Harrisburg, PA (April 28, 2014) – On Tuesday, May 6, Salvation Army officers from Allentown to York will convene in Harrisburg to share with legislators the work The Salvation Army is doing to better the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians every day. Dozens of Salvation Army representatives will participate in morning breakout sessions with their local elected officials to discuss the need in their communities and the important services The Salvation Army provides such as food assistance, emergency shelter, social services, senior citizen and youth programming, emergency disaster services, and more. During the past year, The Salvation Army provided more than 2 million meals to Pennsylvanians in need, and served more than 1.9 million people through its local community programs.

Following the meetings, a program will be held in the rotunda featuring individuals assisted by The Salvation Army and Salvation Army leaders. Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley is also expected to make a presentation joined by numerous state officials.

"We recognize the importance of working closely with state officials as we serve communities across Pennsylvania, and we are very glad for the opportunity to showcase our efforts and discuss our common interest of serving those in need," says Lt. Colonel Donald W. Lance, divisional commander for The Salvation Army. "A response we hear over and over when talking about the work we do at The Salvation Army is 'I had no idea.' It's important that our lawmakers know about the services we provide. That is the goal of our visit—to educate, inform, and build relationships so we can continue to work together to positively impact our community."

Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives.

Through its most basic unit, the neighborhood corps community center, The Salvation Army provides worship, social services, and community center programming adapted to the needs of the communities in which they are located. The Salvation Army operates 81 centers across Pennsylvania, providing a direct link to children, teens, adults, senior citizens, and families.

Uniquely equipped to respond to both acute disasters such as fires and floods as well as the daily, ongoing struggles of less fortunate individuals and families, The Salvation Army has a record of success stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually.

Always a helping hand in times of need, The Salvation Army offers a variety of residential programs, including emergency homeless shelters, family shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing for the elderly and developmentally disabled, and independent living facilities.

The Salvation Army Developmental Disabilities Program enables people with disabilities to live as citizens in their communities with dignity and respect. Residential supports are personalized to meet the needs of each individual and are geared to promote happiness, independence, and enhance life skills.

Salvation Army staff members assist residents with activities of daily living, such as personal care, cooking, and housekeeping, along with community-based activities like shopping, banking, and coordination of medical care. As individuals develop the skills, relationships and confidence to live more independently, The Salvation Army continues to provide support to make these new living situations successful.

Each summer thousands of Pennsylvania children and senior citizens experience the great outdoors at The Salvation Army Camp Allegheny, located north of Pittsburgh, and The Salvation Army Camp Ladore, located in the Pocono Mountains.

Campers are hosted in safe environments and closely monitored by trained and capable staff. A variety of physical activities are offered, including: nature study, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, fishing, music instruction, archery, hiking, organized games, ropes challenge courses, and more.

The Salvation Army also provides seasonal day camp programs at its local corps community centers. These programs offer parents safe, structured and enjoyable environments for their children. Programs focus on helping children build self-esteem, avoid boredom and stay active during summer break. Daily activities include arts and crafts, music and drama, field trips, educational and community events, and a variety of recreational and social activities.

When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army is among the first on the scene and works closely with local emergency management officials, fire departments, and police departments in responding. Currently, 35 mobile feeding units, positioned in communities across Pennsylvania, allow Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams to respond to hundreds of incidents each year including fires, hazmat, police, and EMS calls.