New Salvation Army Facility Brings More Opportunities for Support
Last month, The Salvation Army opened a new building in Courtenay, B.C., bringing its community services and church under one roof. This location will serve the Comox Valley region.
The enhanced space replaces another facility that was aging and was not ideally designed to accommodate the programs being offered.
Major Michelle Elsasser, leader at The Salvation Army in Comox Valley, believes bringing the services together creates more opportunities for people to receive support through fostering relationships with guests, staff, pastors, church members and volunteers.
“Ultimately, the various layers of support help people exit the poverty cycle and move forward in their lives.”
“The primary goal is to make our mission more effective. We want to create a comfortable and lovely space for people seeking our assistance in whatever capacity,” she says.
The new building has already allowed the organization to introduce and expand programs. A community soup kitchen that was previously operated by another church has now moved into this Salvation Army location. It serves between 40 and 50 people each weekday.
Hosting this event has also created opportunities for collaboration with volunteers from other churches who help serve meals.
“Together we build and offer lunch, with a side of hope,” Major Michelle adds.
In addition, an initiative called “Upper Pantry” has been introduced. The program allows families accessing food assistance to select items based on preference and dietary needs.
“We offer guests a more dignified experience by letting them choose,” Major Michelle says.
“The primary goal is to make our mission more effective.”
There is also a new program that supports parents raising neurodivergent children.
Overall, the goal of the expansion is to assist more families in different ways and remove barriers to accessing assistance.
“Ultimately, the various layers of support help people exit the poverty cycle and move forward in their lives,” Major Michelle explains.
The new facility has also strengthened connections between the community and The Salvation Army. More than 200 people attended the grand opening and staff have given tours over the past few weeks to those interested in learning more about the organization’s services, programs and church.
“Since we opened, it has been tour after tour. It has been a pleasant experience so far,” Major Michelle adds.
As programming continues to expand, there will be new volunteer opportunities for those interested in serving the community through The Salvation Army.
With extra hands, Major Michelle says the organization can respond to emerging community needs more effectively.
By Juan Romero
