News
Written & photographed by Laura Jensen, Director of Community Engagement & Communications at Tri-County United Way
For more than 140 years, The Salvation Army in Glens Falls has been a steady and trusted presence in the community, with roots dating back to 1885. From its earliest days, it has served as a community service center, operating as a local corps within the larger Salvation Army Eastern Territory, part of a worldwide network committed to meeting human needs wherever they exist.
Today, that mission continues under the leadership of Majors Stephen and Delia Carroll, whose journey with The Salvation Army was profoundly shaped by moments of national crisis. Both served in Rockland County during September 11, 2001, and were deployed to New York City to assist with cleanup and provide support in the wake of the attacks. This experience became the foundation of a lifelong calling, one defined by service, pilgrimage, and a willingness to go wherever the need is greatest. Over the years, their dedication has taken them on missions across the country, ultimately bringing them to Glens Falls in 2023.
Upon their arrival, the Majors quickly began listening and learning. One of their earliest meetings was with Warren County Administrator John Taflan, who shared a clear vision for strengthening youth support and food security across the region. That conversation helped shape the evolving focus of The Salvation Army’s local work.
With funding support from Tri-County United Way, The Salvation Army in Glens Falls provides emergency and crisis assistance, including financial help and material support for individuals and families facing hardship. Core services such as a food pantry, weekly meals, clothing distribution, and holiday assistance programs ensure that basic needs are met with dignity and care.
As part of a global organization, The Salvation Army operates under a broad umbrella but its work is intentionally adaptive and locally driven. The needs of Glens Falls do not look the same as those of other communities, and the local corps responds accordingly, meeting people where they are and adjusting services as circumstances change.
That flexibility proved especially important during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the Carrolls’ arrival, The Salvation Army focused heavily on emergency assistance and food security, as demand surged during the crisis. In the post-pandemic period, new challenges were identified by the agency, particularly social isolation and absenteeism among youth within the school system. Recognizing these shifts, the organization began expanding its focus to address not only physical needs but also connection and long-term community wellbeing.
In recent years, The Salvation Army has launched innovative youth focused programs, including martial arts and archery, such as the “Blood and Fire” Taekwondo program. These programs are uniquely designed, research-informed and offered at no cost to local youth. Built on a foundation aligned with National Olympic accredited training models, the programs are open to all through community enrollment. Over the past two years, more than 130 participants per program have taken part, with Taekwondo now expanding to include adults to encourage family engagement, socialization and focus both in the classroom and at home. The ethical and instructional model reflects Major Stephen’s and Major Delia’s extensive background working with youth throughout his career.
Through continued support from Tri-County United Way, the Salvation Army’s primary focus remains combating hunger across Warren and Northern Saratoga Counties. As their first rural assignment, the Carrolls initially faced challenges related to accessibility, transportation, and service discovery across a geographically dispersed area. By taking time to study and understand the region, The Salvation Army adapted its approach, developing a five-program service model tailored to meet local needs.
Each Friday, food is transported to Granville, and every Tuesday, the Salvation Army hosts a Community Dinner, bringing together anywhere from 40 to 150 people to combat isolation, foster connection, and encourage volunteerism among families and individuals alike. Every two weeks, food is delivered to Hudson Falls. With support from the Regional Food Bank, The Salvation Army also operates a food pantry and soup kitchen, available to those in need five days a week, along with a monthly food distribution every third Wednesday.
The Salvation Army has partnered with Warren County to support local needs through a drive-through food distribution program that began in November 2024. The agency also manages a home-delivered meals program, Home Delivered Meals, on behalf of Warren County’s Office for the Aging, serving seniors in Lake George, Queensbury, and Glens Falls. Additionally, when resources allow, The Salvation Army hosts specialty community meals, such as on-site BBQ events, all prepared with care for the community. Community dinners are always announced by noon on social media and have become a well-loved and well-attended program.
Additional initiatives include programs such as “Coffee & Donuts with Al,” which provides breakfast while creating space for conversation, connection, and support. Through these and many other efforts, The Salvation Army continues to stand as a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families across our region.
To learn more about The Salvation Army in Glens Falls or to get involved, visit their website: https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/glens-falls/