Emily Mew, Western Massachusetts field representative for the Salvation Army, stands next to volunteer outreach coordinators Anita Barnes and Laurie Matthews at their new location on the campus of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Court Street.
WESTFIELD-For 15 years, volunteer outreach coordinators Laurie Matthews and Anita Barnes have been steadfast in their support of the Salvation Army and now more than ever, their time and talents are needed as the office completes its “transition” year to an all-volunteer staffing model.
Since the mid 1950’s, the Salvation Army has served area residents and continues its mission through its “transition” year, according to Emily Mew, Western Massachusetts field representative. Currently, Matthews and Barnes are the only volunteers working in the office.
“We started as a service unit – which we are currently – which coincides with many of the service units across the state,” said Mew. “Jack Danahey was the first outreach coordinator, then known as welfare secretary. In 1986 the first office opened on Elm Street and then later moved to Arnold Street.”
Mew noted that the local office also covers the towns of Southwick, Russell, Granville, Tolland, Blandford and Chester.
Since last summer, when demolition of the Arnold Street complex was determined, which included the Salvation Army’s 12 Arnold St. office, the staff and volunteers found refuge with one local nonprofit and two churches who opened their doors for a temporary fix until a new site could be found.
Since October, the Salvation Army found a home in the lower level of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 36 Court St., with a side door entrance adjacent to the playground. For individuals needing assistance to access the office, a handicapped ramp is available and Matthews will come up to meet with individuals.
“We want the community to know we are still here in Westfield but with a different model,” said Mew, as she met with Matthews and Barnes on Friday afternoon to review the month’s statistics and brainstorm how best to serve the community going forward.
“We are still providing direct services,” said Mew, noting that when individuals or families are within the guidelines and rules set by the Salvation Army, assistance can be available for food, clothing, furniture, energy, shelter and transportation.
“Our regular program from October through March 10 serviced 110 households, 68 of which were families,” said Mew, noting that reflects 275 individuals.
Currently, Matthews conducts office hours on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon and asks that anyone seeking services meet with her at that time.
Both Mew and Matthews stressed that Westfield has a “high need” for Salvation Army services, noting that during Thanksgiving they provided 335 families with turkeys and fixings and 386 families with Christmas gifts. Holiday gifts ranged from 4,128 toys to 3,096 clothing outfits.
“Because of her time, dedication and leadership skills, the Salvation Army was able to service families during the holiday season because Laurie executed multiple Angel Trees and Adopt-A-Families by connecting families in need with big-hearted individuals and local companies and organizations,” said Mew.
In addition, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund serviced 29 households, which includes 91 people.
Matthews added that “all families who signed up during the holiday season and met the guidelines received help.”
Since there was uncertainty among city residents during the holiday season about the status of the Salvation Army, donations were down considerably to the red kettles, a fundraising mainstay of the organization, according to Matthews.
“We want people to know that money dropped in the kettles during the holiday season in Westfield stays in the city,” said Matthews. “Donors were also down because they used to like to bring in a check to our office. They also always received a hug.”
Barnes echoed those sentiments.
“We are reaching out to the community now since we count on those funds to give back to the community,” said Barnes.
Mew hopes now that the word is spreading about the Salvation Army’s continued presence in the city, area residents will consider volunteering their time to help make a difference for those less fortunate.
“From bell ringers during the holidays to individuals with good personal communication skills who can help out with special projects, we welcome area residents to consider volunteering for us,” said Mew. “We would encourage groups including students, civic and church organizations, to also consider helping us with Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions and our Coats for Fall Drive.”
Matthews also acknowledged the organizations that have been invaluable to the Salvation Army over the countless years she has served as a volunteer.
“Our list of donors and collaborators include Domus, The Press Room, Pioneer Valley Baptist Church, St. Mary’s Church, Tighe and Bond, Amelia Park, Episcopal Church of the Atonement, Westfield Athenaeum, Western Massachusetts Hospital, Big Y/Little Y, Savage Arms, Blessed Sacrament Church, Riverbend Medical, Mestek, Highland School, Baystate Noble Hospital, Mayor Brian Sullivan, Westfield High School, Westfield Rotary Club, Westfield State University, Westfield Gas & Electric, Stop & Shop, Bon Ton, Walmart, Patriot Freight, Stanley Park, First Church, 4-H Group, Puffers Salon, Wyben Church, C & S Warehouse and The Tuesday Afternoon Club,” said Matthews. “This is in addition to approximately 50 citizens who are not associated with an organization.”
Mew concurred.
“We have had many critical partners over the years and we want to encourage their ongoing participation as well as new partner participation,” said Mew.
For businesses, organizations and individuals interested in volunteering opportunities, contact Mew via email at [email protected].
Matthews added that for those seeking services it is important to meet with her during the posted office hours.
Mew noted that as Valley Gives Day on May 3 fast approaches, she also welcomes donations from area residents who wish to recognize the Salvation Army. All donations raised will be used for rental assistance (start-up and arrears) for residents of Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire counties.
“Like any other organization or social service agency, we do not work in a vacuum,” said Mew. “We need connections and support from the community in order to do the best work possible for the community. Collaboration can take many forms and I would encourage anyone interested to be in touch with us so we can figure out how we can make a partnership work for everyone.”
