The Salvation Army opens new Community Resource Centre in Calgary

The Salvation Army’s new Forest Lawn Community Resource Centre in Calgary officially opened its doors in style on January 26 with a spectacular ribbon cutting ceremony involving skateboarders gliding off a quarter-pipe in the facility’s 7000 square foot youth recreation area.

The massive facility, approximately 50,000 square feet in total, will be home to many of the Army’s essential programs and services designed to help people struggling with hard times, those needing resources, and newcomers adjusting to their new life.

“This project has been in the making for a few years now, involving teams of people, many of whom are represented here, to make this all come together,” said Major Al Hoeft, Prairies and Northern Territories Divisional Secretary of Public Relations.

“We’re just getting started. This isn’t a finish line. It’s an opportunity for us to continue to make an impact in our community.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The day was a culmination of many years of hard work from many individuals in the audience who worked together for a cause bigger than themselves.

The amazing Siksika Nation drummers opened and closed the ceremony. Elder Vincent Yellow Old Woman provided a blessing and shared a touching story about how his mother turned to The Salvation Army to acquire hockey equipment when he was a child.

Territorial Commander, Commissioner Lee Graves, gave a prayer of dedication, and Divisional Commanders Lt. Colonels Brian and Lynn Armstrong gave a benediction.

“As Divisional Commander, here is my first command: this is beautiful – now get it dirty!” Lt. Col. Brian Armstrong said prior to receiving roaring applause from the audience.

Siksika Nation drummers opened and closed the ribbon cutting ceremony at Forest Lawn’s Community Resource Centre.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, East-Calgary MLA Peter Singh, and Calgary Forest Lawn MP Jasraj Singh Hallan were also gracious enough to speak about the good that will be achieved inside the facility’s walls.

“Today’s reveal of this new Community Resource Centre will strengthen the lives of communities of greater Forest Lawn and transform those lives with the provision of basic needs,” Mayor Gondek said.

Gerry Wood of the Wood Automotive Group and his family also received a special thank you.

When Forest Lawn’s programs and services found themselves without a permanent home, Gerry stepped up. Not only did he commit financially to this project, but he and Dick Van Grieken of Telsec Property Corporation also offered a portion of the former Target store so the centre could become a reality.

The most moving moment of the event came from Vivian, a widowed mother with four children, who shared her experience coming to Canada in 2020 and trying to find her footing.

“As a newcomer, figuring out the social system in Calgary was complex. I tried to connect with a number of organizations that could provide support, but it wasn’t until I reached out to this wonderful Salvation Army community that I finally got the help I needed,” Vivian said.

Forest Lawn’s Programs and Services

The Community Resource Centre will provide many essential programs and services to Calgarians in need. Not only will it be housing many of the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services vehicles, supplies, and mobile kitchens, which were so vital during last year’s wildfire season, it will also include:

• The Hamper Program: Food distribution.
• Financial literacy: Supporting those with low income and providing tools to help them manage and improve their financial situation.
• English as a Second Language Program (ESL): Advancing language skills.
• Youth Engagement: Encouraging healthy habits with space and equipment for floor hockey, indoor soccer, basketball, and skateboarding.
• Outreach Programs: Building relationships and providing support in accessing housing and transitional recourses.

The goal is not just to help individuals and families but also to engage with them. The staff sits down and takes the time to find out what each client needs so they can acquire more than just temporary relief from their struggles.

The 7000 square foot youth recreation area includes a skate park.

“Our commitment is to offer hope through supportive services to strengthen our community. That’s really what we’re about here,” Cliff Wiebe, Executive Director of Community Services in Calgary, said.

“This will happen as we get to know the community on a skateboard ramp, over a cup of coffee with a chaplain, helping somebody with taxes, learning languages and culture together, giving out food and infant essentials, and just getting to know people and walking the journey together.”

The Salvation Army is passionate about serving its community. The Forest Lawn Community Resource Centre is just the newest conduit for spreading hope to individuals and families in need.

For more information about the programs and services that the Forest Lawn Community Resource Centre offers, please call (403) 410-1111 or visit SalvationArmycalgary.org.