(Above) Cutting the ribbon on the new community response vehicle: from left, Edward Nyki; John Henderson, mayor of Cobourg, Ont.; Suzannne Seguin, deputy mayor of Cobourg; and Captains Carolyn and Michael Simpson, corps officers, Cobourg Community Church
The Salvation Army in Northumberland, Ont., officially launched a community mobile outreach program in April. In partnership with local agencies and volunteers, this program will serve residents of Northumberland County who require social services, especially in the evenings.
“The goal of this program is to extend our community and family services programs to all residents of Northumberland County,” says Edward Nkyi, community and family services director.
As most local social services and community centres close between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., many employed individuals are not able to access the services. “Our community response vehicle (CRV) will visit towns between 4 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.,” says Nkyi, “so those who require social services will have access to our programs in the evening hours.”
At first sight, the CRV may look like a regular feeding truck, but it is much more than that. As an extension of the Army’s community and family services, the services offered by the CRV will include:
“This isn’t just a Salvation Army program,” Nkyi concludes. “It is a partnership with the community. Through the generosity of our neighbours, we will reach those who need our services most.”
The Salvation Army in Northumberland, Ont., officially launched a community mobile outreach program in April. In partnership with local agencies and volunteers, this program will serve residents of Northumberland County who require social services, especially in the evenings.
“The goal of this program is to extend our community and family services programs to all residents of Northumberland County,” says Edward Nkyi, community and family services director.
As most local social services and community centres close between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., many employed individuals are not able to access the services. “Our community response vehicle (CRV) will visit towns between 4 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.,” says Nkyi, “so those who require social services will have access to our programs in the evening hours.”
At first sight, the CRV may look like a regular feeding truck, but it is much more than that. As an extension of the Army’s community and family services, the services offered by the CRV will include:
- Food and hydration services
- Homelessness assistance
- Health bank assistance (e.g. assistance with prescription drugs, dental care and optical needs)
- Seasonal clothing assistance
- Emergency transportation services
- Emergency disaster services
“This isn’t just a Salvation Army program,” Nkyi concludes. “It is a partnership with the community. Through the generosity of our neighbours, we will reach those who need our services most.”
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