Written by Amanda Coers – Before lunch was served at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, Willie Burks offered a short devotional, reading a passage from the Bible in the book of Ephesians. His words of encouragement were met with “amen” throughout the dining area, as he spoke of true riches being found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“You all have something to offer, special talents,” said Burks. “God knew exactly where you would be at this moment, even before you were born.”

After offering a prayer of thanks, and asking for a blessing for those gathered, lunch was served. Volunteers smiled warmly, serving a hot lunch. The beef stew and words of encouragement were very welcomed on a cold day.

For over a decade, the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen has served lunch Monday through Friday, free of charge, to anyone who walks through their door in need. And while known in the area for their soup kitchen, the charitable organization provides so much more.

“Our main priority is our soup kitchen,” said Stacey Tennison, Director. “But we also have disaster teams. When we’re called we arrive with a mobile feeding unit, offering meals, snacks and drinks to rescue workers and survivors, if needed.”

Once the scene is cleared, the Salvation Army can work alongside other organizations like the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to help meet survivors’ most urgent needs.

The Salvation Army is also there to help with small emergencies as well.

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“We can help people get their driver’s license, social security cards, birth certificates. When it’s $18 to get your license, if you’re unemployed, that’s a lot,” said Tennison. Helping secure forms of identification needed for employment is just one way the organization helps folks get back on their feet.

“We can even help get work boots or uniforms if people need them for work,” said Tennison.

The Salvation Army does receive some funding through grants, but donations are desperately needed to help them continue their service to the community. The organization has had a decline in funds received, after longtime financial supporters have passed away.

“Even if we have to cut back on some of our services, we’ll always have the soup kitchen,” Tennison assured. Thankfully, several local businesses continue to contribute to the food stores for the lunch program. Much of the food served comes from food banks, but also from donations from Underwood’s, Golden Chick, Kroger’s and Brookshire’s. The Brownwood Area Community Garden also provides fresh fruit and vegetables when in season.

But as glad Tennison and the staff and volunteers are for the continued support of the soup kitchen, they are hoping for support from the community to help them provide beyond a meal. The ministry works to give families in need coats and heaters in the winter, and fans in the summer. The Salvation Army can also provide emergency utility and lodging assistance in some cases.

“Anyone can find themselves in need of help,” said Tennison. “One trip to the hospital and you could find yourself wondering which bills you’ll be able to pay. That can happen to anyone. That’s what we’re here for.”

To make a financial donation to support the programs and ministry of the Salvation Army in Brownwood, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, give online: www.salvationarmytexas.org or visit their offices at 4031 Lakeway, in Brownwood.