Washington Salvation Army has new leaders
Captains Amber and Jason Imhoff walk through their new office at the Salvation Army, located in the Washington Worship and Service Center at 60 E. Maiden St.
Observer-Reporter
Captain Amber Imhoff of the Washington Salvation Army sits at the front desk in August 2017 of the Washington Worship and Service Center at 60 E. Maiden St.
The Salvation Army in Washington has two new officers to lead the community-based outreach organization. Captains Amber and Jason Imhoff of Akron, Ohio, are looking forward to bringing more awareness to the level of impact the organization has in the city.
“We have found it doesn’t seem like a lot of people know at least what we do,” Jason Imhoff said. “They know the Salvation Army, but they don’t know what we do in the community.”
It is their goal to change that. The couple hope that with their upcoming programs, more people will learn about the different events and opportunities the Salvation Army has to offer.
It also is important, the Imhoffs stressed, that there is an understanding that there are no restrictions on the people who can benefit from the services they offer.
“We want people to know that the Salvation Army is for everyone,” Amber Imhoff said. “A lot of times, people will get it in their head that the Salvation Army is only for people who are low income or who need something, but the Salvation Army is really for everyone.”
The Salvation Army, headquartered at 60 E. Maiden St., offers youth programs and day camps for children. There also are musical instrument lessons and dance classes for children held throughout the week.
The Imhoffs, who also serve as the ministers, lead the worship services on Sunday morning. Sunday school classes and adult Bible study classes also are available.
When it comes to community outreach, the Imhoffs mentioned the Salvation Army’s involvement with Project Bundle-Up and Treasures for Children. They also are involved with the local food pantry and offer rental and utility assistance.
On Aug. 11, the Salvation Army will be hosting the Back-to-School Blast to help provide children with the school supplies they need for the new academic year.
For Amber Imhoff, there are still some adjustments to be made in order for the Salvation Army to best serve its community.
“We’re still trying to figure out where the Salvation Army fits in the community and where the biggest needs of the community are right now,” she said. “We’re excited to be here in Washington. We encourage people to stop by and figure out what we’re all about.”