Rotary Club hears from Salvation Army’s April Ray Berry

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – South Campbell County Rotarians learned about the Families First Pathway of Hope program provided by the Salvation Army at Tuesday’s Rotary Luncheon held at the LaFollette Methodist Church. 

Salvation Army Engagement Specialist Alex Hooker and Campbell County and Anderson County Case Manager Specialist April Ray Berry addressed Rotarians about classes and opportunities.

Several classes offered through the Families First program include a six weeks cooking class, a financial literacy courses among several others.

“We have case managers that represent different areas,” Hooker said.

The Pathway of Hope initiative provides “individualized services to families with children who desire to improve their quality of life.”

Services include job training, health services, childcare and education, housing options, legal services, community referrals and more.

“Our heart and goal is to help these families break intergenerational poverty

We try to provide hope and skills that will help them,” Hooker said.

The Salvation Army hosts engagement events and uses partnerships and networking to find Families that may need help.

This program is funded through a state grant.

“With that grant we have a specific budget to help these families,” Hooker said.

The Salvation Army serves the community in other ways such as providing men and women’s shelters for those coming out of abusive relationships, as well as alcohol and drug recovery, food pantries, as well as spiritual care, for families who are Christian. 

For more information, connect online. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/13/2023-6AM)