The Salvation Army does so much more than ring bells during the December holidays. Throughout the year, the Salvation Army of Silicon Valley Women’s Auxiliary functions as a fundraising and volunteer service contingent, sponsoring initiatives that enrich the lives of area residents by meeting their unique needs.
They’re fond of saying they like to “do the most good.”
A.R.T. fundraiser
In a large outdoor private garden, May 15, the sixth annual “Work of A.R.T.” event was held. That stands for, “adventure,” “roots” and “transformation.” The weather cooperated with a perfect spring day to enjoy the lovely setting. This event featured a live and a silent auction, during which attendees munched on tasty offerings.
While this was a very pleasant spring afternoon, it was also a serious fundraiser that the Women’s Auxiliary organized and hosted in partnership with the main organization.
Major Trimmer
At this sold-out event, I caught up with the coordinator, Maj. LeAnn Trimmer. Trimmer, who was raised within the Salvation Army, came here in January. Her husband, Maj. Darren Trimmer, is also a local coordinator. He was present at the event, too. LeAnn explained to me that “funds raised today will go to sending underserved children to summer camp (Camp Redwood Glen in Scotts Valley) for one week and will also go towards helping to provide furnishings for the new women’s wing of the Emmanuel House, in San Jose.”
Redwood Glen Camp and Conference Center
Since 1945, Redwood Glen has been a ministry of the Salvation Army. Here children can laugh, explore and grow in faith. Redwood Glen Camp is known as a unique and constantly-evolving environment where lives are impacted and changed. Underserved children, aged 7-12, get to go there for six days (for little-to-no cost).
Children learn arts & crafts, swimming, hiking, sling shots and archery. They’re taught survival skills—not to mention all about relaxing in nature. “Creating space where change is possible and hope in Jesus can be found,” is how their online brochure puts it. Campers are referred by the Salvation Army Corps.
Redwood Glen is also available for retreats and conferences, during the off-season. It’s a place to “take a break” from being online.
Emmanuel House
Emmanuel House has been serving Silicon Valley as a men’s homeless shelter, a soup kitchen and sober living house since 1967. Women and children of any age are welcome to eat a free nutritious breakfast and/or dinner Monday-Friday (with bag lunches provided on the weekends).
Men aged 18 and older may stay overnight. A clean bed—with access to a shower as well as hot meals—is provided. Emmanuel House can put a temporary roof over the heads of 70 men.
Emmanuel House also has a short-term residency program for men for up to two years. Classes are also offered here, for program participants such as: financial literacy, AA/NA, employment development and Bible study.
Women’s wing at Emmanuel House
The existing building (at 405 N. 4th St., San Jose) is scheduled to undergo demolition starting May 30. “This project of remodeling and expansion is going to take about a year,” Trimmer said. “It should be ready, hopefully, next June.” She went on, “We are going to move forward with a women’s wing—adding 40 beds where women can stay. It will be a mixture of transitional and overnight. This will be women on their own, who are one of the most underserved populations. When remodeling is completed, women will be able to stay here for one night in overnight beds, or enroll in the transitional housing program.”
Seniors in focus
“What we are finding is that seniors are a growing unhoused population, coming from a generation where you figure things out and you do not ask for help,” she said, adding they have a Senior Nutrition Lunch where 120-180 meals are served each day. Fish is dished-up on Wednesdays, and ribs are on the menu occasionally (drawing a standing-room-only crowd).
The Salvation Army has been serving Silicon Valley-San Jose since around 1885.
Gary Scott Thomas conducted the live auction. Bidders wrote bids on clipboards in front of the items on display in the garden. Selected pieces were auctioned off—after lunch was served by The Party Helpers.
The welcome was given by the co-chair Martha Piazza, with an introduction by Jan Goodwin, a co-chair, Maj. LeAnn Trimmer gave the invocation. Mitchell McWilliams spoke about camp Redwood Glen. Maria Belusar introduced the guest auctioneer, Gary Scott Thomas. She also provided the final Thank You.
Special kudos was given to Fatima Alam, Dan Allison, Jacqueline Boberg, Judge Franklin Bondonno, Gregory Burns, Jan Corrie, Suzi Desmond, Richard Dye, David Flick, Cindi Ford, Kathleen Forrler, Betty Franks, Aaron Goodwin, Jan Goodwin, Eric Gray, Tricia Heminger, Mary Ann Henderson, Charlene Ku-Masterson, Michael Leu, DebRenee McCarthy, Chris Mengarelli, Rene Mejia, Marc Saastad, Natural Creations, Paul Nzalamba, Martha Piazza, Sarita Reynolds, Ria Sharma, Lisa Tollner, Paul Tumason, Rick Varley, Doug Webb and Cheryl Wrangle. Wine came from Testaross (Rob & Diana Jensen), flowers arrived from Centerpiece.
