Faith, Family, and Hope at The Red Shield Youth Center

Faith, Family, and Hope at the Red Shield Youth Center

For India Hooper, life has been a journey marked by challenges, perseverance, and faith.

India’s path has taken her across the country—from Pittsburgh to Colorado and finally to North Carolina, with her three children. Along the way, she has faced unexpected setbacks, including health challenges that interrupted her college education, the realities of single motherhood, financial struggles, and the uncertainty that often comes with starting over.

Through every season, one thing remained constant: her faith in God.

“My faith has taught me to pray and pray. That’s what we know,” India said. “When life hands you all different kinds of scenarios, a lot of times you don’t know how you’re going to navigate them.”

When India returned to Winston-Salem three years ago, she was grateful to be closer to family, but she still faced a difficult question familiar to many working parents: who would care for her children during the summer while she worked full time? As a single mother, she knew she needed help but wasn’t sure where it would come from. 

India remembers the uncertainty she felt when trying to provide stability for her children in a new chapter of life. Finding trusted care and positive opportunities for her sons felt overwhelming.

So, she gave it to God and trusted His plan for her.

“I prayed, sent an email to Ms. Sylvia at The Salvation Army, and everything else worked itself out,” she said. “That’s how I first connected with the Red Shield Youth Center.”

For India, the center became much more than a summer program. It became a source of peace and reassurance.

“It is that prayer that you’ve been waiting for, that you didn’t know how it was going to be answered,” she said. “And bam, there it is.”

Knowing her children were in a safe, caring environment allowed her to focus at work and continue building a stable future for her family. Just as importantly, it gave her sons a community that encouraged growth, character, and purpose.

Twelve-year-old Braxton says he loves the Red Shield Youth Center because of the many opportunities available to kids.

“I love the Red Shield Youth Center,” he said. “There’s a gym, a computer lab, games, sports, and lots of activities. They think about everything that a kid would need.”

Through career exploration programs, Braxton has learned about a variety of professions and has already begun thinking seriously about his future. His dream is to become a doctor, and the center has helped him take early steps toward that goal through resume-building activities and college tours.

His younger brother, Harlem, appreciates the lessons he is learning as well.

“I like how more and more I start learning to spend more time with my family than actually game because family is more important,” Harlem said. “I’m also thankful that the staff let us actually read books so we can learn something here instead of just playing games.”

Over the years, the Hooper family has benefited from several Salvation Army ministries, including back-to-school assistance, Christmas programs, youth events, and other resources that helped meet practical needs during challenging times. 

But for India, the greatest gift has been something deeper.

“This Youth Center is literally more than just a summer camp,” she said. “It’s truly an opportunity to grow and prepare for the future in a safe place. It’s such a valuable resource.”

As she reflects on her family’s journey, India sees God’s hand at work through the people and programs that have helped guide them. She believes the support they received came at exactly the right time and has helped keep her sons on a path toward success.

Today, she continues to teach her children the values that have carried her through adversity: work hard, show up, help others, trust God, and keep moving forward.

“Continue to show up. Ask for help. Ask for guidance,” India said. “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”

For the Hooper family, the Red Shield Youth Center has been more than a place to spend the summer. It has been a reminder that even in life’s most uncertain moments, faith, community, and hope can open doors to new possibilities.