| ST. PAUL — When people drive by St. Paul Citadel Community Center, they often wonder what is going on inside. The easy answer is social services, recreation and Christian programming and outreach. But it goes deeper than that. Take the afternoon a man battling cancer showed up. The disease had invaded his pancreas, liver and spine—he didn’t have long to live.
“He could hardly walk in the door,” recalled Mary Jones, one of the seven Social Services workers.
He didn’t want pity; he wanted assistance for utility bills so his family wouldn’t be left with his debt. Mary got the bills paid through the Army’s HeatShare program, which assists low–income families with bills.
“He hugged me like he was never going to let go,” she said.
Starting the day off right
“You want to see something interesting, come here in the morning,” said Captain Bob Mueller, who leads the Citadel with his wife Lisa. Every morning at 7:30 a.m. the homeless and working poor are served a nourishing breakfast. A six–person kitchen crew together with volunteers concoct piles of rice, chicken and other dishes for up to 300 people.
“It’s more of a dinner than a breakfast,” said Captain Mueller, adding that holiday attendance often tops 500. “We try to make something hearty. For many of these people, it will be their only meal all day.”
On Thursdays, people can attend The Gathering, a forum with life skills education, Christian outreach and music. Led by Social Services worker Luther Brown, the event takes place in the library or chapel, which on Sunday hosts about 50 people for worship.
“I want to give more than just a meal,” said the captain. “Some of these people, their lives were ruined by just one unfortunate circumstance. That’s all it takes.”
Others have made a decision that led them here. Some have even chosen this life. Breakfast frequenter Terry Mack, for example, said he’s been homeless since taking a vow of poverty on Aug. 5, 1985.
“I have no income whatsoever, no secret Swiss bank account,” said Terry, 76, an articulate man who refuses to collect social security. “The people here at the citadel, they’re so nice. That you don’t get much of on the street.”
Multitasking
“We are booked every day, and the number of people in our programs is increasing,” said caseworker Landis Dean.
The corps’ seven caseworkers provide a multitude of services. In addition to HeatShare, the workers distribute thousands of pounds of food to about 220 families each month through the food pantry program. The Brown Bag program provides food to about 180 seniors. The center also provides: food stamps, assistance for rent, help with social security issues and employment and emergency services such as clothing, hygiene kits, bus tokens—even diapers.
“My team is awesome,” declared Yvonne Dobler, Social Services team leader. “They get along, care for each other, care for our clients and know how to pray.”
It’s hard to say who has more fun at the corps, kids or seniors. More than 100 seniors attend at least one of 20 monthly activities, such as: bingo, quilting, ceramics, coffee socials and field trips.
About 25 children from kindergarten to 8th grade are enrolled in the free after–school program. Many are given rides from school to the center by staff members. They do homework or study in the Internet-equipped computer lab. They also enjoy playing foosball, ping–pong and air–hockey.
The gargantuan gymnasium serves the children well, and is also used by an increasing number of organizations such as basketball leagues. The revenues help the St. Paul Citadel serve more people.
The St. Paul Citadel offers childcare services to about 25 children, ages 15 months to 6 years old. Many come from single–parent homes. A teacher and two aides evaluate each child and develop monthly skills objectives.
“Our ultimate goal is to get them ready for kindergarten,” said Sue Girardi, childcare director. “But there’s a lot more to it than ABCs. There are social skills to be developed.
“I tell my teachers that even if we have a short time with the children, in the future they might remember what we taught them and it will have an impact,” she added.
Some of the children have families with special needs. A weekly family development program of guest speakers, food and Christian support is being planned.
Receptionist Myrna Duke began volunteering at St. Paul Citadel a year ago and was hired in the fall. “My job as a greeter is very important to me and to God,” she said. “The Army is a blessing to the people who walk through these doors, and I’m a part of that.”
Reprinted from War Cry, the national magazine of The Salvation Army. Used by permission.
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