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With 2024 fast approaching, it’s once again time to look back on the year we’ll soon leave behind.
This year, our top 10 stories serve as a reminder that while life can be fragile, humans are resilient even in the worst circumstances. We rebuild after wildfires ravage communities and reinvent ourselves after overcoming personal challenges. Many of us care for others while experiencing our own dark moments, and inspire others to do the same.
Caring’s most-loved stories this year take us around the western U.S. (and the world) to showcase the incredible work of The Salvation Army in communities just like yours. From Seattle to Maui to Phoenix, here are our top 10 stories of 2023.
1. Salvation Army Phoenix Kroc Center Athletics Manager has her eye on the mission
Athletics Manager Courtney Setzer set her sights on widening the impact of The Salvation Army Phoenix South Mountain Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center’s athletics—a key part of The Salvation Army’s programming, which includes education, fine arts and spiritual opportunities.
2. Salvation Army honors veterans and meets their needs at clothing closet
In Cathedral City, California, Salvation Army volunteers and advisory board members create Mr. Willard’s Closet, a complimentary closet for veterans experiencing homelessness.
3. Salvation Army responds as Maui wildfires devastate town of Lahaina and island community
The devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui displaced thousands of residents and tourists and destroyed the community of Lahaina. The Salvation Army provided assistance during the aftermath, including coordination of mass meal distributions, shelter, emotional and spiritual care.
4. Orange County Salvation Army opens 72-unit Pathways permanent supportive housing
The Salvation Army in Orange County, California, celebrated the completion of a $38 million project that delivered 72 units of Permanent Supportive Housing for people experiencing homelessness. A key component of the center is the introduction of The Salvation Army Orange County’s “Homeless Throughput System,” which aims to provide essential care, support and services to guide residents toward a new life of physical, emotional and spiritual health.
5. How to use joy as an antidote for anxiety
In From Pandemic to Renewal: Practices for a World Shaken by Crisis, author Chris Rice examines eight interrelated crises exposed by the pandemic era and provides pathways for followers of Christ to bring transformation and healing to their lives and communities.
6. A painful past helps one woman guide others in their walk with God
Following years of hardship during her childhood, a T-shirt introduced 15-year-old Jennifer Larrabee (now Masango) to The Salvation Army, launching a number of life changes.
7. Two Divine Servants share how they found God’s love in The Salvation Army
Captain Edith Dye-Mabie and Captain Richard Mabie were recognized by The Salvation Army Western Territory as Divine Servants—an award acknowledging individuals who reflect the selfless service of Christ in their ministry.
8. Volunteers on vacation give back in Maui with The Salvation Army
Volunteers pivot from vacationing to join The Salvation Army’s response to the devastating fires that destroyed Lahaina in August, providing support to both survivors and the Incident Command Team.
9. Salvation Army officers in training take their lessons into the world
Salvation Army officers-in-training at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont received field assignments to Salvation Army units, bringing what they learned on campus into the real world. This spring, three groups of cadets and officers traveled to Alaska, Denver and—in a break with tradition—to Kenya.
10. Seattle ARP grad helps men find ‘personal transformation’ through physical fitness
After conquering the grueling 2,650-mile trek of the Pacific Crest Trail, James Ihrig returned with a newfound sense of purpose. A graduate of The Salvation Army Seattle Adult Rehabilitation Program (ARP), he was determined to share the lessons he learned during his journey with others, particularly with those facing their own battles in addiction recovery.
Do Good:
- You’ve probably seen the red kettles and thrift stores, and while we’re rightfully well known for both…The Salvation Army is so much more than red kettles and thrift stores. So who are we? What do we do? Where? Right this way for Salvation Army 101.
- It’s because of people like you that The Salvation Army can serve more than 31 million Americans in need each year. (That’s almost one person every second, every day.) Your gift helps The Salvation Army fight for good all year in your community. It’s an effort to build well-being for all of us, so together we rise. And that good starts with you. Give to spread hope with a donation of funds, goods or time today.
- What cause best fits your personality? Take our quiz and discover where you can make the biggest impact today in the Fight for Good.
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