WAUSAU — The success rate of The Salvation Army’s Transitional Living Center – measured by one full year of residency and one full year of employment – has been climbing steadily, according to information received from the organization.

Data from the first five months of 2018 show a success rate of 57 percent, compared to 20 percent in 2014, according to Ed Wilson, Social Services Director of The Salvation Army in Wausau. Over half of the residents at the Center this year so far have no need to return.

Wilson credits the case workers for the increased success rate. Prior to 2014, one case manager handled all of The Salvation Army services, and was housed at the administration building two blocks from the Center. When the building closed at 4 p.m., that support was no longer available.

One success story                                         

One man, whose name is not being used to protect his privacy, had been staying with friends or family, “couch surfing,” for two years prior to 2014.

“All I thought about was drinking,” the man said. “You know, you get up, go to the bathroom, and get a beer from the fridge. That was the life. I was going to The Salvation Army for lunches because all the money I had was going toward beer. It is a terrible way to live.”

He “went sober” on June 19, 2014, and after a brief stint at a Salvation Army rehab center in Milwaukee, eventually made his way back to Wausau to The Salvation Army’s Transitional Living Center.

“My case worker kept tabs on what I was doing during the day, making sure I was doing my job searches….  I worked hard. I knew if I ran out of time at The Salvation Army, I would have started couch surfing again…. The Salvation Army got me really thinking and back on my feet.”

Part of the program for residents at the Transitional Living Center includes keeping a notebook to reflect on their life before homelessness, and evaluate how they got there.  The length of stay can vary from 30 to 90 days or more, depending on individual situations and progress being made.

After a few weeks at the Center, the man was hired by an electrical company in Schofield. The Salvation Army provided the steel-toed shoes that he needed, and he biked the 16 miles to work and back every day while continuing to look for a place to live. It took about one month.

“In September, I found a really nice place, one block from The Salvation Army. It was a blessing,” the man said. He remembers later that month, on his fiftieth birthday, he wasn’t partying but doing laundry at his new place.”

What also stands out in his memory was a caring connection.

“Ed really cared about me. He knew I was genuine about quitting.”

Hope to those in need

The Center has space for 20 men, six women, and one family of up to six. Residents stay from 4 p.m. until 8 a.m. the next day. They help prepare the meals served – supper and breakfast. With the noon meal provided for anyone in the community at The Salvation Army administrative building (202 Callon Street), residents receive three meals a day. Last year, The Salvation Army in Wausau provided over 45,000 meals to the community.

“We are grateful for the support of friends who provide volunteer service and financial donations to help bring food, shelter and hope to many who are in need,” said Corps Officer Lt. Donna Thammavongsa. “It is our desire in The Salvation Army to serve God by serving others. Whether it is a bed for the night, or a few minutes to talk and pray, our services are open to all individuals.”

Through the community’s generous donations, more than 1 million pounds of food was given away so far this year through both the food pantry (income-based), and the donations available to any community member.

For more information about the Salvation Army of Wausau, stop down at 202 Callon Street, or visit them on Facebook or at www.sawausau.org.