Complaint Review: The Salvation Army - Alexandria Virginia

To All Those Claiming This Never Happened:

Perhaps the reason the Salvation Army hires Auxillary Captains is because they do not want to properly educate their officers.  To say "not enough people want to do the job" and all the other ridiculous claims you make about how great this organization is makes me wonder how much you have abused the Salvation Army.  You are a church before you are a charity.  My family is members of this church and are officers.  No one works 60-80 hour weeks unless it is during "kettle season."

This organization hides very seedy people and if you can't see that, perhaps you are one.   If you are not, then help and stop becoming a problem by allowing abusers like those Auxillary Captains to abuse people.

Thank you for contacting your mother.  I know this is late, alot has happened since I wrote this.  The specific auxillary captains retired and began threatening my family and I along with stalking us.  We were assaulted by the daughter's boyfriend.  We moved away and we only tell a few people where we live to avoid this happening again.  I hope she tried to dispell justice on these people.  I know not everyone in the Salvation Army is evil or a child abuser.  These people became auxillary captains in the early 1980s before so many checks were available.  They are very smart and know how to pick their victims.  The male threw children in the pews in the 80s because they "were noisey and not listening to my sermon."  If anyone in the Salvation Army needs their information, they are retired and the dates are accurate to track who was where.  I know my family and I are not the first victims and unless I speak out against them, I will not be the last. 

I hope all that reads this understands how corrupt large organizations can be and they can and do harbor evil people.  You are all correct that stated the Salvation Army is not pure evil and not everyone is a monster.  I do know what the Salvation Army is; I grew up in it and have several family members that are officers.

Thank you again and I hope the Salvation Army has stopped these people from benefitting from this organization and tarnishing the Salvation Army name.

 Hey genius it is MINIMAL pay and I suggest you take a look at their Annual Report

http://www.goodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Goodwill-Industries-International-2012-Annual-Report.pdf

 Minimul pay? maybe so but don't forget except for their phone and maybe a credit card they have no bills!  Housing, car, health care,etc.... it's all paid for!

You make so many outlandish accusations at a mostly good organization that I don't know where to start!  Your suggestion that The Salvation Army shelters and hides child molesters is ludicrous!  I know officers who have been dismissed for looking at porn, having an affair, and one who "streaked" accross a football field on a prank.  They do not put up with issues like these, and child endangerment is particularly heinous.  I even know of one man who was dismissed over allegations of statutory rape, and he was denied work at any Salvation Army in any position ever again. 

Yes, underqualified people are given the title of Auxiliary Captain and put in charge of Salvation Army locations.  But there aren't enough people these days willing to work 60 hour weeks 6-7 days a week with minimal pay.  People don't want to be Salvation Army Officers any more, and Aux Capts are the only option, unless you suggest shutting down many units all over the country. 

Officers generally move every 2,3,or 4 years.  The severe officer shortage means that officers are moving more often trying to fill in holes; the constant moving is one of the reasons officers are hard to come by. 

And as for hiring their daughter, everyone knows, it's not what you know but who you know.  If my daughter was available, I'd hire her.  I know how she will work and how honest she is, far better than a random applicant.  And who can blame a person for hiring family and keeping them close when you are in a city, not your home, away from all family and close contacts?  You obviously don't know what Officer's give up for The Salvation Army, and how little they get in return.

Ok I'm sitting here reading all these horrible things it seems like about the salvation army and I ono this report was filed a while ago. 1. Do you know all the training these officers go thru 2. Do you know that these officer have children that they have to take care of but work 7 days of the week and are always on call.

Ok not all officers are perfect. I know that the bad one can turn people away from the church. But this church is a wonderful place. You do know there motto is heart to God hand to man.

I hate that one officer can leave such a sour thought for you of the army.

I have grown up in the army and I belive they are doing the most good

seems a common theme,but where are the fraud report numbers and contact information?i smell a rat on a grand scale!!!
http://www.ripoffreport.com/Work-place-bullies/The-Salvation-Army/the-salvation-army-the-mid-19-33ca9.htm

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Work-place-bullies/The-Salvation-Army/the-salvation-army-the-mid-19-33ca9.htm

This has got to be the worst charity in the United States, and I recommend that no one ever give a dime to them or donate any goods or services to their stores or any of their service centers. In my 3 years of experience with the Salvation Army, I have found that just about every officer and most of the rank and file are corrupt and dishonest. In Indianapolis, just about every set of officers that's run the Adult Rehabilitation Center has been caught embezzling funds and outright stealing large amounts of donated goods including cars, boats, furniture, jewlery and clothing among other things. This "Rehabilitation Center" takes people looking for help and puts them to work in their thrift store operation for no pay, except the roof over their head, which leaks (they require clients to pay for their meals with food stamps, and they must pay for every meal whether they eat it or not.....FOOD STAMP FRAUD). Every employee takes what he or she wants, while a "beneficiary" (the laughable term they give to their clients) will be kicked out for taking a pair of shoes. The "resident manager" is a convicted murderer, and most of the staff are felons of one stripe or another. I know of two honest employees who have been laid off and the ARC refuses to pay their unemployment claims, stating that they are a charity and don't have to pay. And this is just the ARC. The Corps in Fountain Square has a set of officers that behave much the same way, keeping whatever they like (the chapel is full of large amounts of musical equipment that the Captain claims is his personal property, and goes largely unused). Just a little further south in Johnson County, the youth pastor has been arrested for and admitted to molesting three 13 year old parishioners, one of whom is now pregnant with his child. This man has a long history of this behavior as he has worked at other Corps in the US, since his parents are Corps officers and he travels and lives with them from post to post. AWFUL!!!!!!!!!

This has got to be the worst charity in the United States, and I recommend that no one ever give a dime to them or donate any goods or services to their stores or any of their service centers. In my 3 years of experience with the Salvation Army, I have found that just about every officer and most of the rank and file are corrupt and dishonest. In Indianapolis, just about every set of officers that's run the Adult Rehabilitation Center has been caught embezzling funds and outright stealing large amounts of donated goods including cars, boats, furniture, jewlery and clothing among other things. This "Rehabilitation Center" takes people looking for help and puts them to work in their thrift store operation for no pay, except the roof over their head, which leaks (they require clients to pay for their meals with food stamps, and they must pay for every meal whether they eat it or not.....FOOD STAMP FRAUD). Every employee takes what he or she wants, while a "beneficiary" (the laughable term they give to their clients) will be kicked out for taking a pair of shoes. The "resident manager" is a convicted murderer, and most of the staff are felons of one stripe or another. I know of two honest employees who have been laid off and the ARC refuses to pay their unemployment claims, stating that they are a charity and don't have to pay. And this is just the ARC. The Corps in Fountain Square has a set of officers that behave much the same way, keeping whatever they like (the chapel is full of large amounts of musical equipment that the Captain claims is his personal property, and goes largely unused). Just a little further south in Johnson County, the youth pastor has been arrested for and admitted to molesting three 13 year old parishioners, one of whom is now pregnant with his child. This man has a long history of this behavior as he has worked at other Corps in the US, since his parents are Corps officers and he travels and lives with them from post to post. AWFUL!!!!!!!!!

This has got to be the worst charity in the United States, and I recommend that no one ever give a dime to them or donate any goods or services to their stores or any of their service centers. In my 3 years of experience with the Salvation Army, I have found that just about every officer and most of the rank and file are corrupt and dishonest. In Indianapolis, just about every set of officers that's run the Adult Rehabilitation Center has been caught embezzling funds and outright stealing large amounts of donated goods including cars, boats, furniture, jewlery and clothing among other things. This "Rehabilitation Center" takes people looking for help and puts them to work in their thrift store operation for no pay, except the roof over their head, which leaks (they require clients to pay for their meals with food stamps, and they must pay for every meal whether they eat it or not.....FOOD STAMP FRAUD). Every employee takes what he or she wants, while a "beneficiary" (the laughable term they give to their clients) will be kicked out for taking a pair of shoes. The "resident manager" is a convicted murderer, and most of the staff are felons of one stripe or another. I know of two honest employees who have been laid off and the ARC refuses to pay their unemployment claims, stating that they are a charity and don't have to pay. And this is just the ARC. The Corps in Fountain Square has a set of officers that behave much the same way, keeping whatever they like (the chapel is full of large amounts of musical equipment that the Captain claims is his personal property, and goes largely unused). Just a little further south in Johnson County, the youth pastor has been arrested for and admitted to molesting three 13 year old parishioners, one of whom is now pregnant with his child. This man has a long history of this behavior as he has worked at other Corps in the US, since his parents are Corps officers and he travels and lives with them from post to post. AWFUL!!!!!!!!!

Hi! I attend a Salvation army church and no it is not like the Catholic church at all.. Its not just the salvation army that may have this problem.. Every year the salvation army helps so many people in need the best way they can... I dont believe the salvation army in its self is a rip off organization NO WAY!!!!! I support the salvation army very much in what they do for the communitys.... I am not saying this didnt happen, but i really feel its unfair to blame the salvation army for someones actions.. ITS NOT THEIR FAULT!!!!!!!!

I know this is an old post, but I feel compelled to respond. I am an employee of The Salvation Army and I want to set the record straight about the organization: 1) Every employee who will have any potential contact with children is subject to a criminal background check. This includes officers, staff, and even volunteers. No one works without passing it. 2) The Salvation Army is not a government organization, and does not directly get tax dollars. It does receive funding for aid that it gives, along with every other charitable organization. Donations come primarily from the private sector. 3) I don't know where you live, but last time I checked, in Indiana a minister's licence is $25.00, and little else is required to call oneself a minister. The fact that the officers have to go to the two years of schooling at all is an admirable quality for a church organization. On a personal note: I am not an officer, but I have worked for this organization for almost a year, and have dealt with both the individual as well as divisional and territorial people in the organization. I have never worked for a finer organization nor a more ethical one in either the private or the religious sector, and I have spent extensive time in both. These officers are treated just like army personnel; they are moved at little or no notice. I've seen about a quarter of our officers moved in the last year I've worked here. They are paid much less than the average church pastor and have usually less staff on hand than they need. It is far from a comfortable living. They are far from autonomous, they are answerable to an organized reporting structure on the divisional and territorial level. The organization itself is above reproach. I can't speak to the problems in your area because I don't know the facts but I think that we were about the only organization in the Katrina disaster that was NOT investigated over misuse of FEMA funds...and that list even included the Red Cross. The Salvation Army doesn't even advertize most of the things it does. It is a sad commentary on the days we live in when any child is abused. Unfortunately, even with every safegard in place, we live in a world where this can and does happen. It happens in our schools, our neighborhoods, and sadly, even in our churches. However, your statistics are grossly misstated, and again, every precaution is taken that can be. At some point, we need to separate the offender from the employer and realize that they are two very different entities. I want to make sure that if anyone reads your post, they read this too, and know what a great organization this is.

I know this is an old post, but I feel compelled to respond. I am an employee of The Salvation Army and I want to set the record straight about the organization: 1) Every employee who will have any potential contact with children is subject to a criminal background check. This includes officers, staff, and even volunteers. No one works without passing it. 2) The Salvation Army is not a government organization, and does not directly get tax dollars. It does receive funding for aid that it gives, along with every other charitable organization. Donations come primarily from the private sector. 3) I don't know where you live, but last time I checked, in Indiana a minister's licence is $25.00, and little else is required to call oneself a minister. The fact that the officers have to go to the two years of schooling at all is an admirable quality for a church organization. On a personal note: I am not an officer, but I have worked for this organization for almost a year, and have dealt with both the individual as well as divisional and territorial people in the organization. I have never worked for a finer organization nor a more ethical one in either the private or the religious sector, and I have spent extensive time in both. These officers are treated just like army personnel; they are moved at little or no notice. I've seen about a quarter of our officers moved in the last year I've worked here. They are paid much less than the average church pastor and have usually less staff on hand than they need. It is far from a comfortable living. They are far from autonomous, they are answerable to an organized reporting structure on the divisional and territorial level. The organization itself is above reproach. I can't speak to the problems in your area because I don't know the facts but I think that we were about the only organization in the Katrina disaster that was NOT investigated over misuse of FEMA funds...and that list even included the Red Cross. The Salvation Army doesn't even advertize most of the things it does. It is a sad commentary on the days we live in when any child is abused. Unfortunately, even with every safegard in place, we live in a world where this can and does happen. It happens in our schools, our neighborhoods, and sadly, even in our churches. However, your statistics are grossly misstated, and again, every precaution is taken that can be. At some point, we need to separate the offender from the employer and realize that they are two very different entities. I want to make sure that if anyone reads your post, they read this too, and know what a great organization this is.

I know this is an old post, but I feel compelled to respond. I am an employee of The Salvation Army and I want to set the record straight about the organization: 1) Every employee who will have any potential contact with children is subject to a criminal background check. This includes officers, staff, and even volunteers. No one works without passing it. 2) The Salvation Army is not a government organization, and does not directly get tax dollars. It does receive funding for aid that it gives, along with every other charitable organization. Donations come primarily from the private sector. 3) I don't know where you live, but last time I checked, in Indiana a minister's licence is $25.00, and little else is required to call oneself a minister. The fact that the officers have to go to the two years of schooling at all is an admirable quality for a church organization. On a personal note: I am not an officer, but I have worked for this organization for almost a year, and have dealt with both the individual as well as divisional and territorial people in the organization. I have never worked for a finer organization nor a more ethical one in either the private or the religious sector, and I have spent extensive time in both. These officers are treated just like army personnel; they are moved at little or no notice. I've seen about a quarter of our officers moved in the last year I've worked here. They are paid much less than the average church pastor and have usually less staff on hand than they need. It is far from a comfortable living. They are far from autonomous, they are answerable to an organized reporting structure on the divisional and territorial level. The organization itself is above reproach. I can't speak to the problems in your area because I don't know the facts but I think that we were about the only organization in the Katrina disaster that was NOT investigated over misuse of FEMA funds...and that list even included the Red Cross. The Salvation Army doesn't even advertize most of the things it does. It is a sad commentary on the days we live in when any child is abused. Unfortunately, even with every safegard in place, we live in a world where this can and does happen. It happens in our schools, our neighborhoods, and sadly, even in our churches. However, your statistics are grossly misstated, and again, every precaution is taken that can be. At some point, we need to separate the offender from the employer and realize that they are two very different entities. I want to make sure that if anyone reads your post, they read this too, and know what a great organization this is.

I know this is an old post, but I feel compelled to respond. I am an employee of The Salvation Army and I want to set the record straight about the organization: 1) Every employee who will have any potential contact with children is subject to a criminal background check. This includes officers, staff, and even volunteers. No one works without passing it. 2) The Salvation Army is not a government organization, and does not directly get tax dollars. It does receive funding for aid that it gives, along with every other charitable organization. Donations come primarily from the private sector. 3) I don't know where you live, but last time I checked, in Indiana a minister's licence is $25.00, and little else is required to call oneself a minister. The fact that the officers have to go to the two years of schooling at all is an admirable quality for a church organization. On a personal note: I am not an officer, but I have worked for this organization for almost a year, and have dealt with both the individual as well as divisional and territorial people in the organization. I have never worked for a finer organization nor a more ethical one in either the private or the religious sector, and I have spent extensive time in both. These officers are treated just like army personnel; they are moved at little or no notice. I've seen about a quarter of our officers moved in the last year I've worked here. They are paid much less than the average church pastor and have usually less staff on hand than they need. It is far from a comfortable living. They are far from autonomous, they are answerable to an organized reporting structure on the divisional and territorial level. The organization itself is above reproach. I can't speak to the problems in your area because I don't know the facts but I think that we were about the only organization in the Katrina disaster that was NOT investigated over misuse of FEMA funds...and that list even included the Red Cross. The Salvation Army doesn't even advertize most of the things it does. It is a sad commentary on the days we live in when any child is abused. Unfortunately, even with every safegard in place, we live in a world where this can and does happen. It happens in our schools, our neighborhoods, and sadly, even in our churches. However, your statistics are grossly misstated, and again, every precaution is taken that can be. At some point, we need to separate the offender from the employer and realize that they are two very different entities. I want to make sure that if anyone reads your post, they read this too, and know what a great organization this is.

But I was talking to my mother the other day after reading the report. (She is a Salvation Army Officer, right now in the fraud department of the Eastern Territorial Headquarters.) and I told her about what you said in your report. One thing I NEED to point out first is they do NOT leave the good officers behind and move the bad ones. My father also was one until he passed away. And he actually was so good at pulling churches out of debt that any time he did it we were moved. The longest I lived anywhere was the 6 years we did in Cleveland. The most we stayed anywhere was 2 years. (BTW he opened 3 new churches) But I sidetracked back onto your post. My mother said that it was flagrant favoring. And that you need to report it to the finance department in the Territory where you are. (Sorry I cannot help you with that as some of where you are are in one territory and the rest are in another.) I hope that they are in my mother's, trust me if they get her they will not only learn policy but get a piece of her mind about not following policy. (Oh, I can still hear it. That is why I'm a stickler when it comes to policy and will never waver no matter what the customer calls me.)