2026 IMPACT REPORT

Letters from Leadership

A message of gratitude, faith and service from the leaders helping guide The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Impact Report! It is a blessing to greet you as the new Metro Detroit Area Commander and share this glimpse into the incredible work God is accomplishing through your generosity, partnership and prayers.

Although my family and I are new to Michigan, it has not taken long for this remarkable state to capture our hearts. Everywhere we turn, we are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation—from the sparkling lakes to the vibrant forests. It truly is the Great Lakes State. Michigan’s natural beauty serves as a daily reminder of our Creator’s majesty and His abundant blessings.

Throughout our years of ministry, The Salvation Army has given us opportunities to serve in communities around the world. Each assignment has been a gift, but Michigan is quickly ranking among our favorite places.

More importantly, we have been inspired by the people who call it home. Just as the Great Lakes define this state’s identity, the Great Lakes Division is defined by extraordinary people whose compassion, generosity and faith create waves of hope far beyond what any one person could accomplish alone.

Serving The Salvation Army, serving others and serving our Lord has always been our greatest joy. In the pages ahead, you’ll read stories of lives transformed, communities strengthened and hope restored through the faithful support of donors, volunteers, employees and community partners like you.

We are honored to serve alongside you as we continue sharing God’s love and meeting human needs throughout Metro Detroit.

His Herald,

Shanell Debela

Captain Shanell Debela

Dear Friends,

With gratitude, humility and faith, I begin my service as Chair of the Metro Detroit Advisory Board for The Salvation Army, reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6:

Years ago, as a young professional at Ford Motor Company, I watched a Salvation Army Bed & Bread truck serve warm meals in downtown Detroit. The compassion shown to each person left a lasting impression: dignity, hope and love without judgment. I did not know it then, but God was planting a seed.

That seed grew during my service at Marathon Petroleum Company’s Detroit Refinery, where I worked with Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers serving families in Southwest Detroit. I saw a ministry that offers more than food or shelter—it restores hope and dignity. That experience led me to join the advisory board 10 years ago.

Today, it is an honor to serve alongside Captain Shanell Debela in a historic moment as the first two Black women to serve simultaneously in these roles in nearly 140 years of The Salvation Army in Metro Detroit. This reflects God’s faithfulness and our opportunity to deepen impact across a city filled with promise.

As Detroit evolves, so do our opportunities to strengthen lives and build hope. Together, we will continue Doing the Most Good, sharing God’s love and building stronger communities. Thank you for your prayers, generosity and commitment.

With gratitude and blessings,

Clenetta Frazier

Chair, Metro Detroit Advisory Board
The Salvation Army

UNITED IN SERVICE

Leadership grounded in faith, compassion and community.

Together, Captain Shanell Debela and Clenetta Frazier help lead The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit as it continues meeting human needs and strengthening communities across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

THE SALVATION ARMY OF METRO DETROIT

Thank you for standing with us.

Your generosity, prayers, volunteerism and partnership make this work possible throughout Metro Detroit.