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Col Bollwahn's 120 Anniversary Speech Print E-mail
In 1865, the Reverend William Booth with his wife Catherine, started a mission to the poorest, most hurting segment of London’s underclass.  Their purpose was to present the unconditional love God showed to all humankind through His son Jesus Christ, to serve the needs of the neediest, and to defend the cause of the least, the last, and the lost of society. The cause caught on with: 1) people of reputation; 2) government officials and; 3) the Catholic Cardinal of London. During the next 35 years, The Salvation Army spread to 36 countries.  Today, The Salvation Army is working in 111 countries, using 175 languages and providing care just about as broad as human need.

Hitting the U.S. Eastern shores in 1880, The Salvation Army quickly spread across the country: St. Louis, Chicago, Montana.  In early May of 1887, in Los Angeles, The Salvation Army commenced warfare against poverty, sin, ignorance, marginalization, and injustice.

The secret to the success of The Salvation Army has been: assessing and ministering to local need; becoming a vital part of civil society; and using the talents and caring influence of involved community citizens.  Today, 60,000 of these individuals assist The Salvation Army across America as local advisory organization members.  They bring the professional Army staff into contact with service, civic, and professional clubs, local government, as well as civic and business leaders.  Together they chart the course of service. 

The second secret of our success is partnering with people who care – those of means and those of modest economic and social estate.  As partners with the resources of time, talent and treasure, The Salvation Army ministry is constantly propelled toward its mission.

The third secret of our success is the deployment of dedicated, trained volunteers – 3.5 million in the United States.

Today in Los Angeles:
  • Families needing child day care receive accredited, licensed schooling.
  • 30 Family Service Centers across the region offer emergency lodging and basic assistance.
  • Families with HIV/AIDS are served with professional case management, as well as transitional and permanent housing.
  • Individuals needing drug and alcohol rehabilitation receive 24/7 residential treatment.
  • Homeless youth are provided refuge and new insights for growth at the Way In Center.
  • 25 thrift stores provide low cost furniture and clothing.
  • Families needing recreational and youth development programs are served by several comprehensive community centers and two residential camps.
  • 2,500 veterans are served through four specialized programs.
  • 33 centers minister to the worship, emotional, and spiritual development.
  • Music education and performance opportunities are made available in each of these centers.
  • The Salvation Army always stands ready for emergency services in times of disaster.  We assisted 1,000 families who relocated to Los Angeles following Hurricane Katrina, and to this day, we continue to service more than 200 families.  As we meet here today, a team of volunteers is deployed to New Orleans still assisting families with the complicated tasks of rebuilding their lives.

The Salvation Army is a gift to this community and our organizational commitment is to “Do The Most Good.”  All this is accomplished with 1,200 employees, 35,000 volunteers, and the resources provided by more than 100,000 regular donors and various government partnerships.  We stay committed to save.  We thank this community in all its sectors for the opportunity to be a partner in helping.  This is our community, about which we care.  The Salvation Army is your charity.  Let’s keep it going!  For another 120 years, at least.  Many thanks to you gathered here for your local support.

 
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