Salvation Army may take reins

Salvation Army may take reins
By Reporter Staff
Posted: 12/08/2008

The Suisun City Council has identified The Salvation Army as its top pick for further discussions regarding taking over the community center shuttered by the North Bay YMCA.

This step allows both sides to focus on bringing back youth and family programs that are vital to supporting and strengthening the Suisun City community, city officials said in a press release.

The City Council Ad Hoc Committee and Citizens' Advisory Committee assigned to review proposals from seven organizations wanting to re-open the facility, unanimously selected The Salvation Army as the top choice based upon its commitment to families, communities and the high level of service evident in more than 360 recreation centers it operates across the nation.

In making this determination, the top priorities of the City Council Ad Hoc and Citizens' Advisory committees were to ensure:

* Commitment to a safe place for children when schools are closed;
* Commitment to partner with other community groups for facility usage;
*Maximum access to programs regardless of ability to pay;
* Pool operations;
* Basketball court usage; and
* Fitness center, including machines and free weights.

Representatives of the city and the Salvation Army have begun discussions on a financial arrangement to take on operations of this facility that meets the fiscal and service needs of both parties. Program and facility assessments are under way. Timelines for reopening the facility are expected to become clearer after the first of the year.

After a rigorous series of interviews and site visits, the Salvation Army rose to the top of the list because of the quality of its operations, its desire to provide services not otherwise available in the community, and its commitment to becoming part of the community, city officials said.


"The Salvation Army is much more than 'bell ringers' during the Christmas holidays and service providers to the homeless and other people in crisis," said City Manager Suzanne Bragdon. "Their services are far-reaching and include the operation of more than 360 community recreation facilities similar to what is being proposed in Suisun City. They will be a welcome addition to our community."