Salvation Army Hosts Informative Luncheon in Victoria

The Salvation Army hosted a community gathering at the Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) on April 29, 2024, where director Jonathan Hopkins presented to a diverse audience. Attendees included current and prospective ARC community council members, advisory board members, government and municipal councillors David Thompson, Margret Gardiner and Krista Loughton, local business neighbours and community supporters.

Director Jonathan Hopkins delivered an insightful presentation, sparking a dynamic discussion on the services offered at the ARC, upcoming program changes and future plans for the thrift store space. The gathering was not just a one-way communication but a platform for interactive learning, with a question-and-answer session that allowed attendees to engage with the presentation.

Key points from the presentation include: 

Overview: The ARC is a recovery-oriented community located on the ancestral territories of the Lekwunen peoples, offering a safe space for individuals to heal and rebuild their lives with dignity.

History: The Salvation Army has a longstanding history of service in Victoria, dating back to the establishment of a food depot in 1895 and the Harbour Light Treatment Centre post Second World War.

Programs and Services: The ARC offers a range of services, including emergency shelter and transitional housing, emergency weather response, correctional and justice services, a residential substance abuse treatment program, spiritual care, community dining and emergency disaster services.

Community Council: The backbone of the ARCs community engagement, the community council is a group of dedicated community members who meet quarterly. They provide valuable advice and guidance, shaping the ARCs operations and initiatives to best serve the community’s needs.

Photo: Jonathan Hopkins, ARC executive director, shares ARCs mission and guiding principles.