Echelon expands in the West as young leaders mobilize to serve communities

Echelon expands in the West as young leaders mobilize to serve communities

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Tables lined with school supplies filled the room at The Salvation Army Algeria House family shelter, where young professionals from Echelon’s new Los Angeles chapter welcomed families to a back-to-school drive in August 2025.

Over 45 kids and families staying at Salvation Army housing across Los Angeles walked away with pencils, notebooks and backpacks in hand, along with the confidence to start the new school year.

As one of the chapter’s first projects, the event showcased a growing group of leaders stepping up to support The Salvation Army through service, fundraising and community building.

Through the national movement of young professionals ages 21 to 35, Echelon unites those passionate about making a difference. In the West, new chapters in Los Angeles and Colorado Springs join a network that now includes eight chapters in the territory and 40 nationwide.

Echelon members work within their communities to address pressing issues—from homelessness and food insecurity to youth programs—while building skills and hands-on experience.

“Of course, there’s the community engagement side, providing needed resources, but it also engages young adults so that in the future we have compassionate leaders who consider the varying perspectives of vulnerable populations,” said Ulber Ramirez, Events Chair of the Los Angeles Echelon Chapter.

Echelon expands in the West as young leaders mobilize to serve communities
Los Angeles Chapter members hand out school supplies to elementary school children. Courtesy Katherine Fukuda.

As Events Chair, Ramirez coordinates with local organizations and businesses to support Echelon’s initiatives. For the back-to-school drive, he partnered with Staples to secure donated supplies for families.

“We’re able to come in and work with multiple resources to help meet needs,” Ramirez said. “It may be difficult for students or families to collect donations on their own, so as Echelon, we can step in and say, ‘I’ll handle that for you.’”

Ramirez noted kids were especially excited at the event as they could pick out their own backpacks.

“It’s fun to see the kids choose what stands out to them,” he said. “It gives them a chance to have some of that experience of picking out their own supplies.”

Along with seeing the smiles of those they serve, Katherine Fukuda, Salvation Army Southern California Corporate Engagement Volunteer Manager, emphasized the personal impact that comes from helping others.

“Echelon members quickly see how even small acts of effort can go a long way,” Fukuda said. “They learn and experience the value in coordination, teamwork and just how meaningful it is to them to give a little time and energy.”

She added that volunteering gives individuals a firsthand view of community needs and inspires them to keep making a difference.

“Volunteering allows people to be a part of the community they are serving. They come alongside others, hear their stories, and learn the best ways to continue helping.”

Chloe Hoeft, Salvation Army El Paso County Advisory Board member and Echelon Chair

Research from the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps found that nearly 30 percent of Americans aged 16 and older volunteered through an organization between September 2022 and September 2023, a rate comparable to pre-pandemic levels.

The resurgence in volunteering is visible across the West, as young professionals continue stepping up to serve within The Salvation Army, supporting the mission to meet human needs and bring hope to communities.

After graduating from college, Chase Silverman, president of the Los Angeles Chapter, joined Echelon to stay connected with his community. 

“People find a lot of value in volunteering,” Silverman said. “It’s a chance to meet new people and work together to tackle the many challenges facing LA County—something people are passionate about and eager to be part of.”

In July 2025, the Colorado Springs Echelon chapter became the 40th chartered chapter in the U.S.

Chloe Hoeft, Salvation Army El Paso County Advisory Board member and Echelon Chair, said the chapter works to address a wide range of needs, reaching one in every 30 residents in El Paso County in 2024, through programs widely supported by volunteers.

“Being a part of Echelon gives young adults an opportunity to build connections and understand what it means to serve,” Hoeft said. “They work together, but they also gain the skills to go out on their own and nurture their community.”

Echelon expands in the West as young leaders mobilize to serve communities
Colorado Springs Echelon Members at the JCPenny shopping spree. Courtesy Chloe Hoeft.

For their first project, the Colorado Springs chapter helped more than 200 children select clothes for the new school year at a JCPenney shopping spree organized by The Salvation Army.

The Echelon members walked alongside the families, helping them select $100 worth of clothes while taking time to offer guidance and make the experience special for each child.

“Volunteering allows people to be a part of the community they are serving,” Hoeft said. “They come alongside others, hear their stories, and learn the best ways to continue helping.”

Jacqueline Baumgartner, Salvation Army Colorado Springs case manager, said the Colorado Springs chapter left a lasting impression when they visited the Family Hope Center shelter to paint guest room doors and hallways, inviting kids to join in on the painting fun.

“The colors make a huge impact on the energy in the shelter,” Baumgartner said. “It looks like a place of healing now and makes it feel a little bit more like home.”

She added that kids now walk through the hallways pointing out their favorite doors.

With ongoing efforts, both chapters plan to continue brightening communities and lending a helping hand through upcoming holiday fundraising and volunteer initiatives, including preparing Thanksgiving meals and bellringing.

“We can all find some time to volunteer,” Ramirez said. “The more you stay involved, the more positive change you will witness and be a part of.”

Do Good:

  • Whether it’s through opportunities with The Salvation Army or elsewhere, your gifts are needed. You are needed. If you choose to cultivate these nine habits of impactful volunteers, you will make a difference in the lives of others. When you strive to do good, you help build a safer world for all and give others a lasting display of the love behind your beliefs. Get the guide on How To Be An Impactful Volunteer and join us in doing good today.

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