Testimonials

Homelessness Prevention Services
Jim began utilizing The Salvation Army’s Community Assisted Support Services in 2002. Before coming to CASS, Jim was living in his car. He was using drugs and suffering from violent mood swings and suicidal thoughts.

After being referred to CASS by the Transitional Residential Program, Jim began to receive the help he needed and deserved.

At CASS, he lived in his own room and began to understand the responsibilities of living independently. “I guess I wanted a place to live more than I wanted drugs,” Jim said.

Soon, Jim began participating in the Friendship Program where he made genuine friends and continued his drug recovery.

The Salvation Army helped Jim proceed with the necessary steps to receive Social Security benefits and went on to help him find his own apartment.

Today Jim has confidence and believes that without the help of the CASS program, he may still be living in his car, abusing drugs.

Family and Children Services
All of Tasha’s life, her mother has been tangled in a web of prostitution and drug abuse. After a term in jail, her mother entered Wellspring, the Army’s program to assist people involved in prostitution. Tasha was enrolled in the award winning companion program, Children of Wellspring.

When she was first assessed by a Wellspring therapist, it was discovered that Tasha suffered from major depression. Not only was she struggling at school and home, where she lives with her grandmother, she was also suicidal.

Wellspring immediately arranged for Tasha to see a psychiatrist. As part of the program, she also attends weekly counseling sessions, has a mentor and receives tutoring and has made new friends who understand her situation.

Despite her ongoing problems with her mother, who is back in jail, Tasha’s health has stabilized. Her school performance is on the rise and she has found a place where she feels safe and cared for: The Salvation Army.

Senior Services
Richard was born and raised in Omaha. At the young age of 17 he left for the Navy, spending time in Japan, China, Korea, Hawaii and the Philippines. After many years, he returned to the U.S., eventually settling in California.

At 70 years old, Richard had survived five marriages, nine children and alcoholism for nearly 37 years.

His life changed dramatically 17 years ago after realizing that he had survived driving 125 mph on a California freeway while intoxicated. After this alcoholic binge, Richard moved back to Omaha to mend past relationships and to quit drinking.

Richard accepted a part time job and moved into Durham Booth Manor, a low-income housing development for seniors, provided by The Salvation Army.

Richard likes living at Durham Booth Manor because he feels safe and like he belongs to a community.

In April 2004, Richard was crowned “King” at the annual Senior Prom event held by the Dora Bingel Senior Center. For the first time in his life, Richard was honored for being himself. Richard’s date for the prom was “Queen” Melissa, who had recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. Richard laughs when he recalls their first dance when Melissa told him, “Hold me, I won’t break.”

Disaster Relief Services
December 5, 2007 will be a day forever remembered in Omaha. At approximately 1:43 p.m. shots rang out inside of Von Maur department store at Westroads mall and nine lives were taken, including that of the shooter.

Shortly after the shooting, The Salvation Army was at the sight of the tragedy, providing relief to law enforcement officials, handing out tissues and providing prayer and counsel to everyone effected by the shootings.

A woman calling into a radio show had the idea to set up a paper snowflake memorial at the entrance to the Von Maur store. The idea was remember the victims of this tragedy each as unique individuals, each different from one another, much like snowflakes.

The idea quickly spread, and the Saturday that the memorial was to be set up, The Salvation Army was there. Major Herb Fuqua suggested leaving notebooks at the tables where snowflakes were being made in order for people to write down their thoughts and prayers. The notebooks were later duplicated in order for the families of the victims to receive copies.

In times of disaster, it is often the human spirit that suffers and The Salvation Army provided assistance to many in emotional need during a time of great pain in our city.

Adult Rehabilitation Center
Shortly after a distraught phone call to The Salvation Army, Robert described his situation to a case worker.

This particular week, Robert had used marijuana and methamphetamines and in his eyes, he was drug free. Robert was desperately trying to hold on to his place of residence, where his deceased son had once lived, and became extremely depressed when the reality of the situation set in. The cost of the home was $500 per month but with a $300 welfare allotment and a nine-year-old daughter to care for, the payments seemed out of reach.

Robert’s drug use and depression made him feel paralyzed and unable to make decisions.

Upon arrival to The Salvation Army office, the clinical director helped him to determine priorities for his treatment. Robert’s main concern was the safety of himself and his daughter. Robert needed a drug evaluation, drug treatment, placement for his child while he was in drug treatment, rent assistance, utility assistance and support through and after the process.

Because of programs like the ARC, Robert received much needed help and is now on the road to recovery.