Meriden Salvation Army Welcomes New Officers
Meriden, CT – The Meriden Salvation Army is pleased to welcome its new Commanding Officers. Captains Anthony and Valerie Rivera arrived at the Meriden Salvation Army following an appointment at The Salvation Army in Stamford, CT.
Captain Anthony became a Salvation Army officer in 2011. Prior to being assigned to Stamford, he was appointed to the New Britain Salvation Army. Captain Valerie became a Salvation Army officer in 2017. In June of that same year, Captains Valerie and Anthony were married and assigned to The Salvation Army in Stamford.
Captain Valerie says that she felt a calling from God to become a Salvation Army officer. “I wanted to serve God through full-time ministry and help those who are in need in the community.” Captain Anthony received a similar calling to help those in need. “I love preaching the Gospel and spreading God’s light to those whom I come in contact with.”
Captains Anthony and Valerie have 3 children: Ethan 14, Anthony, 14, and Josiah a year and a half. They are also trying to adopt Kayla, who is also 14.
“We are excited to see how God wants to use us in this new assignment and what we can bring to the Meriden community. We want the Meriden community to know that The Salvation Army is here to help in the best way possible,” said Captain Valerie.
The Salvation Army in Meriden is located at 23 St. Casimir Drive, Meriden, Connecticut, and offers a food pantry, soup kitchen, and also provides emergency assistance to those in need. During the holiday season, they provide food baskets and toys for children. Ministries include a Teen Leadership Program, Summer Camp at Camp CONNRI, Adult Ministries, Bilingual Morning Worship, Sunday Worship, and Sunday School. They also offer the Pathway of Hope Initiative to help individuals overcome intergenerational poverty. In 2021, the Meriden Salvation Army served 90,440 meals, distributed 3,383 Christmas toys, provided 1,441 individuals with Christmas assistance, prepared 11,313 Soup Kitchen Meals, and contributed 7,146 Volunteer hours with the help of 501 Volunteers, and provided 1,155 individuals with Thanksgiving assistance.
For assistance, volunteer opportunities, or more information, call (203) 235-6532 or visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/meriden/