The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Meeting challenges, needs amid pandemic
Salvation Army continues working to change lives
The Oberlin Service Unit of the Salvation Army is continuing to change lives as need grows during pandemic.
The Oberlin Service Unit of the Salvation Army is continuing to seek to change lives as the need for assistance grows.
The Salvation Army’s presence in Northeast Ohio dates to days following World War II, and Oberlin has been operating independently since around 2010 after previously being serviced by Wellington.
Mark Fahringer is the Salvation Army’s regional field representative for Northeast Ohio and also serves as the administrator for the 49-9 Project.
The 49-9 Program looks to reach people recently released from incarceration to address the challenges they face in finding employment and housing as well as reducing recidivism.
The program offers help with resume writing, life skills, clothing and food assistance, and other services such as assistance with getting a driver’s license and help with deposits for utilities and housing.
Through the program Fahringer teaches a course called “emotional and spiritual literacy” and has worked with inmates at the Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton and detox centers in Northeast Ohio.
The course, Fahringer said, was about helping people coming to grips with their past and guiding them on a path forward.
The program was recognized nationally by The Salvation Army in 2016 for its success in reaching people and its positive impact on the community.
The service unit’s biggest challenge has been providing assistance with rent and utility bills, offering direct intervention and support to those in need.
Martin Leibas, a human service worker with the Salvation Army, has been with the service unit for the past year after previously working with Lorain’s El Centro des Servicios Sociales.
“My question is when they come in — I have a conversation — and I’ll ask, ‘are you working’; and probably 75 percent will say no because of the COVID,” Leibas said.
It presents an opportunity with their headquarters at 235 Artino St., which is close to a number of employers. Leibas noted there have been situations where they have talked directly with landlords and service providers in order to be that direct-line advocate.
Intervening directly to help people find jobs, paying their bills and addressing the needs of people in the community is a big part of what they do with an unprecedented number of people struggling to meet their obligations and put food on the table.
Following a recent decision by the Lorain County commissioners to rescind $4.6 million in funding to local service organizations earlier this month, Leibas stressed the ripple effects will likely be felt across the area with increased requests for service.
While the Oberlin Service Unit cannot help everyone who reaches
out, Leibas said the collaboration and support among Lorain County service agencies is strong, providing the ability to pick up and phone and direct those in need.
The Oberlin Service Unit recently partnered with Lorenzo’s Pizza in downtown Oberlin, building on the spirit of local collaboration.
With COVID-19 drastically limiting
the Salvation Army’s operations and kettle drives, Lorenzo’s donated 10 percent of its proceeds on Dec. 19.
Fahringer stressed there continues to be a misconception among some people in the community about The Salvation Army and their core values, and he made it clear they provide help to everyone with compassion promote the dignity of all people.