A recent survey released by the Salvation Army found 56% of Salvation Army Youth Programs are operating at or beyond their capacity.
Susan Eustice, Director of Public Relations for Salvation Army Omaha, says the survey covered more than 80 cities, including Omaha. Results show that more than 80 percent of youth programs saw an increase in demand from children and families in the past year, due to unemployment issues and funding cuts. Eustice says Omaha North Corps has been especially busy.
"The Salvation Army’s Omaha North Corps Community Center on 24th and Pratt has really seen a big rise in usage by youth. Last year, enrollment in our after school program increased by 50% to 151 kids with an average of 45 children ages 5-18 participating every day.”
Eustice says the Kids Café at Omaha North Corps served more than 470 free meals a month last year. That’s nearly 20% more meals than were served the previous school year.
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