Programs for Salvation Army in area at risk

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ELKHART, Ind. (WSBT) — Strapped for cash, the Salvation Army in Elkhart and several other locations in our area are now facing tough decisions about whether to cut popular programs as they recover from a major dip in donations this last holiday season.

The non-profit said donations are more critical than ever as they now face potential cutbacks to things like utility assistance and community programs for seniors.

If you ask any senior in this room whether they'd like to come back the same time tomorrow, they'll likely say yes.

Only, they'll probably ask if the day can start a little earlier.

Three times a week, ages 55 and up in Elkhart gather at the Salvation Army for two free meals, bible study, exercise, games and prizes.

"Yeah, we're in a place right now where, with the $80,000 deficit, we are going to have to look at cutting some programs and services. It's unfortunate, but what that means is we just have less money for each month to help those families in need. So it's unavoidable," said Tim Nauta, Elkhart Salvation Army major.
According to Major Tim Nauta, the shortfall means turning away 175 to 200 families this year.
But turning families away one at a time might not be where the issue stops.

Entire programs like Senior Care Day could be at risk.

"So we have people that just would be shut in, but someone's gotten them here, and we see them break out of their shell and they're no longer lonely. They're making friends," said Nauta.
Katherine Johnson has been coming for over a year, making friends and then testing that friendship during heated games of bingo and cornhole.

"Yeah, they have somebody to come in to pay the cures and manicures and, you know, and then they have someone to come in to take your blood pressure. And today I had a woman to listen to my heart, you know, so hey, it's a good thing," said Katherine Johnson, attending Senior Care Day.
According to Tim Nauta, he's placing his hope on new donations and maybe even a few new grants.

"We just want to get our story out and and Let folks know that we're here. We're still doing what we've done since 1903," said Nauta.
The major told WSBT22 updates should be coming out monthly at this point.

According to Nauta, he expects they would have to start turning away families that need utility and rent assistance.

He also expects to see donations pick up in the coming weeks.

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