Salvation Army

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120 years of helping those in need

by: Jessica Lewis

When you think of the Salvation Army, most people would conjure up images of holiday bell ringers and second hand shops, but according to Perry Rindeno, store supervisor, the efforts of the organization do a lot more than that.

Founded in the late 1800’s by William Booth, the Salvation Army originally began with the mission of preaching Christian values to the “unchurched” people of England. The organization soon came to work towards feeding and finding shelter for the hungry and homeless, as well as in the rehabilitation of alcoholics.

While over one hundred years have passed since the organization was founded, their mission of service remains the same.

As part of the Salvation Army outfit, a family thrift store is located on South Broad Street in Norwich, and while the goods offered at the store are used by some people who are unable to afford new items, others use the store as a way to spread their funds. “For some people it’s a necessity, for some it’s a way of saving money,” said store manager Almira Frost.

The Norwich store has been open for 28 years, and currently employs 7 full and part time employees.

With $25,000 in sales last year alone, there are days when nearly 200 people frequent the shop, and while many depend upon the store to provide goods they may not otherwise be able to afford, that is not the only way the store works to the service of individuals.

The Norwich store is operated out of the Binghamton Adult Rehabilitation Center, and as part of the larger Salvation Army network, proceeds from sales at the Norwich store, and the nine other stores that Rindeno oversees, are used to fund alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

“The Binghamton ARC facility houses up to 62 people at any time,” Rindeno explained. While the program is undertaken voluntarily, Rindeno explained the ARC is not a transient facility. “It’s a six-month program, and we expect people to commit to stay for six months,” Rindeno said. After entering the free program, the participants, who generally come from the Broome or Chenango County areas, are given counseling and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. At the end of the six month period, the individuals are encouraged to gain employment and are then considered graduates of the program.

“The income generated from the family stores, provides for the program here,” Rindeno said. “We don’t receive any government funding.”

In addition to the rehabilitation program, the Salvation Army also offers emergency services for people who are victims of natural disasters, on a referral basis.

“For example, we provided a great deal of materials during the flood, through the Salvation Army Corps,” Rindeno said.

Over the years, there have been many small changes that effect the way the Salvation Army does business, but the business itself has not changed at all. “Our goal to serve has always stayed the same, but our ability to serve has changed,” Rindeno explained. Technological improvements and upgrades have changed the way the organization operates and the ease with which they serve, but Rindeno explained, “what we do has always been helping those in need.

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