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by Sue Schumann Warner –
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:12-14 (NIV).
Torrance stays healthy
The Torrance Corps, Calif., had its 16th Annual Community Wide Health Fair, attended by over 400, with over 40 vendors and agencies participating. “This year we partnered with Torrance Park and Recreation Department and expanded our outreach to the community,” said Major Karen Vazquez. Major Julio Vasquez received a proclamation from city officials who thanked the Army for facilitating free health screening by local physicians from the Little Company of Mary Hospital and Torrance Memorial Hospital, as well as instructors from El Camino College.
Women graduate in Chico
The Salvation Army’s George Walker Adult Rehabilitation Center in Chico, Calif., recently had graduation ceremonies for its first women graduates. The families of the three women were excited to attend, as were the staff and volunteers. Said beneficiary Madena, “Without this program I would still be an addict, or dead…the difference in this program is the presence of God.” During the ceremonies, Captain Darren Stratton spoke from God’s word and Captain Courtney Stratton sang and played the guitar.
Good things happening in Salem
“There are always great things happening in Salem!” reports Major Donna Ames. That includes a new six-week writing workshop taught by HLS Florence Robb. It attracted six “wanna be” writers who were empowered to write about life-changing experiences. “They read their final products out loud to the Home League—wonderful stories of God’s work in their lives through cancer, death of loved ones, poverty and other incredible odds. A new Moonbeam group has been added to our regular troop night with great success and a new Youth (teen) Praise Team made its debut recently.” In addition, they received a new $500,000 foundation gift for Kroc.
Deductions for volunteer’s mileage
Kathy Lovin, territorial public affairs and communications, reports more than 100 charitable groups signed a letter asking Congress to raise the amount of money volunteers can deduct from their taxes for the use of their personal vehicle. Currently, volunteers can deduct 14 cents per mile, compared to 58.5 cents per mile for employees who use their cars for business purposes. Four U.S. senators responded by proposing to set the charitable mileage deduction at 70 percent of the corporate rate. The IRS sets the rate for corporate employees but can’t do the same for charities without an act of Congress.
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/us/06charity.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=charities%20gas&st=cse&oref=slogin
What’s new at your corps?
Let others in the West know what’s happening at your corps or center! Send brief (50-75 words) news items to Frontlines at: New.Frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org