New Kensington Salvation Army Makes the Break -- Westmoreland County United Way Disaffiliation Complete

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The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

Jul 01, 2014, 11:00 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- People are precious to The Salvation Army. The needs and wants of client families, volunteers, staff and donors must be strongly considered when making decisions. Stewardship regarding contributor dollars is of paramount concern. That is why the mandate of the Westmoreland County United Way requiring the New Kensington Salvation Army to provide an external audit is a serious roadblock. Spending more than $7,000 to receive an allocation of $10,000 raises significant red flags.

"As fiscally responsible stewards, we cannot possibly sanction spending nearly 75% of a donor dollar to raise funds," said Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander Major William H. Bode. "Since our four other Westmoreland County Worship and Service Centers have already made the break, this decision will lead to complete disaffiliation in our relationship. Our previous partnership as a member agency will be terminated."

This situation leaves little choice for The Salvation Army other than to go out on their own and raise needed dollars to ensure there is no interruption in the delivery of critical human services. The organization must act quickly and assertively to raise the money necessary to continue serving the thousands of needy families who so desperately depend the organization's support. Money will be raised through various campaigns and events. Contributions may be made payable to The Salvation Army and mailed to the local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center listed on www.salvationarmy-wpa.org

The Salvation Army in Westmoreland County serves every zip code through three levels of provision through five Worship and Service Centers, four Service Centers and eleven Service Units. Worship and Service Centers offer both the human services and church components. The first Salvation Army Worship and Service Center in Westmoreland County was established in Latrobe in 1886. Service Centers have minimal paid staff, are located in a Salvation Army facility and offer a wide range of social services. Service Units are strictly voluntary and are located in churches, schools and businesses. All three types of facilities raise their own funds and serve families within the communities in which they are located.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, twitter.com/SalArmyPGH or facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA. The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division