USC ARC Commander

This National Salvation Army Week, we’re celebrating the life‑changing impact of our Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

Every day, ARC programs provide meals, safe shelter, recovery support, and a renewed sense of purpose for men working toward a fresh start.

Behind every number is a life being restored. Thank you to the ARC teams, donors, and partners who make this mission possible.

A new chapter begins at the Chicago Adult Rehabilitation Center.

Today, we had the privilege of dedicating and blessing the newly renovated Chicago ARC, a place that will continue serving men seeking a fresh start and a new opportunity at life.

Commissioner Evie Diaz, our Territorial Commander, led the official dedication and blessing, reminding us that this building is far more than bricks and mortar. It is a place of hope, healing, and transformation for generations to come.

Major Jerry O’Neil expressed heartfelt gratitude for the many supporters who made this major renovation possible. What was once a facility in need of extensive repair is now purposefully redesigned to serve the ARC mission in a stronger, more meaningful way. One that meets people where they are and supports real, lasting change.

Special thanks were shared for Majors Troy and Linda Barker, who served as Chicago ARC Administrators during much of the planning and design phases of this project, helping guide the vision that brought this renewal to life.

Honored to be joined by the Command Leadership officer team: Lt. Colonels Poppy Thompson and Majors Todd and Cathy Thielke, along with ARC Command personnel, divisional partners, staff, alumni, beneficiaries, and community supporters.

Together, we celebrate this renewed space as a beacon of hope across Chicagoland, a place where lives will be changed, families restored, and countless second chances made possible through the incredible ARC program.

THE SALVATION ARMY ADULT REHABILITATION CENTERS PARTNER WITH CARS (CHARITABLE ADULT RIDES & SERVICES)

Vehicle donation program supports life‑changing rehabilitation services

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command Central Territory have partnered with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to provide supporters with a new and impactful way to give back through vehicle donation. This partnership expands opportunities for donors to support the ARC’s mission of helping individuals rebuild their lives through recovery, work therapy, and spiritual care, while also promoting environmental responsibility by removing unwanted vehicles from the road.

“The Adult Rehabilitation Centers play a critical role in helping men and women reclaim stability, purpose, and hope,” said Lt. Col. Greg Thompson (ARC Commander). “This partnership creates another meaningful pathway for supporters to fuel that work while simplifying the donation process.”

Through this partnership, donors can contribute cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles, regardless of condition. Vehicle donations are tax‑deductible and eliminate the challenges of selling, repairing, or disposing of an unwanted vehicle.

Proceeds directly support ARC programs, including residential rehabilitation, counseling, work therapy, job training, and long‑term recovery services.

CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) manages the entire vehicle donation process from start to finish and provides free, convenient vehicle pickup. As the largest nonprofit vehicle donation provider in North America, CARS partners with more than 3,500 nonprofits and is trusted nationwide for its donor‑friendly experience.

To donate your vehicle, please visit: https://centralusa-salvationarmy.careasy.org/home

For more information about donating a vehicle, visit:
- CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services): http://www.careasy.org

To learn more about The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers and their mission, visit: 
- The Salvation Army ARC: https://www.satruck.org

THANK YOU …

Our first Salvation Army ARC x Chicago Donation Day at Wrigley Field was an incredible reminder of what happens when a community shows up.

To everyone who stopped by to say hello, donate, and learn more about the work you make possible, thank you. Every donation and every purchase at our Salvation Army Thrift Stores helps fund life‑changing services and programs through our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and stability.

We are also deeply grateful to the Chicago for the honor of participating in the pregame lineup card delivery. What an unforgettable moment and a true privilege to represent this mission on that stage.

We are incredibly proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to being good neighbors and doing real good in the communities we serve.

We are already looking ahead to our next Donation Day on July 1, with more details coming soon, along with other opportunities to support this mission throughout the season.

And if you or a loved one needs assistance, please visit an Adult Rehabilitation Center near you. Help is always available.

Thank you again for being part of this moment and this mission.

How to play your part on Donation Day (on Monday, March 30)

1. Spread the word. Share this with fellow fans, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who loves a good cause.

2. Invite a friend. Everything is better with a buddy, especially doing some good.

3. Buy your Chicago Cubs tickets & plan to make a day of it at the Friendly Confines.

4. Clean out your closet: Gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories are all welcome donations.

5. Stop by the Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way on Monday, March 30. We’ll be there and ready for you.

6. Donate your items: Each donation helps fuel life‑changing rehabilitation programs.

7. Score a collectible: Donors receive a special, exclusive Chicago Cubs PCA collectible pin as a thank‑you while supplies last.

Give back … walk away with a player pin … and the knowledge that your donation truly matters.