Salvation Army Program Helps People Find 'Pathway Of Hope'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Salvation Army is known for helping people in crisis and for their presence during the holidays, but the organization is launching a new program to help those in need create a life where they don't have to rely emergency services.
The Pathway of Hope is designed to help people set long-term goals and stick to them with the help of a social worker.
The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, toy drives, and their food shelf help families put distance between comfort and hard times.
"I think with the way we've run things, so far, it's emergency services," Salvation Army social worker Emily Shopek said.
Divada Wilson of Minneapolis uses Salvation Army services to support her two daughters and a nephew. This winter, her kids will have warm coats to weather freezing temperatures.
"Just to know they have something before it snows, it's a relief that it's not another worry," Wilson said.
But Wilson is looking for more than seasonal help. She wants to make a better life for her family and saw an opportunity with the Pathway of Hope Program. She was one of the first in Minneapolis to sign up.
With Shopek's help, Wilson set simple goals to better her life.
"I've gotten my car fixed. I did my resume last week and then I went and found the kids some afterschool programs in a safe area," Wilson said. "I would like to be self-sufficient on my own."
Now Wilson is ready to take on bigger challenges like finding a new job and moving to a different neighborhood.
While Shopek shows her the resources available to make her goals a reality, the actual work and follow-up is Wilson's responsibility.
"The point of this program is to find people who are self-motivated, that have these ideas and want to make change, but don't necessarily know how to do it or have the tools to do it," Shopek said.
Nearly halfway through her six-month program, Wilson believes a better life is within reach as each accomplishment, big or small, marks a step towards stability.
"I want a sense of serenity, where I feel like I'm living a good life," Wilson said.
To learn more about the Pathway of Hope, click here.
