Serving since 1885, The Salvation Army in Greater Moncton has maintained a strong commitment of practical help to people in need.
As far back as 1927, our history records that “1200 free breakfasts were served in the first quarter of the year to poor children on their way to school.” Later, in 1935, The Salvation Army began gathering and distributing good used clothing to those in economic difficulty.”
In the 50’s and 60’s, The Salvation Army’s Family Services Program in Greater Moncton continued to rapidly develop, offering a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of the community including feeding programs, practical aid, Christmas Aid and shelter, operating first, a drop-in center for military personnel during the Second World War and then, and Eventide Home for Men, which was located on Church Street.
In 1975, Family Services significantly expanded services again, serving Greater Moncton by providing household food and meal tickets, lodging, clothing and furniture, provisions of fuel, transportation, medical prescriptions and emergency response. By the mid-late 70’s The Salvation Army was also a Divisional leader in locating missing persons (eventually known as Family Tracing) and in sending children to summer camp.
The 80’s and 90’s saw The Salvation Army become a leader in providing food assistance in Greater Moncton, operating one of the major Food banks in the City.
When The Salvation Army’s Addictions and Rehabilitation Center closed it’s doors in Moncton, some of it’s programs were taken over by the Family Services office and around that time, other Food Banks were opened their doors. In the early 2000s The Salvation Army Family Services scaled back it’s Food Bank program to allow for a significant increase in other practical services and help programs. In 2005, The Salvation Army restructured it’s Family Services department and broadened it’s program base beyond food security programs and Christmas Aid and it’s name changed to The Salvation Army Moncton Community & Family Services (or Moncton CFS).
Beginning in 2005, Moncton CFS continued to expand and evolve with the changing needs of the community. While still providing basic practical assistance like food, clothing and personal care items in emergency situations, it has established several other services aimed at reaching individuals, seniors, children and families.
In 2008, The Salvation Army purchased property at the corner of King and Main Street, downtown Moncton which houses its Community and Family Services center to this day.
In 2016, the CFS building went under major renovations to update its space in an effort to streamline services and provide adequate space for evolving community needs. This included the opening of The Gathering Place which operated first, as a community breakfast program and then as a Drop-In Centre and to this day, hosts a full compliment of drop-in and other services for those looking for a safe and supportive space.
Between 2008 and 2018 Moncton CFS offered a variety of programs expanding on Senior’s programming, self-help and life-skills groups, music classes, meal programs, teaching kitchens, laundry services, after school programs and parenting groups, income tax clinics and more.
Since 2018, Moncton CFS has added several new initiatives including Welcome Home and Pathway of Hope, both which help to further the mission of being a transforming influence in the community. These programs are tailored specifically to each individual participant, providing case management and a network of support for those who are ready to make real change in their lives.
Alongside it’s programs and services and working with approximately 100 volunteers, Moncton CFS has is proud to host several community events and fundraisers along with community partners including the Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, I Care Enough 2 Run event, Stuff-a-Bus Toy Drive, Brave Empowerment Event and Kids to Camp Initiative.
