PHOTOS: The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Launches New Program for Expecting Mothers

Jacksonville, Fla. — The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida has launched a new program for expecting mothers.

Thanks to two generous donations by David A. Baker and William D. Reid, one of the Red Shield Lodge rooms, located at the Towers Center of Hope in Downtown Jacksonville, was converted into the Bundle of Hope Room, a comfortable, safe haven for up to two pregnant women at any one time.

The room is furnished with a pregnant woman’s needs in mind, helping to make her as comfortable as possible.

As each pregnant woman spends time at the Red Shield Lodge, they will work with case managers to find and obtain safe, permanent housing. They will also receive additional assistance to address any other vital needs they require, such as fellowship, care for substance abuse or counseling for mental health.

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Bundle of Hope Program

This compassionate donation will provide these new mothers with a gracious opportunity to save money without any expenses and receive careful treatment and encouragement.

“We want to thank God for this blessing, as well as David A. Baker and William D. Reid for their inspiring generosity. The Bundle of Hope Room will be a source of love and encouragement for years to come and we cannot wait to serve new mothers in need,” said Area Commander, Major Keath Biggers.

Mr. William Reid, the donor who initiated this project, was born in The Salvation Army home for mothers in Kansas City. He contacted Robert Devers, Director of Development, in September asking if The Salvation Army of Jacksonville had any programs that helped young mothers or those that would be giving birth soon.

After discussing the prospects of creating space in the Red Shield Lodge, the decision was made to launch a program that would include a room for pregnant women, along with case management and special needs to help young mothers.

When The Salvation Army approached Mr. Reid with the proposal, he was thrilled to sponsor. Mr. Reid passed away on November 21st before the room was dedicated, however his wife and daughter came to the ceremony in his honor.

The Bakers are long-time supporters of the Army and have a passion for helping young women achieve their potential while caring for the needs of their children, according to a statement by the Salvation Army.

In order to ensure that all pregnant women in Northeast Florida experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to the Bundle of Hope program, referrals will be accepted through Coordinated Entry which is a centralized intake process for shelters. 

Any person in need of shelter, including pregnant women, may access Coordinated Entry by calling (904) 358-2411 to complete a phone screening and intake or schedule an in-person screening and intake at a location convenient to them. 

A person in need may also go in person to 611 E Adams St., Jacksonville Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

To help The Salvation Army continue meeting needs in your community, please visit www.salvationarmynefl.org.

Cox Media Group