The Salvation Army 2023 Recap
2023 was an amazing year here at The Salvation Army Orange County! We are so blessed to be the hands and feet of Christ as we strive to serve others in need. Here are a few of ways the gift of your resources and time have impacted the community:
The Salvation Army participated in the Help Them Home Giving Day in April. It was a 24-hour giving day where twenty-five organizations in the community came together with the common goal of ending homelessness. We collectively raised over $2.24 million dollars with the help of 2,848 donors.
In August we welcomed new leadership, Majors Ken and Jenni Perine, and we are so lucky to have their dedication and insight here in Orange County!
On October 9th, The Salvation Army in Orange County, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for 72 units of permanent supportive housing Pathways at the Center of Hope. The event was the completion of a $38 million dollar project that delivered Permanent Supportive Housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Our annual Night for Others gala was held on December 8th and was a huge success! We came together for one common goal—to serve others. Together, we were able to raise $2.2 million and will be able to fund the Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) which will continue to strive for the best practices and initiatives toward all social issues in our community, not just homelessness.
Beginning on October 25th, the Freer Forte Music Program welcomed students in certain Anaheim schools for a 30 – 45-minute music class held at the Anaheim Red Shield. The goal of the program is to provide free music education to students who may not be receiving music education in their school itself. 42 students showed up to the first music class!
Salvation Army Orange County employees also took an employee experience survey this year and the majority stated that helping others is what brings the most joy and fulfillment at work. We truly care about the work we do and are lucky to be able to serve others while keeping Christ at the forefront. On August 2nd we held our first SoulShaping Retreat with 30 employees in attendance for a time of worship and spiritual refreshment. Doug Rumford, author of SoulShaping, was our guest speaker and motivated all in attendance to remember to focus on our souls. The second installment of the retreat was on November 1st and was a great way for employees to connect and remember Christ before the business of the holiday season.
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to express how grateful we are for your partnership with The Salvation Army Orange County. Thank you for bringing hope to those most vulnerable in our community. You are truly a part of our family and together we have made a positive impact on so many lives.