Kevin Mack is the program co-ordinator for outreach at The Salvation Army’s community resource centre in Calgary.

What was the religious or spiritual background of your childhood?

I grew up in a Christian home where faith was a regular part of family life. We attended church, and from a young age I was exposed to the teachings of Jesus and the message of the gospel.

How did this evolve as you grew up?

While faith was always present in my upbringing, it began to take on a more personal significance around the age of 14. At that point, I started seeking to understand what it meant to follow Christ for myself. I was deeply moved by Jesus’ compassion for those on the margins of society and his call to justice, mercy and service. That message resonated strongly with me and began shaping both my faith and my outlook on life.

As a young adult, I joined an inner-city church with vibrant outreach ministries that served people experiencing poverty, homelessness and other challenges. Seeing the gospel lived out in practical ways stirred a deep passion in me for ministry and service, and it helped shape the path that God would ultimately lead me down. 

Has there been a turning point in your life, a moment that changed everything?

There have been two major turning points in my life that shaped who I am today. The first was becoming a father. The birth of my first child gave me a new perspective on what truly matters, deepened my sense of responsibility and challenged me to think beyond myself. Fatherhood has brought immense joy, but it has also taught me about sacrifice, patience and unconditional love. It has influenced the way I approach my work, my relationships and my faith, and it continues to shape me every day.

The second turning point was losing my father to alcoholism 10 years ago. Walking through that experience was one of the most difficult seasons of my life. There were moments of profound sadness, helplessness, frustration and loss as I watched someone I loved struggle with addiction and the consequences that came with it. The grief that followed his death brought me into some very dark places and forced me to wrestle with questions that I had never faced before.

Throughout that season, my faith became an anchor. I often returned to the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Those words reminded me that even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, God was present and faithful.

That experience changed me in lasting ways. For the first time, I personally experienced many of the emotions and challenges that I had seen in the lives of people I worked alongside—grief, loss, addiction within the family, and the feeling of being powerless to change someone else’s circumstances. It gave me a deeper understanding of what many of our clients face every day.

While I would never wish that experience on anyone, it has made me more compassionate, empathetic and patient. It has helped me listen more carefully, judge less quickly and better understand the complexities of addiction, trauma and loss.

Through that difficult journey, God not only sustained me but also used it to shape my character and strengthen my ability to serve others with greater grace and understanding. 

What draws you to work with the Army? 

My journey with The Salvation Army began 20 years ago when my wife and I had just moved to Kelowna, B.C. We were looking for a church home and happened to live only a few blocks away from the local Salvation Army corps. One Sunday morning we decided to attend a service, and from the moment we walked through the doors, we felt welcomed and at home.

It wasn’t long before we became involved in the life of the church. We volunteered in outreach ministries, built meaningful relationships and became part of the community. I also joined the worship band as a guitarist, and before long an opportunity arose to serve as the community outreach co-ordinator. Looking back, I can see God’s hand guiding that journey and opening doors I never anticipated.

What continues to draw me to The Salvation Army is its commitment to putting faith into action. I have always felt called to work alongside people who are marginalized, struggling or overlooked by society. The Salvation Army doesn’t simply talk about the teachings of Jesus—it seeks to live them out in practical and tangible ways every day.

Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion for those on the margins. He fed the hungry, cared for the sick, welcomed the outcast and challenged his followers to love their neighbours as themselves. He taught that whatever we do for “the least of these,” we do for him. Those teachings are at the heart of Salvation Army ministry. For me, working with The Salvation Army allows me to combine my faith, my passion for social justice and my desire to serve others in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. 

What is the most meaningful part of your job?

Four years ago, my family and I moved back to Calgary, the city where I grew up, after spending 12 years on Vancouver Island following our time in Kelowna. The most meaningful part of my job is the opportunity to walk alongside people as they navigate difficult circumstances and work toward positive change in their lives. Many of the individuals we serve are facing significant challenges, including homelessness, poverty, addiction, mental-health struggles and social isolation. It is a privilege to build relationships with them, offer support and encouragement, and witness the resilience, courage and determination they demonstrate every day.

Some of the most rewarding moments come when you see someone take a step forward— whether that’s securing housing, reconnecting with family, accessing treatment, finding employment or simply beginning to believe in themselves again. Those moments remind me why this work matters and reinforce the importance of treating every person with dignity, respect and compassion. 

What makes you jump out of bed in the morning?

What excites me each morning is the sense of possibility that comes with a new day. One of the things I love most about my work is that no two days are ever the same. Every day presents new opportunities to connect with people, solve problems, encourage someone who is struggling or be part of a positive change in someone’s life.

I genuinely enjoy working alongside our staff and volunteers. We have an incredible team, and there is something energizing about coming together each day with a shared purpose. Their dedication, compassion and sense of humour make even the most challenging days rewarding.

I also look forward to meeting with our clients. Every person has a unique story, and it is a privilege to build relationships with people from all walks of life. Some days bring opportunities to celebrate successes, while other days simply involve being present and offering support. Either way, those interactions remind me of the importance of hope, dignity and human connection.