Approximately 15,741 people are living in poverty in the Thomasville areas served, 26.5% are persons below the poverty line (state average 18.2%), 8.1% are unemployed (state average 6.8%), and the poverty rate for women and children is 25.8% (state average 21.45). According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, of the 16 million children in the United States, 22% of all children live in families of incomes below the federal poverty level. The Salvation Army services improve the lives of families and individuals through a variety of programs and services and achieve goals of self-sufficiency. Our services, now, are a small investment in comparison to cost of ignoring the problem of hunger in the county and the influence on shaping a community into the world.
– Major Thomas Taylor
Programs Making a Difference
The Needham House is located at 208 South Street and provides a clean and positive environment for women and children. The only transitional housing in the area provides its residents with additional services, to include; three meals per day, budget and career counseling, access to childcare, transportation to and from work, parenting and life skills training, job placement assistance and access to local housing availabilities. The two resident bedrooms, a comfortable living room, large dining room, full kitchen and spacious backyard with a playground provide the residents comfort in a time of uncertainty. Social Services assistance and case management support is offered to neighbors in the community who need a hand up surviving a temporary crisis. Our Family Emergency Department provides assistance with groceries, utilities, rent, mortgage, clothing, prescription drugs, and/or lodging. Angel Tree Program offers needy children and families, who would not otherwise have had a Christmas, are assisted through gifts of toys, games, books, clothing and food boxes. The Salvation Army Corps & Chapel located at 514 North Madison Street encompasses a 100 seat chapel with Sunday school classrooms, the administrative offices, a fellowship and dining hall, and an outdoor playground. At the Corps & Chapel children and young adults have the opportunity to learn skills, play music, build character and grow in our youth and after-school programs. Underprivileged children have the opportunity to experience a real summer camp adventure in North Georgia.
