Photo: Scooter-WTAM
Salvation Army Captains Joel and Kathleen Ashcraft spoke to Bill about Salvation Army Mission and As the Divisional Secretaries for Greater Cleveland Area Services, Captains Ashcraft will oversee the operations of five Greater Cleveland Corps in Collinwood, East Cleveland, Miles Park, Ohio City, and West Park. Additionally, they will supervise all operations at Harbor Light Complex & Zelma George Family Shelter.
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Joel and Kathleen Ashcraft were both born in Ohio to Salvation Army officer parents. As transition is inevitable in The Salvation Army, they both moved and grew up in the greater New York City area. They have been officers of The Salvation Army for the last 10 years, most recently serving as the Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Candidates Secretary for the Northeast Ohio Division based out of Cleveland, Ohio. They coordinated youth work and lead the candidacy efforts for Salvation Army officership across the Division. Throughout the summer, they had the distinct privilege of running Camp NEOSA on beautiful Leesville Lake in Carrollton, OH. Prior to moving to Cleveland, they were corps officers in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, and loved every minute of their 5 years there. It is their heart’s cry to see everyone they serve come to know the abundance of life available through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As the Divisional Secretaries for Greater Cleveland Area Services, Captains Ashcraft will oversee the operations of five Greater Cleveland Corps in Collinwood, East Cleveland, Miles Park, Ohio City, and West Park. Additionally, they will supervise all operations at Harbor Light Complex & Zelma George Family Shelter.
Outside of their professional lives, Joel and Kathleen can be found spending time with their three incredible children – Matthew (12), Evelyn (9), and Audrey (5). As a family, they love cheering on Matty at his baseball and basketball games, rooting for Evelyn and Audrey in their soccer games, trying new foods, and taking family trips! Joel is an avid sports fan, and Kathleen loves watching the newest murder mysteries and romantic comedies.
Joel and Kathleen began dating when they were just 16-year-old high school sweethearts and were married shortly after graduating college. Prior to their service as officers in The Salvation Army, Joel worked in banking for M&T Bank, and Kathleen worked in property management for The Salvation Army. Joel and Kathleen hold master’s degrees in business administration from Asbury University.
Captains Ashcraft
Background
· Previous Appointments in Bay Ridge, NY (Brooklyn) for 5 Years and Divisional Youth Secretaries & Divisional Candidates Secretaries for Northeast Ohio for 5 Years, which oversaw Camp NEOSA in Carrollton, OH.
o Last 5 years in Ohio have given us a good understanding of the area and how amazing the community support is in Greater Cleveland
· Officers in The Salvation Army for 10 years with a passion for sharing the love of Jesus.
o Families with Long-Standing History throughout The Salvation Army
· Big into the Foodie scene
· 3 amazing kids- Matthew, Evelyn, and Audrey
Goals for Greater Cleveland
· Working with Each of the 5 Corps to Increase Programming at their locations.
· Love to have a Monthly/Quarterly Youth Gathering for Greater Cleveland
· Host Community Events like Mentorship Fairs where individuals can learn how to tie a tie, basic finance, resume building, fill out job applications, etc.
Operations in Greater Cleveland
· 5 Corps Community Centers
o Cleveland Temple (Collinwood)
o Cleveland East Cleveland
o Cleveland Miles Park
o Cleveland Ohio City
o Cleveland West Park
· 1 Detox/Emergency Shelter/Family Shelter
o Harbor Light Complex & Zelma George Family Shelter
· Quick Stats from 2021
o 746,168 nutritious meals served.
o 10,461 home-delivered meals to homebound Seniors
o 63,158 individuals served emergency food through our five Corps Community Centers
o 144,822 nights of shelter provided.
o 166 families stayed on average.
o 40 days at our Zelma George Emergency Family Shelter
o 31 human-trafficking survivors received.
o 1,340 nights of shelter, respite, and direct support
o 684 adults struggling with addiction received care in our Substance Abuse Recovery Program
o 934 men and women achieved re-entry into society through our Community Corrections Program
o 602 families received utility bills assistance.
o 3,937 children and 1,652 families received toys for Christmas.