Caring for our young

It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence’” – of being there in times of need. In 1970, The Salvation Army in Gladstone responded to a rapid increase in population in the city by providing a constructive activity for young people – a Boys Legion called Junior Astronauts. An entry in the Gladstone Salvation Army history book records that At this time in Gladstone’s history Gladstone’s population grew faster than the town and there were lots of problems with accommodation. One Van Park had 300 vans in it. With the shortage of things to do the boys club was a sure hit. The following year a similar group for girls was commenced, called the Astronettes. Over the years this group was replaced by SAGALA children’s groups, then a hugely successful weekly kids club, and now The Salvation Army in Gladstone runs Mainly Music for children and their carers every Monday and Tuesday. In 1988, The Salvation Army took on the running of the Family Day Care Centre at the invitation of the Gladstone City Council. A new initiative for young people in Gladstone is the introduction of Street Dreams, a Salvation Army Hip-Hop dance program, which began this month.