumn brought a partnership with 13 area elementary schools, allowing students and teachers and their families to use the facilities free of charge on designated evenings. Omaha Nighthawks players with the United States Football League designated us as their training center.

These are but a few examples of the partnerships that benefit those who visit our center on a year-round basis – and every day we are grateful.

“In the eyes of those who are

involved with the Kroc Center, we all come away as

winners.“

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Locations

Family and Children’s Services Stepping Stones Center — Loving, intergenerational child development and education.

CARES (Comprehensive Adolescent Residential and Educational Services) — Residential and support services for female adolescents including those who are pregnant and parenting.

Early Head Start — A family-centered program for low-income families who are expecting or have an infant or toddler.

Wellspring — Support, education and advocacy for women, men and children who are adversely affected by prostitution.

Real Life Connections — Educational groups and therapeutic intervention for incarcerated men

and women. Homeless and Behavioral Health Services37th Street Residential Readiness Program — Educational, goal-oriented community living for people who are homeless.

Transitional Housing — For previously homeless families that are preparing to live independently.

Scattered Site Transitional Housing — Community-based housing for people in final preparation for independent living.

MASS (Material Assistance and Seasonal Services) — Food pantry, heat aid, summer fan program, clothing and material assistance for people in need. Includes Christmas programs and backpack distributions.

Mental Health Respite Emergency Community Support — Residential care for adults needing psychiatric stabilization.

Emergency Community Support — Immediate brief community support for individuals who have experienced a recent mental health crisis.

CASS (Community Assisted Support Services) — Community support for individuals dealing with chronic mental illness.

ICS (Intensive Community Support) — Daily support for individuals with severe, chronic mental illness concerns.

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan

Kroc Corps Community Center A state-of-the-art facility where children, adults, seniors, families, businesses and groups can come as members or visitors for fun, fitness, education, meetings, celebrations, worship or the arts.

Senior ServicesCharles and Margre Durham Booth Manor — Comfortable apartment living for low-income seniors.

Dora Bingel Senior Center — Social, recreational and spiritual opportunities for seniors.

Goldenrod Club — Opportunities for fellowship and education.

OASIS (Omaha Area Service Institute for Seniors) — Comprehensive array of one-stop community services for elderly individuals.

Telephone Reassurance/Friendly Visitor — Caring contact with lonely seniors through phone calls and visits.

Disaster Services A 24/7, 365 days-a-year program offering relief for first responders and survivors of emergency disasters. Included are provisions of food, water, clothing and spiritual guidance.

Winter Night WatchReaching out on

cold evenings to individuals and families who

are homeless or near-homeless.ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center)Men in despair from drug and alcohol addiction receive the help necessary to turn their lives around. Housing, intensive counseling and jobs, often associated with The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, are part of this program.

Programs 2010

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The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center Divisional Headquarters & Omaha Social Services3612 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131402-898-5900

Citadel Corps Worship & Community CenterMajors Richard & Susan RubottomHubermann-Dietrich Memorial Chapel3738 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131402-553-5694

North Corps Worship & Community CenterLieutenants Joel & Etta Johnson2424 Pratt Street, Omaha, NE 68111402-451-4048

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community CenterMajors Todd & Catherine ThielkeAdministrative Corps OfficersLieutenant Bersabe Vera-HernandezOfficer for Youth Development & Outreach2825 Y Street, Omaha, NE 68107402-905-3500

Council Bluffs Corps Worship & Community CenterLieutenants Bradley & Cassandra Burkett715 North 16th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501712-328-2088

Gene Eppley Camp & Retreat CenterPete Hoskin, Camp Director915 Allied Road, Bellevue, NE 68123402-291-1912

ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center)Majors Laurence & Judy McPherson2551 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68131402-342-4135

Statistics ’10

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010

Public Support and RevenuePublic Contributions and Support $15,521,034Adult Rehabilitation Center Support and Revenue $3,524,169Allocated by United Way of the Midlands $591,789

Total Public Support and Revenue $19,636,992

ExpensesProgram and Services $14,963,479Management and General $661,811Fundraising Expense $1,260,999Adult Rehabilitation Center Expense $3,524,169

Total Expense $20,383,458

Bequeathment There are several types of gift plans, many with donor benefits like increased income and tax savings. For further information and advice, consult your professional adviser and The Salvation Army Planned Giving Department at 402-898-5913, or visit our planned giving Web site: www.salarmygiving.org.

Christmas Total served 23,381

Back to School Total served 6,973

Family & Children Services Total served 4,573

Homelessness Prevention Services Total served 14,787

Senior Services Total served 11,173

Disaster Services Total served 19,493

Winter Night Watch Total served 21,591

Camp Total served 3,345

Corps Community Centers Recreational activity participants 40,727

Volunteer Services Total volunteers 18,099 Total volunteer hours 48,459

Summary of Financial Support

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010

Central Territory Western DivisionMajor Paul D. Smith Divisional CommanderMajor Renea Smith Director of Women’s Ministries/Divisional Secretary for Program/ Divisional Leadership Development SecretaryMajor Steven Merritt Divisional Secretary/ Men’s Ministries Major Christine Merritt Women’s Ministries SecretaryMajor Greg Voeller Divisional Financial SecretaryMajor Carla Voeller Assistant Program Secretary/Divisional Music Secretary/ Assistant Camp Administrator/Moral & Ethical Issues SecretaryMajor Barbara Shiels Older Adult Ministries Director/Community Care Ministries SecretaryCaptain Scott Shelbourn Divisional Youth Secretary/Camp Administrator/Assistant Candidates SecretaryCaptain Jolinda Shelbourn Divisional Youth SecretaryJoanne K. Bemis Divisional Director of Community Relations & DevelopmentDr. Linda Burkle Divisional Director of Social ServicesSusan Eustice Divisional Director of Public Relations & Communications

Linda Garbina Divisional Director of Planned GivingMadeline Madden Director of Annual Fund/AdvancementJohn Kuzma Divisional Director of Disaster Services

2010-2011 Advisory BoardSteve Seline ChairmanNick Taylor Vice-ChairmanJoleen David SecretaryFred Hunzeker TreasurerJack Barnhart**Anne BaxterDavid BishopEd BurchfieldDorene Butler*Michael CasslingChancellor John ChristensenPatrick CombsHal DaubJohn FraserCaptain James GentileBennett GinsbergGail GraeveKent GrishamTim HarrisonTimothy HartTom Hillmer*Ryan HornJeannette JamesLawrence R. “Chip” James IIJoe KavanChris KircherJames E. Landen***Michelle Lebens

Carl MammelSteven S. MartinSharon Marvin-Griffin**Terry MooreJoe O’ConnorDolores OwenKeith PowellBill Ramsey*James P. RyanRita SandersSteve Sawtell**Charles V. Sederstrom***Michael SimmondsKevin SimmondsDr. Lee SimmonsWayne SmithGene Spence**Jim SuttleMark TheisenL.B. “Red” Thomas**Anne Thorne WeaverSue TobererJeff Wilke

2010-2011 Women’s Auxiliary BoardNancy Wolf PresidentKathy Gross Vice President Nancy Hanson Treasurer Polly Goecke Recording Secretary Susan Coffey Corresponding Secretary Karen Spaustat Advisor Ex-Officio Major Renea Smith Ex-OfficioDevra BramJan CohenSusan Conine

Carol CranstonDee D’AgostoMary Kaye EggersMarte EllisJan FaistRosemary FrandeenJulie FritzCris HedgpethMary Alice HurlburtLou Ann LandholmTracy JerkovichLinda JohnsonNancy KratkyMary MobergJoyce MullinsLenore PolackSandy PriceKari Kratky SalemDorene ShermanMarie SimmonsJudy SkinnerDeb SummersSue TobererWanda UtechtAnne Thorne WeaverMarcia WeberKay Kriss WeinsteinMary Yoest

For information on The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary or an application form, call 402-898-5933.

* = Emeritus Member ** = Life Member *** = National Advisory Board Member

Leadership 2010

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AcknowledgmentsThe Salvation Army 2010 Annual Report was graciously created and donated by Wright Jensen Paragon Printing, Craig Fulkerson Photography, Ervin Photography and SKAR.

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