Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Celebrating a Graduate's Success!
The Salvation Army believes that is important to celebrate a person's success. Recently, we honored, Arielle James, recipient of The Salvation Army Project Tomorrow scholarship. James is graduating from Tyler Street Christian Academy.
Meet this outstanding graduate and read her bio!
My name is Arielle James and I just graduated from Tyler Street Christian Academy (TSCA). In 7th grade, I received the Project Tomorrow Scholarship from The Salvation Army Cedar Crest Community Center, which helped me to attend TSCA. I really liked going to school there and over the years, I played basketball, cheerleading, and track. But, the thing I liked most about TSCA was the teachers! They made the biggest impact on me. IF it was not for my scholarship, I would still be at my other school and would not be prepared to go to college. Next year, I am going to Tuskgee in Alabama and I'm very excited.
Barbara Webb, TSCA school counselor, says Arielle developed the skills she needs to be successful in college. "Arielle is a great listener, good at asking questions, and is not only prepared academically, but also spiritually."
Dr. Karen Egger, TSCA Superintendent, comments, "My wish is for Arielle to be equally successful in life as she has been in high school. We are so proud of her."
Meet this outstanding graduate and read her bio!
My name is Arielle James and I just graduated from Tyler Street Christian Academy (TSCA). In 7th grade, I received the Project Tomorrow Scholarship from The Salvation Army Cedar Crest Community Center, which helped me to attend TSCA. I really liked going to school there and over the years, I played basketball, cheerleading, and track. But, the thing I liked most about TSCA was the teachers! They made the biggest impact on me. IF it was not for my scholarship, I would still be at my other school and would not be prepared to go to college. Next year, I am going to Tuskgee in Alabama and I'm very excited.
Dr. Karen Egger, Arielle James, and Barbara Webb
Barbara Webb, TSCA school counselor, says Arielle developed the skills she needs to be successful in college. "Arielle is a great listener, good at asking questions, and is not only prepared academically, but also spiritually."
Dr. Karen Egger, TSCA Superintendent, comments, "My wish is for Arielle to be equally successful in life as she has been in high school. We are so proud of her."
Arielle with Sergeant Rodney and Juanita Hinkle, officers from
The Salvation Army Cedar Crest Community Center.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Forced prostitution and forced labor is the new slavery!
That's what Alesia Adams said when she spoke at The Salvation Army’s Human Trafficking Forum at The Salvation Army Mabee Social Service Center on Thursday, May 20th.
Stop! Desensitizing?
Think about the different messages we receive through music, entertainment, and advertising.
Deena Graves, Executive Director of Fort Worth-based Traffick911, gave a great example at the forum...
"The show 'Pimp My Ride' has glamorized the word 'pimp' and made it a verb," Graves said. "If you want to make something sexy, you 'pimp it.'"
The idea that being a pimp is something cool contributes to a perverse, cultural mindset that helps fuel the growth of commercial exploitation within the U.S. boarders.
But, it's not cool. And The Salvation Army believes it is important to bring awareness, so people can be free and their lives can be restored.
Let's talk about what is going on at the local level....
Did you know, the National Human Trafficking Hotline receives more calls from Texas than any other state – and 15% of those calls are from Dallas-Fort Worth.....
And it appears that the targeted victims of sex trafficking are predominantly children and teens. In Tarrant County, the average age of entry into prostitution is 14...
Local awareness is critical!
We encourage everyone to bring individuals, churches, organizations and law enforcement agencies together to create a community-wide effort in stopping human trafficking.
Do you want to get involved and make a difference? Here's how...
Visit: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Report an instance of suspected trafficking, by calling HOTLINE: 1.888.3737.888
“As a descendant of slaves, I’m not going to see that happen to anybody,” said Adams, who is The Salvation Army’s Coordinator Against Human and Sexual Trafficking for the southern territory of the U.S.
During the forum, Adams talked about how America's sexually oriented culture desensitizes people toward sexual exploitation.
Stop! Desensitizing?
Think about the different messages we receive through music, entertainment, and advertising.
Deena Graves, Executive Director of Fort Worth-based Traffick911, gave a great example at the forum...
"The show 'Pimp My Ride' has glamorized the word 'pimp' and made it a verb," Graves said. "If you want to make something sexy, you 'pimp it.'"
The idea that being a pimp is something cool contributes to a perverse, cultural mindset that helps fuel the growth of commercial exploitation within the U.S. boarders.
But, it's not cool. And The Salvation Army believes it is important to bring awareness, so people can be free and their lives can be restored.
Let's talk about what is going on at the local level....
Did you know, the National Human Trafficking Hotline receives more calls from Texas than any other state – and 15% of those calls are from Dallas-Fort Worth.....
And it appears that the targeted victims of sex trafficking are predominantly children and teens. In Tarrant County, the average age of entry into prostitution is 14...
Local awareness is critical!
We encourage everyone to bring individuals, churches, organizations and law enforcement agencies together to create a community-wide effort in stopping human trafficking.
Do you want to get involved and make a difference? Here's how...
Visit: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Report an instance of suspected trafficking, by calling HOTLINE: 1.888.3737.888
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
CVS / Caremark Pitches in at Casa Youth Shelter
More than 60 CVS Caremark Operations Excellence and Retail Pharmacy colleagues spent some time helping out recently at The Salvation Army’s Casa Youth Emergency Shelter in Dallas.
OE leaders and Retail colleagues pitched in on everything from landscaping to cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids at the shelter, which provides a safe 20-bed haven where runaways and troubled youth can stay for up to 30 days. During their time there, boys and girls ages 10 to 17 experience daily living in a household setting with assigned responsibilities and duties.
“This was a phenomenal day,” said Melvin Traylor, Executive Director of the shelter. “We want the kids in transition here to feel safe and secure. Having a facility that is well kept up and looks nice helps promote that sense of security.
“I can’t begin to tell you how thankful we are to have had CVS Caremark out here.”
Colleagues spent just two hours at the shelter but got plenty accomplished, cleaning out two storage sheds, assembling three picnic tables, hanging a new volleyball net, hanging curtains, organizing the clothing closet, trimming hedges and mulching all the flower beds, painting throughout the building, assembling a new cabinet for the gaming system and cooking and serving dinner to the residents and staff.
OE colleagues donated almost $1,000 for the event, which was used to purchase mulch, tools, picnic tables, curtains, curtain rods, the new tv cabinet, a game table and chairs for the rec room and a new volleyball net and ball for the shelter.
“This was a phenomenal day,” said Melvin Traylor, Executive Director of the shelter. “We want the kids in transition here to feel safe and secure. Having a facility that is well kept up and looks nice helps promote that sense of security.
“I can’t begin to tell you how thankful we are to have had CVS Caremark out here.”
OE colleagues donated almost $1,000 for the event, which was used to purchase mulch, tools, picnic tables, curtains, curtain rods, the new tv cabinet, a game table and chairs for the rec room and a new volleyball net and ball for the shelter.
*Blog post and photos provided by CVS!
Check out more photos on our Facebook page: click here
If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Kristin:
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Kickin' It
The game of soccer in Pleasant Grove is something that has bound the community together. Saturday afternoons, families gather to cheer on their children, cousins, friends, and classmates as they take on the Gators, Mavericks, or Real Madrid, to name a few! Excitement is high as spectators cheer to the sound of “GOOOOOAL” and enjoy refreshments from the concession stand.
Not missing from the cheers is Miguel, a proud parent of his kids, Aaron and Samantha. Samantha and Aaron are playing their third seasons with The Salvation Army’s Victory soccer program, but this year, there is a twist – they are on opposing teams. Miguel was asked how he chooses which team to cheer for, and he stated “I cheer for both sides!” But what if Samantha and Aaron are in a face off?... “I cheer ‘Go Samantha!’… I want to encourage and motivate her.” When asked if the “sibling rivalry” has had any impact on their relationship, Samantha replied, “It’s very difficult, but cool. It’s fun trying to beat [Aaron].” Aaron’s take on the competition is a little different, as he said with a wry grin “Playing against my sister is fun because I get to beat her team. We have a good relationship, so I can joke with her about winning.”
95 children strong, the Victory Sports program is growing and gaining greater participation from the community. With only six games left, everyone is excited to see how the kids and the program grow by next Fall! Check out our Facebook profile for more great pics of this program!
If you are interesting in being a guest blogger, please contact Kristin at: kristin_bowman@uss.salvationarmy.org
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Let's Celebrate!
National Salvation Army Week
May 10 – 14, 2010
We are excited to commemorate this special week. As we celebrate, we can’t help but recognize all the wonderful things The Salvation Army does in the DFW Metroplex.
Did you know The Salvation Army DFW operates…
• Four homeless shelters
• Two voluntary substance abuse programs
• One court- ordered substance program
• Twelve community centers
• One community service center
• A domestic violence shelter
• A 96 unit and 120 unit apartment building for senior citizens
• 12 thrift stores
• Two Christmas Assistance Centers
• Four mobile emergency disaster vehicles
• One emergency shelter for runaway youth.
Our goal for this week is to reach 2,191 followers - the number of Christmas Meals served in 2009 – by following us on Facebook and Twitter! Help us spread the word or follow us to yourself.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/salarmydfw
Facebook: www.facebook.com/salvationarmydfw
Friday, May 7, 2010
An ‘Ex-Seeding’ Summer Day Camp
Last summer, The Salvation Army’s Irving Summer Day Campers were featured here for raising money to purchase a goat for The Salvation Army in Kenya, Africa.
This summer, the children are eager to take on a new project, which they will spend part of their summer day camp growing a garden.
Pam Benton, community director at The Salvation Army in Irving, says the project will not only be a learning experience in how to grow fresh vegetables, but teach the children on ways to give back.
“Once we grow the vegetables, the children will be able to sell the fresh produce at a local farmers’ market, as well as a portion of it will go back to our food pantry,” Benton explained.
Recently, children had their first assignment in “tilling.” In order to prepare the ground, the children tilled the dirt to get it ready for seeding.
Did you know that throughout the U.S., children growing gardens has become a trend?
First Lady, Michelle Obama, is working with children to harvest a garden on the White House lawn.
Stay tuned this summer for updates on the children’s garden’s progress.
If you missed the story, you can read about it by clicking here.
Pam Benton, community director at The Salvation Army in Irving, says the project will not only be a learning experience in how to grow fresh vegetables, but teach the children on ways to give back.
“Once we grow the vegetables, the children will be able to sell the fresh produce at a local farmers’ market, as well as a portion of it will go back to our food pantry,” Benton explained.
Recently, children had their first assignment in “tilling.” In order to prepare the ground, the children tilled the dirt to get it ready for seeding.
Did you know that throughout the U.S., children growing gardens has become a trend?
Stay tuned this summer for updates on the children’s garden’s progress.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Shopping Cheap Chic...
Wow! If you were not at the opening of the Chic Boutique located at The Salvation Army Warehouse in Dallas on Wednesday, you missed something....
Women waited in line for hours just to find a good deal on clothes, accessories, and even bridal dresses.
Meet Chic Boutique shopper, Emily Strechter, from Mt.Vernon, Texas.
Strechter, who is a bride-to-be, said, when she arrived at The Salvation Army Warehouse at 7 a.m. there were people already in line.
"I could not believe it" Strechter says, "I came here to find a good deal on a wedding dress and apparently I'm not the only one."
Stretcheris excited to be getting married next March and is looking for the perfect wedding dress.
Women waited in line for hours just to find a good deal on clothes, accessories, and even bridal dresses.
Meet Chic Boutique shopper, Emily Strechter, from Mt.Vernon, Texas.
Strechter, with her future mother-in-law, try on the first dress
Strechter, who is a bride-to-be, said, when she arrived at The Salvation Army Warehouse at 7 a.m. there were people already in line.
"I could not believe it" Strechter says, "I came here to find a good deal on a wedding dress and apparently I'm not the only one."
Stretcheris excited to be getting married next March and is looking for the perfect wedding dress.
"I'm crossing my fingers that I can find the dress," she adds.
"...Hopefully, a $3,000 dress that is on sale for $99!"
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Angels Among Us at The Salvation Army Denton Annual Luncheon
The Salvation Army in Denton held its annual luncheon, Angels Among Us, at the Denton Country Club.
During the luncheon, guests enjoyed special music by Erica Laney. Laney is a senior at Guyer High School in Denton, and recently received an award for “Outstanding Musician” at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble competition.
Following the performance, guests were inspired by keynote speaker Johnny Jones. Jones is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of North Texas.
Jones spoke about his coaching experiences and shared how important each basketball player is on the team. He gave an example of he does not consider players as substitutes, but refers to them as “reinforcements” on the court. Likewise, Jones compared his philosophy to how The Salvation Army operates in the community – by being reinforcement in Denton.
Jones commented, "The Salvation Army does an excellent job at making a difference in Denton by turning peoples'people's lives around. The Salvation Army is the angel among us."
Enjoy photos from the event. More photos can be located on our Facebook page: Salvationarmydfw
During the luncheon, guests enjoyed special music by Erica Laney. Laney is a senior at Guyer High School in Denton, and recently received an award for “Outstanding Musician” at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble competition.
Following the performance, guests were inspired by keynote speaker Johnny Jones. Jones is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of North Texas.
Jones spoke about his coaching experiences and shared how important each basketball player is on the team. He gave an example of he does not consider players as substitutes, but refers to them as “reinforcements” on the court. Likewise, Jones compared his philosophy to how The Salvation Army operates in the community – by being reinforcement in Denton.
Jones commented, "The Salvation Army does an excellent job at making a difference in Denton by turning peoples'people's lives around. The Salvation Army is the angel among us."
Enjoy photos from the event. More photos can be located on our Facebook page: Salvationarmydfw
Major Ward and Captain Michele Matthews, and Coach Johnny Jones
Greg adn La Vonne Ankeney
Jeane Steward and Donna Hael
Major Matthews, Mayor Mark Burroughs, Captain Matthews
Phil Diebel and Captain Guy Watts
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Who can resist high-end labels at a great price?
The Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary held its annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Brook Hollow Golf Club on Tuesday, May 3rd.
Before watching models walk the runway and dining on an exquisite lunch, women shopped the Chic Boutique, hoping to score labels like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Gucci. Proceeds from the Chic Boutique benefits The Salvation Army DFW programs and services.
Read below what some these stylish women like most about The Salvation Army!
“What I like most about The Salvation Army is their ability to help people,” Mary Margaret Hancock said.
“The Salvation Army offers a vast variety of services that are needed in our community,” Chargois said.
See more photos from the event on Facebook: SalArmyDFW
Click here to read more Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary stories
Before watching models walk the runway and dining on an exquisite lunch, women shopped the Chic Boutique, hoping to score labels like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Gucci. Proceeds from the Chic Boutique benefits The Salvation Army DFW programs and services.
Read below what some these stylish women like most about The Salvation Army!
Margaret Hancock, Mary Margaret Hancock, Barbara Hancock
“What I like most about The Salvation Army is their ability to help people,” Mary Margaret Hancock said.
Roni Porter
“I admire how The Salvation Army works with women,” Porter said.
Morgan Chargois and Anna Ritter
Sandra Cecil and Renee Querbes Farren
Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary president, Renee Querbes Farren, says, "TheSalvation Army offers hope for people who don’t have any."
See more photos from the event on Facebook: SalArmyDFW
Click here to read more Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary stories
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Salvation Army Event at Korshak Featuring Renowned Jewerly Designer Coomi
The Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary 2010 Fashion Show and Luncheon is almost here…
But, before models walk the runway, and ladies shop for cheap chic, the women gathered one more time, to support the upcoming celebratory event.
The host? Stanley Korshak.
Women gathered in the exquisite jewelry section in Korshak to shop and support The Salvation Army DFW’s programs and services.
Korshak’s store owner, Crawford Brock, was ever so kind to offer to donate ten percent of every purchase made at the event to The Salvation Army.
Side note: Korshak is also donating clothes for this year's fashion show and will be providing volunteers to help in the Chic Boutique, a store-like area at the fashion show where guests can purchase donated fashion items. Thank you, Korshak!
A highlight of the event was the participation of renowned jewelry designer, Coomi, who flew in from New York especially for this event.
And celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, and Helen Mirren have all worn pieces from Coomi’s collection.
But, before models walk the runway, and ladies shop for cheap chic, the women gathered one more time, to support the upcoming celebratory event.
The host? Stanley Korshak.
Women gathered in the exquisite jewelry section in Korshak to shop and support The Salvation Army DFW’s programs and services.
Ramona Jones, Crawford Brock, and Billie Leigh Rippey
Side note: Korshak is also donating clothes for this year's fashion show and will be providing volunteers to help in the Chic Boutique, a store-like area at the fashion show where guests can purchase donated fashion items. Thank you, Korshak!
A highlight of the event was the participation of renowned jewelry designer, Coomi, who flew in from New York especially for this event.
Coomi puts a lariat made with tourmaline stones on Amy Ware
“Everything you see is like a history lesson because of the ancient techniques I use,” Coomi said.
“It’s all ancient craftsmanship that has been revived.”
And celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, and Helen Mirren have all worn pieces from Coomi’s collection.
Kristy Sahm, Coomi, and Amy Ware
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