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Salvation Army offers alternative to the temptations of alcohol and drugs.
by Jenni Ragland –
In Alaska, where the substance abuse rate is among the nation’s highest, Captains John and Cathy Quinn are leading the battle against addictions in their community of Kodiak, opening their corps building to provide a safe gathering place for young adults on the weekends.
“Our hearts are burdened for the young people in Kodiak, who have been overly exposed to alcohol,” shares Captain John Quinn.
The name, “Operation Homeport,” was chosen based on the personal experience of the Quinns’ son, who, while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, found a “home away from home” at The Salvation Army corps in Beaufort, South Carolina. They hope to extend this same opportunity to men and women stationed on the island at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, along with other young people in the community. A favorite activity is Friday Night at the Movies, but they also offer free internet access and video games, thanks to funding support from the Coast Guard chaplain’s office.
Since opening at the end of January, Operation Homeport has welcomed a small, but regular, group of young adults—the primary target group— on Friday evenings. On Saturdays they are seeing a number of families, coming at the invitation of corps members who give their time to support the outreach effort. Not only are they able to share God’s love through their hospitality, they also are blessed, seeing some attend the corps on Sunday for worship services.