Divisional Annual Report

For nearly a decade, Paula has been a joyful and steady force at The Salvation Army Riverside Corps—someone whose heart for service has shaped not only our programs, but also the community she loves. Paula’s journey with us began in 2016. Grieving the loss of her husband, she found comfort in long walks with her dogs. One day, she noticed The Salvation Army sign and an invitation to worship. She stepped inside, not yet knowing that this simple moment would open the door to a new purpose.

More than a Church - Paula soon discovered that The Salvation Army was far more than a church. When asked if she could help with the kids at Day Camp, she agreed, and from there her path of service continued to grow. Later, after volunteering in the kitchen, she found her niche in the food pantry, where she now serves faithfully.

Giving and Receiving Joy - At 77, Paula is not slowing down, she even rings the bell for The Salvation Army during the holidays. What keeps her coming back? The people. For Paula, volunteering is about community, connection, and the joy that comes from helping others. She loves the laughter she shares with other volunteers and the friendships formed over years of service. Even those waiting to be served have come to know her, often stopping to chat or to ask for prayer, something she is always honored to offer.

Paula has lived in Riverside for many years, and she’s seen firsthand the quiet but powerful impact The Salvation Army has in the community. She recently started participating in the monthly Street Outreach program, feeding and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. “I’m always up for an adventure,” she says.

Her message to new volunteers is simple: fill out the paperwork, come help, and you’ll love it.

“I love The Salvation Army,” Paula says. “And I’ll be volunteering here for the rest of my life!”

Finding Stability - In December 2023, Ericka walked into The Salvation Army Siemon Youth & Community Center carrying her young daughter and years of challenges, including foster care, homelessness, and unsafe living conditions. Yet through it all, her hope remained. “At the time, I was struggling with finances, lack of transportation, and little family support,” she said. “Having someone guide me and hold me accountable made all the difference.”

A Path Forward - At the South Los Angeles Siemon Center, Ericka enrolled in Pathway of Hope, a Salvation Army initiative that helps families build long-term stability through goal setting, case management, and access to community resources. Families work one-on-one with case managers to pursue objectives such as securing housing, improving income, and managing childcare, focusing not just on urgent needs but on lasting independence.

Ericka first connected with The Salvation Army in 2019 through the Westwood Transitional Living Center, where she lived for a year and secured stable housing. That earlier experience shaped her understanding of the power of steady support and prepared her for her next steps through Pathway of Hope.

Transformation - Siemon Center Executive Director Edwin Perry remembers her first day well. “Ericka came in feeling broken but hopeful,” he said. “Pathway of Hope partnered with her to create an action plan, and we watched her get back on track.”

Working closely with her case manager, Ericka learned to set actionable goals, develop healthy habits and build a secure life for herself and her daughter. Today, she has stable housing, financial security and a clear plan for the future, including earning her cosmetology license, expanding her hair business, and exploring a career in public service.

“I want to show my daughter that no matter the obstacles, you can create the life you want,” Ericka shared. “I am proud of myself.”

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Broken Scales - When Fred first came to The Salvation Army, he had nowhere else to turn. After years of homelessness, he arrived at our Anaheim Emergency shelter carrying little more than a few personal belongings and a quiet determination to rebuild his life. Though he had lost nearly everything, including his musical instruments, what he never lost was his sense of dignity and faith that things could be different.

The Crescendo - At the shelter, staff quickly noticed Fred’s discipline and respect for others. He kept his small living space neat and tidy, volunteered wherever help was needed, and never missed an event or church service, absorbing every note of worship music with renewed hope. In time, the trust and community he found began to gently replace the loneliness that had weighed on him for so many years. With the encouragement of his case manager and the friendships he built along the way, Fred began to take steady steps forward. He found joy in structure: learning to budget, to cook healthy meals, and to care for both his physical and mental health. Those small routines became the foundation for something greater.

Fortissimo of Praise - Today, Fred lives in his own apartment, a cozy, peaceful space he’s filled with reminders of how far he’s come. His home is lined with favorite books and old movies, and in the corner sits a piano he plays every evening. “It reminds me to stay grateful,” he says with a smile. “This place isn’t just a roof over my head. It’s proof that God still answers prayers.”

Grateful for the second chance he’s been given, Fred now looks for ways to give back, encouraging others at the shelter to stay hopeful and reminding them that a life’s melody can be rewritten, one note at a time.

“This place isn’t just a roof over my head. It’s proof that God still answers prayers.”

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Hopeless - For most of her adult life, Dana lived with the harsh realities of homelessness. Along the Otay Riverbed in San Diego, she made a home out of a tent she shared with her loyal service dog, Mocha. Nights were especially frightening. “That’s one of the scariest places to live, especially at night because of all the coyotes,” Dana recalled. Yet even in those difficult years, she held onto hope that life could be different.

Hopeful - That hope took shape the day she connected with The Salvation Army’s Centre City Food Program. What Dana found was more than assistance; it was compassion, dignity, and a community ready to walk alongside her. “They are so nice and so helpful,” she shared. “I’ve never heard of a place that helps people the way they do.” Through the program’s pantry and outreach services, Dana began receiving nutritious food, essential supplies for Mocha, and the encouragement she needed while working toward permanent housing. The pantry quickly became a place where she felt seen and respected. “It’s the best pantry I’ve ever been to,” she said. “You can go in and pick your own food. They treat you with respect.”

Sharing Hope - As her life stabilized, Dana felt inspired to give back. Today, she volunteers at the very pantry that supported her during her most vulnerable moments. Each shift allows her to share the same kindness she once received and to help create a welcoming space for others seeking hope. Now in a safe and clean living environment, Dana’s story is a testament to what becomes possible when compassion meets opportunity, and God’s love reaches a neighbor in need. Dana describes her connection with The Salvation Army in one simple, powerful way: “I love it here. It feels like family.”

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Not Enough - For Treveon, what began as a single week at The Salvation Army’s Camp Daley grew into a life changing summer. After returning home from his first session, he couldn’t wait to go back. His excitement was unmistakable, and his mom (who had originally signed him up for only one week) quickly realized this experience was something special. She signed him up for a second week. When Treveon still wanted more time at camp, she reached out to staff. To her gratitude, he was welcomed back for several more weeks at no cost, ultimately spending five unforgettable weeks growing, learning, and thriving.

Filled with a Song - At the end of the summer, The Salvation Army hosted a follow up event to connect families with their local Corps (church). While checking in, Treveon’s mom shared how meaningful camp had been for her son and for her. She had noticed a clear shift in Treveon’s faith and confidence. He came home singing chapel songs like “Praise,” brought back a Bible each week, and eagerly shared what he learned with friends. Soon, reading Scripture before bed became a new routine at home, sparking spiritual growth that continued well beyond camp.

Overflowing - As a single mom, she admitted it was challenging being apart from her son for so long, yet the time also gave her space to focus on things she rarely had time for. Most importantly, she saw a renewed Treveon return home more grounded, more joyful, and more connected to his faith.