June 2009

Open Arms

Anna's extraordinary story is testament to the power of God's love and the ability to overcome tremendous obstacles. Her childhood was a blur of abuse, drugs and drinking. She was molested at an early age and as her caregivers spiraled downhill, she was forced to fend for herself. Lost, lonely and afraid, Anna gave into the world of drugs and alcohol. Most of her adolescent and young adult life was spent in a drunken haze. It wasn't until she had given birth to her second child, Montez, and was living in a physically abusive relationship that she realized she had to get help... more

Need Knows No Season

The Salvation Army provides shelter and support for those who need it 365 days of the year. Human suffering does not stop when the holiday season ends, and nor does The Salvation Army’s commitment to help. Excruciating hot summers are grueling to the homeless. A child’s rumbling stomach still aches when empty and the lost remain afraid. But, The Salvation Army is there to offer support and shelter for the lost and weary throughout the entire year... more

An Inspiring Evening: The Salvation Annual Dinner

This year's Annual Dinner was a wonderful event. The dinner was held on May 18, 2009, on Brigadier Gertrude Purdue's 100th birthday, to honor her lifetime of tireless service. TV personality, Willard Scott, the most famous of all celebrators of the 100 age milestone, was the keynote speaker.

It was an inspiring evening. Two Salvation Army clients told stories about how the organization saved their lives. Rosemary, a former client of the "Zone" Single Women's Lodge, and Nicki, a current client at Renewal Place, gave motivating and tearful testimonies of The Salvation Army's powerful and healing love. The "Zone" Single Women's Lodge is a short-term facility for single, homeless women and Renewal Place is a two-year drug and rehabilitation center. Both programs are housed at the Purdue Center of Hope, which was dedicated in honor of Brigadier Gertrude Purdue and her late husband, Brigadier Bramwell Purdue in 2000... more