What is The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army is a worldwide evangelical Christian church with its own distinctive governance and practice. The Army's doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasize God's saving purposes.
Its religious and charitable objects are ‘the advancement of the Christian religion ... and, pursuant thereto, the advancement of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole'.
Our Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Where are We?
In 1887 The Salvation Army 'opened fire' in Kingston, and thence spread throughout the island of Jamaica and to Guyana (1895). Barbados (1891), Trinidad (1901), Grenada (1902), St. Lucia (1902), Antigua (1903), St. Vincent (1905), Belize (1915), St. Kitts (1916), Suriname (1924), the Bahamas (1931), Haiti (1950), French Guiana (1980), St. Maarten (1999) and The Turks and Caicaos Islands (2011).
Our Structure
Ministries
As part of a diverse world-wide Christian movement, we are to be found ministering in local communities. The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory has been present in the Caribbean for over 125 years and has become and integral component to many communities and their development.
Believing that the Christian faith should not just be good for yourself, but also for those around you we make it our aim to demonstrate a practical application of faith through day-to-day community programmes.
The work of The Salvation Army in the Caribbean ranges from companionship clubs for the elderly through to nurturing groups with babies.
Please feel free to participate in any of our activities at The Salvation Army center nearest you!
EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICE
Whether it be a local incident or a major disaster, Salvation Army staff and volunteers are often the first on the scene and the last to depart, honoring a century-old commitment to serve those in need, at the time of need, and at the place of need.
Disasters come in many forms, both natural and manmade-always devastating to those involved. The Salvation Army is always on the scene because of its every day presence in communities across the country.
With that constant awareness of people's needs, The Salvation Army is often among the first on the scene when disaster strikes. Our personnel are trained to meet all kinds of emergencies by providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort. Disaster canteens (mobile feeding trucks) have become familiar sights to firemen, policemen and victims alike. Hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, and complete meals fill vital needs when homes are destroyed and people are hungry.
The Salvation Army works with emergency management personnel and many other organizations to form a cooperative team during such difficult times. Each year, millions of volunteers come forward during disasters to give their time and effort when it is needed most.
The red shield continues to be a beacon of compassion; of immediatte aid, psychological support and spiritual counsel to individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted or shattered by forces beyond their control.
Salvation Army disaster response teams, coordinated and directed by commissioned officers and trained personnel, supported by volunteers, are "on call" to serve at all disasters and civil disorders which place a community or its populace at risk or which may disrupt or destroy family security and well-being.
Spiritual Ministry
Counseling victims, consoling the injured and distressed, comforting the bereaved, conducting funeral and memorial services, chaplaincy services to staff and volunteers.
Counseling
Individual and family trauma counseling and emotional support.
Identification/Registration
Locating victims and providing information and communication to inquiring family and friends.
Mobile Feeding
Where needed, mobile feeding units serve hot meals to victims and relief personnel on site.
Congregate Feeding
Salvation Army buildings and other sites are used for preparation and service of meals to victims and relief personnel.
Financial Assistance
Financial grants for immediate needs are made to victims who demonstrate need. No repayment of grants is sought or required.
Shelter
Shelters may be established and maintained in Salvation Army facilities or other sites. Programs include child care to allow adult family members to salvage personal effects, apply for long-term assistance, schedule reconstruction and undertake other necessary tasks.
Donated Materials
The generosity of Americans enables The Salvation Army to solicit and distribute water, non-perishable foods, furniture, house-keeping supplies, building materials, and other basic nesessities.
The Salvation Army will, where appropriate and necessary, establish and maintain depots to facilitate the program.
Basic Commodities
The Salvation Army may elect to purchase and distribute basic commodities not readily available at the time of need. These may include, but not be limited to, food, water, health and sanitary needs, baby and child care products, medicines, bedding and other items for which an immediate need exists.
Reconstruction
In major disasters, The Salvation Army may accept responsibility to coordinate or assist with reconstruction efforts.
The Salvation Army may establish depots for distribution of donated building supplies and may establish a financial aid office.
Support programs may be established including child care centers, educational and after school programs, recreation, leisure activities, individual/family counseling and other support programs.
Support programs allow adults to focus on rebuilding efforts with the assurance that children are receiving quality care in a safe environment.
Services to Volunteers
The Salvation Army recruits, trains and utilizes volunteers. Registered volunteers may be provided with housing, meals, and support services including transportation, if necessary and available.
Advocacy
Certified social workers, human services aides and officers are assigned to provide a professional level of assistance including advocacy and referral to private and public assistance programs.
EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICE
Whether it be a local incident or a major disaster, Salvation Army staff and volunteers are often the first on the scene and the last to depart, honoring a century-old commitment to serve those in need, at the time of need, and at the place of need.
Disasters come in many forms, both natural and manmade-always devastating to those involved. The Salvation Army is always on the scene because of its every day presence in communities across the country.
With that constant awareness of people's needs, The Salvation Army is often among the first on the scene when disaster strikes. Our personnel are trained to meet all kinds of emergencies by providing food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort. Disaster canteens (mobile feeding trucks) have become familiar sights to firemen, policemen and victims alike. Hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, and complete meals fill vital needs when homes are destroyed and people are hungry.
The Salvation Army works with emergency management personnel and many other organizations to form a cooperative team during such difficult times. Each year, millions of volunteers come forward during disasters to give their time and effort when it is needed most.
The red shield continues to be a beacon of compassion; of immediatte aid, psychological support and spiritual counsel to individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted or shattered by forces beyond their control.
Salvation Army disaster response teams, coordinated and directed by commissioned officers and trained personnel, supported by volunteers, are "on call" to serve at all disasters and civil disorders which place a community or its populace at risk or which may disrupt or destroy family security and well-being.
Spiritual Ministry
Counseling victims, consoling the injured and distressed, comforting the bereaved, conducting funeral and memorial services, chaplaincy services to staff and volunteers.
Counseling
Individual and family trauma counseling and emotional support.
Identification/Registration
Locating victims and providing information and communication to inquiring family and friends.
Mobile Feeding
Where needed, mobile feeding units serve hot meals to victims and relief personnel on site.
Congregate Feeding
Salvation Army buildings and other sites are used for preparation and service of meals to victims and relief personnel.
Financial Assistance
Financial grants for immediate needs are made to victims who demonstrate need. No repayment of grants is sought or required.
Shelter
Shelters may be established and maintained in Salvation Army facilities or other sites. Programs include child care to allow adult family members to salvage personal effects, apply for long-term assistance, schedule reconstruction and undertake other necessary tasks.
Donated Materials
The generosity of Americans enables The Salvation Army to solicit and distribute water, non-perishable foods, furniture, house-keeping supplies, building materials, and other basic nesessities.
The Salvation Army will, where appropriate and necessary, establish and maintain depots to facilitate the program.
Basic Commodities
The Salvation Army may elect to purchase and distribute basic commodities not readily available at the time of need. These may include, but not be limited to, food, water, health and sanitary needs, baby and child care products, medicines, bedding and other items for which an immediate need exists.
Reconstruction
In major disasters, The Salvation Army may accept responsibility to coordinate or assist with reconstruction efforts.
The Salvation Army may establish depots for distribution of donated building supplies and may establish a financial aid office.
Support programs may be established including child care centers, educational and after school programs, recreation, leisure activities, individual/family counseling and other support programs.
Support programs allow adults to focus on rebuilding efforts with the assurance that children are receiving quality care in a safe environment.
Services to Volunteers
The Salvation Army recruits, trains and utilizes volunteers. Registered volunteers may be provided with housing, meals, and support services including transportation, if necessary and available.
Advocacy
Certified social workers, human services aides and officers are assigned to provide a professional level of assistance including advocacy and referral to private and public assistance programs.