Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope Welcomes New Executive Director
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BRINGING COMMUNITY TOGETHER AT SUMMER BBQ
The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope hosted its annual Sally Fest summer BBQ on July 31st, bringing in over 190 community members. The event was hailed as a resounding success, fostering a sense of togetherness and community spirit.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and energy at this year’s Sally Fest, despite the extremely hot temperatures” said Shannon Barnwell, Community Engagement Specialist. “It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces come together to enjoy good food, listen to music and connect with one another. Events like these are an important part of building a strong, vibrant community.”
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The summer BBQ featured a variety of classic BBQ fare including burgers, fries, fruit and dessert. Salvation Army’s Chaplain dusted off his guitar and played a variety of classic hits throughout the event to create a festive atmosphere. Children enjoyed the dedicated playing area with games and activities.
In addition to the food and entertainment, the event also highlighted the work of its longtime supporters, The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918). The Club has been involved in the beloved community event for over 10 years and have created a strong relationship, which they plan to continue their involvement for years to come.
- Categories:News,Uncategorized
Hope and Healing on the Road to Recovery
Life has been a journey filled with both profound challenges and incredible resilience for Wesley. Growing up he faced the grip of addiction, a battle that intensified after his parents’ passing left him without a home, and serving time in prison turned his quest for stability into an ongoing struggle.
Amidst these hardships, a beacon of hope emerged through The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope. Their unwavering support not only gave Wesley a place to live and helped him confront his addiction but also provided him with renewed hope and a promise of a brighter future. After being released from prison, Wesley stayed in the emergency shelter for two months before moving to the residential housing floor, where he now benefits from spiritual care and recreational programs.
One of the programs keeping Wesley busy has him tending to the Centre of Hope’s 300-cubic-foot community garden which is filled with tomatoes, lettuce, eggplants, cucumbers, and chives. As he waters the plants and weeds the garden beds, he finds solace in the routine and purpose it provides.
“I feel happier, and it brightens up my day to take care of something that I know is giving back to the community,” Wesley shares with a smile. “Anything that grows and survives has hope for everyone.”
The garden’s vegetables are used to provide fresh food for the Centre of Hope’s residents, enhancing meal quality, and fostering a tight-knit community. In addition to his work in the garden, Wesley takes out the garbage every single day, maintaining a clean and healthy environment for everyone. His commitment and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed, and he serves as an inspiration to others who are facing similar struggles.
“It keeps me off the street. It keeps me off the drugs. I quit drinking and I haven’t had a drink in over a year,” he proudly states. His sobriety is a significant recovery milestone, and tending to the garden plays a transformative role in maintaining this progress.
“This garden is a holistic activity that teaches participants a practical skill to learn how to grow and eat wholesome, healthy foods,” says Windsor Centre of Hope chaplain Dale Sanger. “It also provides an opportunity for those we support to grow both personally and spiritually.”
– Story by Chris McGregor
![Wesley Garden Story](https://salvationarmywindsor.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Wesley_-garden-Story-300x300.png)
- Categories:Stories from our shelter
Pathway of Hope- Francesco
Francesco Cerullo: A Journey of Hope and Transformation with the Pathway of Hope Program
Francesco Cerullo’s transformative journey with The Salvation Army began on January 17, 2023, when he sought assistance from the organization’s outreach services. Francesco Cerullo’s journey with The Salvation Army’s outreach services has not only brought about tangible improvements in his life but has also fostered a remarkable transformation in his self-sufficiency and independence. Before embarking on his Pathway of Hope journey, Francesco faced numerous challenges that hindered his ability to navigate life independently. Through the dedicated efforts of the outreach service, Francesco not only secured stable housing, financial stability, and essential support services but also underwent a profound personal transformation.
- Categories:Pathway of Hope Stories