Bona Zoto was distraught. A refugee from Albania, she had no family or friends in Canada, and no home save for a cot at The Salvation Army women’s shelter in Toronto. What meagre possessions she brought with her had just been stolen and now she literally had nothing. “I sobbed for three days straight,” she  […]

The Salvation Army’s Meadowlands Day Service in Ancaster, Ontario not only helps special needs seniors but also gives family members much-needed respite.

Just six months into her marriage, Kim made excuses for black eyes, broken bones and missing teeth. A few years later her little boy died—and his father was responsible. How did it all go wrong? Kim’s parents weren’t family oriented. As a child she received no hugs or cuddles, protection or guidance. Home was a  […]

For many single parents, working is essential. But for Pam (not her real name) and Laura, barriers such as depression and lack of child care interfered with their ability to retain employment. When meeting expenses became increasingly difficult, they had to bring money in. But re-entering the workforce after many years away was frightening. The  […]

For many of us, it’s easy to file a tax return with tax software or by paying a tax preparation company. But for people like Raeleen, a single parent of three, the financial burden of having her taxes prepared is overwhelming. “The Salvation Army’s free tax clinic means I can put food on the table  […]

For 20 years Shawn participated in organized crime, battled drug addiction and hurt the people who loved him most. Today he is living proof that change is possible. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without The Salvation Army,” says Shawn. Shawn grew up in the Ottawa area and suffered both physical and sexual abuse  […]

After personally receiving help and volunteering with The Salvation Army’s Bayside Mission in Barrie, Bri-Jon now works helping deliver some of the same services he once used.

The journey from Sudan to Winnipeg was long for Binyam and his family. In 2010 the family of seven came to Canada for better access to education and economic opportunities. But in their new country they faced fears, challenges and anxiety. Had they made a bad decision? “Starting over was hard,” says Binyam, 16. “Sometimes  […]

The September morning I pulled into The Salvation Army’s Parent-Child Resource Centre (PCRC) parking lot in Kitchener, Ont., was one of the worst in my life. I had put my two young sons in the van beside their newborn sister and driven around. Their dad was at home coming off of his 12th gruelling round  […]

Steven found himself out of work and using a Salvation Army food bank. After a few visits he learned of the Army’s knitting group that not only helps him mend his clothes but provides counselling and fellowship as he puts his life back together.