{"id":5770,"date":"2025-06-24T15:30:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T15:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salvationarmy.ca\/ontario\/?p=5770"},"modified":"2025-07-02T07:21:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T07:21:39","slug":"beyond-basic-needs-building-community-one-workshop-at-a-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salvationarmy.ca\/ontario\/2025\/06\/beyond-basic-needs-building-community-one-workshop-at-a-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Basic Needs: Building Community, One Workshop at a Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Salvation Army\u2019s North Bay location has grown into a welcoming community hub and for Major Stephanie Watkinson the transformation is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe used to only be a food bank. Now, we\u2019re becoming a place where people are accessing more diverse, life-changing programs as we journey with them on a pathway to independence,\u201d she says.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In anticipation of a move into a larger space to better serve the growing demand of services, The Salvation Army began asking what more could be done for those they serve. The result was a series of workshops called Beyond Basic Needs\u2013designed to support people\u2019s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about quality over quantity,\u201d says Major Watkinson. \u201cSmaller workshops allow us to build authentic relationships where people feel known, respected and accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The offerings are wide-ranging: financial literacy sessions, mental health workshops in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and structured art therapy that encourages healing through creativity. Trained dental and hairstylist volunteers also provide teeth cleanings and haircuts, simple services with a lasting impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI have been going to every program offered. I really enjoy spending time with others,\u201d said Cathy, 58, program participant. \u201cMy life has changed. I don’t feel so alone, and it has brought\u00a0me closer to God.\u00a0Without The Salvation Army, I would be closed off, in my house with no one to talk to or laugh or smile with.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The removal of social isolation barriers is also helping Vanessa meet new friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI felt like I needed to connect with The Salvation Army and get outside of the house,\u201d she says. \u201cIt has made me feel good and positive. I really appreciate the things I\u2019ve been taught and all the support I\u2019ve received.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other free workshops include container gardening, while monthly messy church and alpha programs nurture spiritual growth. Families are finding more than support; they\u2019re building lasting connections says Major Watkinson, as roughly 90 per cent of The Salvation Army\u2019s local programming falls under the Beyond Basic Needs umbrella, serving people of all ages and backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne person at a time you see the transformational change happen,\u201d she says. \u201cAs it builds, it\u2019s not just a service anymore\u2014it\u2019s creating a community of hope, healing and belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your generosity helps programs like Beyond Basic Needs continue to make a difference in North Bay. Make your donation today at www.SalvationArmy.ca<\/a> or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Salvation Army\u2019s North Bay location has grown into a welcoming community hub and for Major Stephanie Watkinson the transformation is clear. \u201cWe used to only be a food bank. Now, we\u2019re becoming a place where people are accessing more diverse, life-changing programs as we journey with them on a pathway to independence,\u201d she says. 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