Quincy Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Updated – 07/17/08

RECENT UPDATES

The Quincy Salvation Army marches onward as plans continue to unfold for the new Kroc Center.  Demolition of the former Corps building and Emergency Shelter is complete and the site is now being cleaned up and prepared for construction to begin.  Detailed plans will be submitted to The Salvation Army's territorial headquarters in Chicago in July for approval to move into the Construction Document (CD) phase of the project.  Plans are for construction of the Kroc Center to begin in late fall of this year and reach completion in approximately 18 months.  Room naming rights in the Kroc Center are being offered for qualified donations.  Call Patty Douglas for details at (217) 222-2087.

Property is being leased nearby for ongoing Salvation Army operations. Plans are to remain there until the Kroc Center construction is completed.

Since the construction of the Kroc Center required the old Emergency Shelter to be demolished, property was purchased across the street at 5th & Broadway.  The former Inman building will become the new Emergency Shelter & Family Services building when renovations are complete.  Architectural drawings will soon be submitted for approval to move forward.  The cost for the new shelter building is $2.5 million, none of which can come from the Kroc grant.  Naming rights for the new Emergency Shelter are being offered at this time for qualified donations.

Stay tuned for continuing developments regarding the new Quincy Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center!

RECAP

It all began in August of 2004 when the Quincy Salvation Army heard of the opportunity to apply for money from the Ray & Joan Kroc estate to build a Kroc Center.  A short time later a small group of staff and board members stepped forward and worked late nights in order to submit Quincy's Letter of Intent (LOI) in September 2004.  Many months later in November 2006 a press conference was held to announce that $40 Million had been awarded to The Salvation Army in Quincy to build and endow a new Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center!  Half of the money could be used for construction and half the money must be put into an endowment fund to help sustain the Center for years to come.

The new Kroc Center will be built using the entire block between 4th & 5th streets and Broadway and Vermont streets.  Before any construction can begin, the Quincy Salvation Army is required to match half of the endowment award, or $10 million, most of which has already been raised.  Also, the Emergency Shelter had to be relocated to a new site located nearby.  All existing facilities will be demolished in order to provide enough space for the new center.

Salvation Army officials were quick to point out that none of the Kroc award can be used for existing services, including rent assistance, food, clothing and shelter.  The Salvation Army still needs the help of the community to provide for needy families during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

The Kroc estate trust document states that the facility must be of high quality and built with excellence in mind.  It must also be a structure that glorifies God and can be used by the entire community.

Everyone is excited about the impact the center will have on this area.  The Salvation Army appreciates all the time and effort that volunteers have given into helping define the programs that will become part of Quincy's new Kroc Center.  Much work is still to be done.  Please keep us all in prayer and continue to watch for more updates on Quincy’s coming new Kroc Center.

Click here for details from the original story reported in the Quincy Herald Whig newspaper.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Salvation Army...

• What time are church services on Sunday?
Morning Worship begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by small groups at 11:15 a.m.

• Does The Salvation Army have a weekly bible study?
A weekly bible study is held every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in attending.

• When are youth activities?
Youth activities take place every Wednesday night early September to mid-May.  Kidz Klub is an after school program that meets at 4:15 p.m. and includes open gym, tutoring and snack time. Sunbeams and Adventure Corps (for boys and girls in grades 1-5) is from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Girl Guards and Just Guys (for young men and women in grades 6-12) meet from 6:15-7:30 p.m.

• Are there programs available for adults?
The Salvation Army Women's Ministries is a women’s fellowship for ages 16 and over that meets every Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m.  SAMEN is a men’s fellowship group that meets every Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. as well.

• Does The Salvation Army have a shelter for the homeless?
The Quincy Salvation Army has an emergency shelter, which is located at 400 Broadway and is open 24 hours a day to serve families and single men and women.

• Does The Salvation Army serve free meals?
Through the Community Meals Program, 3 meals a day are served 7 days a week to anyone who is hungry.  Breakfast is at 6:00 a.m. - Lunch at 12: p.m. and Dinner is at 6:00 p.m.  Meals are served at The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter at 400 Broadway.

• Where is The Salvation Army office and church located?
The Quincy Salvation Army is located at 323 N. 5th St., which is on the corner of 5th and Broadway.

• Where can clothing and household items be donated?
These items can be dropped off at the Thrift Store at 812 Maine St. - Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Does The Salvation Army assist people with food, rent and utilities?
The Salvation Army provides assistance with food, rent, utilities and more to individuals and families who are in need.  An application must be filled out to determine the needs and if they qualify under the income guidelines.

• Where do you go to apply for food, rent and utility assistance?
Those requesting assistance can go to The Salvation Army Family Service Office located at 323 N. 5th St. in Quincy.  This office is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• How do I make a financial donation to The Salvation Army?
Donations can either be dropped off or mailed to The Salvation Army at 323 N. 5th St. - Quincy, IL 62301.  For further information on planned gifts, gift annuities, or gifts of stock, contact the Director of Development at (217) 222-2087.

• Are there summer camp programs available?
Summer camps are available for youth and adults during the months of June through August.  A Summer Day Camp Program is available for children ages 5-10 during the months of June and July. Contact The Salvation Army for more information and applications at (217) 222-2087.

• How can I volunteer?
To volunteer to assist The Salvation Army with the many programs and services provided to the community, contact The Salvation Army at (217) 222-2087.

• Does The Salvation Army offer help to families in need during the holidays?
During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army programs include Toy Town, Angel Tree, Christmas Baskets and Holiday Meals served on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.  During Easter, the Dress-an Angel Program provides a complete outfit of clothing for children ages infant through 12 years.
 

Did you know that . . .

• William Booth was the founder and first General of The Salvation Army?

• The Salvation Army is an International Organization providing programs and services in more than 100 countries around the world?

• International Headquarters of The Salvation Army is located in London, England?

• During World War II, The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for the armed forces and led in the formation of the USO?

• The Salvation Army is a church as well as a social services agency?

• The Salvation Army was officially established in Quincy, Illinois on January 21, 1893?

• The Salvation Army’s first home in Quincy was located at 213 N. Fourth St. and that the Army was later located at 313 Hampshire, which is now WGEM’s Studio H?

• On April 19, 1953, The Salvation Army dedicated its new headquarters at Fifth and Broadway (our current site). The building took six months to build and contained a chapel, dining room, offices and a kitchen?