Bridging the Gap for Jonathan in New Kensington
After a long day at school, Jonathan attended The Salvation Army’s Bridging the Gap program at the New Kensington Worship and Service Center, wrapping up the day with a hot, delicious meal shared with friends, including Commanding Corps Officer Major Scott Flanders.
What made this meal special for Jonathan was the fact that he hadn’t eaten all day long.
“I want the big one,” Jonathan said while ordering at the restaurant. “I haven’t had anything to eat today.”
Bridging the Gap offers support to at-risk teens ages 12-17, giving them the tools they need to make better decisions along with a strong support system. The 12-week program engages kids who are referred by law enforcement, counselors, social workers, and school systems – and encourages life-changing behaviors.
As the kids ordered their meals, Major Flanders quickly began to understand the bigger picture of what Jonathan is personally facing in his day to day life as a student struggling to get his most basic needs met.
“I began to look up and down at Jonathan and realized how dirty his clothes were, and I was saddened by the fact that so many kids are in this position,” Flanders said. “I thought about him being in school all day long with his clothes in the condition they were in - and not eating - how did he learn; how did he focus?”
Major Flanders told Jonathan to order the biggest meal he wanted - with dessert. After the other kids were dropped off, they went back to The Salvation Army New Kensington Church and Community Center to pick out some clean, new clothes and shoes for Jonathan to take home.
“New Vans! Wow, these are amazing!” Jonathan said as he walked home proudly in his new Vans brand sneakers and new Pittsburgh Steelers swag - with food in his belly.
“We only have nine more weeks to make a deep impact in Jonathan’s life. All we can do is ask God to help show love, respect and professionalism to these kids who seem to be running short on all three, through no fault of their own,” Major Flanders said. “We work with what we have and do the best we can and ask God to do the rest.”
Our donors’ support of programs like Bridging the Gap turns acts of kindness into new beginnings and long-term success for children and young adults who have the odds stacked against them.
With your help and with the support of The Salvation Army New Kensington Church and Community Center, Jonathan experiences what it means to feel supported, loved, and to have his basic needs and beyond met for the first time.
Any donation amount makes a difference. Click here to give to The Salvation Army New Kensington Worship and Service Center online Red Kettle today.