Notes from the Field

When I attended the NAOC in Pasadena to attend the banquet where Joan Kroc was honored for her first generous gift to The Salvation Army, I was awed by the dedicated Army officers and members of boards from around the country who were in attendance.   A first class program was presented to an audience of 2,000 people who were sitting at full attention.  

Mrs. Kroc expressed her belief in the works of the Army and told how she considered The Salvation Army was best qualified to manage the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center located in San Diego, the first of many centers to follow. 

The San Diego Community Center officially opened in 2002.  Fortunately, Mrs. Kroc lived to celebrate its opening prior to her untimely death of brain cancer in 2003.  The Salvation Army was beneficiary of $1.6 billion from her estate.  Additional Kroc Centers are being built around the United States as a result of her generosity.

I served as Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Sierra del Mar Division during the planning and building of the first Kroc Center and I was honored to have known Mrs. Kroc and her family and to be a part of her significant contribution to the history of The Salvation Army. It was a memorable moment for me to be in attendance at the NAOC and witness the glorious celebration of Joan’s gift. When speaking with Joan about an opportunity to publicly thank her, she replied, “The kids are my thanks.”  Such is the legend of this wonderfully kind and generous woman.

Recently, we celebrated our country’s independence – July 4th. 

It is always a great day to celebrate and this holiday – sometimes – reminds us of the great fortune that we all have to live in a great country with the freedoms that we all enjoy.  Most of us are blessed to be able to enjoy the ‘fruits’ that this country allows us to earn and the freedom to make our own decisions.

However, this time, I would like to challenge each and every one of us to remember those folks that live among us that are not enjoying the freedom and the life that this country has promised us.  This is not meant to be a political statement – far from it.

In fact, I am talking about the people that – because of addiction or mental issues or bad circumstances – are struggling to ‘make it’ in this – the best country in the world.  While this affects relatively few of the citizens of this great country (in percentage terms), in absolute terms, the numbers are staggering.  More importantly, these are people – individuals – very much like you and me.

As beneficiaries of the promise of this great nation, it is our duty – more like our obligation – to help those that need our help and want our help.  However, it is hard for us to do this individually – us helping one-on-one is but a mere ‘drop in the ocean’.  This is a scale problem that is in need of a scale solution.

That is where the The Salvation Army comes in.  The Salvation Army has been a big part of our social fabric for over 100 years.  It has been doing the work of ‘giving the hopeless hope’ for many years.  More importantly, The Salvation Army is doing its work ‘on the ground’ and all over the nation.  This organization is trying to solve a scale problem with a scale solution.

All this to say, that as we celebrate Independence Day, also please remember The Salvation Army.  They are doing the work to provide the basic needs of people so that they can achive the confidence and stature to truly appreciate ‘their independence’ in this great country of ours.

Happy 4th of July!

NAOC has been a big part of my Salvation Army life since I first joined the National Advisory Board. The first one I attended was in Minneapolis. The NAOC moment of that conference was the keynote speech of Paul Harvey. I had never heard a speech that adequately described the significance of The Salvation Army in the world.  Paul Harvey delivered an inspired speech, an historical moment of glory.

But that was not “my” NAOC moment.

Mine came at the next NAOC, in Pasadena, California, where I served as co chair. I need to give some background. At the time of NAOC Pasadena, I had served as a member of the Manhattan Advisory Board for a long time. As a member, then chairman, I had suffered every time I would talk about the Army and my listener would respond “I had no idea.” It made me crazy. It still does. This is the largest charity in America, God’s army in over a hundred countries around the world and most people are clueless beyond the bells, the trucks, the thrift stores.

I was on fire to do something, to tell the story. I read and read the history and wrote a script for a documentary film, “Salvation Army 101”. What I learned changed me forever.  When William Booth says “I wanted God Almighty to have all there was of William Booth”, I have been challenged ever since.

The world premiere of “Salvation Army 101” took place in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. It was the opening plenary session. I was seated between my husband Fred, and my Mother, Ruth Altshuler who is one of only four life members of the National Advisory Board. The entire row behind us had the General and all the Commissioners. The lights went out. My image appeared on the screen.

I dedicated the film to the person who has inspired all the good that I try to do in my life, my Mother. That was part A of “my moment”. Part B, was when I saw the tears in the faces of some of the Commissioners and heard the words “You told our story, better than we do.”

With photos, footage and letters generously offered from everyone, everywhere, I assembled a collage of images, a patchwork of borrowed work set to my script. In some cases, I had half of what I needed. I had beautiful photographs of the Slum Sisters, but nothing of the slums where they worked. I had nothing of the San Francisco earthquake. For these, I went to the Photo Archives at the Library of Congress. I was fascinated at how many images are needed. The eye does its work quickly, it does not linger.

Recently, my fourteen year old son, Beck and I had the opportunity to visit with Captain Terry Masango, Salvation Army Corps Officer and pastor at the Renton Rotary Food Bank and Corps Community Center in Washington State. By spending the afternoon with Captain Terry, we saw firsthand how we are ‘Doing the Most Good’ here in the greater Seattle area. 

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Captain Terry and his wife, Captain Rutendo Masango first came to the US in 2000, and then to the Renton Salvation Army location in 2006. Captain Terry is fifth generation Salvation Army, growing up with the understanding that the local Salvation Army was his “family church”.

With Captain Terry’s leadership, the Renton Food Bank has implemented an innovative program, reaching out to kids in the area by providing a reliable source of meals on weekends. In the local school district, 50% of the kids participate in the federal reduced-price lunch program. Beginning in 2008, the Food Bank began working with the schools to identify kids needing help, some of whom are homeless, and then provide backpacks with healthy, kid-oriented foods including fresh fruit and easy to prepare items. Seeing the backpacks, others assume the kids are toting homework and personal items when they are actually carrying their own food lifeline, bridging the weekend meal gap.

The Masango’s prayers have continually been answered and the program has been an outstanding success. The number of kids served currently stands at 247 per week and other schools are asking to join. Financial support has been provided by the Army and many in the community, but more is needed in order to continue. If you would like to help support the program, please contact Captain Terry Masango, The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 977, Renton, WA, 98057, terry.masango@usw.salvationarmy.org, (425) 255-3012.

 The backpack program is another great example of how The Salvation Army is a catalyst for, ‘Doing The Most Good’. Through caring individuals like Captain Terry and his team in Renton, we are identifying needs in our own community and responding in unique and innovative ways.

It is my great honor to serve as the Chairman of the National Advisory Board (NAB) of The Salvation Army in America.  A major focus of the NAB during my tenure has been on the development of a long-range strategic plan.  As I meet with the Army’s advisory boards and officer personnel in Divisions around the country, I am struck by how many of you are also undertaking or contemplating a similar exercise.  My theory is that the external environment has been changing so rapidly that we are all in a bit of “catch-up” mode.  

As we complete the NAB strategic planning process, we plan to share specific highlights with the broader Salvation Army community.  I am excited by many of the transformative plans that have being discussed and are being implemented.  I think you will be too.  Given that so many of you seem to be thinking about long-range strategy, I thought you might find a summary of our PROCESS and some related OBSERVATIONS helpful.

STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

I assumed my role as NAB chair over three years ago.  I was, and still am, humbled by this sacred honor.   Commissioners Israel (“Izzy”) and Eva Gaither became our National Leaders at about the same time.  Those of you who know the Gaithers will understand that I have been extremely blessed to serve alongside them.  One of the first things I did as Chair was to meet with Izzy and Eva.  We discussed our mutual belief that it was appropriate to step-back and think strategically about The Salvation Army in America in light of the dynamic external environment.  The Gaithers were coming home after serving as the Second in Command worldwide for the Army. It was evident from our conversation that they were troubled by some of the societal changes they sensed upon their return.  They were also very clear that they saw a significant role for the NAB.   Within the Army, leaders rely on their boards to varying degrees.  I was encouraged that the Gaithers and the other members of the Commissioners Conference were actively desiring to deepen the NAB/Commissioners Conference Partnership.

We are very fortunate to have Mr. Bobby Lyle as an NAB member.  Bobby is a great friend of the Army nationally and in Dallas.  Despite enormous demands on his time, Bobby agreed to lead a strategic planning initiative.  He possesses a great combination of business expertise and training/leadership in strategic planning processes.  His appreciation for the need to balance the practical with the theoretical has greatly enhanced our efforts.  

Izzy, Bobby and I spent a lot of upfront time discussing the planning strategy to ensure alignment on the entire process.  We then met with the Commissioners Conference and ultimately the entire NAB.  Bobby explained his planning model and shared many lessons from past experiences.  ”Strategic planning is messy. . . “we will be remodeling our house while we are living in it” were but two of his many accurate predictions.  Despite his warnings, we were all convinced that the process could be transformative.  We were passionate in our desire to assist The Salvation Army in America in the brand promise of Doing the Most Good.  We locked arms and dove headfirst into the deep end.

We formed an ad-hoc strategic planning committee consisting of representatives of the Commissioners Conference and the NAB.  We made sure we had at least one representative from each one of our four standing committees of the NAB as well as two Territorial Commanders.  This ad-hoc committee would serve as facilitators.  We decided that it would be more effective if each Committee drafted their respective part of the strategic plan versus having one overall author developing the document.  This decision had clear pros and cons.  The major “pro” was that the standing Committees (which are made up of both Army personnel and NAB members) would have greater implementation ownership of the plan once it was finalized.  The principal “con” was that the document would be drafted by many different authors and would likely be fairly disjointed. We were also asking a lot of our volunteers to have to physically write the document.  If I had to do it over again, I might recommend a “hybrid” approach.

Our strategic planning horizon was to cover five years.  The planning model began with the Mission Statement of the International Salvation Army.   We then asked Commissioner Gaither to create a vision statement for The Salvation Army in the United States.  Izzy expended a great deal of thought preparing the first draft of this document.  It was to represent his and Eva’s hope for the Army in America.  He organized his thoughts around several key “pillars”.  This draft was then revised by Izzy following a review with the NAB. The final document was then approved by the Commissioners Conference.    After the Vision Statement, we progressed through Goals to Objectives to Strategies.   This progression from the big picture down to the detail was logical and generally worked well.  As we got into the more granular, implementation-oriented “strategies,” each committee was asked to quantify key projections such as expected revenues and expenses related to the action under consideration and the implementation resources required.

At our most recent NAB meeting in Minneapolis, we celebrated the completion of the first version of our long-range strategic plan.  We are still fine-tuning and probably always will be.  However, it is exciting to see the implementation phase of the process starting to take hold.  This whole process took almost a year longer than I had expected.  It was indeed messy.  While much of our work still lies ahead, I am convinced that the impact of this major undertaking will be quite significant.  I predict a lot of lives will be changed as a result.

MY OBSERVATIONS

1. It is critical for any Salvation Army entity that desires to undertake a strategic plan to have strong alignment with their respective counter-part within the Army.  Change is hard.  This is particularly true at any organization as established and successful as The Salvation Army.  I would never recommend undertaking a strategic planning process if Army leadership is not equally committed and driving it.

2. We are advisory, not supervisory, boards.  We must approach a strategic planning exercise with a servant’s heart.  It is a lot harder to implement a plan than to create it.  At times, I have had to simply respect the judgment of the people who are ultimately accountable.  

3. Discuss everything upfront.  Agree on the “vision” for your respective Territory, Division or Field Unit.  Agree on what you are trying to accomplish together.  Agree on the process.  It is probably cliché, but time spent upfront will pay major dividends down the road.

4.  Managing change is generally harder within non-profits.  Manage your (and your fellow board members) expectations accordingly.  

5.  Is there someone within your board or staff that is truly qualified to lead your effort?  Don’t settle!  The process is too important and intensive to launch without the key pieces in place.  Consider getting outside help to facilitate your process if need be.  However don’t just turn the keys over to an outside expert.  Who is going to actually write everything down and control the pen?  It is a lot of work!  

6.  The simple process of strategic planning will pay huge dividends.  It will allow you a safe framework to have the needed discussions about the future.  

7.  Prayer is vital.  I am convinced that God has anointed The Salvation Army due to our passion to serve the marginalized and to proclaim his Gospel.   At certain junctures in our process, I feared that frustrations and obstacles might derail our whole process and be a major setback to our organization for years to come.  At key times, I definitely felt God’s direct hand over the process.  Be faithful.  He will provide!  

 Thank you for your service to The Salvation Army,

Rob

It happened in Dallas in 2007. This particular NAOC Moment is a 
moment, a feeling, I will remember the rest of my life.

For that conference, I had produced a general session on Best 
Practices from throughout the country. I was hosting a panel of guests 
that included three extraordinary women … Ruth Altshuler, Sally 
Harris, Charlotte Jones Anderson … and Major Ralph Buckiewicz, Army 
officer extraordinaire. The time and experience of being together on 
stage with these four individuals could easily pass as “My NAOC 
Moment.”  I was so honored. We were having such a good time, sharing 
great ideas and just having fun with everything. But there was even 
more.

Fifteen minutes into our session we received word that our “special 
guest” had arrived. She was being ushered into the hall, would be 
appearing on stage in just a few minutes. It was time to begin our 
segue to welcome . . . the First Lady of the United States, Laura  Bush.

Our panel quickly wrapped up what we had been discussing and Ruth 
Altshuler, a long-time friend of the Bush family and our NAB member 
responsible for securing the First Lady’s visit, stepped to the 
microphone and began her introduction. Ruth is a phenomenal speaker. 
Absolutely delightful . . . her pacing, delivery, wit and down-home, 
natural charm. On this day, as always, the audience was captivated. 
She told of her long friendship with the First Family and, in 
particular, the ways in which “she and Laura” had worked together for  
so many years on meaningful projects in their Dallas community.

When Ruth finished her introduction, Mrs. Bush walked onto the stage. 
I will never forget that moment … turning around to see a woman for 
whom I had such respect and admiration. She entered with such poise, 
such a presence. Sparkling. Beautiful.

Her presentation to the delegation was off-the-charts. She spoke, in-
depth, about the work of The Salvation Army. And not just in Dallas or 
Texas or the United States, but around the world. She spoke with 
conviction about the men and women in uniform and the absolute 
necessity of volunteers in all capacities to continue to embrace the 
mission of this amazing organization. She was so impressive. It was 
more than apparent she was speaking from the heart. And she gave so 
generously of her time that day as she encouraged and empowered the 
entire delegation.

Besides being honored to share the stage with our First Lady for those 
moments in time, I was just plain proud to have a woman of her 
demeanor, intellect and genuine compassion as the First Lady of my 
country, our country.

I will always treasure that day in Dallas, at NAOC, and the moments 
shared with our extraordinary First Lady of the United States.

American soldiers during WW1 couldn't resist Salvation Army doughnuts.

Across America, quite a few television viewers heard about the Salvation Army’s National Donut Day, celebrated June 4.  Weatherman Dave Price of the Early Show on CBS discussed The Salvation Army’s work and importance of National Doughnut Day.  Additionally, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford discussed The Salvation Army’s ties to National Doughnut Day on NBC’s Today Show. MSNBC also mentioned The Salvation Army’s history with this annual tradition.

Here’s the original Salvation Army recipe, just like our “doughnut girls” used to make them on the front lines for American soldiers during WW1. 

Try them out and let us know what you think!

SALVATION ARMY DOUGHNUTS

5 C flour
2 C sugar
5 tsp. baking powder
1 ’saltspoon’ salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 C milk
1 T lard

Combine all ingredients (except for lard) to make dough.

Thoroughly knead dough, roll smooth, and cut into rings that are less than 1/4 inch thick. (When finding items to cut out doughnut circles, be creative! Salvation Army doughnut girls used whatever they could find, from baking powder cans to coffee percolator tubes.)

Drop the rings into the lard, making sure the fat is hot enough to brown the doughnuts slowly. Turn the doughnuts slowly several times.

When browned, remove doughnuts and allow excess fat to drip off.

Dust with powdered sugar.

Let cool and enjoy! This recipe yields approximately 4 dozen doughnuts, so invite some friends to help eat!

One of the best and brightest, yet least understood, programs of the Salvation Army is the ARC program.

This program brings new hope and life to thousands around the country each year.

Here is a recent column that I wrote for our local paper, The Modesto Bee, which details some of the specifics, as well as a personal view, of this terrific program:

Rehab center successful in helping addicts recover
By Dick Hagerty

Amidst all the unpleasant comments flying around concerning the judge’s decision to send former car dealer Don Thiel to rehab and not back to a regular prison, there is the simple fact that if the man never really has had a chance at rehabilitation, then surely that is a reasonable effort toward restoring him to some level of normalcy.

I have known Don for nearly 40 years, and alcohol always has been a dominant (and destructive) part of his life. If this “sentence” can break a lifetime of dependency, then I say it is worth the try.

One of the lesser known but most successful programs The Salvation Army operates is the Adult Rehabilitation Center program, which directly and aggressively targets the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Nationwide, The Salvation Army operates 119 such centers, with a total of 12,000 beds. The closest facility to Modesto is in south Stockton.

The program is unique in two ways, which are likely the reasons for its high success rate. First, all those enrolled (we call them beneficiaries) are required to work throughout the six-month period. And, second, all are required to participate actively in chapel services, spiritual counseling and Bible studies, as well as a variety of recovery-related classes and groups sessions.

These two elements are key to successful recovery, but neither would be possible if any government funding was provided to the ARC. Rather than accept public monies, The Salvation Army fully funds the ARC recovery program through its network of thrift stores.

These stores fund 100 percent of all administrative and program costs, while providing the beneficiaries with a built-in network of jobs that make up the work therapy component of the program.

Beneficiaries assist in the collection and processing of donated goods, sort and refurbish all manner of donated items, and stock the stores.

The system is a simple yet ingenious social-model program which accomplishes all the elements necessary to bring recovery and normal lives to those who have been enslaved by substance abuse.

Last summer, one of the employees of our company (let’s call him Harry) was having more and more problems with alcohol and prescription pills. It finally reached a point at which he was no longer able to carry out his duties, yet here was a man who, like many others, was well worth saving.

I drove him to the Stockton facility, and after some serious negotiating, he agreed to stay and give it a try.

Last month, I had the great honor of attending his graduation. Six months clean and sober! His family was there; his mother shed tears of joy. Harry sang a solo for the 100-plus in attendance and is now in recovery, back home and ready to get on with his life.

This is not the first young man I have helped enter the program, and probably will not be the last. But each one is important, and the success rate of the ARC is equal to (or exceeds) the most expensive and exclusive private programs throughout the country.

I always make the same promise when I help a new beneficiary enter the program — “Stick it out, graduate, and I will be there in the front row to cheer you on at your graduation!” And a joyful moment that always becomes, when someone is able to walk across the platform and walk back into a meaningful life.

Hagerty, a regular community columnist, is a member of the Stockton ARC Advisory Council as well as a 40-year member of The Salvation Army Modesto Advisory Board and the National Advisory Board.

Three new members were inducted to the National Advisory Board during their recent meeting in Minneapolis.

Jason Howard (center) with National Commander Commissioner Israel Gaither (left) and NAB Chairman Rob Pace (right)

Jason Howard has a decade of experience on Wall Street and in Hollywood advising senior executives on multi-billion dollar mergers, acquisitions, financings, principal investments, and strategy development.  Currently, Mr. Howard is a private equity investor at Credit Suisse Asset Management, where he focuses on evaluating and executing investments in a broad range of companies and private equity funds.

Natalie Paquin addresses National Advisory Board

Ms. Paquin is a seasoned leader with over 20 years experience in executive and legal positions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Chicago, Illinois. Her success in visioning and strategic planning, fund raising, running a complex business and working effectively with the public and a Board of Directors emanates from her diverse leadership roles with a large cultural institution, and in the nation’s 3rd and 7th largest urban public school districts. She is an advocate for civic engagement, enjoys the arts, politics, and is a world traveler.

As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Natalye  Paquin directs the Center’s day-to-day operations across three venues (Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Merriam Theater), oversees a $35 million budget, leads a work force of nearly 400 employees and volunteers, is engaged in strategic fundraising, and positions the institution through marketing and communications.

New Member Bruce Williamson (center) with National Commander Commissioner Israel Gaither (left) and NAB Chairman Rob Pace (right)

For most of his 34-year career in business, Bruce Williamson has served as a General Manager/President/CEO, with an emphasis on business revitalizations.  Currently he is President of The Sterno Group, a division of Blyth, Inc.  Mr. Williamson serves on several faith-based organization boards including Chicago and National Advisory Board for the Salvation Army, Pinnacle Forum of America – Chicago, Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and Rise International.

Local communities are celebrating the 57^th annual National Salvation Week, May 10-14, raising awareness for the underserved in America.  Across the country, local Salvation Army Corps have seen increased need from people in the communities, and are spreading the word about the importance of Americans giving back to support their neighbors. Whether it’s through volunteering at a Salvation Army food bank or donating clothing to a Salvation Army thrift store, the public’s support is needed more than ever.

Since beginning its work in the United States in 1880, The Salvation Army has grown into one of the largest social service providers in the country offering  a variety of programs.  The Salvation Army would not be able to provide help to nearly 30 million people in need each year without the millions of Americans who support us with time and money each year.

Though the dates have changed since the United Stated Congress declared and President Eisenhower proclaimed the first National Salvation Army Week on November 18, 1954, the work of The Salvation Army has not changed.  President Eisenhower recognized the growing involvement of the Army in the U.S. and overseas during WWI and WWII stating, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern.  In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all.”

Here’s  a sampling of what’s happening  around the country at the  events planned for National Salvation Army Week.

• Cincinnati, OH: The Salvation Army will celebrate the 125^th Anniversary of serving the greater Cincinnati community by hosting a luncheon for supporters on May 11. The theme for this year’s event is “Lean on Me.”
• Denver, CO: A Salvation Army brass band will play the National Anthem as the Colorado Rockies take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, May 14.
• Fort Lauderdale, FL: The Salvation Army is hosting the MOST Amazing Race, a fund raising event benefiting the Fort Lauderdale Area Command’s homeless shelter for families. The race will take place on Saturday May 15. Patterned after the CBS show “The Amazing Race,” this scavenger-hunt-like race will take place over an entire day, leading teams on a large scale race around Fort Lauderdale. The first team to reach the finish line will win the grand prize of $1,000.
• Honolulu, HI: The Salvation Army will host its 22^nd Fashion Show and Boutique on May 8 to showcase the quality and style of second-hand apparel available at the Army’s family and thrift stores. Clients from Salvation Army adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs) and Family Treatment Services will perform as models.
• San Diego, CA: On May 13, The Salvation Army’s Centre City Corps will open its doors to players from the San Diego Chargers to serve the homeless in downtown San Diego.
• Salem, OR: The Salvation Army will attempt to raise $100,000 in one hour during the third annual “Belief in Action” luncheon for supporters at the new Salvation Army Kroc Community Center on May 12^th.
• Syracuse, NY: The Salvation Army will deliver doughnuts to 250 supporters, including community and corporate partners, agency offices, special volunteers and major donors throughout the entire week. Additionally, The Salvation Army will host a Volunteer Recognition & Prayer Breakfast/Can-Do Awards on May 11.

We wish to say thanks through these events and hope to encourage others in local communities to lend a hand – not just this week, but throughout the entire year.  Whether you volunteer for The Salvation Army or pull together your church or community group to collect needed items such as food, clothes, or toiletries, your giving spirit is always appreciated.