the salvation army, alaska division

2015 annual report

“There is no reward equal to that of doing the most good to the most people in the most need.”

– Evangeline Booth • We would like to extend a huge thank you to Color Art Printing. Without their generosity, our stories would not reach as far across Alaska. Thank you for supporting our work!

• Throughout this report, we feature messages of gratitude, authentic expressions of thanks from just a few of the tens of thousands of Alaskans helped in 2015 through generous donations to our programs.

Dear Friends,

Well over a century ago, a small group of Christians in Skagway wrote to Commander Evangeline Booth, daughter of The Salvation Army’s founder, General William Booth. They implored her to send Salvation Army workers. She assembled a team of nine pioneering Salvation Army soldiers and landed in Skagway in 1898, where they immediately began working with the locals to lift Alaskan spirits and fill Alaskan bellies. One hundred eighteen years later, and the work of The Salvation Army Alaska Division and our partners is not done.

We have worked hard to provide tens of thousands of Alaskans with food, shelter, and clothing every year. Your support and assistance has brought hope to those who had none.

This past year your gracious contributions allowed The Salvation Army to do the most good for the most people. In 2015, we worked together to bring relief to rescue workers in Sitka and winter coats to thousands of Alaskan children.

We have been humbled by the open arms and can-do-attitude of Alaska – and have many accomplishments here that will remain with us for all our days.

As officers in The Salvation Army, our calling is to go wherever God and The Salvation Army leads. We recently learned that means leaving Alaska this summer to take on new responsibilities in San Diego. Our roles will be filled by Majors Mike and Cindy Dickinson. We have been telling the Dickinsons how lucky they are to be coming to Alaska and of the wonderful people and adventures that await them.

With no small amount of melancholy we are leaving Alaska, but feel supremely confident that, because of your assistance, we are leaving the state a little bit better than we found it. We are grateful to have had such friends that selflessly helped us do such good.

Our thanks, our prayers, our love to you all.

In His Glory,

George L. Baker, MajorAlaska Divisional Headquarters

Jeanne Baker, MajorAlaska Divisional Headquarters

REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 (OCT. 1, 2014 – SEP. 30, 2015)

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Community Advisory BoardsThrough advisory boards, local community leaders volunteer their efforts to help the Army in maintaining

good business and professional relations. These boards review annual budgets, help coordinateprograms with other agencies, and provide advice for local activities and fundraising campaigns.

AnchorageShannon Titzel, ChairLinda Gutierrez, Vice ChairMarian Estelle, SecretaryLoren Leman, Past ChairCynthia BernsConnie ChambersLainie DreasBill EarlNancy EliasonCory GordonMichael JamesLamarr JensenJanet KincaidCarolyn LemanLois LesterJay PageTony PfisterBill SmithBrett Von GemmingenJamie Barrett Wise

KenaiDuane BannockSue CarterJohn TorgersonTom Wagoner

CordovaRandy ApodacaSuzy BanksTara Craig, SecretaryJennie Grimwood, Vice ChairTJ HolleyPam LongDarrel Olsen, ChairRandy Robertson

Fairbanks Mary BinkleyMonte BowenFred BrownDave ChausseDonna DavidsonLynn DavidsonRandy FrankJerry Haugeberg, ChairPat IveyRita LeakeChristine RobbinsTom RobertsSallie StuvekChick WallaceReed Steve

JuneauAlan AkiyamaMalin Babcock, Vice ChairVictoria GodkinPamela HarperCindy HudsonElmer IgnellOrlinda KittredgeTracy KubleyJane MackinnonCarolyn MartinCathy MunozCarol Pitts, ChairCharlie Retherford, Secretary Mark StrophaJoAn White

Mat Su Robert BrickelMarie ClarkLois FeasterJanet Kincaid, ChairLinda Menard-PostMari Jo ParksPete ProbascoCheryl RiggsSue SmithDavid Tollerud

PetersburgGeneva ChristensenStephen HomerRoxy LeeBeulah LuhrLarry MathenyGloria OhmerAlana PfuntMarvin Ronimous, Chair

WrangellRudy BriskarTy Esposito, ChairChristie JamiesonBetty Keegan, Vice ChairKeene KohrtPatrick MayerTami MeissnerJamie RobertsBonnie RoherDon RoherHarriet Schirmer, Secretary

“You don’t know how much this helps. T ank you so much.”

Community Advisory Board members get ready for Petersburg’s 4th of July Parade: Geneva (Neva) Christensen (left) and Marvin Ronimous (right), along with Lt. Mysti Birks.

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Steve grew up hearing his grandmother tell stories of William and Evangeline Booth and their work to get the Salvation Army started. His grandparents were both Salvation Army Officers in the Chicago area, and his father volunteered too. “I got saved due to the influence of the Salvation Army when I was under the age of 10,” said Steve.

Today Steve and his wife Beth live in Anchorage, where they’ve been for 21 years. They attend ChangePoint, and are drawn to donate to The Salvation Army partially due to Steve’s personal connection and also from a deep conviction motivated by their faith in God. “When you look at scripture, there is a recurring theme about giving to the poor,” explained Steve. “Beth and I look at where and how God wants us to spend our money. All of our giving is from a sense of obedience to God. The Salvation Army is not lining their pocket books. Their mission is a worthwhile cause and they are doing things that help and affect people that matter. We’ve made our larger giving commitments based on that.” The Salvation Army’s work in Alaska and beyond has surprised and inspired Steve and Beth. They commented on the diversity of the Army’s ministries, from helping those with dual diagnosis to helping human trafficking victims. Steve shared, “We want to leave this earth with, ‘You did a good job.’ ”

$100,000 +

Organizations: United Way of Anchorage

$25,000-$99,999

Organizations: Bill Stroecker Foundation • Boyer Towing Co. • Rasmuson Foundation • Safeway Store

Individuals: Frank & Gerti Ahern

$15,000-$24,999

Organizations: Bob Wyman Living Trust • BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. • ConocoPhillips • Estate of Edmund J. McMahon • KTUU - TV • Richard L. Block and Diane Block Foundation • United Way of Tanana Valley

Individuals: Edward Rasmuson • Evan Rowland Norman & Luella Wilson

$10,000-$14,999

Organizations: Alaska Industrial Insulation & Fireproofing • Alaska National Insurance Company Alaska Toyota Dealers, INC • Atwood Foundation First National Bank • Food Bank of Alaska, Inc. Marion G Weeks Charitable Foundation • MEA Charitable Foundation • Petro 49 • Sam’s Club • Sea Mart

Individuals: Nancy Eliason* • Mike Hageland Ward & Tuparna Hurlburt • Frances Mlakar • Mary Segelhorst

$5,000-$9,999

Organizations: 7 Up of Alaska • Alaska Airlines Alaska Community Foundation • Alaska USA Foundation • Estate of John & Mary Claus • Door Systems of Alaska • Fairbanks Community Food Bank • General Mechanical, Inc. • Lynden Logistics Northwest Strategies • Palmer Lions Club Shoreside Petroleum,Inc • Udelhoven Oilfield Systems Services • United Way of Mat-su

Individuals: Hugh Barber • Connie* & Bill Chambers • Paul Daggett • Dave & Jennifer Fox Bernard & Donna Gareau • Petter & Janet Jahnsen Marsha Johansen • Herman Jongens • Dora Klatt Karen Martz & Earl PettyJohn • Nick & Lauretta Pepperworth • Daniel Rear • Lee & Sabra Reid Jo Sonerholm • Jane Sparks • Arlene Steward Shannon* & Mark Titzel • Catherine & I. Lavell Wilson

*Member of a Salvation Army Community Advisory Board† Salvation Army staff

“While women weep as they do now, I’ll fight: While little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight; While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, I’ll fight; While there yet remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end.”

– GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH 1829-1912,FOUNDER OF THE SALVATION ARMY

DONOR SPOTLIGHT William Booth Society

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feeding the spirit of alaskaThe Salvation Army’s primary mission is to share God’s message, which we fulfill through Sunday church services, community services and youth programs in 18 communities across Alaska. We communicate the gospel of Jesus to people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs through music, personal experience, drama and the Bible.

These generous individuals have either established a planned gift or notified us they are including The Salvation Army in their estate plans. They have a special place in our hearts.

Francis & Gertie Ahern • Audrey Ayers David E Berry • Elizabeth Bockstahler James B Bradley • Sarah Broderick Thompson J Brooks Trust • Herman Carlson • Delynne Chambers • John (Fred) Cook • Melinda & Denise Cox Cindy & Dale Curtis • Irene Darbyshire Stanley Edgington • Lars Eide Alvin Fleetwood • Eleanor Franke Allouise Gehrke • Norma Jean Gosnell James Halverson • Chrysta Hamilton Leah Hoffman • Elmer Ignell* Charlotte Johnson • James Kichak Michael Krukar • Beverly DeWitt McGinness • Shirley Stewart McGrath Marjorie McLaughlin • Rob & Pat MacNaughton • Frank Dwight Neill Jr Marie Olson • Walter & Sara Ortner Diane Pasquier • Judith Lee Paye Tony* & Ruth Pfister • Salvatore Qualiato Barbara Quinland • Richard Ray Lee and Sabra Reid • Dolores Rivitt Paul Rupple • Kathryn Sargent • Margaret C Saunders • John & Margaret Steinbeck Phyllis Stinchcomb • Daniel Hubert & Joanne Townsend • Robert Vanderhoff Franklin Williams • Gordon & Bertina Wolfe

“T ank you so much for your blessings.”

On these and the following pages we give special recognition to those donors who generously contributed $1,000 or more during fiscal year 2015 (Oct. 1, 2014 - Sept. 30, 2015.) The Salvation Army has made every effort to ensure accuracy of the information in this report. If you see an error or omission, please contact us at: AK.Development@usw.salvationarmy.org or (907) 276-2515.

LOCATIONS

Southcentral AlaskaAnchorage • Cordova • Homer • Kenai • Kodiak • Mat-Su Valley

Southeast AlaskaAngoon • Ketchikan • Haines Hoonah • Juneau • Kake • Klawock • Petersburg • Sitka • Wrangell

Hope Brigade

Interior AlaskaFairbanks

Western AlaskaBethel

Juneau Chapel

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ORGANIZATIONSAbbott Loop Community Church ABC of Alaska, Inc. • AC Value Center Advanced Physical Therapy • Alaska Executive Search, Inc. • Alaska Frontier Constructors • Alaska OB/GYN Care • Alaska Traffic Co. • Alaska USA Federal Credit Union • Alaska Vision Center Inc • Alcan Electrical & Engineering Inc. • All About Herbs, Inc. • ALPS Federal Credit Union Alyeska Pipeline Co. • Anchorage Moose Lodge No. 1534 • Anchorage Presbyterian Fellowship • Anchorage South Rotary • Avante Medical Center, LLC • Bank of America • Bristol Bay Native Corporation • Brotherhood Inc. Browns Electrical Supply Company Building & Construction Trades Council • Calais Company, Inc. Chapel By The Lake • Chapel of The North • Chugach Family Medical Clinic • Clover Pass Community Church • Color Art Printing Co., Inc. Cordova Church Of The Nazarene Cordova Telephone Coop. • East Anchorage High School • Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC • First Bank Furniture Classics • Gold Miners Lodge Restaurant • Goldstream Valley Lions • Holland America Line • JKM General Contractor LLC • Kaknu Kruzers Car Club • Kodiak Lions Club Matanuska Telephone Association Matanuska Towing & Recovery, INC McKinley Fence of Alaska • MegaWatt Electric • Murrison Incorporated Neeser Construction • Northern Enclosures • Northrim Bank • Old Harbor Native Corp. • Peak Oilfield Service Co. • Petersburg Rotary Club Pilot Publishing Inc • Providence

Anchorage Anesthesia Medical Group, P.C • RAVN Alaska • Rotary Club of Fairbanks • Sea Otter Sound Lodge Sealaska Corp. • Second To None Motorcycle Club Gaming Sitka C. H. A. R. R. • Sitka Chatter Emergency Fund • Sitka Christian Center • Soroptimist International of Anchorage • Spenard Lions Club St Matthew’s Episcopal Church • St. Peters By the Sea • Star of the Sea Chapel • Taiga Mining Company Inc Teddy’s Tasty Meats Inc. • The Sholton Foundation • The Turtle Club Tudor Park Apartments • United Way Kenai Peninsula • Wal-Mart Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club • Wilson Construction • Woods Plumbing and Heating

INDIVIDUALSAnne & Samuel Abbate • William & Carin Adickes • Joanne Alsup • Vicki & Jeffrey Andersen • Jeanne Anderson Paul & Robin Barrett • Jimmy Barrick

Gary & Barbara Baugh • James & Ellen Bennett • Maria Berg • John Bernet Mary Binkley* • Robert Bischoff Margie & Dan Blankenship • Leonard & Linda Bolog • William Borchardt Polly Bousselaire • Sherrill & Deryl Box • Judith Brady • Sharol Brandt Cathy Brenner † • Dyanne & Ray Brown • Leon Brown • Susan Byers Omer & Carol Carey • David J. Carrington • Jeanne & Glen Carroll David Carter • Larry & Barbara Cash William Chambers • Alice Chaney David & Tina Chapman • Lance Colbert • John & Patricia Corning Phyllis Dalton • Lynn* & Donna* Davidson • Louise Dawson • W. Rian & Janice De Lancey • Jeffrey De Long Stephen & Margaret Delisio • Mary Dodge • Margaret Donat • William & Marla Doolittle • Lainie Dreas* • David & Debra Eddy • Joan Edens • David & Joy Edge • Sandy & Stephen Edwards Dennis & Linda Egan • Robert Elliot • Mary Sue Endacott • Steven

$1,000-$4,999

Leah Hoffman & Eleanor Franke, both Red Shield Society and Hope Brigade Members visit with Major George Baker at the 2015 Gratitude Gathering

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*Member of a Salvation Army Community Advisory Board† Salvation Army staff

Epperheimer • Betty & Clifford Everts Gladys Fancher • Robert & Diane Fejes • John & Starla Ferguson • John Fleming • Jeffrey Foley • Gail Forrest Eleanor Franke • Esther & James Fueg Tony Furio • Anthony & Esther Furio Paul Gavora • Mark Geiger • David Gerdes • Ronald Gordon • James Gray Jerry & Enid Green • Harold Greene Ron E. Greisen • Marguerite & Tony Guerriero • Barbara & Larry Hagen Vern & Debi Hall • Kenneth & Deborah Hall • Robert Hamilton Nelda Hamilton & Dora Baird Norma Hannan • Betty & M.J. Harris Gerald* & Jill Haugeberg • John Hayes Lois Hays • Michael Heiring G Kenneth Helen • William & Cheryl Helkenn • Robert Henrichs • Jack & Karen Henriksen • Gerald & Lucy Hepler • Michael Hill • Larry & Melanie Hinzman • Leah Hoffman Karen J Hofstad • Maurice & Vicki Hollowell • Leslie Dean & Don Hopwood • Dr. Ryan Horazdovsky Joann Horner • Charlene & David Howe • James Howell • Charles Huck Bill & Caren Hurley • Marlene & Geo Imbsen • Barbara & Michael Irmen Larry Ison • Thomas & Victoria Jenkins • Michael & Katharina Jensen Todd Johnson • Craig & Terrie Johnson • Randy Johnson • Keith & Beverly Kelton • Gerhard Keyl • Janet Kincaid* • Marty Kincaid • Charles & Jimmie King • Christine Klein & Timothy Law • John Klemzak Jacob Knapp • William & Mary Knox Robert Kranich • Gerd Krause Steve Lambert • Herbert Lang • Chris Lee • Loren* & Carolyn* Leman

Lois Lester* • Carol Lindsey • Alberta Lippitt • Terry & Pamela Long* Susan Lounsbury • Robert Lund & Eileen Lally • Margie MacNeille & Julian Mason • Carolyn Majors David Malette • Evelyn & Gary Marciniak • Betty Marksheffel • Laron & Julie Martin • Robert & Becky Martin • Debra Mason • Gary & Linda Matthews • Ronald Matviyak Dan May • David & Janet McCabe Barbara & J L McCarrey • Melanie McCleave • Marie McConnell Sara McIntire • Rob, Lea Anne & JJ McWhorter • Thomas Melaney Donald & Susan Mellish • Elaine Mills Paul & Anna May Misuck William Mitchell • Carol & Chuck Springer • Jeffrey Mogg • James & Judith Moore • Andrew Moran Leon Mork • John & Suzanne Mues Cathy* & Juan Munoz • Myra Munson Julia Naughton • David & Orawan Neal • Freida & William Neher Robert Nelson • Wilbur & Sheryl Nelson • Paul Nelson • Kenneth Nelson • Peter & Julie Neyhart Margaret & Matthew Nicolai • Iona & Harold Nims • Howard Nugent Gary Nussbaumer • Vincenzo (Jim) Nuzzo • Maura & Joseph Odell • Mary O’Donnell • Jerry Olson • J. Osborn Jean Overstreet • Duane Packer • Paul Patterson • Paul & Marolyn Pedersen Anthony & Madelyn Perez • Robert & Bonnie Peterkin • Raymond & Mariann Petersen • Garnette Peterson Laurence & Darlene Peterson • John & Nancy Pettit • Alana & Jeff Pfundt Valerie Phelps • John Polivka • Edward Popek • Peter* & MaryAnn Probasco

Carol Prosser • Theodore Quinn John & Carolyn Rader • Nancy Rainer B. G. Randlett • Matthew & Kim Raymond • Betty & Roger Redfern Jeromy Reed • Lynn & Jerry Reinwand Charles Renschler • Charles & Rose Rice • Cheryl Riggs* • Dennis & Susan Roggenkamp • Merrilee & Lee Rohwer Louise Rowe • Paul Rupple John & Jeannine Samuelson • Neil & Ruth Sandvik • Thomas Sardy Joshua Satterfield • Dan & Mary Saunders • Patricia Schenk • David & Lynda Scott • Jerome & Gloria Selby Bruce & Diane Shellenbaum • Sandra Sloat • William Smith* • Jonathan Spartz • Ivy Spohnholz & Troy Bowler Fred Stassel • Dennis & Ginger Steffy • Scott Stewart • Matthew and Nichole Streiff • James Stuart • Sallie* & Ronald Stuvek • Mr. Theodore Taylor • Mary Thomas-Mears • Ann & Chauncey Thompson • Harold & Elizabeth Thompson • Dwight Thompson • Marlene Tindall • Robert & Glen Tjomsland • A. Townsend Michael & Barbara Travis • Jim & Barbara Udelhoven • Janet Upton Jerry & Donna Urling • Jeraldine van den Top • Gary & Mary Van Hooser Ralph Van Vleet • Marc & Vikki VanBuskirk • Don & Anetta Vander Jagt • Verna von der Heydt • Brett Von Gemmingen* • James Vrooman Donna Walker • Graham War Harwell & Beth Weckel • James Weiss Ral West • Mark Wisner • Vickie L. Wolk-Laniewski • Blair Wondzell Jerry Wylie • Edward & Terrie Zehrung • Nancy Zverina

T ank you so much. You made Christmas happen in my home.”

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highlights

OPERATION SANTA BRINGS JOY TO RURAL ALASKA

Operation Santa, a collaborative effort between many partners including The Salvation Army, has brought hope and joy to remote areas of Alaska since 1956. In 2014, Operation Santa brought Mr. and Mrs. Claus to Savoonga and Newtok with plenty of gifts and good cheer. The excitement and anticipation of the kids was incredible to witness—a truly joyous night that included music and traditional Native dancing. A big thank you always to Alaska’s National Guardsmen, who safely transported the gifts, visitors, and Santa himself.

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BETHEL OUTPOST OPENS

In 2015, The Salvation Army expanded services to Bethel, its newest and western-most location. Major Loni Upshaw arrived in the community of 6,500 in late July to oversee the purchase and repair of a building on Gunderson that now provides a warm shelter for the homeless during the winter. A food pantry and church services have also begun. The Bethel Outpost – like the 17 other Salvation Army locations in Alaska – reflects its long-held mission to do the most good in all its programs, including those in one of our nation’s most remote areas.

Two players from the Seattle Seahawks, along with the team’s mascot, Boom, visited dozens of children and families at The Salvation Army’s McKinnell House family shelter in Anchorage in August. Linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, Defensive Lineman Jimmy Staten and Boom shared the Seahawks’ spirit and smiles.

The Seahawks came in response to an invitation by a member of The Salvation Army’s Anchorage Community Advisory Board. The purpose of their visit was to bring some joy to the hearts of the children and families of McKinnell House and to draw attention to the needs

of Alaska’s homeless families. McKinnell House is the only shelter in Anchorage accepting single fathers with kids. Seeing dads enjoying the visit with their kids was a highlight for the players, who answered questions, including “Did you have fun at the SuperBowl?”

“Yes, we had fun at the Super Bowl!” Pierre-Louis responded with a beaming grin.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS VISIT INSPIRES CHILDREN & FAMILIES

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Numbers provided pertain to fiscal year 2015 (10/1/2014 - 9/30/2015).For details about FY 2015 financials, see the full report at www.salvationarmyalaska.org.

Government Grants & Fees Contributions (Cash and In-kind) Earned income (Program service fees,

Thrift Store sales, Other)

TOTAL REVENUE$16,650,380

TOTAL EXPENSES$18,830,937

BEGINNING BALANCE$3,865,281

ENDING BALANCE$1,684,724

35%

35%30%

Fundraising: $548,992

79%

Program Services: DHQ & Corps $3,940,971All Corps, Divisional Youth Ministry, Divisional Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Divisional Community Care Ministry, Women’s Auxiliary, Emergency Disaster Services, Service Extension, Events

Residential Services $3,820,611Rehabilitation & Transitional Housing, Residential Services (Clitheroe, Eagle Crest, McKinnell House)

Social Services $7,048,908Senior Services (Older Alaskans Program, Serendipity Adult Day Services), Homeless Services, Rehabilitation Services (Clitheroe Outpatient),Youth Services (King’s Lake Camp), Family Services and Thrift Stores (all Corps)

TOTAL: $14,810,490

18%

Management: $3,471,455

3%

2015

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volunteers

After her school group toured McKinnell House, Quincy (then 11) wrote a letter to her friends and neighbors requesting them to drop off pillows, linens and blankets at her house. She ultimately collected and then delivered a whole van full of items. The most touching? She gave up her very own baby blanket to one of the babies at the shelter. In this photo, Quincy bestows her blanket on Jasper so he can give it to his new baby sister.

In Petersburg, everyone knows Steve Homer’s truck. Its nickname is “The Thrift Store Truck.” Steve drives it to the Thrift Store every morning and evening to take excess garbage away and put donations inside. Steve understands the importance of the Thrift Store to the Petersburg community and takes pride in helping out. He also serves on The Salvation Army Community Advisory Board.

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THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR MANY AMAZING VOLUNTEERS, WHO HELP THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN SO MANY WAYS.

“Keep up the wonderful work. We love you for what you do.”

When Amanda Lynch’s family arrived in Cordova on a fishing boat, The Salvation Army helped them get a place and make ends meet during the holidays. Now that the family’s work life is stable, Amanda and her two sons are giving back, especially by helping during the holidays. The boys went to camp last summer, and Amanda is now a member of the Home League, too.

Bell Ringer of the YearDave & Carol Blacketer of Kodiak (Pictured on the front cover, lower right)

Northern Lights Award for Community Member

Leah Hoffman (Pictured on page 6)

Organization of the YearFred Meyer (Accepting on behalf of Fred Meyer is Michelle Roberts, Store Sales Director, pictured at left)

Organization Bell Ringer of the YearAnchorage Downtown Rotary

2015 VOLUNTEER AWARDS

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Mackenna Page laughs a lot, and there’s good reason why. He’s off the drugs and alcohol that had held him back for more than half his life. He traded them in and likes what he got in return: a new church family, a loving wife, a thriving construction business, a relationship with the Lord, and a beautiful and healthy baby boy.

For Mackenna, it was The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) that showed him how he could make that trade. He’d heard about ARC from another friend when they were both still incarcerated.

The first month of the 6-month residential work program was the most difficult. “They call it Blackout. You can’t call your family or friends or really talk to anyone.”

The focus is on your individual recovery, said Mackenna. And although he wasn’t a believer, he started listening to the morning devotions and learning about the Lord. “It was appealing after awhile,” he said. “They didn’t push it on us, but showed us how it helped others.”

“When I was there, my main focus was to find a new group of people that are doing good. If people are holding you back, you have to let them go…it’s your life or theirs.”

Although recovery from addiction is a daily struggle, having an extended church family that provides care and comfort is an amazing blessing, says Mackenna. “I can’t even explain

it,” he said – with a laugh.

THE SALVATION ARMY SERVES THOSE MOST IN NEED,

INCLUDING ADULTS STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION AND

THOSE FACING HOMELESSNESS.

homeless & rehabilitation services

ADULT REHABILITATION CENTER • CLITHEROE CENTER • EAGLE CREST RESIDENCE • CORPS COMMUNITY CENTERS THROUGHOUT ALASKA

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“I did not expect such wonderful gifts....”

It’s been 13 years since Kelvin Lee graduated from treatment for drug addiction at Clitheroe Center’s residential treatment facility. In that time, he’s bought a car and house and started No Limits Inc., a non-profit adult post-prison re-entry program in Fairbanks.

Last year Kelvin added another milestone: addressing dozens of residents at Clitheroe to tell his story.

When he came to Clitheroe, Kelvin told them, he was a crack addict who had already been through eight other treatment programs. “This,” he said, “is the only treatment program I completed.”

It was at Clitheroe that a counselor encouraged him to see his frequent failures from another perspective, as valuable life experience that could help others.

That change in perspective, he said, helped bring about a recovery that’s lasted 13 years and has come with great rewards. “Today, my greatest gift is being able to take care of myself,

my house and my family,” he said.

Today, he says: “I’m proud of Kelvin Lee.”

Others in the room could also one day say those words, he announced. “It’s possible to live this lifestyle,” he said. “But you’re going to

need to do the work.”

“The clients were almost awed by Kelvin and the message of hope he shared,” said Clitheroe program director Major Sherry McWhorter. “Kelvin’s life speaks to the immense benefits of substance abuse treatment services – truly a lifesaver in many cases.”

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In mid-August a torrential rainstorm resulted in severe flooding and landslides in Sitka (pictured above), prompting a state of emergency that catapulted the close-knit town of 9,000 into rescue and recovery mode. More than 150 first-responders and volunteers needed food, warm drinks and plenty of encouragement in the days after the catastrophic flooding.

Coming together to support the first responders was a key part of the recovery effort – and a comfort for the volunteers themselves. “Just being able to give people hugs and let them vent helped,” said Major Evadne Wright of The Salvation Army Sitka Corps.

“There’s an invaluable measure of comfort that comes when we are able to come alongside people during a time

of crisis,” said Jenni Ragland, Director of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS). “This ministry of presence, offering emotional and spiritual assistance, has to do with knowing how to be with people, whether words are exchanged or not.”

The Salvation Army has long provided relief services and support throughout the state and for a range of disasters and emergencies, from the 1964 earthquake to the May 2013 Yukon River flooding crisis in Galena. In 2014-2015, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), were deployed during the Sitka landslides, Wasilla’s fast-moving Sockeye fire, and Tuluksuk’s extended power outage that resulted in the village losing its frozen food supply for winter.

Each situation required a quick response, coordination with many local, state and federal partners, and volunteers who are trained in disaster relief.

Although lots of people want to help spontaneously, training is critical, said Ragland. “When people are vulnerable, you want to make sure you have trained volunteers who are able to work in very difficult circumstances.” Training opportunities focusing on emotional supports and medical/first aid are provided as possible throughout the year for The Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers.

Partnerships are an important part of effective disaster response, said Ragland, and also give The Salvation Army the ability to provide services in rural areas where it doesn’t have a physical outpost. For example, within just two weeks of Tuluksuk losing power, The Salvation Army had partnered with Food Bank of Alaska, Alaska Airlines, Samaritan’s Purse and Ravn Air to send frozen turkeys and 1500 pounds of salmon to the village to help replenish empty freezers. “Oftentimes we don’t have the capacity, infrastructure or resources to do it all, so we truly value the partners who are able to help us get the job done.”

Through such efforts over the years, The Salvation Army has built an excellent reputation among other emergency response agencies and partners, and is helping shape the future of emergency response in Alaska.

emergency disaster services

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7, 4 2 4“T ank you for helping us.”

THE SALVATION ARMY HAS TWO FULLY MOBILE SELF-CONTAINED

KITCHENS THAT CAN EACH FEED 500 PEOPLE PER DAY IN

A DISASTER. IN 2015 IT RECEIVED FUNDING TO PURCHASE

ANOTHER.

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FOR MANY KIDS WHO ATTEND THE SALVATION

ARMY’S SUMMER CAMPS EACH YEAR, IT IS ONE

WEEK WITHOUT WORRYING WHERE THEIR FAMILY

IS GOING TO SLEEP, OR IF THERE WILL BE ENOUGH

FOOD TO EAT.

For seven weeks out of the summer, the sound of children’s laughter peals from the shores of King’s Lake. This is where youth from Alaska communities as far away as Kake get to learn about themselves and each other – in a one-week experience away from the circumstances of their daily lives.

“When you give kids that are typically entrenched in poverty a week of stability, solid meals and a safe place to be, they have an opportunity to be a kid, to laugh, play, and have fun,” said Salvation Army Captain Rio Ray, Divisional Youth Secretary. “It builds their independence. They come out of their shells. It’s also a spiritual thing. They are out in nature, in creation. It’s healing.”

There are different types of camps offered at the Wasilla-based location, including music camp, teen camp and Salvation Army Youth camp. “One kid might not be interested in wilderness survival, but might love the idea of learning the trombone, or might want the general camp experience,” explained Captain Ray. Last year, 340 campers from 13 communities attended the King’s Lake camps.

The Salvation Army tries to keep the cost to campers down, but some communities also fundraise all year long so their youth can afford the travel to get here. “It can be life changing,” said Captain Ray, “even for the camp counselors, who are typically just out of college. If they had similar situations growing up, it can be healing. If they didn’t, working with kids who are in tight poverty situations is eye-opening.”

elder & youth services

“T ank you! You’ve blessed our family!”

Nutritious meals, reliable transportation to appointments, and engaging social interaction are parts of a healthy elderly lifestyle. Too often, our most vulnerable adults are isolated and go without proper meals and checkups. The Salvation Army offers essential services so that our community elders can continue to experience that joys of life to the best of their abilities: delivered meals, meal sites, transportation, homemaker services, and adult day services for those who are experiencing cognitive or functional impairments. (Below: Serendipity’s annual trip to the State Fair)

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SERENDIPITY ADULT DAY SERVICES •

OLDER ALASKANS PROGRAM •

CORPS COMMUNITY CENTERS

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family & social services

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“T ank you Salvation Army. We appreciate everything! God Bless!

MCKINNELL HOUSE • FOOD DRIVES/FOOD PANTRIES

HOLIDAY EVENTS • PARENTING & LIFE SKILLS CLASSES

THE GIFT PROGRAM CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE

USUAL WAY – BY ATTRACTING DONATIONS AND AN ARMY OF LOCAL

VOLUNTEERS TO ORGANIZE AND DISTRIBUTE FOOD FOR HOLIDAY

MEALS AND TOYS FOR TOTS FOR 5,000 FAMILIES IN ANCHORAGE.

Handing out food during GIFT 2014. Turkeys are collected in Petersburg. Haines Food Bank. Sitka food drive. Playing Santa in Savoonga. Families line up for winter coats.

The 2014 school year had just begun when Nadya Lopez and her two children became homeless, with no place to go and not even a car to provide temporary shelter or a place for their belongings.

“It was really scary,” recounted Nadya. “We had been staying with a friend of my sister-in-law. That friend said we had to leave, and then it was us two adults and five kids, and nowhere to go. We cried a lot. It wasn’t easy.” They tried Clare House and there was no room. They tried McKinnell House. And although there was no room at first, a spot opened up and they were given a safe place to be, so the kids could get back into school and they could get back on their feet.

Nadya had never been homeless before. She’d studied electrical engineering in Puerto Rico and had then moved to

Georgia to be with family. In 2014, she needed change, so came to Alaska. Once at McKinnell House, Nadya’s sister-in-law decided to go back to Georgia. But Nadya was determined not to move her children again.

They were settling in, making friends, and Nadya was getting to know the teachers and parents at their school.

They lived at McKinnell House from late August to early January. Getting through all the holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s – without family was difficult. But the McKinnell House staff “made it feel like home,” said Nadya. “When I got there, I felt safe. They made me feel like family.” Nadya began going to Salvation Army church services, and volunteering for programs like Neighborhood GIFT.

FOOD...SHELTER...HOPE.

THROUGH YOUR DONATIONS

AND A GIVING HEART, WE ARE

ABLE TO PROVIDE HELP TO

FAMILIES IN TRANSITION.

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“T ank you. You helped my family a ton.”

MCKINNELL HOUSE • FOOD DRIVES/FOOD PANTRIES

HOLIDAY EVENTS • PARENTING & LIFE SKILLS CLASSES

FOOD PANTRIES

Food needs in Alaska are increasing. Salvation Army food pantries around the state are supported by generous donations. They provide security of a daily meal, or a place to turn during the holidays when making ends meet could be a choice between paying the heating bills or buying food.

THE NEED FOR CHILDREN’S COATS – AN ESSENTIAL PART OF AN

ALASKAN WARDROBE – INCREASES EACH YEAR IN EVERY COMMUNITY.

THIS YEAR’S “COATS FOR KIDS” DRIVE PROVIDED 3,183 NEW AND GENTLY

USED COATS FOR CHILDREN STATEWIDE.

Handing out food during GIFT 2014. Turkeys are collected in Petersburg. Haines Food Bank. Sitka food drive. Playing Santa in Savoonga. Families line up for winter coats.

McKinnell House Staff helped Nadya apply for jobs and an apartment. She got both. A little more than a year later, things are looking great. She works hard and was recently promoted and named February employee of the month at Crown Plaza Hotel, where she is a Banquet Captain and restaurant supervisor. “I almost cried when they announced it,” she recalled. “I am blessed.”

Nadya’s eventual goal is to get into the electrical field. After taking a course through “Women in the Trades,” she was ready to apply for a spot through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). She got a great score on her initial interview, but wasn’t accepted into the program. There’s limited room. Nadya’s heard that before – and it won’t stop her from trying again. Somewhere, there’s a place for her.

COMMUNITY CORPS, FOOD PANTRY

EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES (EDS) DEPLOYED, FY 2015

COMMUNITY CORPS, FOOD PANTRY, EDS DEPLOYED, FY 2015

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NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 69

ANCHORAGE, AKThe Salvation ArmyP.O. Box 200387Anchorage, AK 99520www.salvationarmyalaska.org