Tamaqua Salvation Army Community Center will be sold

Jill Whalen, Standard-Speaker, Hazleton, Pa.
·3 min read

Mar. 4—The Salvation Army of Tamaqua plans to sell its 105 W. Broad St. building as it transitions from a community center to a service center.

While the transition is slated for April 5, officials said the Army has no intentions of leaving the borough.

"There is a great need here and we are committed to continue serving the people. The community, school district, businesses and individuals have been so generous and we look forward to continue to help facilitate the community's response to help their neighbors through our organization," said Rebecca Netznik, regional manager of the Salvation Army's Service Extension Department. "Even if the Army is no longer located in the building, we are still working to maintain a physical presence in Tamaqua."

The Army will continue to have social services such as food, clothing and emergency assistance programs. It also expects to continue seasonal and holiday assistance programs, along with opportunities for children and senior citizens to attend camp.

Netznik explained that as a service center, the Army will more heavily rely on volunteers and networking with Eastern Pennsylvania Salvation Army programs. It also won't offer religious services — at least not in the near future.

"In addition, as the building is up for sale, depending on the new location, it may change the scope of what we are able to do for food assistance, but we have not worked out those details yet," Netznik said.

In addition to volunteers, a part-time caseworker will handle assistance requests and emergency situations.

"Even when staff may be unavailable, measures will be taken to ensure that emergency situations are handled in a timely manner," Netznik noted.

Those seeking services may continue to call 570-668-0410.

"The decision to change the way we operate was necessary due to lack of funding to cover the overhead costs associated with daily operations," Lt. Col. Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Pennsylvania and Delaware Division, said in a statement. "Changing to a successful service center model allows us to continue serving the Tamaqua community as we've done for 135 years, and to do it without worrying how we're going to pay our staff or keep the lights on."

The transition coincides with the planned retirement of Major Gayle and Captain John Luby, who have run the Tamaqua Corps for more than a year.

Over the last year, the Tamaqua location provided food and critical support to more than 350 families and brightened Christmas for 360 children.

Its most recent Red Kettle Campaign raised $21,183, funds that will remain in the Tamaqua community.

A transition church service, which Netznik referred to as the "last big worship service, to honor the center" will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday from 105 W. Broad St.

Congregants can attend Sunday services at the Army chapels at 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville, or 356 W. Broad St., Hazleton.

Tamaqua won't be the first service center in Schuylkill County. With volunteers in Schuylkill Haven, Ashland and Orwigsburg, Netznik said the Army is able to help residents in 44 ZIP codes.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3592.