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About Red Shield <em>Youth</em> Centers Image

About Red Shield Youth Centers

Find Your Center Careers

The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Centers provide a trusted, structured environment where young people grow academically, socially, and spiritually. With dedicated staff and measurable outcomes, we equip children and teens with the skills, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive—both now and in the future. Every program is designed to make a real impact in the lives of youth, their families, and the broader community.

A Place to Grow

Discover how Red Shield Youth Centers support youth every step of the way.
Watch the video to see how caring staff, proven programs, and safe spaces help young people reach their God-given potential.

Our Mission

To empower and enrich our communities by supporting young people and their families through spiritual, educational, character-building, recreational, and relational programs. We aim to inspire youth to become active, productive members of their churches, families, and communities.

Our Vision

To grow each young person as Jesus did—in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man—through Christ-centered character and spiritual development in safe, nurturing environments. – Luke 2:52

What We’re All About

Christ Centered: We keep spiritual transformation at the core.
A Safe Place to Belong: Our centers are welcoming environments where young people feel secure, supported, and connected with their families.
Opportunities for Every Passion: Whether it’s athletics, creative arts, leadership skills, or preparing for higher education, we provide programs that match a wide range of interests.
Guidance That Inspires: Dedicated mentors invest in each student’s journey, offering encouragement and wisdom during life’s most formative years.
Growing Character and Leaders: We cultivate perseverance, moral integrity, and a strong faith foundation, equipping youth to lead with purpose and conviction.

Our Team

Discover Your Local Center Staff

Find site directors and youth development professionals at your nearest Red Shield Youth Center.

Explore Local Center Staff & Professionals

Our Programs

The Red Shield Youth Center program is uniquely positioned to offer students a holistic, flexible, and supportive environment. By focusing on personalized learning, social-emotional development, choice, and community, the Youth Center becomes more than just a place to wait for parents passively—it becomes an opportunity to foster growth, creativity, and resilience that complements students' school days and prepares them for future challenges.

Program Elements

Spiritual Development

The Salvation Army’s first purpose has been and always will be the salvation of the world. The Red Shield Youth Center continues this mission.

Character Building and Leadership

Provide opportunities for leadership roles to develop foundational skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and goal setting.

SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)

Help students develop key emotional skills such as empathy, communication, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.

Physical Education

Encourage physical activity that supports fitness, teamwork, and well-being.

Academic Support

Reinforce classroom learning through tutoring, individualized help, and enrichment activities.

STEAM

Introduce students to STEAM education through fun, hands-on activities promoting creativity and problem-solving.

Music & Arts

Develop creative talent and exploration of various forms of artistic engagement.

Our Impact

16,336 Youth Reached

2,931 Teens Empowered

10 States Served

Every one of the 16,336 youth reached by The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Centers in 2024 represents a young person with potential—and a family seeking support. In communities across 10 states, including Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, our centers walk alongside children and teens, offering safe places to discover, grow, and belong. After school, youth—including 2,931 teens—find encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities to build confidence. During the summer, day camps create space for deep discovery, friendship, and lasting memories, including opportunities to attend overnight camping experiences that help young people build independence and resilience.

By supporting youth at every stage, families gain partners who care deeply about their children’s well-being and future. Families can also connect with local corps community centers (churches) for worship, programs, and community support for all ages. Together, these experiences add up to stronger families, more resilient young people, and communities where hope has room to grow.

Motivated by God's love, our programs strive to develop the whole child within their environment, helping them grow physically, mentally, and socially.

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

- Psalm 1:3 (NIV)