a revival of the Army's ministries both through the
corps and through its social service outreach.
community leaders felt that no one was better
equipped to address the needs around them than
The Salvation Army. Tom Bolt, a local attorney,
spearheaded the formation of the board with the help
of Maria Ferreras, a retired real estate executive.
fails, there is The Salvation Army to lift you up and
deliver a wonderful message." Ms. Ferreras, who took
her turn as advisory board
chairman, shares his enthusi-
asm: "We chose to throw our
support behind the Army be-
cause of its sterling reputation.
Everyone understands what the
Army does. And you have both
the international aspect of the
Army, but people see it as a local
mission." The advisory board
fully supports the Army's
spiritual outreach as working
hand-in-glove with its social
services.
The high cost of living
squeezes the poor. In addition,
35 percent of the islands'
children are living in poverty,
with 80 percent of children
living in single-parent homes.
There are no homeless shelters,
and substance abuse is ram-
pant. The Army in the islands
has worked with the Army's Adult
Rehabilitation Centers on the main-
land to send potential clients there for
treatment. However, this is complicated
by high transportation costs and
the inability to ensure that patients
will reach their
destination.
path of many tropical storms and hurricanes, which
have wreaked devastation in the past.
Virgin Islands. They have found that serving in the
Virgin Islands requires some adjusting. "Not only do
we have the high cost of living, but we are isolated
from our family for long periods. Because we are still
in the USA, we are in effect missionaries in our own
country. This is especially challenging for single
officers like Lieutenant Terado in St. Croix."
the wealthy, but on the other
side of that are the profound
needs. There are a lot of home-
less people. Some of them are
from the islands but many are
from the mainland who come
here, spend their money and get
stranded." The Army operates a
soup kitchen five days a week to
partially address this need and
shares clothing at its tiny thrift
store. Networking among
humanitarian agencies and
music program is bearing
Although housed in old
buildings that are inade-
quate, there is a sense of
people think it's all beach, sand and play.
In reality it is hard work. But this is very
rewarding. We feel we are making a
difference for God and the people. We can
see it and people can see it. We believe
there is a bright future as God leads us."
John
Gorda
(U.K.)
in St. Thomas has been headquartered in
its building on Main Street.