Salvation Army marks 107th birthday
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Salvation Army in Hawai'i is celebrating its 107th birthday this week, so watch for public performances by the Army's Island Brass Band.
Gov. Benjamin Cayetano and Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris have declared the week of May 14-20 Salvation Army Week.
Salvation Army flags will be flown at the capital. The band will perform at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center on Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. and at the Windward Mall on Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Last year, the Salvation Army provided services to nearly 86,000 people in the Islands. The organization's programs are wide ranging, from feeding and housing the hungry and helping to rehabilitate those addicted to alcohol and drugs to operating preschool programs and running a summer camp.
"Through the help of many generous contributors," said Lt. Col. Don Mowery, divisional commander, "we are truly grateful and fortunate to continue to make a difference in people's lives."
Capt. Beau Perez, a Salvation Army officer in Kane'ohe, said volunteers treat those they serve with dignity. Many of the service providers are people who have needed help themselves.
"There is a lot of empathy on our side of the counter," Perez said. "People know when they really need help, they go to the Army."
Perez said serving with the Salvation Army is rewarding. "This is life worth living," he said. "It can be frustrating, but it is worth it."
For more information about the Salvation Army or to help them provide to others by making donations, go to the Web site at SalvationArmyHawaii.org or call BJ Dorman at 988-2136.
Programs include:
• Adult Day Health Services, a day program at 296 N. Vineyard Blvd. that provides a safe environment for frail elders who need support and supervision. For information, call 521-6551.
• Addiction Treatment Services, including counseling, residential treatment, a four- to seven-day detoxification program and outpatient treatment. 595-6371.
• An Adult Rehabilitation Center at 322 Sumner St., a residence for up to 73 men with substance-abuse problems. Program participants stay a minimum of six months and may remain until they are able to integrate back into society. Most men who go to the center have problems in many areas of life, but the common factor for most is addiction to drugs, alcohol or both. 522-8400.
• Family Treatment Services, a network of interrelated programs that provide substance abuse treatment specifically designed for women with children. These programs also provide mental health services for young children and their parents. The programs aim to break the cycle of chemical dependence, help children with emotional, behavioral and developmental problems and to strengthen families. 732-2802.
In conjunction with its Family Treatment Services programs, the Salvation Army operates Women's Way, a residential and outpatient program in Kaimuki for adult and adolescent women and their infants and toddlers.
The program offers psychiatric services, alcohol and drug evaluation, stress management, assertiveness training, respite child care, 12-step program participation and health education.
Ke Ola Pono serves women in early recovery and their children. Pulama Na Wahine Ola Hou serves Native Hawaiian women who are pregnant or parenting, in need of substance abuse treatment or HIV counseling and support in the Ko'olauloa area of O'ahu, West Kaua'i and Moloka'i.
Kula KokuaÊis a psychiatric day treatment program for children 3 to 8 years old and their families. And the Therapeutic Nursery is a licensed early intervention program designed to provide therapeutic and developmentally appropriate activities to children from the ages of two weeks to 3 years old. Specialized parenting classes for families in early recovery from drug or alcohol abuse are offered in Central, Windward and Leeward O'ahu areas.
The Salvation Army offers services for children, including Camp Homelani, a Christian camp on the North Shore of O'ahu, which serves hundreds of kids each year. Campers enjoy beach activities, crafts, team sports, campfire programs and other educational activities. Summer camp 2001 sessions for boys and girls ages 7-12 are: June 19-24, June 26-July 1, July 3-8, August 7-12. Limited spaces are available for teens 13-17 on June 26-July 1. E-mail homelani@aol.com or call 637-4131.
Ohana Keiki Preschools are also part of the organization, with sites in Kalihi (521-6551), 'Aiea (487-1636) and Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i (808-326-7780). The preschools offer affordable educational programs, hot lunches and snacks, and an outdoor playground.
