Don Bonner introduced our speaker, Major Jorge L. Marzan was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and after finishing high school was accepted as a candidate at The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in Suffern, NY. After graduating, he was assigned to work as a cadet and was later commissioned as an officer in Puerto Rico. Major Marzan later served in NY and again in Puerto Rico. He received training at the international College for Officers, Salvation Army, based in London, England in 1993. ln 2001 he was appointed Divisional Secretary and in 2010 he became the first Puerto Rican divisional Commander appointed to lead The Salvation Army Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Division. In July Of 2016 Major Jorge was appointed Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Southern New England and his wife Major Limaris Marzan became Director of Women's Ministries. They live in Weathersfield and are the proud parents of their 7 year old son David Alejandro. He is also a Hartford Rotarian. Jorge announced that he is being transferred to Brazil in January.
We usually know The Salvation Army for the Christmas Kettles and for the clothing stores, we call Family Stores. The work of the Salvation Army began more than 150 years in the East End of London by a Methodist minister and his wife, William and Catherine Booth. He felt called to share God’s love with the people of the East End. But as he tried to share God’s love he realized that in the East End of that time, that we know from Charles Dickens novels, needed something more. He realized that it was hard to share God’s love with someone who was hungry. Through those years of ministry he developed what we call The Cab Horse Charter. William Booth’s Cab Horse Charter was both a vivid rebuke and challenge to the society of his time and unfortunately this remains equally valid today. Drawing a sharp comparison between the way working animals are treated and the plight of the poorest humans, Booth made two salient points: When the horse is down, he is helped up, and while he lives he has food, shelter and work.
Treating people with the same respect we treat farm animals was the founding principle and continues to function as important underpinning of the social part of the mission of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is an international church and charity that works in more than 130 countries around the world with international headquarters in London, England.
Music is an important aspect of The Salvation Army. Through the music program lives are transformed. The children not only learn how to play an instrument but develop the values and beliefs that set the foundation of a better society. Every year The Salvation Army has an Annual Christmas Kettle Appeal. Money is buckets like this. Without this money The Salvation Army couldn't help people who are in need. Just during the Holiday season over 28,000 families receive holiday assistance. Around 30,000 receive toys, gifts, and coats.
In a disaster, Seven mobile feeding units mobilize and respond to disasters. 294 meals were served in support of first responders and those affected by a disaster locally. In addition their volunteers were able to provide hundreds of snacks and drinks. Some of their volunteers served in the recent disasters that impacted Florida. We were also able assistance to 1,724 people who found themselves living in Connecticut after Maria impacted the Caribbean. Thanks to the assistance of many people like you we were able to provide grocery orders, clothing and rent and mortgage assistance as they were able to move from the shelters to their homes.
For 125 years The Salvation Army has helped the homeless. Last year it provided 5379 lodgings for men and families in the following locations: Hartford, Waterbury and New Britain. In Hartford 249 individuals were sheltered year round. In Hartford around 500 individuals received the services of our no freeze shelter providing a meal and snack while protecting them from the cold weather. 695 were provided assistance with help for rent.
The Salvation Army’s work is based upon its beliefs and its work are based on the Bible. Its members follow Jesus and his teaching. The education of children and the development of values and solid character is important. They had an attendance of over 10,000 youth in their character development activities. Its learning centers provided care for over 200 children. More than 500 children participated in their summer camp where children not only learn and experience nature but are also enabled to see possibilities.
Sometimes it can be lonely when you reach old age. Salvation Army volunteers visit elderly people who find it hard to go out, to see how they are and to show they are loved and cared for. Their volunteers made over 12,000 visits to individuals through our Community Care ministries. They not only visit the home but also the institutions and last year they had over 49 visits to institutions and hospitals.
Lots of Salvation Army churches and centers have activities and services for families. The Salvation Army believes that helping families is important. Programs such as Pathway of Hope, bring hope and a new beginning. More than 10,000 persons received case management through the Pathway of Hope program and Family Services Assistance programs. More than 30,000 grocery orders were provided.
The Salvation Army centers provide emergency assistance to individuals and families going through a family crisis. There is also a special meals for people with no other family during the holiday season. 117,258 meals were provided through different programs. During the Holiday season they were able to provide last year more than 6,200 grocery orders. with more than 1,600 meals are delivered by volunteers to homebound seniors last Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Children and Young People are an important part of their mission. Around 600 children participated for a week at Camp CONNRI this summer. The Lodge is able to host 60 senior citizens who come from all over Connecticut and Rhode Island to experience fellowship, and the wonders of a New England summer.