Salvation Army Supports Teen Moms Through Hot Lunches
Since 2017, The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Temple Corps/church has supported the Terra Centre for Teen Parents, specifically their partner, Braemar School, which provides education exclusively for pregnant and parenting teens.
Edmonton Temple offers a variety of support, with their primary service being the provision of fresh, hot lunches to students, staff and volunteers every Wednesday. This initiative not only provides food aid but also introduces The Salvation Army and its services to many young mothers.
About the Program
The meals are prepared, transported and served by Edmonton Temple staff and volunteers. The lunches are full-course meals that include protein, vegetables, bread, dessert and drinks. Meals are varied, so different dishes are served each week.
“We are there to provide hope in the form of a meal, it opens up opportunities for some great conversations.”
The weekly lunches have been well received by the moms and the principal reports an increase in attendance on Hot Lunch days.
“It’s an opportunity for us to let them know that there are others in the community who are excited to support and encourage them and their children. We are invested and eager to help them reach their full potential,” says Pamela Hall, community ministries worker.
“We are there to provide hope in the form of a meal, it opens up opportunities for some great conversations,” Captain Stefan Reid from the Edmonton Temple adds.
“We have had a few students reach out to us for additional services on behalf of their families over the years,” Pamela says.
More Than a Meal
Some of the additional services provided include food, clothing, household items, vouchers and winter wear. Edmonton Temple has also helped the students in other ways.
“We surprised them one year by setting up a free clothing store in their library for Mother’s Day. This past year, it was sunglasses, hair accessories, jewelry and makeup,” Pamela shares.
“We have had a few students reach out to us for additional services on behalf of their families over the years.”
At Christmas time, the students can participate in a Pick-A-Present initiative designed specifically for them. The week before Christmas, an afternoon is set aside for the moms to personally shop for their children, thanks to toy drive initiatives organized by The Salvation Army’s Community Resource Centre in Edmonton.
“Each child was gifted with a variety of toys, stuffies, books, stocking stuffers, blankets and handmade knitted items,” adds Pamela. “There was a lot of excitement in the building for moms and volunteers alike as they waited their turn to shop through the toy store. There was lots of chatter about the amazing toy selection and how much their child would love this or that toy. Many expressions of gratitude followed, including some tears. We were blessed to be able to share the afternoon with the students in this way,” she adds.
Donations Make a Difference
The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Temple welcomes financial support to keep their food programs such as the Hot Lunch at Braemar School running smoothly and even possibly expand the program in the future.
“Our kitchen needs renovations to meet the needs of the community in which we serve. If people want to support that initiative, it would be greatly appreciated, Captain Reid says.
The Temple also runs a weekly Food Sharing Pantry and has seen a substantial increase over the past year and a half from an average of 40 families to 140 families participating. These families typically represent 450-500 family members.
In the community, their efforts have been recognized. The Salvation Army Edmonton Temple recently received an award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ National Philanthropy Day event for their contributions to the school.
“Thank you so much again to Edmonton Temple for supporting Terra Centre over the years with hot lunches, holiday gifts, grad gifts, and just for being a wonderful community partner.”
Rhanda Bonet‑Graham, director of the Terra Centre, sent the following message to The Salvation Army Edmonton Temple.
“Thank you so much again to Edmonton Temple for supporting Terra Centre over the years with hot lunches, holiday gifts, grad gifts, and just for being a wonderful community partner.”
By Juan Romero
