Mabee Foundation Awards $2 Million Challenge Grant to The Salvation Army of Springfield

Springfield, Mo. – October 30, 2025 – The Salvation Army of Springfield announced that the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has awarded a $2 million challenge grant to support the Lives Transformed campaign. The challenge will help fund the construction of the new Harbor House, a centerpiece of the campaign, as well as expansions to The Salvation Army’s Family Enrichment Center and Food Pantry.

The Mabee Foundation’s challenge requires The Salvation Army to raise the remaining funds toward its $12 million construction goal by July 2026 in order to receive the $2 million grant. To date, $8,670,769 has been raised toward the construction goal and to meet the challenge, which leaves $1,329,231 left to raise to meet the challenge. The overall Lives Transformed campaign goal, which also includes program expansions and strategic reserves, is $20 million.

The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Harbor House, a modern facility designed to meet the growing need for shelter, stability, and life-changing services in Greene and Christian Counties.

“We are deeply honored by the support of the Mabee Foundation and their belief in the mission of The Salvation Army,” said Major Amos Shiels, Co-Pastor and Co-Administrator of The Salvation Army of Springfield. “This gift will help us expand our ability to provide safe housing, meals, and the resources people need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

The new Harbor House will replace the current 85-year-old facility and increase capacity to 50 program beds, 10 respite beds, and 40 crisis cold-weather beds. It will include classroom and training space to support recovery, job readiness, and life-skills programs, as well as private rooms designed to promote dignity and long-term stability for residents.

The Lives Transformed campaign also includes plans to:

·         Construct a dedicated Food Pantry and Warehouse to double weekly food distribution from 150 to 300 families.

·         Expand the Family Enrichment Center to serve more families through The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program.

·         Establish strategic reserves and program support to sustain services for years to come.

“We believe the facilities built to serve those who have been marginalized or underserved should reflect their dignity and worth,” said Mike Goeke, Executive Director of the Mabee Foundation. “The Salvation Army’s vision for Harbor House and its campus demonstrates that belief beautifully.”

Community leaders, donors, and campaign partners gathered for the groundbreaking to celebrate the milestone and the continued progress toward transforming lives in Springfield.

“Every day, The Salvation Army meets people at their point of greatest need, providing food, housing, and hope,” said Sam Coryell, longtime supporter and community advocate. “This project ensures that even more men, women, and families will have the opportunity to start fresh and rebuild their lives.”

The Lives Transformed campaign will expand The Salvation Army’s impact in Springfield by increasing its capacity to provide wrap-around services, helping individuals and families move from crisis to stability through counseling, education, and spiritual care.

With the Mabee Foundation’s challenge grant, The Salvation Army is one step closer to realizing its vision of creating spaces that reflect the dignity, value, and potential of every person served.