Kroc Center, Christmas for All work together to effect positive change

In every ZIP code in America, the Salvation Army's arms are open to any who needs help.

It exists to meet human need wherever, whenever and however possible. In the 83815 ZIP code, the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center at 1765 W. Golf Course Road is a hub of resources, events, entertainment, education, wellness, compassion and faith.

This community center has long been a friend of the Press Christmas for All nonprofit. It's through referring partners such as the Kroc Center that community members' generous donations reach neighbors in need and effect impactful change.

"The Kroc Center partners with Christmas for All because of the priority it places on the dignity of those who need support," Kroc Center community outreach and education specialist Jules Cosby said Monday. "This program prioritizes the value each person has, and you see it through every aspect of the program, especially in how applicants can even qualify and the application process."

This partnership with Press Christmas for All allowed the Kroc Center to elevate one of its longtime members out of homelessness. Over time spent at the Kroc Center, this member learned how to swim in the Adult Learn to Swim program, became a part of the Kroc Church and Women's Bible Study, learned how to rock climb at age 70, faithfully attended the Well church outreach program and learned how to be a part of community in these spaces.

"Prior debt was keeping her from being able to get into housing, but after almost five years of homelessness with tremendous growth on her part, Christmas for All assisted with removing this barrier," Cosby said. "This individual has been housed for nearly a year now, not only with zero issues maintaining her budget, but creating a community within her new living environment that she developed throughout her time at the Kroc Center."

Another community member experiencing car troubles was also given a hand up through the Kroc Center and Christmas for All. Although she was working full-time, the cost of repairing this senior resident's vehicle exceeded her savings.

"With Christmas for All approving and covering 80% of the costs of repairs, she was fully able to cover the additional costs and continue to have transportation to get to work daily," Cosby said.

Transportation can be a huge barrier for many in the community, Cosby said, and this support from Christmas for All was the difference between this community member maintaining her housing or ending up in a desperate situation.

Cosby said one of the strengths of Christmas for All is the variety of community partners it brings together.

"It is clear that when multiple supports come into place to provide wraparound care for an individual or family that their ability to find independence increases substantially," she said. "The Kroc Center feels it is a privilege to partner with so many incredible agencies who are aiming to do charity in a way that is dignity-giving and looking at the long game for each person served."

In 2019, Press Christmas for All partnered with Charity Reimagined, with the vision of shifting from giving many small gifts to providing more meaningful, impactful awards to those who otherwise cannot afford large purchases, such as car repairs, dental work, eyeglasses and monthly rent.

"When money is donated to Christmas for All, I would hope the community would know that these funds will be used in the most thoughtful, meaningful, impactful way possible," Cosby said. "Christmas for All has been — and I believe will continue to be — what continues to drive offering a hand up to our community members and walking alongside them.

"This program is the only program of its kind we have and is literally transforming lives for the better on the daily, because of the collaborative effort of its partners and the heart at the center that is wrapped around seeing each person's worth. The integrity of the infrastructure of this program holds not only the people served in check, but also those who are serving."

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This article is one in a series of stories about Press Christmas for All referring partners who work with underserved populations every day. They build relationships and target needs so every Christmas for All dollar donated elevates community members with compassion and dignity.