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  • Essay / My experience volunteering at the Salvation Army

    It was at the Salvation Army that I completed my service hours. I am a curious person by nature, so before setting foot in the Salvation Army of Jonesboro Arkansas, I spent a few hours researching the facility, their services and directly how they affect the lives of the Jonesboro community. Interestingly enough, I found out that they have over 15 different services to serve the community. From camping activities to worship services, for men and women of all ages. The mission statement of the Salvation Army as a whole is: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the worldwide Christian Church. His message is based on the Bible. His ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. I was raised in a certain religion, but as I grew up I made my own decisions about religion and my faith. Despite my personal beliefs, I can fully support this mission statement. I loved how the Salvation Army talks about meeting human needs “without discrimination.” This is important to me because unlike some outreach and community programs aimed at a specific demographic, the Salvation Army reaches out to those in need, regardless of race. religion or condition. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The next set of information I found about the Salvation Army that deepened my interest was: How They Do, What They Do. Directly quoted on their websites, they begin by assessing the needs of each community in which they operate. They strive to understand "the obstacles, difficulties and challenges unique to the region's unique population." Second, the Salvation Army uses the information collected and begins to develop local programs. These programs are “designed to provide immediate assistance, short-term care, and long-term growth in areas that will most benefit the community.” Finally, The Salvation Army reinvests in the community in which it serves. They do this by “delivering local programs to the local community, striving to continually optimize their effectiveness through spiritual, physical and emotional service.” This simple thinking and approach I really appreciate. I believe this is how most, if not everyone, faces their own personal obstacle in the same way. After researching how the Salvation Army meets the needs of the various communities it serves, I decided to take a closer look at the needs of the people of Jonesboro. I found on the Data USA website that the poverty rate is around 22%. This information surprises me, because almost a quarter of the population of this city lives at or below the poverty line. These people's basic needs are not being met, and I can see how the Salvation Army can have a positive impact on their lives. In the current state of our government, we need entities like the Salvation Army more than ever. With a growing population, the needs of the Salvation Army will only increase. I feel so lucky to have been able to volunteer for the Salvation Army. My expectations were not high. I thought I would volunteer for a few hours a day and didn't expect to get much out of it. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. On my very first visit, I was greeted at the door bytwo young children. I was surprised at how excited they were to run around, tag each other and play. Their father came quickly behind them and introduced himself to me, and I to him. He then asked why I was coming to the Salvation Army and I explained that I had to volunteer. He told me that he and his son came to Sunday church services every week. However, during the week, they come and drop off clothes his sons can no longer wear, canned goods or non-perishable foods he has for the pantry. I was impressed because I didn't know that the people around Jonesboro really supported the Salvation Army. He went on to explain that he volunteers and helps out as much as he can with the Salvation Army because he was homeless and living in shelters where the Salvation Army would come and deliver food to people. shelters. From my first visit, I met more and more people sharing similar stories. The Salvation Army workers were kind and welcoming every time I arrived. I helped sort food in the pantry on my second visit. It was in the pantry that I met a woman who told me that she helps with all the different programs that the Salvation Army has to offer including: worship services, the store, women's ministries, youth church and rehabilitation programs. She told me that she helps with most of the programs and herself in general because of the incredible impact the Salvation Army has had on her personal life. She explained that when she was growing up, her mother was in and out of rehab centers. She says when her mother became involved with the Salvation Army, her life completely changed. I have been lucky, during my life, not to be affected by such difficult conditions. I always found my life to be more comfortable than that of my peers, we were not millionaires, but my family was provided for and comfortable. However, my parents always instilled in all their children the power of giving back. My siblings and I always make an effort to volunteer, but often we don't succeed. I feel like sometimes volunteering is difficult when you can't see the direct effects of the work done. Although it is shameful to say it today, I am sure I was not the only person who felt this way. I now experienced meeting people who had direct support from the entity I was volunteering with and it was amazing. I realize how many people I have not been able to meet and whom the Salvation Army supports every day. I met a student during one of my visits to the Salvation Army. She grew up in a wealthy family that was unlike mine. She moved to Jonesboro to attend Arkansas State. She told me that her parents were completely supportive of her until halfway through her freshman year she found out she was pregnant. Unfortunately, her parents immediately stopped supporting her. She was distraught, and once her first lease ended, she had nowhere else to turn. She told me about her difficulties finding clothes and items for her baby. She connected with the Salvation Army workers and they helped her a lot. Without discrimination, these strangers supported her without hesitation. I believe that a greater community effort to better meet the needs that the Salvation Army may have, to better meet the needs of the community is a cycle that needs to begin. I'm sure there are people who want to help but don't know where to start. I would like to implement a better :.