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While on the path to recovery, men from The Salvation Army Santa Monica ARC volunteered to serve meals and assist those impacted by the January wildfires in California.
The aroma of fresh, hot meals filled the air at Los Angeles’ Westwood Recreation Center as nine men from The Salvation Army Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) stood ready to serve evacuees of the historic LA wildfires.
Just days before, the men had been focused on themselves—working toward sobriety, stability and a second chance at life. But now, in the wake of the devastation, they found themselves on the other side of the table, offering a helping hand.
“I’ve never volunteered before,” said Santa Monica ARC Beneficiary Pete Smith. “But seeing the difference we made—just by giving a little of our time—opened my eyes to a new way of living.”
In response to the wildfires, The Salvation Army joined other organizations at evacuation centers and resource hubs across Southern California to provide essential supplies, meals and support to those impacted by the fires.
At the Westwood Recreation Center, the Santa Monica Corps led the meal service in addition to providing emotional and spiritual care from Jan. 8-25.
“Volunteering enhances their personal development and skills as they continue to work on their recovery.”
Captain Minnie Cleveland, Santa Monica ARC Program Administrator
To support the efforts, the Southern California divisional Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) team invited others, including the staff and beneficiaries from the Santa Monica ARC, to help with the response.
“We received a request to ask if any guys would be willing to help out,” said Captain Minnie Cleveland, Program Administrator at the Santa Monica ARC. “They specifically needed assistance with getting fresh meals to people in the community.”
Cleveland said many ARC program participants were eager to help.
“One of the things we encourage when resetting your life is to become involved in your community,” she said. “Many of the men were excited for the opportunity to volunteer.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), health, home, purpose and community are the four key dimensions that support individuals in recovery.
“Volunteering enhances their personal development and skills as they continue to work on their recovery,” Cleveland said. “Offering an opportunity to see how they can contribute and help others can increase their self-esteem and build community.”
ARC program participants volunteered Jan. 22-24, helping to prepare and serve 810 meals and over 2,000 snacks. ARC volunteers created a menu for breakfast and lunch, then used the Santa Monica Corps kitchen to prepare the meals before delivering them to the Westwood Recreation Center.
“We wanted to make meals that adults and kids would like,” Smith said. “But it also needed to be meals we could prepare in large quantities.”
Smith said they woke up at 4 a.m. each day to prepare breakfast, which included eggs, sausage, bacon and pancakes. They then distributed the food and engaged with evacuees.
“We were interacting with people from all walks of life and coming from various situations,” said Santa Monica ARC graduate Axel Sanchez, who also volunteered. “I went in with an open mind and a listening ear.”
Sanchez said many community members were emotional and grateful for the support, with most expressing their gratitude to the volunteers.
“Going through the ARC program, you receive help to get better,” Sanchez said. “It was an honor and incredibly humbling to now be in a position to help others; It’s something I probably couldn’t have done when I was battling addiction.”
Sanchez said seeing the community appreciate their efforts helped him see it doesn’t take much to lend a helping hand.
“The highlight for me was seeing people smile,” he said. “Knowing they were going through so much and could experience a moment of joy because of our involvement showed me the value of community.”
Cleveland said the men in the program stand ready to volunteer in the community and look forward to future opportunities to give back.
“The Santa Monica Corps supports the men in the ARC through social services,” Cleveland said. “We’ll take any opportunity to support the corps’ efforts while giving the guys a chance to get involved.”
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