Salvation Army Simi Valley Service Center

Great beautiful FRIDAY morning Simi Valley family and others! During this time, we are experiencing extreme heat. We want you all to be very safe during this time, Here are some ways to help keep cool.
A. Identify places where you can go to stay cool. If needed, locate designated cooling zone for your community.
B. Keep your home cool by covering windows with drapes/shades, add insulation to keep the heat out, use attic fans, and install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
C. Power outages may occur when there is extreme heat. Review safety tips for power outages.
D. Staying Safe: During Excessive Heat
E. Avoid the sun – stay indoors from 10 am to 3 pm when the burning rays are strongest.
F. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees in minutes. Never leave children alone in or around cars. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. Call 911 immediately.
G. Drink plenty of fluids – drink 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during times of excessive heat.
H. Replace salt and minerals – sweating removes salt and minerals from your body, so replenish these nutrients with low sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside.
I. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can cause dehydration. Drinking alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.
J. Reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.
K. Wear appropriate clothing – wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors.
L. Stay cool indoors – set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air-conditioned facility.
M. Monitor those at high risk – check on elderly neighbors and family and friends who do not have air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work or exercise (e.g. construction workers) and people 65 years and older are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses.
N. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15
O. Keep pets safe – heat also affects your pets, keep them indoors or if they will be outside, make sure they have plenty of water and a shaded area to help them keep cool. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even if the window is cracked or open.

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Greg had a very tough childhood, surrounded by parents deep in the grip of addiction. Soon, Greg found himself in the same web of despair, turning to drugs and alcohol as a child. By age 13, he was lost, facing the harsh reality of homelessness.

After struggling for several years on the streets as an addict, Greg made the tough decision to surrender himself to a higher power. Guided by newfound faith, he sought refuge at The Salvation Army Centre City after connecting with Officer Captain Jeremy. The Salvation Army became his lifeline, offering support, compassion, and the tools for Greg to rebuild his life.

Greg is proud to share that he graduated from The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in late 2022. Now, he wants to encourage others to follow his path out of the darkness and into the light, saying, “I knew there was hope out there, and becoming a soldier was my beacon so that I could show people that I was once where you are and now I'm on the other side.”

His long, difficult journey serves as a reminder that with faith, support, and determination, it’s possible to emerge from the shadows into the light of a renewed life.

It's TIDBIT TUESDAY! Did you know...The Salvation Army began dispensing food and drinks near Ground Zero less than an hour after the 2001 terrorist attacks
on the Twin Towers.

Salvation Army Simi Valley wants to say THANK YOU! A call of need went out and our great community came in and met the need…in ABUNDANCE!!! To each of our sponsors and volunteers, I personally want to express how I am so grateful for your generosity and willingness to lend a hand, to give from your hearts, and how each and every one of you supported not just me but our Simi Valley families. With your help, we were able to pass out over 50 bookbags filled to the brim with school supplies, snacks, books for reading, and a pair of shades. For we know that our next generation’s futures will be so bright, they have to wear shades! Thank you all so much.

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." – Romans 12:12

Great Thursday morning everyone. We will be giving our Back 2 School backpacks out beginning next week. We are asking for everyone to bare with us. So everyone that is registered, we will be reaching out to you for your pick up dates. Thank you for being patient with us!

Did You Know...“Strawberry Fields Forever” in the Beatles 1966 song by that name, is John Lennon’s nostalgic reference to a Salvation Army orphanage called Strawberry Field in Woolton, England. Lennon is said to have played with childhood friends in the trees behind the orphanage when he was a boy. The facility closed in 2005 but reopened in late 2019.

“It’s so hard for me to admit, but sometimes you just have to ask for help.” Christopher's story echoes the struggles of many, finding himself navigating the streets of San Diego since the young age of 13. Escaping a troubled home life, he was quickly thrust into a world where survival became the sole focus.

Despite his hardships, Christopher found solace in the warm embrace of The Salvation Army. With their doors open wide, he discovered a sanctuary where asking for help wasn't just accepted—it was encouraged. "The Salvation Army makes it comfortable for people who come through here to ask for help".

Christopher turns to The Salvation Army Centre City San Diego for essential support. Beyond vital necessities such as food and hygiene products from the onsite food pantry, it's the genuine care and compassion that leaves a lasting impact. “The Salvation Army has been my saving grace. It’s not just about the meals; it’s about the kindness and support they provide.”

Every week, several hundreds of San Diegans in need, like Christopher, find support through the services provided at The Salvation Army. It's a testament to the our commitment to stand alongside those facing adversity, offering not just help for immediate needs, but also a sense of belonging and dignity. Together, let's continue to uplift and empower each other, ensuring that no one walks their journey alone.

Living on the street of Simi Valley can be a lonely experience. That's why The Salvation Army provides social services as well as programs to bring those on the margins of society back into the fold.

To help neighbors in need, visit salarmy.us/givehope

Did you know...The Salvation Army offers spiritual counseling and support.
With its foundation in Christian faith, the organization provides spiritual guidance and pastoral care to individuals seeking comfort and solace.

☀️ "Every good and perfect gift is from above." - James 1:17

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Thanks to a generous donor, The Salvation Army Siemon Community Center in Los Angeles gave brand new bikes 🚲 and a bicycle safety course to program participants. Check out photos of recipients' first bike ride below!

Salvation Army Simi Valley has partnered with some awesome businesses and organizations that will allow us to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to at least 50 Simi Valley families.

We realize that school shopping can bring about extra financial hardships on families. As part of the Simi Valley community, we want to help give some relief to our families. Helping to give our students the “TOOLS” they need to help them succeed this school year. Registration begins today, July 15th to July 31st.
To register:
• Go to: https://forms.gle/pay6nxCqp47QzGdg9
• In person: Tuesday & Thursdays (10am to 12pm)
• Email: at [email protected]
In order to register you must have the following:
• Photo ID
• Proof of residency
• Proof of child’s school enrollment (report card or enrollment letter)

A verse to inspire you today. 💛

Photo credit: The War Cry Magazine

Donut Day 2024 was a success here in SoCal!

Donut Day began in 1938 as a way to honor The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies, who traveled to the front lines during World War I to boost morale by cooking donuts, providing supplies, and praying with soldiers fighting in the trenches.

Today, nearly a century later, The Salvation Army continues to serve on the front lines of the fight against poverty through a wide range of social services.

Check out the fun donut events that happened all over SoCal!

Good afternoon everyone. Just a quick reminder- Simi Valley Extension Center will be closed for July 4th and 5th. We will be back Monday, July 8th. Please be safe, keep hydrated, have fun in celebrating the 4th of July!

Great afternoon Simi Valley and neighbors! Let me introduce myself. I am Darlene Pettis. I'm the new Manager of The Salvation Army Simi Valley! Excitement doesn't begin to express how glad I am here. Here to serve, here to help, here to be a part of this beautiful community!

We're grateful for our donors! ❤ Thank you to our partner store Albertsons .

Whether it's the joy of a present under the Christmas tree or the comfort of a holiday meal, every dollar we receive this Giving Tuesday will help bring happiness, food, and hope to a family in your neighborhood.

Your donation brings help and hope to families in need. Give the gift of a brighter home and support your community. ❤️🌟

Make a donation today by visiting: www.simivalleyredkettle.org

CLOSED

✨ The Holiday Season is coming soon! ✨

Our Angel Giving Tree 2023 registration is now open! ❤

Please refer to the informational flyer for complete information. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 805-527-1070 ext.1070.

Thank you to our friends at CBC Federal Credit Union for your wonderful support of our Back-to-School program! ✏️🎒✂️🖍

Thank you to our outstanding community partners for your support in making our Back-to-School Distribution a reality for children in Simi Valley! Mike Rovner Construction, Inc. Target Store Moorpark Costco Simi Valley Simi Valley Public Library Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders XYPRO Technology

Happy Holidays! ✨

Thank you to our community partners, donors and volunteers for making this a special Christmas for many families in Simi Valley and surrounding communities!

Thank you! 🙏❤️

Every donation to our red kettle provides help and hope to those in need. Your donation changes lives! You can support our community by donating to our Virtual Red Kettle:
http://simivalleyredkettle.org/

We are hiring a Christmas Ambassador(bell ringer)! 🔔✨

If you would like to join our efforts in our yearly fundraising to support our Simi Valley programs & are looking for an employment opportunity, apply now at:

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SAL1002/JobBoard/bcc2e2d1-d94c-2041-4126-28086417eb0a/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=5f0bcf3e-6019-4d4c-945f-0d0411464f47

Our Simi Valley office is currently hiring a Kettle Coordinator. If you would like to join our efforts in our yearly fundraising to support our programs ALL year, please clink the link below to apply! 😊

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SAL1002/JobBoard/bcc2e2d1-d94c-2041-4126-28086417eb0a/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=485ee3eb-af97-432b-9f72-449cf2fb9860

We are excited to officially announce that our Angel Tree 2022 registration is now open! 🎄

The goal of our Angel Tree Program is to make sure that eligible families of children ages newborn through 12 years of age will have a gift under the tree on Christmas. ❤

Please refer to the informational flyer for complete information. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us at the contact information on the flyer!

🌟Vendors Needed🌟

Come join us and register to be a vendor for our Community Sale Fundraiser on Oct 22 to help raise funds for our social service programs such as our food pantry, Thanksgiving boxes, Angel Tree, Summer Camp, and Back To School programs.

We've love to have you there!❤️

We will be hosting a Community Sale Fundraiser on Oct 22 to help raise funds for our Simi Valley programs such as our food pantry, Thanksgiving boxes, Angel Tree, Summer Camp, and Back To School programs.

We will be collecting donations until Oct 10 & we will be renting out spaces for local vendors who wish to sell their unique items!

For more information contact [email protected] | 805-527-1070 ext.1070.

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Hello Friends, please be advised that our power is out. However, we are still open for Food Pantry today between 10:00am and noon, then 1:00pm to 2:00pm as per our normal schedule. Stay safe.