More than 200 handbags were up for grabs during the October 15 Helping Handbags luncheon and auction. Hosted by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, a volunteer group made of local business women and retirees, the event had nearly 500 attendees pack the Radisson Hotel grand ballroom to check out the seventh annual live and silent auctions. “It exceeded my dreams,” said Laurel Speier, Helping Handbags event chairperson. “You could see the ladies here in attendance had a lot of fun.” More than $75,000 was raised. All of the proceeds will go to Salvation Army’s programs for women and children in the Sacramento area. “Many of us here are blessed to have (comfortable) lives,” Speier said,

The Salvation Army officially opened its new E. Claire Raley Transitional Living Complex on September 20. The 35-unit center, located near I-80 and Watt Ave., will house families who were homeless. Each family had qualified for this housing program through The Salvation Army’s Family Service Department. All participating families may live in the units from six months to two years. Case workers will work constantly with each program participant to find permanent housing and employment. The living complex is also a clean and sober program. For those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, recovery and prevention meetings will be available to them. The new program is a blessing for 32

Neighborhood Advisory Group members expressed concern about the growing number of social services centers – and the type of people they attract – within the Alkali Flat, Mansion Flats and Boulevard Park neighborhoods at the NAG meeting Monday night. A new Goodwill drop center is planned for the corner of 16th and G streets and none of the speakers at the meeting were in favor of the new development. Members said that these drop centers are often neglected and become a hub for vagrants. Martha Domjanovic, a Midtown resident and representative for the Washington Park Neighborhood Association, shared her concerns at the meeting with the lack of knowledge she had of the proposed Goodwill dro

Leaving Crest Theatre recently, my sister and I were approached by a man who asked us if we could spare a dollar. My sister, to the best of my recollection, shook her head, which is what I would expect, as neither of us can generally spare any money, nor do we typically carry cash we might “accidentally” spend on non-essentials. I, however, went a step further. “Where do you stay?” I inquired. The man, a slightly overweight African American in his forties, smiled. “We’re in West Sacramento, ma’am, me and my wife” he replied. “Are you outside, then?” I continued, “Camping at the river?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Are you able to work or do you just prefer to be outside?” “Yes, I am. I worked fo

The Salvation Army of Sacramento County is looking for volunteers on Friday, July 29 and Thursday, August 4 to help with the set-up of its new transitional housing facility.  The 35-unit complex, located near I-80 and Watt Ave., will provide reduced-cost transitional housing for working families with children. Volunteers are needed to help unload boxes of furniture, move them into the units, assemble beds and tables, and collect packaging for recycling. The weather will be warm, but there is a lot of shade outside and air conditioning inside!  Lunch will be provided along with plenty of cold water. Dress: Volunteers must wear closed toed rubber soled shoes. No flip flops or sandals, pl

A German delegation came to volunteer at The Salvation Army’s Family Services facility in Sacramento on June 30. The visit was set up by the Northern California World Trade Center, which is hosting the three member party. The group is made up of two state parliament members, Markus Blume and Roland Theis, and the mayor of the town Monheim am Rhein, Daniel Zimmermann. They, along with nine other volunteers, spent nearly two hours creating 342 food boxes in the Salvation Army warehouse. “People here (the volunteers) are really excited to contribute and help others,” said Blume, member of the Bavarian State Parliament. “We’re really happy to come out and help in some way.” Sacramento was t

“This suit is not bad.” Theoplus Dubose-Harvey was searching for some new work clothes on Saturday. He hoped to find the right business suit for the next job interview. “See, I got some shoes to go along with that,” he said. Dubose-Harvey believes the new attire will help change his life.  Because right now, he is unemployed and homeless. “Times are tough, “said Dubose-Harvey, a 55-year-old former state worker. “That’s why I appreciate the help I got here.” The assistance he is speaking of was the fourth annual Homeless Connect on May 21 at Sacramento City College. Dubose-Harvey was one of nearly 1,000 homeless individuals and families who attended this direct service fair. “I’m than

Spring break is usually associated with traveling and having fun. Well, a group of college students took that concept to a whole another level. Twenty-five students from the Energy Service Corps spent their time off to help weatherize different facilities throughout the state of California. The latest was a stop at The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter in downtown Sacramento on March 25. “We decided to come here because they (Salvation Army) have done so much for the community,” said Abbygail Williams, Energy Service Corps member and UC Davis student. “The students just wanted to give them back something in return.” This weatherization event was part of the Energy Alternative Sprin

As Francis House of Sacramento continues to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, this very important institution will honor the memory of Greg Bunker, Executive Director, who passed away December 28, 2010 with their upcoming 20th Annual “Feast for the Streets Food and Wine Gala”, April 27, 2011 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in downtown Sacramento. Feast for the Streets is the largest fundraiser for Francis House and is highly regarded as one of Sacramento’s premiere food and wine tasting events. With the sudden passing of Greg Bunker in December, Francis House wants to celebrate his life’s work for the homeless and destitute in a way that he would have wanted. Forrest Reed, Acting Direct

Socks were overflowing at the Foulks Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove on October 22. It was the culmination of a three-week effort in which students from five Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) elementary schools and six other schools in Galt participated in the second annual Socktoberfest donation drive. During Socktoberfest, students collected socks to help supplement donations distributed by The Salvation Army. Sock bins were placed at each of the schools until the end of the collection. More than 1,600 pairs of socks were collected. "I want to thank all of the schools and students involved for another great effort in this year's Socktoberfest," said David Bentley, Salvati

“I was thrilled. I called my husband immediately.” That is the reaction Sacramento resident Cindy Nelson had after she outbid other ladies for a Ferragamo handbag during the live auction portion at the sixth annual Salvation Army Helping Handbag luncheon on October 16. Nelson was one of nearly 400 attendees who came to the Radisson Hotel for the annual fundraiser. “We have more ladies than in years past,” Major Colleen Riley, Salvation Army Divisional Director of women’s ministries and Women’s Auxiliary representative. “The event was well organized and the ladies were excited to bid on the purses.” More than 200 items were offered during the event’s live and silent auctions, including

At least 725 county employees will be laid off as a result of the county budget approved by the Board of Supervisors Thursday in a 3-2 vote.  The board has now balanced its the county's budget, which had a $181 million gap. The total budget for the 2010/2011 fiscal year is $3.5 billion. Of that amount, $1.9 billion makes up the county’s general fund. Supervisors held lengthy meetings on the budget over the course of four days this week. Supervisors Roberta MacGlashan and Roger Dickinson voted against the budget’s general fund allocations, offering different reasons for why they disagreed with the budget. Supervisors Don Nottoli, Susan Peters and Jimmie Yee voted in support of passing th

Billed as the largest event of its kind in California’s capital region, The Salvation Army held its 19th Annual Community Luncheon on Tuesday, June 1. The event was an opportunity to showcase its programs, give a fiscal and service report to the community, and thank and recognize the individuals and companies who, through their community service activities or programs, have shown a long history of helping people in need. “It was wonderful to see the appreciation that people had for The Army and services we have provided for all of these years,” said Major Douglas Riley, Salvation Army Divisional Commander. “To hear so many people thank us for everything we’ve done, I have to say that we a

“This absolutely blew me away.” Tim Weisbeck said this after touring the new Salvation Army Family Services building in the Northern Sacramento area. He was one of nearly 100 in attendance who showed up for the grand opening of the social service facility on May 13. “We are blessed to have this building,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County Coordinator. “The Salvation Army can now serve the families and individuals in a very professional and first- class manner.” The new Family Services facility is a much needed upgrade because the old building in the downtown Sacramento locale was simply too small for the growing number of families and individuals seeking assistance. T

What if community residents wanted to gain access to fresh fruits and vegetables in their fast-food-filled district? What if a community group wanted to obtain more social services in a high-need area? Making those arguments is especially daunting if opposing special interests have more money and better information. One organization – Healthy City – is leveling the playing field so all Californians can now turn their passion into action. Healthy City unites community voices with rigorous research and innovative technologies to solve the root causes of social inequity. They provide detailed information for service referrals, easy-to-use data, and technical assistance to help communities fu

(Continues from Part I) I must confess that I've never considered myself being homeless during my family's first four months in America as refugees from Vietnam in 1975. We were grateful to be alive and together in one gigantic tent with another family. We lived in “Tent City” at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, until we found sponsors for ourselves in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. April marks 35 years for me being in America, and a dear friend who also made her first home at Camp Pendleton posted links to the photo exhibit of the refugee camp in San Diego this week. http://bit.ly/aBZZQA http://bit.ly/bBAZrD I could instantly smell the scents of what was then the exotic Ivory soap and wet dewy Apri

“Donate Now.” This was the click that changed my career path in January when the earthquake struck Haiti. I expected to feel that philanthropic glow at the American Red Cross website, but instead I felt ineffective and dissatisfied with my effort in contributing to humanity. Sacramento Loaves and Fishes immediately came to mind, and I went directly to the website to write an inquiry e-mail to the Volunteer Director.  The following Thursday morning at 10am I showed up at the volunteer's orientation at Loaves and Fishes. Two men in ponchos and fluorescent green vests smiled broadly as my car crawled into the dead-end street. I rolled down my window and said, “I’m here for the volunteer or

Collection day morning in Midtown. Heralded once again by the clatter of shopping cart wheels, arguments over territory rights, and cans and bottles strewn about makeshift recycling centers upon the front yards of residents. The Police are powerless. Worse, the City of Sacramento’s utility code unwittingly encourages marginalization of the Homeless. By providing residents no choice in how their recyclables are reclaimed, and no alternative to a monthly fee for recycling pick up, Sacramento residents automatically subsidize the burgeoning activity of scavenging. Leaving many recycling bins nearly empty well before pick-up time, and many residents with increasing—and misplaced—animosity tow

Wednesday, June 17 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Comcast will be holding a high school recognition ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol. Last year the company gave out an average of $1,000 to over 150 12th grade students for higher education. Noon-2 p.m. Ten people from the California Department of Public Health will be manning a public safety booth on the west steps of the Capitol. They will be passing out informational handouts. Thursday, June 18 11 a.m-2 p.m. California Department of Social Services' Multicultural Commission will be holding a World Fair event in the Department of Social Services' quad area. 150 participants are expected to attend. Friday, June 19 10:30 a.m.- Noon Hands in