By Kristy Church, Lt.
The Salvation Army in Caldwell, Idaho, led by Corps Officers Lts. Brent and Kristy Church, celebrated completed renovations to its church and social services buildings with a grand reopening Sept. 23.
With new steps and ramps, a new roof and draining, indoor carpet, sod and sprinkler system, and a new parking lot, the Army in Caldwell—which fund-raised for the capital improvements—can better serve the community.
“This is not our building; it’s the community’s building,” said Church. “We wanted a place for people in the community to feel that they’re loved, that they’re accepted no matter what.”
Cascade Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Judy Smith officially re-dedicated the corps, cutting the ribbon before an audience including Boise (Idaho) corps members, who joined Caldwell Salvationists for a united worship meeting. Other attendees included Caldwell Advisory Board members;Brandon Hixon, a candidate for Idaho’s District 10 House of Representatives seat that covers the city of Caldwell; and representatives from ASC General Contractor, which completed the renovations and donated a built-in barbecue. A celebration lunch using the barbecue followed.
The renovations to the corps basement frees additional space for Baby Haven, a parenting class that began with 30 clients in 2007 and has grown to benefit 682 people.