The Salvation Army offers material, emotional and spiritual support to victims, offenders and affected members of the community

by John McAlister, Associate Editor, Salvationist

 

“While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight,” said William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army. “While little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight─I'll fight to the very end!”

 

From its earliest days, The Salvation Army ministered to those affected by crime. Sadly, women still weep, children remain hungry, girls walk the streets and men go in and out of prison. The good news is that the Army remains committed to fighting the societal ills that contribute to this.

 

“People from all walks of life and backgrounds end up in the criminal justice system,” says Caitlin Bancroft, social services consultant, THQ. “Whether they are a business professional or unemployed and on the street, people’s poor choices can lead them to trouble. For some, this is a one-time mistake; for others, criminal activity is a more frequent occurrence."

 

From courtrooms, prison cells, halfway houses and communities, the Army offers a variety of innovative programs that help offenders, victims and their families find healing and restoration.

 

“Creating safer communities requires a more holistic approach to crime management,” says Caitlin. “That’s why we seek spiritual healing, restorative justice and community reintegration.”

 

In November 2008, Salvationist.ca will profile some of the programs happening across the territory.