

SNAPSHOT: EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR NEW WOMEN’S REHAB CENTER IN FLORIDA
“I thought I was going to another jail.”
Those were the surprised and relieved words of a woman who had just entered the facility of The Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Center in Anaheim, CA. She was stunned by how clean, nice and homey it looked.
These words continue to affirm Major Kathy Reed’s approach in building a residential program for women in Tampa, FL that communicates in every aspect – this is a place where you can heal, not a prison.
For the first time, women will be able to get care at the Tampa Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) when the new dormitory is completed in December 2018. It will be the second ARC serving women in The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory.
New facilities currently under construction include a dormitory for up to 30 women beneficiaries, classrooms, intake and counseling offices, a gym, a library, a full industrial kitchen and a dining room. In addition, a new chapel that will seat 250 is being built to accommodate both male and female beneficiaries. (See plans in the gallery below.)
The focus on expanding ARC services to women reflects The Salvation Army’s commitment to respond where there is great need and limited options. Access to rehabilitation services – at an affordable price, is sorely lacking for women in the US. The Salvation Army’s rehabilitation centers are unique because there are no fees for participation.
“We get calls every day asking if we take women,” says Major Kathy Reed, Director of Special Services of The Salvation Army ARC in Tampa.
Establishing a program for women is a daunting task for any team simply because it is a major new endeavor.
Major Reed is excited by the energy from the current program team. She said, “The fear is gone. Everyone is embracing it now.”
The team visit to the Anaheim and San Francisco centers, which have programs for men and women, turned the tide, according to Major Reed. Seeing the work there helped staff realize, “we can do this.”
Undoubtedly, knowing that Major Reed and her husband, Major John Reed, ran those co-ed facilities and took their first rehabilitation services appointment in 1983 is a source of much confidence for the team.
Support for the ministry includes interest from the women’s auxiliary group, possible connections with the corps’ women’s ministries and fantastic county and agency services.
“We work with so many wonderful agencies in Tampa, who help with medical, eye and dental care, and other needs. There are resources to help with driver’s licenses and education needs,” said Major Reed. “Hillsborough County is extremely generous and willing to help the indigent. We are so grateful to work together. I know it will be a great, well-rounded program for the women.”
For a more in-depth piece, click HERE.