Worship with us this Easter

Happy Easter to all of our supporters.  Below is a listing from each area Corps and The Citadel about what they are doing to celebrate this special holiday.  We hope you can attend one of the many events across Tulsa, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow and Sapulpa!

Sand Springs Corps
4403 S. 129th W. Ave.
245-2237
Thursday - 6:30pm Home League- Worship program focusing on Easter
Friday - 6:30pm "Good Friday" Service- We will be viewing the movie "Passion of The Christ" with a short service beforehand (Parents may bring children, but have been notified about the graphic  nature of the film; We will be providing an alternative movie for the kids to watch)
Sunday - 7:00am We are planning on participating  in a "Sunrise" service with Sand Springs United Methodist Church, after which a light continental breakfast will be served at their church. Upon finishing breakfast, we will be returning to our Corps for the following:
9:45am Sunday School Preliminaries
10:00am Sunday School Classes
11:00am Holiness Meeting

Tulsa Citadel
3901 E. 28th St., Tulsa
747-8844
Thursday, April 1st-Corps Dinner 6:00 pm.  Revival with Dr. Captain Roni Robbins to follow (Children will be given activity book for first half and will go out for activities with Captain Robbins during sermon)
Friday, April 2nd-Corps Dinner 6:00 pm.  Revival with Dr. Captain Roni Robbins to follow (Children will be given activity book for first half and will go gout for activities w/ Captain Robbins during sermon)
Sunday, April 4th- SONrise Service 8:00 am, Breakfast 9:00 am, Egg Hunt 9:45 am, Praise Celebration 10:30 am, Morning Worship 11:00 am 12:30 Teens Desert Auction

Broken Arrow Corps
1400 W. Washington
258-7545
The Broken Arrow Women's Auxiliary is having their Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 1st at 5:30 pm.  They will hold Easter Services on Sunday Morning at 11:00 am.

Sapulpa Corps
1721 S. Hickory
224-4415
Friday Afternoon we will have a Good Friday Service starting at 1:00 pm. This will be a walk-through of prayer stations that will conclude at the cross. This is intended to be very interactive and personal.
Saturday Evening we will have an Easter Egg Hunt and showing of the movie "Passion of the Christ". Egg hunt is for the children, while the adults/young adults are watching movie. These events start at 5:00 pm. The Easter Bunny will also be there!

Sunday, we will be having a SONrise service at 8:00 am, followed by doughnuts and coffee. At 10:00 am, we will have Sunday School and at 11:00 am we will have an Easter Celebration featuring a special singing guest.  Following the Easter Service there will be a lunch, everyone is asked to bring a vegetable or dessert.



ONE MORE THING:  Friday and Saturday the teens with Broken Arrow and the Citadel will be holding a Flea Market in the BA gym.  Tables are still available for rental to sell your stuff, only $10! Come shop from 10am-2pm on Friday or Saturday and find a special bargain! Call 747-8844 for more details.

BA Outpost Spreads God's Word

As we look back over the past year since we began enrolling soldiers at the Outpost, we are so blessed and thrilled to have watched life changes that have been made with each of those individuals.  One life has changed from rock n' roll to leading praise and worship.  Another from smoking their spare time away to beginning to minister to others through Angel Tree assistance or social service helps.

God has been good to the faithfulness of many others, therefore; we rejoice in our latest enrollment, the McDonald Family.  This beautiful family of 11, with one more on the way, has been a source of new hopes and faithfulness.  Both parents have jumped in and assisted through the holiday season all the while still caring for their children.  Mom, Aloen, says "she does it all with God's help and leading of the Holy Spirit," as she holds baby, Cherish, on one hip and toddler, Honor, by the hand.

Lt. Jamie Clay
Broken Arrow Outpost Officer

Mighty, Mighty 4 & 5 Year-Olds

At the West Mabee Boys & Girls Club they had something simple but exciting happen to their Mighty Mite basketball team. Most may not know this, but the Might Mite basketball team consist of only five players. Four out of the five players are only four years old. Needless to say, it's hard for the four-year-olds to hold on to the ball and is even harder for them to shoot the ball towards a eight foot goal!

Despite their size, something must have gotten into them (maybe they ate their Wheaties that morning) because they scored a season high 12 points and won the first game of the season! Talk about some happy little kids, you would have thought they had won the college national championship. What was even better was that all the players parents may have been more excited about the outcome of the game then the kids were. Toren, the only 5-year-old on the team, was asked how he felt about the win, "Since we won the game you have to take us to Incredible Pizza."  If all our wins are going to be this exciting -- we can hardly wait for the next one.


Submitted by: Jamar Giddings, West Mabee Boys & Girls Club Director

Daddy's Invitational

The North Mabee Boys & Girls Club, is preparing for its 17th annual Daddy's Invitational Tournament (D.I.T.) set for Friday, April 9.

As a 14-year-old, Darryl "Rocky" Bright, a club alumni, thought that he should do something to honor the men who had mentored and guided him through his youthful growth and development. This idea of recognizing his life mentors and raising funds for the club has resulted in a 17 year event. A friendly basketball game involving volunteer coaches and kids, the D.I.T. has sponsors and receives donations to purchase basketball uniforms for the children at North Mabee.

Admission is only $1 and sponsors are still needed.  For more information contact Jo Bright 425-7534

Thank You Spring Break Volunteers

We could not do what we do in the Tulsa area without our faithful volunteers.  They are truly the hands and feet to the mission of The Salvation Army.

While a lot of students spent their Spring Break resting and traveling the world, some familiar faces and some new ones gave part of their Spring Break to The Salvation Army.  High school students, college students, and teachers throughout the Tulsa community spent time sowing into the lives of children during Spring Break day camp at area Boys & Girls Clubs.  Students from the TCC Tulsa Achieves Program and Metro High School volunteered time serving meals at The Center of Hope.  The student ministry at the three LifeChurch.tv campuses in the Tulsa area teamed up to do work projects at Mabee Red Shield and North Mabee Boys & Girls Clubs, including painting, gardening, and Spring cleaning.           

As Spring Break comes to a close, we want to take this time to reflect on what a blessing our volunteers are to The Salvation Army.  Thank you for spending your time with us.  We hope you enjoyed your experience with us as much as we enjoyed every moment with you!  We wish you all the best as you finish this semester, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

-Michelle Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator

Make a Difference - Be a Tutor

The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Boys & Girls Clubs provide a positive place for kids. Our mission is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, and help them realize their full potential.

You can help make that possible by becoming an After School Tutor at one of the 6 Tulsa Area Boys & Girls Clubs. If you are interested in helping out email michelle_thomas {at} uss.salvationarmy.org.  Whether you are most comfortable helping with reading, math, science history or art, we need you to help local young people expand their minds and succeed in school.  We value our volunteers and offer flexible schedules to help those with busy lifestyles.  Contact us today!

Meachem Gets Key to City

I was pumped this afternoon to get to see Robert Meachem, of New Orleans Saints fame, accept the key to Tulsa at the Boys & Girls Club where he grew up!  He could have chosen any place in Tulsa, but this Club was where he wanted his friends and family to gather and see him honored.  I think that says a lot about the impact of this positive place for kids!

First of all, my greatest impression of this young man is how amazingly humble he is.  He was so thankful to all of those who attended, and gave a few wise words to the kids watching him eagerly.  It is awesome that they got to meet him and know that he came from their neighborhood to become a super-successful NFL player!  Below are a few of the pics I took with my phone.  I will post more on the Flickr account later!Congrats Robert, glad to have you back in Tulsa!  If you missed our original story about Meachem's relationship with the North Mabee Club, READ IT HERE.

"Everyone who helped raise me is my family. Thank you for loving me and keeping me in your hearts. To the kids, keep God first." -Robert Meachem

I can't wait to see who our next famous alumni will be! It just may be one of the kids sitting in the back, listening intently to what this humble young man had to say.  

~Lindsay

Meachem Returns to Boys & Girls Club

Ride a Go Cart with a Super Bowl Winner Today, Watch Him Get Keys to City Tomorrow!

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem will receive the keys to the city tomorrow at a 12:30 p.m. ceremony at the Salvation Army North Mabee Boys & Girls Club on 3001 N. Cincinnati.  Meachem asked that it be held at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, where he learned to play football in elementary school. We are honored to have the ceremony there.

Today, Meachem will be at Incredible Pizza from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to play with kids and raise money for his foundation, the Follow Your Dreams Foundation. He'll be joining kids for go-cart rides and games, but if anybody wants his autograph, they'll need to pay. The money will go to the Follow Your Dreams Foundation.

Robert Meachem, you're the best. Who needs a parade when you can get out and play with kids? And what an inspiration it will be for our North Mabee Boys & Girls Club kids to see you get your award tomorrow. 

-Sallie

After School Not an Afterthought

Note: This story is from our March e-newsletter.  Click here to sign up to get each issue in your email every month!

In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. That's where The Salvation Army steps in.

Boys & Girls Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.


In Sapulpa, the local club's after school program is growing and making a real difference to local children.  About 25 kids attend the program daily, coming straight from school to meet with Program Aide Ron Brown and his myriad of volunteers.  For a few hours each day, the kids participate in structured activities intended to help them become responsible, caring citizens.

Lacie, a local kindergarten student, excels each day during "power hour," a time when all participants work on homework with tutors.   Parents permit Brown to look through backpacks for homework, and if none is sent home with the child, he provides age-appropriate worksheets.

"It gives the kids more time at home to spend with their parents each night.  The parents are happy we take the time to make sure homework is completed," said Brown.

Although the homework program is popular with parents, kids like Lacie enjoy the activities. “I really like to play games,” she noted when asked what she likes best about the Club.  And the games are endless, with a full gym and a special learning lab, donated by Target, kids can get online, play Wii, shoot basketballs or read a book.

Josh, a 16 year-old Counselor in Training (CIT), is responsible for helping younger kids with homework and helping with clean-up and activities.  Before he started coming to the Club he stayed home alone.  Without divulging too much, he mentioned that staying at home alone got him into trouble and he likes what he does now, much more than being home by himself.

“I just help out and go wherever they need me.  I like the kids, it’s cool here,” he said about his leadership position. As a CIT, Josh is given extra responsibilities each day and is learning a variety of leadership skills.
Many kids like to hide report cards but at the Sapulpa Club report card day isn’t a secret.  Brown spoke proudly when explaining how all the kids bring in their report cards to show off good grades and improvements.

However, academics aren’t all they are learning.  Every Wednesday a Red Cross Volunteer comes and teaches a special program.  The kids have learned about CPR, fire safety, disaster preparedness and other life skills.  Once a week another volunteer presents an art class to all participants and many have won awards in local contests.

“Our programs provide structure for the kids, when they might not have it elsewhere.  The kids know what is expected of them and they work hard to succeed.  All our parents are positive and upbeat about what’s happening here,” Brown said.

Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow -- all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place For Kids.

~Lindsay

The Salvation Army Now Working in 120 Countries

GENERAL Shaw Clifton has announced that he has approved the official opening of The Salvation Army’s work in Nicaragua, as of March 1, 2010, making it the 120th country in which the Army is officially at work.

Previous attempts to establish the work in Nicaragua were short lived (1980-1981) on account of civil conflict within the country. In 2005, however, with the regime being more open to the presence of Christian organizations within the country, the Latin America North Territory sought permission to begin exploration into the possibility of recommencing operations there.

Meetings were held with the government at the beginning of 2008, with a view to establishing the Army’s legal presence in Nicaragua. Several months were taken up working through the various legal requirements in connection with The Salvation Army’s registration in the country.

The Salvation Army is in good standing with the Nicaraguan authorities and prospects for the future development of its work are positive.

Prayers are asked for God’s continued blessing upon this new ministry, and upon those who will lead it.

Sand Springs Celebrates Coaches

On Tuesday, March 1, the Salvation Army Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club hosted our annual Basketball Coaches' Banquet. This past year, Sand Springs was VERY fortunate to raise the number of basketball teams that we hosted at our facility from 37 teams to 48 teams. This means more coaches! We had an amazing season with a great group of coaches. We also honor a coach for each individual age group and it’s awesome to see their reactions! We were also very excited to host swimming for the coaches’ children in our pool. Many years of service have gone into this basketball program and every year we feel it is AMAZING to appreciate the coaches and their families. THANKS!

-Greg Parker, Director, Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club

Volunteer Coach Loves Cheerleading

Lynetria Johnson, coach for the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club cheer squad falls into a small category of volunteers:  no one talked her into volunteering and she’s not doing it just for her child. “I have a love for cheerleading and I wanted to do it,” Lynetria said.  Her five-year-old son Brayden is on the Bulldog’s Mighty Mite basketball team, so she is “already at some of the games.”

Lynetria was a cheerleader for Booker T. Washington High School in 1987. She feels the members of the Bulldog cheer squad learn skills that will be important their whole life, such as building friendships, team work and coordination. “I help them learn to execute the movements,” Lynetria said.  The youngest cheerleaders are five years old. So even if the execution isn’t always precise, judging from watching the cheerleaders, everyone has a great time.

Photo: The Salvation Army Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Bulldogs are being encouraged by a large cheer squad this year. Back row, from left: Mallory Wells, Jr. Coach; Lynetria Johnson, Coach; Kendall Vann, Makyla David, Captain; Kaytlyn Lodge, HayleeThompkins, Jr. Coach. Front row, from left: Mar’kyah McConell, Jasmine Wells, Kyrstyn Lodge, Kelsey Bailey, Chloe Clark.

-Sallie

AT2010 Benefits Salvation Army

Brad Johnson, President of the successful LawnAmerica business in NE Oklahoma is on a mission! A lifetime outdoorsman and hiker, he has decided to hike the Appalachian Trail for charity.  He is looking for his customers and the community to motivate him and help him by donating to the 5 charities he is honoring with his hard work.  We are so lucky to be one of those charities!

The Appalachian Trail stretches from the mountains in northern Georgia for 2,176 miles, ending at the summit of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. It winds up and down the Appalachian Mountains, through dense forests, along rivers, and passes by small towns.

"This journey is for others through helping these special organizations with much needed donations towards helping with the physical, educational, spiritual, housing, and financial needs of Tulsa area kids and families. Join me, and help motivate me to go the distance in thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail," said Brad.

Visit the AT2010 Web site for all of the details and to learn how you can support Brad and The Salvation Army,  your gift will even be matched by LawnAmerica!  Brad starts his journey at the end of May and will complete the trail in late September, WOW!

~Lindsay

Annual Broken Arrow Bar-B-Q

The Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club will be having their Annual Bouncing Bar-B-Q Dinner on April 23 from 6-8 p.m.  This fundraiser is the biggest each year and is hosted by the BA Women's Auxiliary.   As always, there will be live and silent auction items to be swept up for the liking.  Organizers are looking for more corporate sponsors for donations of funds or auction items. If you or your company are interested in getting involved call 258-7545 to purchase tickets or get more information.  All proceeds help fund Youth Programs within the Boys and Girls Club.

Last year, this event brought in a record $5500.00 and had over 300 attendees.  Let’s break that record Broken Arrow!

~Lindsay

Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Banquet

Last night I was so honored to be a part of the annual Youth of the Year Banquet.  This event has a great purpose, recognizing outstanding youth.  Each of our 6 Boys & Girls Clubs Directors presented plaques to their Youth of the Year Candidates as well as their Volunteers of the Year.  It was really an amazing group of honorees! Check out our Flickr Stream for all the photos.

Youth of the Year Honorees:

West Mabee- Anthony Wilson

Sapulpa- Ashley Pointer

Sand Springs- Haylee Cross

Mabee Red Shield- Marisha Grayson

Broken Arrow- Chelse Osborn

North Mabee- Kai Jones*

*Winner of the 2010 Youth of the Year Award

Volunteers of the Year:

Broken Arrow - Angie  Anderson

Mabee Red Shield  - Niva Grayson

North Mabee -  Dany Young

Sand Springs -  Jennifer Cypert

Sapulpa -  Darlene Roberts

West Mabee -  Ronald Hodge

Thanks to everyone who attended and who support local Boys & Girls Clubs!

~Lindsay

KILLER COLD AND ECONOMIC WOES INCREASE NUMBERS AT CENTER OF HOPE

Unusually cold weather and the recession have increased the number of people served by The Salvation Army Center of Hope homeless shelter. In January, the number of meals served was 45 percent higher than Jan. 2008. In February, it was 27 percent higher than in Feb. 2008.  The number of overnight stays increased 39 percent in January and 27 percent in February.  A record was broken when 378 people stayed at the shelter Feb. 24.

“This is scary,” said Arletta Robinson, director of the Center of Hope.” I’ve been here 24 years and I’ve never seen anything like it. On average, we’re feeding about 1,000 people a day, with the same kitchen and the same number of staff members we’ve always had.  We’re stretched to the limit but I’m thankful we’re still able to accommodate our guests and give them three hot meals a day.”

Robinson said the Center of Hope never turns anyone away, especially in extreme weather. “Even if a person has caused trouble here before, we let them stay and just keep a close eye on them.  We call the extreme cold ‘killer cold’ because it will kill a person if they stay out in it.”

 -Sallie

Sapulpa Corps Keeping Busy

March is here and the Sapulpa Corps is marching along.  Join them every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. for the Max Lucado 3:16 Bible study where the Sapulpa Corps is on a journey through the most well known verse in the Bible. The Bible study is followed by the Women’s Ministry and Men’s Club meetings at 11:00 a.m. and a fellowship lunch at 12:00 p.m. Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. is Sunday School, followed by Worship Services at 11:00 a.m. This month they are continuing a series on Grace and discovering how grace impacts our lives. Wednesday evening Youth Programs at 6:00 p.m. take young people through The Salvation Army's character building programs --during March youth are working on their art badges.

Save the date: Palm Sunday, March 28th, Sapulpa Corps will be visited by Divisional Leaders Majors Ken and Dawn Luyk to celebrate Restoring Grace. 

The Sapulpa Corps is opening the doors of opportunity with the youth in our community and is actively looking for volunteers to help lead them into the future. So, Come Join Our Army!

 ~Lindsay

Army of Stars: A Sand Springs Success Story

The Army of Stars held Saturday in Sand Springs was a huge success and a lot of fun. $16,163 was raised. The funds will go toward providing scholarships for children and seniors of the club. I was honored to be chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. The dinner and auction were held in the newly remodeled gym. Volunteer Teressia Kehr chaired the event and approximately 100 people attended.  Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club children Ally Joiner and Shelby Harris performed a dance and Haley Pettit and Shelby Hammons sang.  Lucky Lamons, a state representative for part of the Sand Springs area, spoke about the importance on keeping children active throughout high school to improve graduation rates. 

Captain Patrick Gesner, who started at the Sand Springs Corps only a month ago, said he couldn’t have asked for a better event.  “Everything went off so smoothly. It’s wonderful the way a few dedicated volunteers and staff members can put together an event of this size. We’re already excited about doing it again next year.” 

Congratulations, Sand Springs!

-Greg Parker, Director, Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club

Doing the Most Good at the Center of Hope

It’s amazing to think that the Salvation Army Center of Hope does all that they do—taking care of homeless people and helping them get back on their feet—with only six social workers. Recently there have been some exciting staff changes. We’re pleased to announce that James Hudgins (left), formerly the Project Able Case Manager, has been promoted to Director of Homeless Care Management. Two new hires are Liz Law, longtime Salvation Army Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club employee, and Kelly Miracle. Liz and Kelly are Supportive Housing Program Case Managers. We are happy to welcome former employee Jason Wolfe back to the Center of Hope as Shelter Case Manager.

In the midst of the above changes, case manager Julie Beaulieu (right) celebrated her 20th year with the Center of Hope and was honored with a luncheon. Congratulations to Julie and James and thanks to all of you for the incredibly meaningful work you accomplish every day!

-Sallie

Photos from Center of Hope

I visited the center last Friday at check-in time, just to get some shots to share of those who were waiting on beds.  We offer 300 spots each night to local homeless residents.

 

  

  

  

 Higher resolution photos can be found on our Flickr Photostream. 

~Lindsay