Throughout September, we’ve highlighted community partners from across our area. This week, we are highlighting our partnership with The Salvation Army of Michigan City. Partnerships like the one we have with the Salvation Army make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. While this dynamic and ever-evolving partnership grows to meet the needs of our guests and our unhoused population in Michigan City, we want to talk about the weekly meal that they supply to Nest’s guests weekly.
Since the challenging days of 2020, when COVID-19 first struck our community, The Salvation Army has been a beacon of hope, support, and partnership for Nest. Their support, which began as a response to an unprecedented crisis, has evolved into a lasting commitment that significantly impacts our operations. The weekly meal they provide is not just a meal; it’s a cornerstone of our planning and preparation, allowing us to focus on other aspects of our work. This support has been instrumental in our ability to serve our guests, and we are deeply grateful for it.
Every week, without fail, The Salvation Army provides a hearty, cooked meal for our shelter guests. This may seem like a simple act, but its impact resonates far beyond the dining hall. For our staff and volunteers, it means a night where we can focus on meal planning and prep work for the week ahead, knowing that our guests will be well-fed. For our guests, it’s a moment of comfort and dignity in what can often be challenging times.
The meals, lovingly prepared by Salvation Army volunteers, are more than just sustenance – they’re a testament to the care and dedication of our community. Each plate is a balanced, thoughtful meal that many of us might prepare for our own families, complete with a fresh salad, a protein-rich meat dish, comforting starches, nutritious vegetables, and even a sweet treat for dessert.
In 2023 alone, this incredible partnership resulted in nearly 2,900 meals served to our shelter guests provided by The Salvation Army. That’s 2,900 moments of care and 2,900 opportunities for our guests to feel valued and supported by their community. When asked about what this meal means to the Salvation Army, Major Rebecca Simmons said, “Our incredible volunteers want to provide high-quality meals. They want to give their best, and they put their hearts and souls into this weekly meal.”
“Our incredible volunteers want to provide high-quality meals. They want to give their best, and they put their hearts and souls into this weekly meal.” Salvation Army Major Rebecca Simmons
The Salvation Army’s consistency and quality of support have been unwavering to Nest and her guests. Through changing seasons and evolving challenges, they have stood by us and our guests, exemplifying the true spirit of community service.
To the Salvation Army and all the volunteers who make this weekly meal possible, we are deeply grateful. Your dedication, compassion, and delicious cooking make a world of difference. You’re not just feeding bodies; you’re nourishing hope and strengthening our community, one meal at a time. Thank you.
At Nest, we are profoundly grateful for partners like The Salvation Army. Together, we’re making our community a little bit warmer, a little more caring, and a whole lot stronger.
