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Joplin Salvation Army officers moving to Nebraska
Change in command to take place on Aug. 14, 2011
Captains Jason and Mary Poff, the husband and wife team of officers who have led The Salvation Army's Joplin Worship and Community Center for five years have received orders that they will move to a new Salvation Army assignment in North Platte, Neb., effective August 14, 2011.
"The move is one that is difficult," says Captain Jason Poff, "We have loved this community and called it our home proudly for five years, and serving as we have through this disaster, we have only become closer with the residents of this community, but this move will be good for Joplin and for my family."
The move comes at a time when The Salvation Army has transitioned from emergency services to long-term recovery in Joplin. "We have been here for five years," remarked Captain Poff, "That is longer than most Salvation Army assignments. Chances were strong that with or without the storm, we wouldn't be the leaders in place much longer. Now is the optimal time to bring in the new officers to work with city officials to develop the long-range plan for the city and the Army as Joplin works to rebuild."
Captain Jason also noted that he and his family were victims of the storm, having their home completely destroyed while they were inside. "My family endured this trauma with the residents of Joplin. We immediately went to work following the storm, rescuing neighbors, locating church members and feeding the community."
The Poffs have worked tirelessly to restore Joplin, and had to send their children to stay with relatives in the St. Louis area while they focused on meeting the immediate needs of area residents. "My family needs time to heal, both as survivors and as responders," said Captain Poff. "It isn't an easy move to accept, but it is necessary, and in time, residents will see that it is for the best."
Lieutenants James and Jamie Curry of the Fond du Lac, Wis. Salvation Army will be installed as the new officers on August 21, 2011. The final Sunday for the Poffs at the Joplin Worship Center will be August 14, 2011.
Lieutenant James Curry is a sixth generation Salvation Army officer with logistical and operational experience from his time in Fond du Lac. He comes with experience in the redesign and remodel of thrift stores, which he intends to employ as they move forward with plans to rebuild the Joplin thrift store, which was demolished by the tornado.
IF YOU ARE A JOPLIN TORNADO SURVIVOR
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Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to Visit Joplin
The producers of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition want to hear from survivors of the Joplin tornado who are in desperate need of housing. If you lost your home and are unable to rebuild on your own, or, if you were renting and have been displaced, the hit ABC series would like to hear your story.If you have a heroic tale of survival, and a desperate need for a new home for your family, please contact the producers via email at Casting.Joplin@EMHE.TV immediately. Be sure to include a synopsis of your experience, the names and ages of everyone that was living in your home at the time of the tornado, and a phone number where you can be reached during the day and evening. If possible, you may also include pictures of your family and what is left of your home.
Would you like to assist The Salvation Army this summer in our relief efforts in Joplin, MO?
Our greatest need is for volunteers assist in our feeding programs. We currently have 4 mobile canteens and 2 fixed feeding stations in place in Joplin, service more than 1,000 people daily. In addition we've set up one stop social services shop near the lot of our thrift store that was destroyed by the tornado to help residents begin the slow process of getting back on their feet. It's going to be a long journey and The Salvation Army will be there as long as needed. We need volunteers to help serve on the canteens or at the feeding stations. Volunteers will be deployed for one week at a time, no more than 2 weeks. Salvation Army provides housing during deployment.
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For the Long Haul": Territorial Commander Assures Joplin Mayor of Salvation Army Commitment
Joplin, MO (June 16, 2011) Commissioner Paul Seiler, Territorial Commander of the Central Territory visited Joplin, MO, on June 15 in order to survey Salvation Army relief efforts currently underway .
Commissioner Seiler met with Joplin Mayor Mike Wilson, who expressed concern that as media attention wanes, his community will be forgotten by the volunteers and relief agencies serving in that area alike.
"The Salvation Army is committed to Joplin for the long haul," assured Commissioner Seiler, noting that funds raised by The Salvation Army for Joplin relief will remain in Joplin.
The mayor thanked The Salvation Army for their work, and their long history of commitment to the community through their local corps outreach programs.
The Salvation Army has been working in Joplin since the storm struck the heart of the community on May 22, providing voucher assistance to more than 4,000 individuals, and serving more than 100,702 meals, snacks and drinks to those affected.
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Salvation Army Opens Lost & Found at the Recovery Center
Joplin, MO - The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service has opened a lost and found at the Recovery Center located on the corner of 26th & Main. Joplin residents can drop off items they find of individuals affected by the May 22 tornado. The Salvation Army Lost & Found is a place where the community can come and bring lost family items to be reunited with their owners."As recovery and clean up begins individuals will find in the tornado debris precious family photo's and heirlooms of their neighbors. We're asking individuals to bring those found items such as Bible's, trophies, awards and other personal items of value to The Salvation Army Lost & Found," said Captain Jason Poff, Joplin Salvation Army Worship & Community Center officer. The Salvation Army Lost & Found is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.