Vol. 1 Num. 4

Good TimesONE Division, MANY Stories

East Saint Louis Corps: Rebuilding the Community one Junior Solider at a Time

East Saint Louis has been a neighborhood in decline for many years. It continues to decline in its population trend, economic development opportunities, employ-ement rates, as well as median income per household. These socio-economic difficulties are hurdles that have continually confronted the community and its resi-dents. The reoccuring challenges restrict majority of East Saint Lousians from experiencing various kinds of growth and development. The Salvation Army (TSA) faces these challenges alongside East Saint Louisans and unceasingly tries to develop innovative ways to reengage the community with its neighborhood. One of the major hurdles TSA continues to confront is determining how it can create an environment that supports the adults and the youth in the neighborhood to incite and bring change to East Saint Louis. This would mean bringing in opportunities that will empow-er East Saint Louis residents to rise above difficulties that seem to be set in stone; it means going against devel-opment restriction put in place by years of deurbaniza-

By EBONI STERLING DIVISIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

“It is not necessary to be superhuman in order to aid in the lives of young people. However, at the very minimum, we are required to provide a consistent commitment as initia-tors of and supporters for youth development. In light of the unfortunate circumstances the East Saint Louis young people must endure, the Midland Youth Department has charged all leaders and officers alike to be intentional about the bet-terment of those young people.It is our endeavour to remain activist for the strategic devel-opment of those youth. Going beyond perimetrical bound-aries and barriers is our first destination. We believe it takes a village when investing into a young person’s life, essen-tially change must start at home. Building relationships with parents, guardians, families, residents, neighbors, teachers and city officials is an imperative must. TSA Midland Youth Department are relational and asset builders. With a heart of servitude, a spirit of compassion and a vision that is proac-tive. We continually seek solutions for our challenges.

Asset-based youth development is a most successful strategy we have adopted. An approach we believe to be valuable to the child, family and community. Many of the programs we have created promote the “whole child” and have the power to promote educational success the same. The Search Institute has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development known as Developmental Assets.The institution of such assets are instilled through Character building programs and Summer Camping Ministries home to the Midland Youth Department. Within our Character build-ing programs we seek to reach and retain all age groups, Pre-K - 12 grade. The goals of these programs is for all young people to become immersed in experiential-learning, com-munity engagement and biblical and familial values.Our Summer Camping Ministry is a home away from home. We offer young people the chance to challenge themselves holistically in a Christian-safe environment. While away at camp, youth are taught from a Christian curriculum; with the overall purpose to teach proper decision-making, life skills and character and leadership qualities. The Midland Youth Department seeks to build and equip young spiritual leaders for their present and their future.

As asset builders, inbred within us is the passion to build and sustain young people with the courage to apply what they have learned by way of TSA. We only wish to better their lives and send them off with a spiritual enthusiasm to impact their communities.”

zion and market seclution; it means rebuilding what has been lost and maybe restructuring what is no longer working. Yet, in the midst of this difficulty, are eagerly smiling faces that greet you at East Saint Louis Corps. They offer hope as they assure TSA and spectators that the struggles in East Saint Louis can, in fact, be temporary. This April, TSA is proud to be running a Junior Soldier class in East Saint Louis, the first in several years. Major Phil and Major Gail Aho, Soldiers of the Corps, have teamed with Lietuenant AJ Zachery to celebrate a Junior Soldiers class that is enroll-ing youths by the end of May 2015. A Junior Soldier is the entry level for a young person into Salvation Army life and service. A Junior Soldier is not just a church member, they represent a commitment into a lifestyle and servanthood which embraces all of the mission and faith of the Army. It’s a big step and it says a lot about how committed a person is to see growth and change in their neighbooods in various communities around them. TSA’s invtestment in the youth in East Saint Louis guarantee the transformation many seek to happen as today’s Junior Soldiers also become today’s leaders in East Saint Louis, and eventually, around the world.

- CHARLENE LOPEZDIVISIONAL STEPs COORDINATOR

TSA Perseveres Through the Challenges Ahead to Make

Sure Young People Receive 40 Developmental Assets