Twenty-eight Years Transforming Lives at The Salvation Army
Chandra-Lee Bascome has been involved with The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light shelter and street outreach ministry in Bermuda in a range of capacities for the last 28 years. Throughout this time, she has seen people facing some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
She has witnessed complete transformations, with individuals who arrived while experiencing homelessness and addiction later finding recovery.
A Second Chance
Chandra-Lee recalls a particular case that stands out to her to this day. It was that of a man who was frequently visited by Salvation Army outreach teams while he was unhoused for more than a decade. When he decided it was time to seek assistance, that action changed his life.
“We saw him for 11 years and during this time he never came into treatment with us,” Chandra-Lee, who currently serves as assistant executive director for social mission. says, “Eventually he decided to go to Harbour Light and after going through the recovery process, he joined our team. He has been one of our residential care workers for the last four years and has maintained his sobriety for 14 years.”
This client’s story is just one example of many. Chandra-Lee says several members of the staff at Harbour Light are individuals who have taken part in Salvation Army programs themselves. This not only shows that people can find second chances, but also that those who have experienced hardship themselves can go on to support others.
“Many of our former clients come back because they feel a sense of loyalty or a strong need to want to give back,” Chandra-Lee adds.
Journey to Recovery
The services Harbour Light provides go beyond shelter and addiction support. In recent years, programming has expanded to help clients navigate their transition more effectively, with literacy and basic life skills programs.
Rather than expecting immediate change, staff work patiently with residents as they take steps toward recovery.
“When they come and step into treatment, they’re not going to fix their problems right away,” Chandra-Lee says. “But while they are living with us, we patiently guide them so they can personally progress in their lives.”
Community Assistance Makes a Difference
Recently, the turnover of residents has been higher than it was in previous years. This means that some clients are finding stability more quickly. The staff’s dedication is essential in providing this support, along with those in the community who make The Salvation Army’s programs possible.
One big help to the organization comes from the partnerships it has built.
“We have always welcomed collaboration. We have connections with agencies that provide addiction services as well as other churches who send volunteers to assist at our food bank and street outreach programs,” Chandra-Lee shares.
Reflecting on her tenure with The Salvation Army, Chandra-Lee feels honoured to be a part of a team that consistently makes a difference in people’s lives.
“Initially, I wasn’t planning to work with The Salvation Army, but almost 30 years later I am still here,” Chandra-Lee says. “It’s rewarding to see people’s transformations.”
For more information on The Salvation Army in Bermuda, visit https://salvationarmy.bm/
By Juan Romero
