The Salvation Army of Waupaca County opened its new Bread of Life Assistance Center in New London on Oct. 29.
The Bread of Life Assistance Center is located in the former Chamber of Commerce building at 301 E. Beacon Ave.. It will provide emergency assistance services to all Waupaca County residents.
The Salvation Army has never had a permanent home in Waupaca County. Most recently, meetings with clients have taken place at the St. John’s Community Resource Center in New London, which also houses a food pantry s. Privacy for clients has been somewhat of a challenge; the new Bread of Life Center will provide more privacy for clients when they are meeting with Center volunteers.
“The Salvation Army had been looking for a place to ‘call our own’ for quite a while,” explains Salvation Army Unit Chairperson, Barb Krueger. “Then one day last spring, one of our volunteers happened to run into New London Mayor Gary Henke and asked what the plans were for the Chamber Building after the Chamber of Commerce moved to their new offices.”
A few weeks later, the Salvation Army was negotiating with the City of New London for use of this facility.
“The Salvation Army provides valuable services to residents in need throughout Waupaca County,” commented Mayor Henke. “I’m happy that the City is able to help the organization carry out its mission.”
The Bread of Life Assistance Center will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and by appointment to meet privately with clients to help with emergency situations and offer prayer time for those clients who desire it.
The Center will also be stocked with personal hygiene and cleaning/laundry supplies for clients who may need them. Future goals include offering Bible studies and budgeting classes. Krueger also indicated that a county-wide open house is being planned for late November.
Currently the Salvation Army is seeking donations of office furniture, equipment, and office supplies to get the Center up and running. Ongoing donations of personal hygiene items, personal paper products, and cleaning/laundry supplies will be accepted during office hours. Monetary support is also welcomed; donations may be mailed to Salvation Army, 301 E Beacon Ave, New London, WI 54961.
For more information about the Salvation Army of Waupaca County Bread of Life Assistance Center, call 920-470-6416 or “like” them on Facebook at The Salvation Army Waupaca County page.