Oakland A’s wives and girlfriends who volunteered pose with Alameda County Salvation Army
officers. Photo by Sydney Fong

Players’ wives, fiancees and girlfriends awarded for volunteer work.

By Sydney Fong

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce partnered with The Salvation Army of Alameda County (Calif.) April 16 for a luncheon honoring the Oakland Athletics and their wives, fiancées and girlfriends for community service.

“The event not only showcased a great A’s team, but also highlighted the great work the players’ other halves have done with The Salvation Army,” said Captain Dan Williams, Alameda County coordinator.

Last year, Oakland Garden Center Corps Officer Lt. Kyna Kelley tweeted one of the A’s wives to see if she would be interested in volunteering at the family shelter, and she did.

Since then, many of the A’s wives, fiancées and girlfriends volunteer regularly, reading to the children at the family shelter and child development center.

“It has been an amazing experience,” said Christina Sarnecki, fiancée of pitcher Tommy Milone. “To me, it’s not hard to go and spend some time with the kids and read to them. It’s really a lot of fun.”

Awards went to Sarnecki, Brooke Sizemore (wife of infielder Scott Sizemore), Kaycee Sogard (wife of infielder Eric Sogard), Kate Thoene (girlfriend of pitcher Jarrod Parker) and Abby Chavez (wife of bullpen catcher Casey Chavez).

Children from the child development center presented flowers to the award recipients.

“I honestly cried when the kids came out,” Sarnecki said. “They were the same kids I read to. They were the same ones you’re completely attached to when you’re there. It was a touching experience.”

Several Athletics players attended the luncheon, including Sogard and Milone.

“It’s awesome for the wives, fiancées and girlfriends to be recognized,” Milone said. “The Salvation Army does a great thing with what it does, and for the ladies to come in and volunteer, it’s obviously a blessing as well.”

More than 200 people attended the luncheon. Proceeds benefitted The Salvation Army of Alameda County and the Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Athletics radio play-by-play announcer Ken Korach served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

Yuba-Sutter Corps Officer Captain Thomas Stambaugh greets a visitor to the coffee cart. Photo by Chaya Galicia

Yuba-Sutter Corps reaches out to people seeking help.

When warm weather arrived, members of The Salvation Army Yuba-Sutter (Calif.) Corps began taking their coffee cart outside so they could greet people lining up for social services with a hot drink or a bottle of water in Jesus’ name.

In addition to coffee and water, Corps Officers Captains Thomas and Kimberly Stambaugh use the interaction at the coffee cart as an opportunity to tell people the good news of the gospel and promote the various ministries of their church community.

The staff is trained to reach out to those who come to the Army for social services in a practical manner. And, since many of the staff were once on the receiving end of those services—from a food box, to help with a utility bill, or access to transitional housing or addiction services—they’re delighted to give back.

According to Stambaugh, the coffee cart ministry is an important goal of the corps. “It helps break down barriers between the staff and those we serve by showing people that we’re serious about caring for their needs,” he said.

The Stambaughs used a similar coffee cart in their other assignments in Vallejo and San Rafael, Calif., with the same goal in mind.

Phillip gives his testimony at the Lodi Corps’ annual dinner.

Annual dinner brings 300 guests

By Sydney Fong

The Salvation Army Lodi Corps’ annual dinner in March focused on “A hand up, not hand out” at the Temple Baptist Social Hall.

“I thought it was important to show our community that we’re in the business of changing lives,” said Corps Officer Captain Martin Ross. “And those who came to the dinner heard that with the testimonies tonight.”

Phillip said he came to the Army’s Hope Harbor single parent shelter in November.

“My son and I were living in a bad environment,” Phillip said. “There was a lot of drinking and stuff like that. I’m five years clean and I couldn’t be a part of that again, so I left. Once my unemployment ran out, I was pretty much homeless.”

But, he said, things turned around with The Salvation Army.

“There’s nothing really out there for single fathers in Northern California, so when I heard what The Salvation Army had in Lodi, I wanted to see if I could get in,” he said. “I’m grateful that I did. We had a room and food while I got my stuff together. Now, I just found work as a tow truck driver and I live in my own place in Galt. I’m blessed; they [The Salvation Army] were there to help. They gave me what I needed and referred me to resources to help me land my job. If it weren’t for them, I would still be on the streets.”

Nearly 300 guests who attended the dinner heard Phillip’s testimony.

“With those single parents units, we’re going to help a lot of families along the way,” Ross said. “Phillip is just the beginning.”

The event included a dinner prepared by the Hope Harbor Culinary Arts Program, a silent auction and the installation of advisory board officers.

“This dinner is not only about stories of changed lives, but the people who came alongside us to make it happen,” Ross said. “Whether it’s our new board officers or the folks in attendance, people should leave this event knowing that anyone can make a difference.”

By Chaya Galicia

The Yuba Sutter (Calif.) Corps is inviting the community to be a part of The Salvation Army—to come alongside it bringing hope to people in need whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.

The invitation is to join the “Army of Hope.”

“My vision for the Army of Hope is that it will be a universal campaign,” said Captain Tom Stambaugh, corps officer. “We’re bringing in people from the community to help us provide the goods and services we’re known for, which in turn brings more impact and hope to those we serve.”

The Army of Hope campaign offers four areas of service from which people can choose.

Giving: Encouraging donors to give financially to local Army programs, ensuring community needs will continue to be met.

Volunteerism: Inviting people to actively join us in fulfilling our services, whether by filling food boxes, stocking shelves or helping at outreach events.

Engagement: Providing opportunities to help lead groups in the areas of life management (budgeting, nutrition, parenting), self-sufficiency (vocational education, high school diploma/GED, higher education) and youth mentoring (Salvation Army youth programs).

Projects: Appointing groups to use their talents to sponsor a room at the shelter, refurbish a house at the Transitional Housing complex, conduct canned food drives or assist in landscaping and painting projects.

The corps has challenged the Yuba-Sutter community to find where they fit in the Army of Hope with a goal of community involvement, at various levels, serving people in need through The Salvation Army.

Napa chef makes his patrons feel at home when they come in for a meal.

By Sydney Fong

“How are you doing? Ready to eat?” is how chef Tony Simons greets people every weekday afternoon at the Napa (Calif.) Corps. He is a cook for the corps’ Lunch Table program, serving needy families and individuals with a free warm meal.

“It’s awesome coming in and serving food to the people because I know where they are at and I know a lot of their struggles,” Simmons said.

He speaks from first-hand knowledge as not too long ago, he was one of the many standing in line for lunch.

“I lost my job, couldn’t secure another job and ended up homeless,” he said. “I was just a victim of circumstances. But God has a purpose for everything, and he brought me here. “

Simmons decided to make the best of the situation and his decision led him from a person getting fed to a volunteer helping to feed others.

“He would do anything we asked and then look for other things to do,” said Corps Officer Captain Trish Poochigian. “We found out that he had some cooking skills and we had a need for a cook at that time, so we hired him. Tony’s work ethic is great. He’s not here just to do his time, but he’s here to help.”

The job has also helped Simmons rediscover his love for ministry work. “We’re feeding the poor not just food, but spiritually, as well,” he said. “When I see people waiting in line, I can joke with them and tell them that I love them. I think the opportunity is awesome and a blessing.”

Tony is now a soldier at the Napa Corps and is looking into officership.

“God has always called me to be in the Army, though I thought he meant the military version, not The Salvation Army,” he said. “I’m think I’m called into seminary and to be trained. God has closed some doors, but he has lined up other opportunities. I know better than not to listen to him.”

Members of the Territorial Youth Band at the Jelly Belly Factory with Mr.
Jelly Belly.Photo by Derek Helms

Young musicians provide ministry through music.

By Derek Helms

The 33-member Western Territorial Youth Band (TYB) recently met in Sacramento, Calif., for a ministry weekend in the Del Oro Division. The band, led by Bandmaster Richey Opina and Executive Officer and Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Roy Wild, represents every division in the West.

The TYB visited the Jelly Belly factory where they performed and received a private tour before an evening concert at the Suisun City Kroc Corps Community Center.

The band played a variety of music including David Dickinson’s xylophone solo, “A Victor’s Palm,” “Morning Star,” “The Name” and “Mighty God.” The highlight was “Faith Reborn,” a Leslie Condon selection commemorating the faithfulness of God through the story of The Salvation Army Boys’ Home in Seoul, Korea, which was lost during the Korean War.

On Sunday morning, the TYB participated at the Sacramento Citadel Corps. “He leadeth me” was the basis for the selection “By His Hand,” a reminder of the importance of God’s presence in one’s life.

To conclude the weekend, the congregation and band joined in William Himes’ arrangement of “Amazing Love.”

“It was a good time for the band to really gel as a group,” said TYB member Bee Bryant. “It was also great to visit Sacramento Citadel and see retired officers who had connections to many of the band members.”

Divisional Leaders Majors Bill and Lisa Dickinson, Jr. (top right) join Corps Officers Captains Martin (far left) and Tory (second row right) Ross and Chef Barry Crall (to Martin Ross’s left) to con-
gratulate the graduates. Photo by Sydney Fong

Lodi’s culinary arts rehabilitation program graduates its 10th session.

Lodi’s (Calif.) Hope Harbor Culinary Arts program recently celebrated its 10th graduating class, recognizing eight students who received diplomas after completing a 16-week course.

“I’m very proud of them,” said Barry Crall, Hope Harbor Culinary Arts chef instructor. “To see what God has done in their lives is a blessing. More than 90 percent are working right now, and around 72 percent have found work in the [restaurant] industry. I say it works.”

Crall has been the instructor for all five years of the program’s existence, assisting 62 students to graduation. He says the majority of his former students have found success in their professional careers.

One of the newest graduates, Betty, added her new name to the ever-growing success rate.

“I got all types of culinary skills from this program,” she said. “I want to work in a restaurant as a prep cook.”

Betty, who has battled to overcome 35 years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, came to the culinary program after a stay at The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco.

“I had to change my life,” Betty said. “I got tired of being sick and tired. And this program helped me to get my faith back. I got my self-esteem back, and I got my children back in my life again.”

The 25 hours-per-week program offers a wide range of academic activities, directed hands-on training in a state-of-the-art kitchen, community field trips to a variety of food service operations, and one-on-one mentoring provided by industry professionals.

“It feels good to see a program providing real skills and hope for a future,” said Corps Officer Captain Tory Ross. “But we’re also happy to see students like Betty now have a spiritual foundation. They don’t have to fall into bad habits; they can actually turn to God now.”

Having fun at Camp Del Oro. Below: Campers climb on the bus that will take them to Camp Del Oro.
Photos by Sydney Fong and Jonathan Harvey

114 children enjoy the camp experience.

By Sydney Fong

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Suisun City, Calif.—open only since late May—sent 114 children from Solano County to Camp Del Oro in Nevada City, Calif., for nearly a week of fun and educational activities.

“We are thrilled to provide such a wonderful opportunity to so many children,” said Captain Vickie Harvey, corps officer of the Suisun City Kroc Center Corps with her husband, Jonathan.

“The reality is that camp gives kids an opportunity to get out of their normal, everyday lifestyle,” said Jonathan Harvey. “For some, home is a great environment; for others, it’s not. For them to step out of their daily circumstances and to experience the tranquility of camp and God’s love is a unique opportunity.”

Advisory board member John Hodson worked to raise funds to provide the majority of the campers with scholarships. Hodson challenged his friends, business associates and other advisory board members to assist him in sending 100 children to camp, and he personally contributed a large portion of the cost.

“I remember my camp experience when I was a youth,” Hodson said. “I really wanted to see other children from Solano County have the same fun and memories that I had.”

The scholarship helped many Solano County parents, including a mother who recently lost her job.

“The mom came up to me the Sunday before camp started and asked if there were any spots available,” said Vickie Harvey. “I said we had some cancellations so there was room for her daughter, Miranda.”

“It’s terrific!” shouted Miranda, when asked how she was enjoying camp.

Kroc Center youth staff also enjoyed the camp experience, some for the first time. Six members of the Kroc Center team joined the Harveys for the week, assisting with electives and participating in daily chapel.

Jonathan Harvey said the goal was “to connect with the youth at camp so when they return to Solano County we have a greater opportunity to link them into corps programming and our weekly worship services.”

Captain Tom Stambaugh with visitors at the transitional housing complex

Third annual progressive dinner held during National Salvation Army Week.

By Sydney Fong

The Yuba-Sutter Corps held its third annual progressive dinner on May 15 in conjunction with National Salvation Army Week. Participants witnessed firsthand the corps’ life-changing programs while enjoying a three-course meal with fellow supporters.

“We are trying to bring better awareness of what The Salvation Army is doing in this community,” Corps Officer Captain Kimberly Stambaugh said. “We have received a lot of support by hosting this event, including gaining some new board members.”

Nearly 90 people were transported to each Yuba-Sutter program site, which included the worship center/social services office, transitional housing complex, the Depot Family Crisis Center and the Open Door Center.

“I used to ring the bells for The Salvation Army, but didn’t know where the money went,” event attendee Sue Brookman said. “It’s surprising to know what the Army does in the community—they do a lot of good work. I just thought they helped out when there’s a disaster; I didn’t realize they help the homeless and families in need.”

Diners heard success stories at each stop from individuals who had been or were being affected by the programs.

“It felt good to tell my story,” said Jason, a program participant from the transitional housing complex. “It’s a way to give back, so people know how The Salvation Army helps people who are in the same situation as me. I wouldn’t have gotten back on my feet without The Salvation Army; there’s no way.”

Left to right: Capt. Sybil Smith, Linda Pope, Sarah Bentley, Tommie Holik and Denise Woods, members of the leadership team

The Salvation Army in northern California joined with neighboring churches to hold a first-ever united meeting, the REJOICE! Women’s Day Retreat, held at the Eureka Corps.

The Redding Corps also participated, along with Coastline, Faith Center, Beacon of Faith, Celebration Fellowship, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Harvest Church.

Even without funds or a venue, Eureka Corps Officer Capt. Sybil Smith knew a retreat was possible, and prayed for the right people to come alongside and help. When she contacted Denise Woods (Faith Center) and Kathy Graff (Coastline) she discovered that their churches were offsprings of the Eureka Corps. Eventually, volunteers from the other churches joined in on the planning.

To raise funds for the event, the planning committee held a rummage sale, which brought in about $400, and charged a $10 registration fee.

“God made it all work. He gave us just what we needed,” Smith said. “He brought in 85 women to attend. He moved in people to provide our color printing, our brochures and fliers, and other supplies.”

The one-day event included a talk by Sarah Bentley, Del Oro divisional program director, along with a worship team from Celebration Fellowship and Devotion in Motion from The Salvation Army SWAG team (Saved With Amazing Grace). Charlene Hanson presented “blessing bags,” consisting of water, a granola bar, socks, toothpaste, toothbrush, juice, snack crackers and a message on Jesus Christ, to be handed out to the homeless and those needing encouragement.

After lunch at the Silvercrest residence next door, Smith spoke with assistance from the worship team from Celebration Fellowship, a violin and bagpipe special and an “Amazing Grace” medley by Salvationist Jennifer Hood (Eureka Corps) and her accompanist.

Throughout the day, the women had access to a prayer wall where they could inscribe prayers or praises so everyone could pray and/or rejoice with them. A resource table offered information on how to become connected with the various churches represented.