Project Linus Donates Homemade Blankets to the SSC

Project Linus is a 100% volunteer nonprofit which makes homemade blankets to donate to local hospitals, homeless shelters, foster homes, and camps for medically challenged children in the Indianapolis area.  This week the Salvation Army Social Service Center was lucky enough to receive some of these homemade blankets for our clients!

The mission of Project Linus is two fold.  First, it is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets, lovingly created by volunteer “Blanketeers.”  Second, is to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children. 

Thank you to everyone at Project Linus who worked on blankets for our clients here at the Social Service Center!

Lasting Effects

Barb* received shelter services several years ago after being fired from her job.  With a long history of alcohol abuse, Barb went into treatment for several months and completed the program.  After getting back on her feet Barb was able to find employment, housing, and she enrolled in classes at a local community college. 

Barb has stayed in contact with her case manager for the past several years.  She has no family in the area and her son has been incarcerated.  This year Barb graduated from college with an associate degree in medical services and is now employed with a local physician’s office.

Barb has been in stable housing for two years and continues contact with her case manager at the Social Service Center usually twice a month.  Her goal is to go back to school within the next year. 

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.

Breaking the Cycle

Patty* came to The Salvation Army to escape a domestic violence situation four months ago.  After much hard work and determination, Patty will be leaving at the end of this week to start a new life.  She has secured her own apartment and obtained a full time job.  She wrote this letter to her case manager:

“Thank you for all of your help the past four months I’ve been here and for picking me for this program.  I truly appreciate everything you’ve done.  Friday will be my last day here.  I learned to depend on myself, regained my confidence and how to accept help!  While this has not been an easy journey, I have gained a lot of strength.”

Patty is enrolled in the Continuing Support Program.  She started her new job in the field of social services and will be going back to school to complete the last two classes she needs for her bachelor’s degree!

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.

Christmas City Bureau

Looking for information on how to apply for Christmas Assistance with The Salvation Army?  Here’s everything you need to know!

You MUST be employed or in school to be eligible for this program!

Accepting Applications:  Saturday, November 1, 2008- Thursday December 4, 2008
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00pm-8:00pm
Saturdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Closed for Thanksgiving Thursday and Saturday, November 27 and 29.

Application Sites:

The Salvation Army Fountain Square Corps, 1337 S. Shelby Street, 46203

The Salvation Army Eagle Creek Corps, 4400 N. High School Road, 46254

The Salvation Army Barton Center, 210 E. Michigan Street, 46204 (TUESDAY’S AND THURSDAYS ONLY)

The following items are REQUIRED in order to apply for Christmas Assistance:

• Picture ID for all adults in the household
• Social Security Card (or passport, green card) for all adults in the household
• Birth Certificate (or shot records, school records, or Medicaid card) for each child
• Combined household income statements
• Proof of employment or school status for head of household
• Proof of address

**Incomplete applications will not be considered!**

Eligible applicants will be invited to a “Toy Shop” where they can choose new gifts for each approved child in the household.

Coats for Kids!

This year marks the 22nd year for our annual Coats for Kids givaway and once again this year it was a huge success.  October 11 WTHR Channel 13, Tuchman Cleaners, and The Salvation Army gave away over 7,000 coats to 4,400 children in need of a coat this winter. 

Thank you to everyone who donated a coat or their time to help us with this great event!