Salvation Army After-School Program
Salvation Army after-school is a program designed to give students aged 7-14 a place to create, play, and learn. With the help of volunteers and employees, these students engage in gym games, cooking classes, crafts, and homework time. Due to Harrisburg schools being closed because of Covid-19, Salvation Army now provides a space for students to do classes online with some extra help and socialization with their peers.
What is the mission of the organization?
Salvation Army’s Mission Statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
Salvation Army’s after-school program aims to develop learning and creativity in students outside of a school setting. They focus on helping kids with the homework and teaching Christian values and everyday skills.
What population does the organization seek to serve?
Salvation Army’s after school program serves elementary and middle school-aged children, 7-14 years old, from the surrounding Harrisburg area.
What does a typical day of service look like with this organization?
A typical day for students at Salvation Army’s after-school program includes being dropped off at our new building location on 29th street in Harrisburg to engage in creative learning with other elementary and middle school aged students. As volunteers we will help tutor the kids, play games with them, assist in activities such as cooking classes, and mentor and support them however we can. Amidst the pandemic there is a shift in this process so that we now aid kids during their online classes as well as supervise and play with them outside at recess. This new program runs from the morning until about 3:30 when parents come for pick-up.
What areas of growth is the organization working to improve upon?
Since the after-school program is now occurring during the school day, their are new challenges given the structure is so new. They are working on growing and refining this program to be the best it can be until students can go back to school.
How can I get involved?
If interested in serving with our outreach team or learning more about the program email salvarmycoord@messiah.edu.
Agapé Center for Local and Global Engagement