EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Kristen Bender.
MANSFIELD — The Salvation Army has been an integral part of the Mansfield community since 1888 from humble beginnings in an empty roller rink to their current facilities on South Main Street.
With over 130 years of local service, they have played a pivotal role in the lives of those in need. The Salvation Army offers diverse services and programs to meet the needs of anyone who comes through their doors.
From rent assistance to providing groceries for families, a learning zone for school-aged students, free hot meals served every Friday at noon, and weekly church and worship.
In these and many other ways, they give people a foundation to stand on so they can breathe and take the necessary steps to support themselves and their families long-term.
With their biggest fundraising season of the year approaching, the staff at The Salvation Army have high hopes as they take on another year serving the greater Mansfield area.
Their newest team member, Trevor Schoenman, shared his fresh perspective, goals, and aspirations.
Schoenman recently took on the role of the Director of The Salvation Army Dewald Community Center (DCC).
After working four years at a school for autism, Schoenman wanted to take his love for serving youth in a new direction.
He has a passion for helping kids which stems from reflecting on his childhood, admitting that he needed help himself. Being ready to take on more responsibility when the opportunity presented itself, he took the leap into this new role.
When asked what his first impressions were about The Salvation Army, this is what Schoenman had to say:
“I remember when the Majors (Directors of The Salvation Army) showed me the food pantry, and the amount of food that the pantry can provide for the community is astounding. Anyone who needs food can come in and get food.
“The chapel is very nice, directly off of the main lobby in front of the entire building.
“It’s my hope that the younger generation can come and enjoy worship here. When they showed me around the DCC, I thought it was just unbelievable to have that resource in our downtown community.
“It’s special. It’s a hidden gem with a basketball court, multiple classrooms, a computer lab, library, and other community rooms. I remember thinking how great of an opportunity this is and how we need to make these spaces available for anyone who could use it.”
Schoenman gave a perspective of the goals he hopes to accomplish during his first year with The Salvation Army DCC. One goal is to increase the number of gymnasium rentals.
They have a basketball court currently being rented by Ohio Social Sports, Cheerleaders, and Basketball tournaments that he would love to see utilized even more for anyone in the community needing a space to host their next event.
Other goals of his include opening the Learning Zone to 15-20 students for after-school assistance, fully staffing the center, and hosting community events where families can come for fun, food, and free haircuts. Schoenman sees the DCC’s learning facilities as a huge hidden gem within the Mansfield Community.
There are plans to provide various ‘enhanced arts’ lessons to students, including music classes hosted by Metronome Music, martial arts, readings provided by Mansfield Public Library, and weekly meals for the students donated by Avenue Church.
The need for volunteers at The Salvation Army DCC is great as they strive to do the most good for the most people.
Those interested can serve by tutoring during their after-school programs, spend a few hours at the reception desk, prepare and serve snacks to students, and become a chaperone for after-school pickups.
Schoenman knows the value of serving others first-hand.
“When people put their phones down and disrupt the stream of negativity they’re ingesting, they’re happier. People gain more out of life when doing good for others.”
Schoenman’s final words were, “I want to get the word out to more community members, but I need help. The need for financial and volunteer support is crucial; if you or your company have something to offer, please reach out.”
With the Salvation Army entering its biggest fundraising time of the year, this just might be your sign to give back to your community members in need.
Whether it’s through volunteering, a financial contribution, or dropping your spare change in the red kettles outside of Mansfield stores, there are great plans for every dollar given.
Nine out of every ten dollars will go back into the community for programs previously listed; that extra dollar goes towards keeping the lights on at The Salvation Army.
Every cent is going towards helping provide meals, Christmas gifts for those in financial hardship, utility assistance for families whose lights are threatened of being shut off, and providing diapers to new moms.
Whatever the need, The Salvation Army is here to help — 135 years and counting.