Community Services

The Salvation Army has ministries in 132 countries throughout the world and in 400 communities across Canada. Last year, in Canada alone, over 1.9 million people were helped.

We love our local community. With our heart to God and hand to man,The Salvation Army Community Church has downtown programs that offer practical assistance to individuals and families. We are in Oshawa and work throughout Durham. Our church helps those less fortunate with practical, emotional, and spiritual assistance. Other programs include the Christmas toy warehouse, year-round food distribution, children’s camps, and our community garden. We offer counselling for: abuse, addictions, anger, depression, grief, theft, parenting skills, budgeting, taxes, and low self-esteem, as well as spiritual guidance. Thank you for your support in helping us help those in need.

LOCAL MISSION STATEMENT

We are called to share the love of Jesus with our community through connection and service

 NATIONAL MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Programs for Adults

These services seek to promote healthy self-awareness and self-understanding. The goal of counselling is to equip and enable people to live stable, productive lives. Services address topics related to individual, couple and family issues.

  • Marital/Couple Counselling
  • Grief & Loss Counselling
  • Anger & Stress Management
  • Abuse & Trauma Counselling
  • Spiritual Counselling Parenting
  • Personal Boundaries & Relationship
  • Self Image & Self-Esteem
  • Budgeting & Financial Counselling
  • Anxiety and Depression Counselling

Counselling is presented in a Christian context and upholds Biblical principles. No individual will be discriminated against in terms of lifestyle or background. Individual rights of confidentiality and personal beliefs are respected.

Affordable counselling is available for all individuals and families. A sliding fee scale is available for those with low income or financial constraints.

This program explores the offence of shoplifting itself: the reasons why people shoplift and the personal and social consequences of this behaviour, including issues related to police and criminal records. This program is geared towards clients 18 and older. Time of program is every other Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Activities include Group Discussions and Group Work. This program requires a court referral.

Anger management teaches participants that anger is a healthy emotion that requires positive problem-solving skills, techniques and behaviours.  It encourages participants to examine their perceptions, thought processes and personal boundaries in order to decipher and understand their emotional needs. 

Participants may either enter a group program or work individually with a counsellor.  The group program is on a registration basis, with a fee per participant

A number of these clients are sent by the courts for part of their fines or sentencing. 

This program seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of self-esteem, personal boundary regulation and coping skills. Participants are encouraged to examine and reflect on their past history to develop greater self-awareness, which aids in the process of deciphering and understanding thoughts and feelings that have contributed to unhealthy, negative life choices and outcomes.

During the course of this program individuals are encouraged to keep a personal journal to help process thoughts and emotions. This exercise has also been known to facilitate learning, growth and maturity in individuals.  A number of these clients are sent by the courts for part of their fines or sentencing.

Programs for Youth and Children

Participants attend for ten weeks, meeting for one hour each week. Participants must attend all sessions, demonstrate an active interest in the information and complete given homework assignments to attain a certificate of completion. The program is broken into four modules, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence, Anger Management & Communication. This program is for teens aged thirteen to eighteen years; most of our participants are thirteen to sixteen years. Referrals come from Children’s Aid Society, Youth Justice, Group Homes and Parents & Guardians. 

This program is offered to parents of children that are referred to Teen Anger Management. The goal of the program is to inform, educate and raise awareness of the effects of a child’s lagging skills that may contribute to explosive outbursts. Role of the counsellor is to teach coping skills, i.e. Anger Management or Cognitive Flexibility skills to youth, and educate parent/guardian in the use of empathy, defining the problem and inviting the child to problem-solve together. Once the program is implemented, the Counsellor remains as support to the family until conflict is resolved. Referrals for the program are from Children’s Aid Society, Family Doctors, Youth Justice and Family Inquiries.

This program is for teens that are willing to take responsibility for negative behaviour, admit they have harmed others, property or self, agree to stop the harmful behaviour, agree to forgive those that may have harmed them and to apologize or make restitution whenever possible to those they may have harmed. The program is a fifteen-week program, with possible continued support following the fifteen weeks. The program is for teens, thirteen to eighteen years. Candidates for the program are decided at the time of intake for the Teen Anger Management. Referrals are from Children’s Aid Society, Youth Justice and Family Inquiries.

The Summer Day Camp is a program for children aged 6 – 12. The group meets Monday to Friday from 9:00AM – 3:30PM Activities include Bible stories, songs, games, crafts, videos and various other special events.

The Fresh Air Camp is a Summer program for children aged 7 – 17. The Camps are split into two separate camps, one at Jackson’s Point (ages 7-10) and the other at Camp Newport (ages 11 – 17). Activities include Bible stories, songs, games, crafts, campfires, hikes, rock climbing and other special events.

Other Programs

The voucher program provides assistance to community members experiencing financial difficulties. Vouchers are provided for clothing, furniture, household items (to be used in the Thrift Store), transportation (local and out-of-town), rent, and utilities up to a maximum of $100 per individual/family. In 2012 our voucher budget was increased to $1200 per month. Opportunity for spiritual counselling and prayer is offered when discussing the individual’s situation.

The Christmas Kettle Cheer Program is very encompassing in the city with both the fund-raising as well as programming. Christmas kettles cover the prime locations in the city. Community support is received at the Toy Mountain bin at the Oshawa Centre and Angel trees located at local Trust Companies. The Director is available to visit various organizations and events to speak about our programs etc.

This is all combined with a special letter appeal that enables us to raise the funds needed to provide the level of assistance our community requires.

The program is in operation for people who are unable to handle their own finances. The majority of them are on either Ontario Disability or CPP Disability. They receive their cash on a regular basis through the trustee’s office and opportunity is taken to assist them with budgeting and other concerns they may have. We pay their rent as well as utility bills from their funds as well.

We also offer this program young people 15 – 17 years of age who are referred from Ontario Works whose monthly cheques come to The Salvation Army to cash for them.

Provide a safe place to discuss not only the components of knitting practice but a place of living community where persons can emerge from isolation.

OUR GARDEN PLOTS FOR THE 2024 SEASON ARE NOW ALL FULL!

Both in ground and raised accessible plots for individuals, families and local agencies to grow their own vegetables. The Salvation Army provides large plots (18 x 5) and gardening tools while the participants provide the Tender Loving Care. Volunteer participants are available to provide education and training if needed. There is a $25.00 fee for all materials and maintenance that are provided.

Canteen Vehicle available on a 24/7 basis to respond to emergencies in Oshawa. This is on an as-needed basis. Calls are originated by Police or Fire Departments or Durham region Emergency Disaster Services office. Calls are handled by Director of Community & Family Services and forwarded to EDS Coordinator. Director also handles calls from Whitby and Bowmanville with forwards to respective offices. Upkeep of vehicle and preparation of food and supplies are the responsibility of EDS coordinator. We provide refreshments as needed to First Responders and Victims of emergencies. This can range from a cereal bar and cup of coffee to a hot meal.

CRITERIA FOR CVITP TAX CLINIC: SIMPLE PERSONAL TAX RETURNS WITH THE FOLLOWING INCOME LEVELS FOR YOUR FAMILY,

Family Total family income includes an individual, or a couple, and their dependants.

  • 1 person $35,000
  • 2 persons $45,000
  • 3 persons $47,500
  • 4 persons $50,000
  • 5 persons $52,500
  • More than 5 persons $52,500, plus $2,500 for each additional person
CVITP TAX CLINICS DO NOT HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING:
  • self-employment income or employment expenses (see exception below)
  • business or rental income and expenses
  • interest income over $1,000
  • capital gains or losses
  • foreign property (T1135)
  • bankrupt individuals in the year of bankruptcy (or the year prior, if that return has not been filed)
  • deceased individuals

 

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Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.