The Salvation Army began its work in London, England, in 1865 when William Booth, a minister, abandoned the conventional concept of a church and a pulpit and took his message of hope to the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. By 1867 The Salvation Army had developed into a ministry offering basic schooling, reading rooms, penny banks, soup kitchens and relief aid to the destitute.
The Salvation Army is currently active in 131 countries with a mission to meet human needs, without discrimination, be transforming influences and promote the dignity of all persons.
The Salvation Army has had a presence in the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows since 1990. Its Mission hasn’t changed a great deal since then but the level of services provided and visibility were greatly enhanced by the establishment of its physical presence in the form of the Caring Place, at 22188 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge – now known as Ridge Meadows Ministries. Services have changed over time and extend beyond the housing facility to school lunch programs, support for families in many forms, emergency disaster support, etc.
Homelessness has always been a significant issue in Maple Ridge that seems to have become more significant in the last few years. The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries works closely with BC Housing and other organizations to alleviate homelessness and poverty in our community. Connections to other social and health service providers have strengthened as The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries participates in networks of these groups to define and help meet the needs of those residents who require support to be able to sustain themselves and their families.
Our Mission and Values are directly aligned with our Territorial Mission and Values that can be found on the following website for Canada and Bermuda Territory: https://salvationarmy.ca/about-us/missionandvalues/. If you wish to learn more about our Mission and Values, please connect with us directly at givehope@saridgemeadows.com.
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.
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.
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.
