Pathway of Hope

The United States has the second-highest child poverty rate among the world’s wealthiest nations. And because children who live in poverty for half their lives are much more likely to remain in poverty as adults, the epidemic is passed down from one generation to the next, over and over.

The cost to those families trapped in the cycle of poverty is staggering, but we must also consider that the effects of child poverty cost our country nearly $500 billion per year.

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative marks a pivotal shift to focusing on the core causes of poverty rather than treating the symptoms. Lack of job opportunities, unstable housing, and an underserved educational environment can all be major challenges for someone looking to lead a self-sustainable life.

With our help, people living in poverty can break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability and lead families down a path toward increased stability for years to come. It’s a pathway of hope for current and future generations.

The Pathway of Hope approach includes:

• Intensive, client-centered, strengths-based case management in 15 domains of self-sufficiency and stability
• Catalyzing community collaboration in service of shared clients
• Providing targeted services to families with a desire to take action, changing life trajectories and increasing hope
• Moving families from crisis and vulnerability to stability and eventually self-sufficiency, tracking family progress along the way
• Bringing all The Salvation Army’s internal resources to bear, aligned to the goals of clients
• Focusing on hope as a measured outcome, which represents the distinctly relational and spiritual outcome that The Salvation Army seeks in the work it does

Through your involvement with Pathway of Hope, you’ll be introduced to The Salvation Army and other services available within your community that offer:

• A network of support
• A sense of community and holistic programs
• Spiritual guidance
• Job training
• Health services
• Childcare and education
• Housing options
• Legal services
• And much more

In providing its poverty relief programs and services, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.

Most Needed Non-Food Items to Donate for Pathway of Hope Clients

These items cannot be purchased with SNAP EBT benefits.

Items That Are Always Useful and Help Stretch Family Dollars

Grocery, Gas Station and Restaurant Gift Cards
Fred Meyer, Safeway, Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, gas stations, and family restaurants are preferred.

Household Cleaning Supplies and Paper Products
Toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, sanitizing solutions, sanitizing wipes, dish soap, hand soap, non-latex gloves, and basic cleaning supplies are welcomed by those in need.

Feminine Hygiene Products
Maxi pads, tampons, panty liners, and feminine wipes.

Personal Care and Hygiene Items
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, and shaving supplies.

Laundry Supplies
Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.

Household Miscellaneous Items
Tool kits, first aid kits, car emergency kits, and lightbulbs.

Items That May Be Needed Depending on Current Client Needs

Baby Diapers and Wipes
All sizes of baby diapers and unscented wipes can be useful for families with infants and toddlers. Baby wash, shampoo, diaper rash cream, new unused bottles, nipples, and unexpired formula may also be welcomed.

Socks and Underwear
New socks and underwear can help families, depending on current sizes and client needs.

School Supplies
School supply needs are seasonal and may depend on a student's age and grade. Contact the Pathway of Hope Case Manager for information about current needs.

Clothing
Professional clothing, work clothes, work boots, and other specific clothing items may be needed depending on current clients. Approved donated clothing should be in like-new condition with no stains, rips, or damage.

Pet Care
Dog food, cat food, cat litter, collars, leashes, pet treats, and pet store gift cards may be useful depending on current client needs.

The Salvation Army Pathway of Hope staff is appreciative of every effort made on behalf of our clients who are working diligently to increase their self-sufficiency. Their success is directly impacted by the love and care shared by our whole community.

Thank you for considering sharing your time, treasure, and talent with our Albany Pathway of Hope clients.