Salvation Army Hires New Community Outreach Organizer

Position to Help People in Crisis in Long-Term Ways

NEWPORT - Coming into its busiest time of year, The Salvation Army is pleased to announce that Julia Merkel has joined their team as Community Outreach Organizer to help it fulfill its mission of meeting human needs without discrimination. "After a long search to fill this position, we feel we are blessed to have found a perfect fit," said Lt. Helen Johnson, who with her husband Lt. Kevin runs The Salvation Army in Newport.

"Julia's mission is to assist individuals in crisis to reach long-term goals and stability. In addition to helping individuals in emergency situations, Julia's work will include organizing community services and educational workshops through The Salvation Army, as well as providing referrals to other community agencies. In collaboration with the many other human service efforts in our community, our goal is to utilize funding to fill in the gaps where no help is available. The more we work together to provide a comprehensive set of services for those in need, the more we are able to cut down on people receiving the same assistance from multiple locations,” commented Lt. Helen.

Julia comes to The Salvation Army after working as Director of Admissions at The New England School of English. She is proficient in Spanish and has traveled to Honduras on multiple occasions as a volunteer, doing medical translation work, empowerment classes for women, and nutrition assistance for the sick. In addition to her work with The Salvation Army, Julia is the owner of OM Massage, a medical massage therapy business for those with cancer and spastic disorders. Her balance of caring sensitivity and firm discernment was just what The Salvation Army was looking for.

Julia joins Denise Howard, Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at The Salvation Army’s Newport Corps, located at 51 Memorial Boulevard. The majority of the work is done with the assistance of amazing volunteers. The Army is gearing up for its busiest season with our Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, Thanksgiving Food and Holiday Toy Distribution, plus the regular year-round services. "The food pantry and soup kitchen do not stop,” Lt. Kevin noted, "Julia has joined us just in time; we need all the help we can get."

For more information about The Salvation Army, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Denise Howard at (401) 846-3234 or email: Denise.Howard@use.salvationarmy.org and to contact Julia Markel, email: Julia.Merkel@use.salvationarmy.org