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Agencies collaborate to meet community needs.
After nearly 20 years of hosting a local food pantry in the Omaha, Neb., metropolitan area, the Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross transitioned the operation of its program to The Salvation Army, as of June 1, 2009. The change comes after a joint strategic planning session conducted by the two agencies and community leaders in September 2008 that envisioned stronger collaboration in meeting community needs.
The Heartland Chapter of the Red Cross plans to now focus on its mission of providing disaster services—helping people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies.
“The Salvation Army has long been associated with helping people with basic, daily needs, including food,” said Rochelle Mullen, chair of the Heartland Chapter board of directors. “Like the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army is a long-standing national organization effectively meeting local needs every day, and we are pleased that former Red Cross Food Pantry clients will be welcomed by this fine organization in the future.”
Mike Cassling, chair of The Salvation Army board, commended the American Red Cross and Salvation Army staff and volunteers for their willingness to continue to partner together in meeting community needs. “Collaboration and cooperation have been key to the successful relationship between our two organizations during periods of disaster response,” he said. “This is one more way to be efficient and effective together.”