Oswego, NY – Computer literacy, financial budgeting and job interviewing are skills some Oswego residents may take for granted. However, those who never learned these skills, but would like to, will soon get a hand from the Oswego Salvation Army.
Entergy Nuclear recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the non-profit organization for the development of client programming specifically designed for the Life Skills Center at the Oswego Salvation Army Citadel on West Second Street.
“With the addition of the new Life Skills Center, the Army can provide more to our clients than just a meal,” said Oswego Salvation Army Captain Kenneth Hayes.
“We want to expand opportunities for our clients in their day to day living by offering special programs, right after meal time.”
The economy has been tough on many people. This donation to the Life Skills Center is going to continue allowing us to help those people trying to catch a break, and get ahead during hard times,” said Tammy Holden, Entergy Communications Specialist and chair of the SHARE (Spreading Hope and Resources Everywhere) Committee, which oversees the distribution of Entergy grants.
“They are trying to get that new job or a better job to help provide for their families, and with the Life Skills Center we have the chance to help educate them on what they need to do,” Holden said.
Entergy’s commitment to community service is a reflection of their individual employees’ priorities, said Holden.
“A lot of our employees are very involved with programs in the community, whether it’s Little League, the local camps, or schools,” she said. “We try to look at what programs and organizations they are passionate about and provide them with opportunities to volunteer and get involved. Besides our Open Grant program the community benefits from our Community Connectors program, which is a volunteer initiative designed to reward, recognize and foster the spirit of volunteerism. It informs employees and retirees about volunteer opportunities that address causes that matter most to them. They can then earn cash grants for non-profit organizations of their choice in exchange for hours of volunteer work. Entergy is just a strong believer in giving back to the community where our employees live and in which it serves – it’s the right thing to do.”
In 2009, Entergy Nuclear SHARE Committee awarded approximately $300,000 to organizations in five key areas: community improvement and enrichment; healthy families; education and literacy; arts and culture, and the environment. Holden pointed out that the Salvation Army’s mission touches on several of these areas, as do many other organizations with which Salvation Army has partnered over the years.
The Oswego Salvation Army is part of the International Salvation Army organization, which is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. The local citadel provides food, education, services and spiritual support to the local community.
Anyone interested in information about programs or serving as a volunteer at the Oswego Salvation Army can please call (315) 343-6491.
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