Salvation Army welcomes two new captains to Newton

The first thing Captain Tim North noticed about the Newton Salvation Army was how many people are coming through the door on a daily basis.

When there is that much activity in the building, it tells Tim and his wife and fellow captain, Peggy North, that the local Salvation Army is meeting the needs of the community. If no one is coming through the doors, to Tim that means the agency is not doing what needs to be done for Newton and the surrounding towns.

“We’re meeting the needs and it shows we’re a viable part of the community,” Tim said, noting the communities in Jasper County do have some level of food insecurity and lack of basic needs. Making ends meet is difficult for some. “And with inflation getting up the way it is, it’s getting even worse.”

For the past few weeks, the new captains have learned more and more about their community and the Salvation Army that serves it. The Norths are taking over after previous captain, Janelle Cleaveland, was transferred for Madison, Ind. Tim suggested the established staff in Newton is helping their transition.

“It’s phenomenal having great people who are already in place so that we don’t miss a beat,” Tim said, noting the best Salvation Armies listen and respond to their community needs. “If we’re meeting the needs of the community, we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”

With two captains at Newton’s disposal now, Tim said it allows himself and Peggy to “divide and conquer.” Both are originally from small communities, and they have served towns of that size and larger. Before they arrived to Newton they served in the Quad Cities region of Iowa and Illinois.

To move back into a smaller community is exciting for the Norths, who plan to divvy up the work. Tim plans to handle more of the administrative side while Peggy takes on programming, but they’ll both take on the ministry. Peggy in particular is looking forward to getting involved with programs.

In addition to building character, Peggy said the programs of the Salvation Army strengthen a community and those who inhabit it. Programs can build stronger connections and allows others to meet new people, as well as give the Salvation Army a bigger presence.

“It makes a community where they can come together and they can help each other out,” Peggy said. “Which is very important because that’s what community is: It’s about helping each other out and the fellowship.”

As the new captains, the Norths want to see if there is anything to improve about the Salvation Army and whether there are redundancies to address. If there is a piece missing or if someone is falling through the cracks, Tim and Peggy are eager to respond. Staying adaptable is key.

“We have to be adaptable,” Tim said. “What worked in Iowa City, Iowa, isn’t going to work in Newton. And what Iowa City and Moline needed, Newton may need.”

So far, Tim and Peggy are enjoying their stay in Newton and are enjoying the hometown feel and the amount of support the Salvation Army has cultivated over the years. It seems like a team effort at the Newton facility. For Peggy, who grew up in Boone, the move to the small community feels like coming back home.

“I always say God brings us to the places that he needs us the most,” Peggy said. “So I just feel we’re brought here for a reason. And we’re going to find out what that reason is.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com