RED SHIELD TRIBUNE: FEBRUARY 2023 | VOL 10
WELCOME OUR NEW COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR!
The Salvation Army of Memphis is excited to welcome our new team member, Danielle Boothe, as our new Community Relations Coordinator!
Before starting her new role, Danielle worked as a membership associate at the Kroc Center. She also gained experience in the recreation and fitness departments.
Prior to joining The Salvation Army of Memphis, she worked with City of Memphis Parks Division as assistant community center director , helping to increase outreach to citizens of all ages. During her time with the City of Memphis, she managed event planning projects and established programming for Memphis residents.
In her personal time, Danielle enjoys attending her daughter's high school sports games and exploring new restaurants around town.
Danielle looks forward to connecting with The Salvation Army's partners - new and old - to expand its reach throughout the Memphis area.
Please join us in welcoming Danielle to our team! To contact Danielle regarding outreach and volunteer opportunities, send an email to danielle.boothe@uss.salvationarmy.org.
JANUARY SNAPSHOT
The first month of the year has already flown by, and the seeds that volunteers planted during the Christmas season are already beginning to bear fruit.
In January, The Purdue Center of Hope served 43 women and children in our Emergency Family Shelter, 51 women in our overnight emergency shelter, 26 women and children in our long-term Renewal Place Family Residence for addiction recovery, and 19 women in our Single Women's Lodge.
Because of your support in raising funds during the holidays, we are able to ensure that women and children start their new year with a sense of hope. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year to keep the momentum going!
POINT IN TIME
At the start of each year, non-profit organizations across the United States come together to participate in the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The purpose of the PIT Count is to count the number of unsheltered individuals over the span of one night in January. The PIT Count serves as a snapshot of the state of homelessness in a community.
In Memphis, the Community Alliance for the Homeless organizes the Point-in-Time Count, which took place on January 24 this year. Representatives from local non-profits volunteer to drive around the city documenting the number of homeless individuals they see. Volunteers also supply individuals with blankets, self-care supplies, and information about seeking shelter. The Salvation Army was represented by Iris Wade and Dorothy Ford. Wade works as the director for The Salvation Army's Single Women's Lodge and Ford works as the director of New Directions and the Emergency Family Shelter at The Purdue Center of Hope. Both have participated in the PIT Count for several years.
This year, Wade and Ford were once again tasked with surveying parts of North Memphis and Downtown. The PIT Count begins at 3:30am and continues throughout the early morning hours, ensuring that volunteers are able to identify individuals who are unsheltered overnight.
This year, Wade and Ford noted that in the areas they surveyed, they saw more unsheltered individuals than they recalled seeing in the previous few PIT Counts they participated in. The total number of unsheltered individuals that were counted this year in Memphis has yet to be finalized. The data that is recorded will help in determining what strategies are necessary to reduce homelessness in Memphis moving forward.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Volunteer Appreciation Week - April 13-22
During this week, we highlight individuals and groups who volunteer throughout the year for The Salvation Army of Memphis and the Mid-South.
Doing the Most Good Dinner - April 27
Invited guests will be recognized for their support of The Salvation Army and its mission to Do the Most Good. Be on the loo out for your invitation soon!
National Salvation Army Week - May 15-19
Be on the lookout for events that highlight the services The Salvation Army provides year-round.
Kettle365 Telethon - May 18
The Salvation Army's annual telethon fundraiser is held each spring to highlight our year-round services and raise funds for summer programming.