Comanche County Salvation Army assistance programs.
The Salvation Army center of Comanche County is mostly a Boys Club, but they do have referrals to social services. The programs in the community may offer some emergency help, manly around food, housing, and utilities, but the main goal is to help the client can long term stability.
The biggest, and most well known program, is the Boys Club. This is the main reason the Salvation Army was created in the community. The center provides kids a place to go to learn, play with peers, and participate in recreational activities. The location is also safe for boys in the community, as they can stay off the streets and stay in a positive place.
While at the Club, there are activities such as games, books to read, basketball, soccer balls, and other sports. It builds team work as well as the health and fitness, as the kids have something to expend energy on.
Assistance for children and families in Comanche County
Housing Services – These Lawton Salvation Army programs not only help the homeless and destitute, but there are also eviction prevention and utility disconnection services offered. The later program may offer a tenant or homeless person rent and/or security deposit help. Or there may be funds to pay utility bills.
As far as lodging/shelter/transitional housing, this is more for the homeless. They have a place to go to stay safe, get a meal, and learn about Housing First type programs in the region. Which those resources are used to rehouse someone who is otherwise homeless.
Feeding America, local churches, and the Lawton Salvation Army work to feed the hungry, and prevent further episodes of it. There are pantries as well as soup kitchens. In addition, a community garden may give fresh fruit, produce, and vegetables.
Programs help families at Christmas and students during the back to school shopping year. This is a care and share type concept that involves the community. Donations of toys, book bags, clothes, and more are available, and there may also be occasional financial assistance used. He Salvation Army does all of this in an effort to provide Christmas toys, clothing, dinners, and toys for families in need. This also helps seniors and low income families of prisoners.
Holiday help is extended too during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteers distribute free Christmas gifts or Turkey meals to shut-ins in nursing homes as well as hospitals. The emergency shelters are open for hot holiday sit-down dinners as well, which is mostly for the homeless in Comanche County.
Case workers guide families as part of Pathways of Hope. A case management plan will be set up with a social worker from the Lawton Salvation Army. The goal is to put the client on the pathway to a better, more stable future. The Pathways of Hope covers Housing options, Career counseling as well as job training, Health care services, Childcare vouchers, as well as free legal services when needed. Another name for the approach is Bridges Out of Poverty.
Senior citizens can also get help from an elderly residential services program. The Salvation Army and Aging on Agency offers support in Comanche County. There are many topics covered if/when needed, including free hot-lunch programs, educational as well as recreational classes, and money management from pre-retirement seminars.
Therapy, counseling, and other support is arranged from the regional Adult Rehabilitation Center. The Salvation Army in Lawton coordinates this program for adults in need, whether they are battling addiction, self-esteem, or violence issues. The process will in effect help the client re-enter society in a better frame of mind, and then at the same time ideally address employment or financial matters. Life Skills are stressed at the Rehab center.
The main social service center, as well as Boys Club, is at 1306 SW “E” Avenue in Lawton, Oklahoma 73501. Call the charity at (580) 355-1802.
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