Fulfilling basic needs is focus of new Salvation Army majors

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·3 min read

COSHOCTON − The new leaders of the Coshocton Salvation Army want to focus on helping those in need and youth programming.

Majors Kevin and Lori Schoch recently took over the Coshocton Salvation Army and have served in various locations over 35 years. They said they want to focus on meeting basic needs, like food and clothing, spiritual outreach and youth programming.
Majors Kevin and Lori Schoch recently took over the Coshocton Salvation Army and have served in various locations over 35 years. They said they want to focus on meeting basic needs, like food and clothing, spiritual outreach and youth programming.

Majors Kevin and Lori Schoch took over a few weeks ago from Majors Tom and Vicki Clark, who were moved to the Wooster chapter.

The Schochs are coming from Lexington, Kentucky, but have lived in various areas the past 35 years working for the Salvation Army as ordained ministers. They have also served in Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. They said Coshocton is unquestionably the smallest area they've served in, but they certainly don't mind it.

"It's a nice break from the cities," Lori said. "Everyone has been friendly. People will see me in Walmart and just say, 'Hey, you're the new Salvation Army lady.'"

Kevin said they've met with a lot of clergy and representatives from entities who partner with the Salvation Army locally. They've made connections themselves and others have reached out to them. It's nothing new to them, but getting assimilated can take time, Kevin said.

"Everyone has been welcoming and encouraging to us," he commented. "Literally, you have to start everything over. Learning the streets and the resources and who you call for this and that, right down to finding a new doctor and dentist or whatever. Everything changes."

The Schochs were more than 11 years in what is known as the core ministry, a church centered setting like in Coshocton. However, the past 22 years had them running drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. While their experience lies in that field, they know the Salvation Army provides a lot of other services with clothing and food a big one for Coshocton, especially for the homeless.

The Schochs know that emergency housing, like a night here and there in a hotel, is something the local chapter has done for the homeless in the past, but it's not something they have the funding for at this time. Kevin said it was something the Clarks impressed upon them and he concurs after reviewing financials. Those in need of shelter or utilities assistance are being referred to the Kno-Ho-Co Ashland Community Action Commission.

"We don't have the funds to continue to be able to put people up in hotels. Quite honestly, it adds up very quickly. And, we're getting multiple calls a week for that," Kevin said. "Some might say that's only $200, but that's only $200 now. Then it's three people and $600 this week and then $30,000 this year and it could add up to be even more than that."

The Schochs said getting back to this type of ministering was one reason they were interested in coming to Coshocton.

"We certainly had a chance to preach and teach in the adult rehabilitation centers...but in that kind of setting you constantly have a turnover," Kevin said. "People would be in there six to seventh months if they completed the program. We're looking to do something more long term with people. Rather than working with someone for six months, can we work with this person for six years and what difference can that make in their lives."

Additionally, they want to expand youth programming and are currently seeking volunteers in that regard. Kevin said they would like to add a youth pastor or some sort of youth worker in the future.

"There's a lot that can be done in that particular area," he said.

Other things they'd like to do in the future include open air street meetings and going door to door to homes and businesses.

"It's just to reach out more to the community," Kevin said of that type of work. "We meet basic needs and some of the most fundamental like food and clothes. They're important to people. And we have the opportunity to meet spiritual needs too."

Regular worship is at 11 a.m. Sundays at the Salvation Army headquarters, 219 N. Fourth St. Those interested in volunteering or making donations, can call 740-622-0971.

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on Twitter at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Fulfilling basic needs focus of new Salvation Army majors