The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida launched a new program Jan. 26 for expectant mothers who find themselves in a difficult position with nowhere to turn.
Thanks to a donation by David A. Baker and William D. Reid, one of the Red Shield Lodge rooms, located at the Towers Center of Hope in downtown Jacksonville, was converted into the Bundle of Hope Room, a comfortable, safe haven for up to two pregnant women at any one time.
This room is furnished with a pregnant woman’s needs in mind, helping to make her as comfortable as possible as she awaits the birth of her child.
The women will work with case managers to find and obtain safe, permanent housing. They will also receive additional assistance to address any other vital needs they require, such as fellowship, care for substance abuse or counseling for mental health.
This compassionate donation will provide these new mothers with a gracious opportunity to save money without any expenses and receive careful treatment and encouragement.
“We want to thank God for this blessing, as well as David A. Baker and William D. Reid for their inspiring generosity,” said Area Commander Major Keath Biggers. “The Bundle of Hope Room will be a source of love and encouragement for years to come and we cannot wait to serve new mothers in need.”
Reid, the donor who initiated this project, was born in the Salvation Army home for mothers in Kansas City. He contacted Robert Devers, director of development, in September asking if The Salvation Army of Jacksonville had any programs that helped young mothers or those that would be giving birth soon.
After discussing the prospects of creating space in the Red Shield Lodge, the decision was made to launch a program that would include a room for pregnant women, along with case management and special needs to help young mothers.
When the Salvation Army approached Reid with the proposal, he was happy to sponsor.
Reid died Nov. 21 before the room was dedicated. However, his wife and daughter attended the ceremony in his honor.
When the Bundle of Hope project was proposed to David Baker, he became a matching sponsor. The Bakers are longtime supporters of the Army and have a passion for helping young women to achieve their potential while caring for the needs of their children.
In order to ensure that all pregnant women in Northeast Florida experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to the Bundle of Hope program, referrals will be accepted through Coordinated Entry, which is a centralized intake process for shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter, including pregnant women, may access Coordinated Entry by calling 904-358-2411 to complete a phone screening and intake or schedule an in-person screening and intake at a location convenient to them.
Anyone in need may also go in person to 611 E Adams St., Jacksonville, between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays to complete an intake without an appointment for Coordinated Entry.
Anyone who would like to submit a prayer request or a request for one of The Salvation Army pastors to call may go to www.SalvationArmyFlorida.org/pray.
To help The Salvation Army continue meeting needs in the community, go to www.salvationarmynefl.org.
