Community Corner
2 New Leaders Join Salvation Army In Crystal Lake
Lieutenants Pablo and Nancy Rivera will work as corps officers.
Press release from The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division:
Sept. 7, 2021
The Salvation Army is pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenants Pablo and Nancy Rivera to lead the Crystal Lake Corps Community Center. In their new roles as corps officers, Lts. Rivera will serve as pastors for worship services and oversee all administrative duties, programs, and services at The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps.
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One of the immediate priorities of Lts. Rivera, who are bilingual, will be community outreach to both English and Spanish speakers in McHenry County. They want the entire community to know they are welcome, and The Salvation Army offers a variety of programs and services for both physical and spiritual needs.
“We talk about being ‘hope strong’ – not only in the social services we offer but in the fact that we’re a church,” said Lt. Pablo Rivera, corps officer for The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps. “We want to make that connection with the community.”
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Prior to their appointment in McHenry County, Lts. Rivera served three years as associate corps officers at The Salvation Army Mayfair Corps Community Center on Chicago’s northwest side. There, they ran a large, twice weekly food pantry.
Lts. Rivera take over leadership of the Crystal Lake Corps at a time when they have seen an increase in need in back-to-school assistance, including new backpacks and supplies.
The Salvation Army in Crystal Lake continues to operate a temporary food pantry twice a month. The pantry was set up during the height of the pandemic last year. The corps also offers a community garden, and Pathway of Hope, a targeted, individualized program to help families break the generational cycle of poverty. Lts. Rivera are launching weekly programs for families, including guitar classes for children and fellowship for men and women.
To make a donation, access services or enroll in programs, please visit www.salarmycl.org and 815.455.2769.
This press release was produced by The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. The views expressed here are the author's own.
