Kroc Center of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Wins Third Programming Excellence Award

The Salvation Army Kroc Center of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has won its third Programming Excellence Award at the October 2026 Kroc Conference. This year, the Center was honored for its Floating Sound Bath program, adding to earlier awards for its Homeschool and Basketball programs.

Chere Stevenson, the Fitness, Nutrition, and Health Coordinator, introduced the Floating Sound Bath program to give people a chance to relax and focus on themselves.

Creating Space for Relaxation at our Kroc Center

The Floating Sound Bath happens in the Kroc Center’s indoor pool. People lie on air mattresses that float in the water while calming music and sounds play. Candles and a peaceful setting help everyone relax and recharge both mind and body.

As Stevenson points out, life is often busy, and while many people work on physical fitness, it’s also important to give the mind a break. The Floating Sound Bath gives people time away from daily stress to focus on their well-being. 

The Floating Sound Bath often sells out, showing strong community interest in this unique wellness experience. Its impact goes beyond the time in the pool, with over 260,000 Facebook views and nearly 88% of viewers new to the Center. Its format piques interest and brings renewed interest to the Kroc Center. For many, the program also offers a gentle introduction to The Salvation Army and welcomes them to the Center’s broader health, community, and ministry resources.

Impact Beyond the Local Community

The program has reached beyond the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Stevenson says that as other Kroc Centers have heard about the Floating Sound Bath, more people have become interested.

By sharing videos, information, and advice, the Mississippi Gulf Coast team has helped other centers think about starting similar programs. Stevenson mentioned that Kroc Centers in Memphis and South Carolina have shown interest.

This growing interest shows that sharing program ideas can help other Kroc Centers find new ways to serve their communities.

To learn more about this program and more, visit https://www.facebook.com/kroccentermscoast