The Salvation Army World Service Office

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The Salvation Army World Service Office

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We engage individuals, families, and communities in evaluating their needs, creating transformational action plans, and implementing effective strategies.

The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) is an independent 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to improving the health, economic, and spiritual conditions of the poor throughout the world where The Salvation Army is active. For 45 years, The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) has been improving the health, economic, and spiritual conditions of people in poverty around the globe. SAWSO is presently engaged in more than $65 million worth of projects throughout the world, emphasizing local ownership and community involvement as keys for lasting success. In all of our work, we employ a holistic, faith-based, and community-focused approach to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of those we serve.

10/29/2026

“They encouraged me and told me that life is still life after this.”

When Memory learned she was HIV positive during pregnancy, she feared for her life and the health of her baby. Through care and encouragement at a clinic supported by The Salvation Army’s Primary Health Care work at Chikankata, she began treatment and gradually gained confidence.

Today, Memory volunteers at the clinic, helping other women navigate an HIV diagnosis during pregnancy and encouraging them to remain in care.

Read Memory’s full story: https://www.sawso.org/sawso/story/primary-health-care-to-support-the-growing-chikankata-community-1

10/27/2026

From a time when an HIV diagnosis offered few treatment options to today’s advances in prevention and care, the global response to HIV/AIDS has changed dramatically.

Explore four decades of progress through experiences in the United States, Zimbabwe, India and beyond, and learn how The Salvation Army continues to provide care, challenge stigma and support people living with HIV.

Learn how the global response to HIV/AIDS has evolved: https://alltheworld.salvationarmy.org/compassion-in-action-four-decades-of-responding-to-hiv-with-courage-and-care/

10/21/2026

One year after Hurricane Melissa, recovery is far from over.

At Cambridge High School in St. James, Jamaica, teacher Laurie-Ann Hutchinson sees how the storm continues to affect students and their families. Some families are still displaced, while others must prioritize home repairs over buying textbooks, uniforms, and other school essentials.

The Salvation Army is helping families rebuild through vouchers for building materials, school supplies and uniforms, along with efforts to restore schools and support feeding programs.

See how The Salvation Army continues to help communities rebuild: https://www.sawso.org/sawso/story/one-year-after-hurricane-melissa-recovery-continues-across-the-caribbean

10/15/2026

Thank you, to Greater Good Charities, for helping bring essential relief to communities affected by the earthquake in Colombia.

Salvation Army disaster response teams in Colombia have distributed backpacks filled with relief supplies to families in affected communities. With needs remaining significant, the assistance is helping provide practical support and encouragement as families continue to recover.

Read more about The Salvation Army’s earthquake response: https://www.sawso.org/sawso/story/the-salvation-army-responds-following-deadly-earthquake-in-colombia

10/13/2026

One month after devastating floods swept through northern Nepal, The Salvation Army has provided emergency food, clothing and essential household supplies to 170 affected families.

Disaster response teams reached some of the hardest-hit communities, delivering food and household relief packages and 160 sets of clothing for children whose belongings were lost in the flooding.

Recovery is only beginning. The Salvation Army in Nepal is continuing to assess needs and plan additional support, including winterization assistance and longer-term recovery efforts.

Read the full update: https://www.sawso.org/sawso/story/one-month-after-nepals-floods-the-salvation-army-continues-supporting-families

10/08/2026

After experiencing the violent death of a relative, an 11-year-old girl in Rio struggled with grief, anxiety and feelings of insecurity.

Through The Salvation Army’s Nova Divinéia Project, she received psychosocial support and family guidance. Over time, she became happier, more communicative, and more confident. Her mother also sought support, leading to positive changes throughout the family.

Read their story of transformation: https://www.sawso.org/sawso/story/building-safer-futures-in-rios-favelas

10/06/2026

In Rio de Janeiro’s favela communities, The Salvation Army is helping children and families build safer, stronger futures.

Through the Nova Divinéia Project, 79 children and adolescents and 64 families receive education, sports, life-skills development, psychosocial support and child-protection services. An independent evaluation found that 89% of surveyed families reported improvements in their children’s development and behavior.

Learn more about the project and how The Salvation Army is expanding this work in Rio: https://www.sawso.org/sawso/story/building-safer-futures-in-rios-favelas

Exército de Salvação - Brasil |

10/02/2026

For Mercy, Joytown is a place where learning, friendship and encouragement help her discover what she can do.

Through sports, chess, time with friends and the support of teachers who understand her needs, Mercy is building confidence and developing new skills. Her experience reflects Joytown’s commitment to creating an environment where students with physical disabilities can learn, participate, and prepare for their futures.

Hear more from Mercy and learn how The Salvation Army’s Joytown community in Kenya is helping students build confidence and pursue their full potential: https://alltheworld.salvationarmy.org/joytown-disability-is-not-inability/

10/01/2026

The Salvation Army’s Joytown learning community in Thika, Kenya, is a school serving approximately 700 students with physical disabilities.

Since 1962, Joytown has created an inclusive environment where students can learn, build confidence, develop friendships, and prepare for their futures. Accessible facilities, specialised support and teachers who believe in their potential help students overcome barriers and discover what they can become.

Hear directly from Joytown students about what this community means to them, and learn more about the program: https://alltheworld.salvationarmy.org/joytown-disability-is-not-inability/

09/27/2026

Today, on International Day of Prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, we pause to pray for those whose lives have been affected by exploitation.

Proverbs 31:8 calls us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to stand alongside those who are vulnerable.

Today and throughout the year, we pray for survivors, those still experiencing exploitation, and those working around the world to bring safety, justice, and restoration.

Learn more about The Salvation Army’s global response to modern slavery and human trafficking: https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/open-our-eyes

Address

615 Slaters Lane, P. O. Box 1428
Alexandria, VA
22314

Telephone

+1 703-684-5500

Website

http://www.sawso.org/

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