Can a church truly be a home? At Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church, the answer is a resounding yes. Located at a bustling intersection in Scarborough, Cedarbrae Community Church serves a diverse and densely populated area. Over 1,000 children live within a short radius of the church, many residing in nearby high-rise apartments. Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church has made it their mission to embrace these families. Major Louise Wareham, the corps officer, sees each child as an opportunity to share faith and make a positive impact.
Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church isn’t just a place for Sunday service. It’s a vibrant hub, offering a range of programs for the community. The church recognized a growing need for support in the area. They conducted a community assessment in 2010. The assessment revealed the increasing poverty and the limited resources available to families. Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church responded by developing programs specifically designed to address these challenges. They created programs that seamlessly integrate with their Sunday services. This approach makes it easier for people to access multiple services.
Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church offers programs including a popular after-school program, a youth drop-in night, and school breakfast programs. They also host monthly “big events” for families. These events include movie days and trips to the Ontario Science Centre. The church’s Joyful Noise choir brings together children aged four to twelve. The choir has flourished, with 28 participants meeting weekly and performing throughout the year. Kerry Brown, the children’s outreach co-ordinator, emphasizes that the programs aim to build relationships and strengthen families. Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church wants to be a place where families feel supported during challenging times.
The church also runs a food bank, serving 300-500 households monthly. Joan Harry, the family services co-ordinator, notes that the church gets to know these families over time. The focus is on building deeper connections and showing genuine care. Lisa Blake, a family services worker, encourages families to engage with other services. These services include Sunday services, children’s programs, cooking classes, and life-skills development. Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church truly embodies its motto: “A place to call home.” They strive to create an environment where everyone feels loved, accepted, and embraced by God’s love. They have certainly succeeded in their mission. The church has brought real change and community spirit. Robin Browett, Lola Burton, and Deslene Bastien, their stories are testimonials. Each person has found support, hope, and a sense of belonging within the church’s embrace. They are testaments to the transformative power of community and the unwavering commitment of Salvation Army Cedarbrae Community Church.