New leadership appointed at Salvation Army DeKalb Corps

DeKALB –The Salvation Army has appointed Envoy Rick Garcia to lead the DeKalb Corps Community Center.

Garcia brings more than two decades of experience as a Salvation Army employee and officer to the role. He takes over leadership responsibilities as the demand for emergency assistance is up significantly. The DeKalb Corps distributed more than $81,500 in emergency assistance, including rental assistance, during the first seven months of the 2021.

“We have been here throughout the pandemic, and we are committed to continuing to help whenever and wherever the need exists,” Garcia said in a news release. “We remain committed to meeting the physical needs of our neighbors with vital services like our food pantry and emergency assistance. But, we’re also prepared to meet the developmental and spiritual needs of the community.”

In his role as corps officer, Garcia serves as pastor for worship services and oversees all administrative duties, programs and services at The Salvation Army DeKalb Corps.

One program he oversees is Pathway of Hope, a targeted, individualized program to help families break the generational cycle of poverty. The corps is also launching low-cost after-school programs, pay-as-you-go music lessons through the Red Shield Fine Arts Academy and free fitness classes, all scheduled to start later this month.

“Between Sycamore and DeKalb, this community is one of the most giving communities that I have ever experienced,” Garcia said. “They have come out and supported The Salvation Army whenever there’s been a need.”

Garcia said The Salvation Army will be calling on the community to help neighbors in need stay in their homes as the moratorium on evictions expires.

In addition to heightened requests for financial assistance, The Salvation Army DeKalb Corps continues to see an increased need at its food pantry. The corps food pantry served nearly 3,000 households during the first seven months of the year.

To make a donation, access services or enroll in programs, visit www.salarmydekalb.org or call 815-756-4308.