Pretty Nails Lead to Jobs

By reading the title, it seems pretty crazy to claim that nails have anything to do with getting jobs.  For that matter, what could this possibly have to do with The Salvation Army?  Well you could say that something’s in the water in our single women and family shelter here on Green Drive.  Numerous women in our shelter have obtained great jobs in the past 3 months, despite the disadvantages of the current job market.  How are they obtaining great positions like customer service representatives, managers at fast food restaurants and sales positions at retail stores?  Well, it’s not really just because of their nails, but it’s definitely shown itself to be a factor.

Justice Carpenter, Shelter and Case Manager, has explained that these women are receiving job search and interview preparation skills through our shelter, but the self confidence boost she has seen in these single women and mothers has come from simple things like painting nails.  Justice has encouraged each resident to take something that they love to do and to bless the other women with it.

For instance, one resident loves to paint finger nails and does a fantastic job, so when a resident has a job interview or somewhere important to go, she will paint their nails.  Another resident might braid their hair or spruce up a pair of their shoes.  They have formed a community that supports each other and builds self esteem which greatly impacts their competency in an interview.

Karl Perera, an acknowledged expert in the field of self-esteem, said in this article, “Self-esteem can be the difference between success and failure.  This is especially important in the interviewing process. Self-esteem affects your thinking, causing your outlook to be positive or negative about all aspects of your daily life, not just your employment situation.”

So, yes, simple things like painted nails and braided hair and repainted boots are giving our shelter residents the confidence to succeed in obtaining great jobs that will ultimately help them move out on their own to a successful future.

Christmas at The Salvation Army

To the community of High Point,

I cannot imagine what our community would’ve looked like this year
without your support of The Salvation Army and its mission. So many
people have lost income or found themselves out of luck. Without The
Salvation Army of High Point they would not have food, clothing,
electricity or even a place to call home. The need has been greater
than ever, especially this time of year. Over 800 families have turned
to us for help this Christmas. Thanks to your generosity we were able
to help.

702, 641 cans were received from the Holiday Concerts
812 canned hams were donated for Christmas
349 stockings were stuffed with goodies
Thousands of gifts were collected and distributed

As a result, these families will have food to eat and gifts to open on
Christmas morning. You truly have helped us “Do the Most Good.” May
God bless you and your families as we remember the sacrificial love
that was brought to us 2,000 years ago in the form of a baby in a
manger. On behalf of the community in need, thank you.

Merry Christmas!
Captain Tony Perez
The Salvation Army of High Point

Check out this video to see exactly what this letter is all about.

 

Bell Ringing Takes on Smart Phones

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself without cash and miss the opportunity to donate at a red kettle.  However, the red kettles now have QR codes that allow smart phone users to scan it and enter their payment information to donate.  I’m thrilled that I no longer will have to struggle with my lack of cash!

“As technology changes, The Salvation Army is changing with it,” said Captain Tony Perez.  In a culture where carrying cash is less prevalent, The Salvation Army of High Point saw the need for a quick and easy way for people to donate that simply do not have cash when they pass a red kettle.

Smart phone users must have a QR reader app (free) downloaded to their phone in order to scan the code.  Once the code is scanned at a kettle, they will be instantly redirected to a simple credit card giving page that allows them to securely enter their information and the amount that they would like to donate.

The QR code engages a whole new audience with The Salvation Army—the smart phone users.  ”We want everyone to have an opportunity to make a difference through any means possible,” said Captain Tony Perez.

This Christmas season, The Salvation Army of High Point says, “No change?  No problem!”  Boy, am I thankful for that!

Tina Harp Gives Back Years after Being Helped

Tina Harp never expected to need help from The Salvation Army. But, she swallowed her pride and asked for assistance to pay her electric bill.  What she received was so much more.  Now, Tina is ringing bells with her children to afford single mothers the same blessing.

Harp walked through the doors of The Salvation Army in High Point ten years ago at this time of year.  The receptionist asked her why she needed help because she didn’t look like a typical client.  Harp explained that she was in the middle of a divorce and needed help to keep the lights on for her and her three young children.

When Harp arrived home later that day she received more than she ever expected.  There was a note on her door from the woman who helped her asking if it would be okay to sponsor her family for Christmas.  Harp said her heart was broken that she couldn’t afford to buy gifts and she called back in tears thanking the woman who offered to help.

Harp recalled, “They brought the kids over ten presents each and even gave me some too.  They were gifts I never could have afforded.  My daughter had wanted a cotton candy machine but didn’t even put it on her wish list.  On Christmas morning, she got a cotton candy machine too!” Harp said it was just one of many times God came through for her and that His hand was The Salvation Army.

This year, Harp and her 3 children have signed up for multiple shifts throughout the season to ring bells outside of stores in High Point, including Christmas Eve. Her children are enthusiastic about ringing the bell and wishing shoppers a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas and thanking them for donating. Harp said to The Salvation Army, “Thank you for letting us ring bells and give back.”

One School Truly Can Make A Difference

On October 18^th, Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology began a canned food drive for The Salvation Army of High Point with a goal of 500 cans in one month.  With over 1,000 cans donated, they have far exceeded their own expectations.

Marsha Erwin, site coordinator for Communities in Schools, implemented the food drive and made it into a competition among students and classrooms.  The children realized after donating 553 cans in only 11 days that they could really make a difference.  It became more than a competition.

On November 22, The Salvation Army will go to the school to retrieve the 1,067 cans (and counting) to fill the pantry that feeds countless High Point community members in need each year.

The pantry is especially sparse with the need of the community this holiday season.  Captain Tony Perez said to the students at Monlieu, “Hundreds of tables will not be empty because of your generosity.  Thank you.”

Our New Way to Communicate

Welcome to the first blog of the Salvation Army of High Point!

As the new Development and Marketing Coordinator here in High Point, I saw a lot of great ways we were communicating with the public.  We have a website, Facebook page, and Twitter.  We send mail, contact business owners, pass out fliers and get coverage in all forms of news media.  However, the Salvation Army is more than what can be covered in a brochure or press release.  These are facts.  The reality is that the Salvation Army of  High Point is made up of stories.

So, in essence, the purpose is to share our heartbeat with you.

If you have a story to share about your experience with the Salvation Army of High Point, leave a comment!

Keep reading…I promise you won’t regret it.