Salvation Army breaks ground on new corps community center in Wadsworth

WADSWORTH — The Salvation Army broke ground on its new community center in Wadsworth on Monday. Ashley Smith is an envoy in charge of the Salvation Army in Wadsworth. She described the organization as a church that provides services such as education, financial assistance and food to those in need. The Salvation Army has been in Wadsworth for the past 139 years, she said. It was first located in downtown Wadsworth and moved to its current location at 527 College St. in the early 1990s, but it has since outgrown the space. "The population of Wadsworth continues to grow by a significant percentage each year," Smith said. "Also, with the economy the way it is, there are more people in need than ever. Truthfully, in our country, and specifically in our state and in our city, there is an overabundance of people who are willing to help." Around 25 years ago, the Salvation Army attempted to put a new building on the property, but the project fell through, she said. This version of the project started in 2018, but it was stalled by the pandemic. "Now we've reached the end of a very long road, which is actually just the beginning," Smith said. "It's very exciting to actually see this come to pass." A little more than $3 million was raised for the new approximately 12,200-square-foot community center, which will be built next to the Salvation Army's current facility in Wadsworth, she said. The current building will be torn down, and the area will be used as a parking lot. "We're looking at about a year of construction," Smith said. "Obviously, we have to see what is in store for us with the weather and the potential supply-and-demand issues, but Campbell Construction Company is working very hard in order to meet that goal." The Salvation Army will house its educational programs for children and adults under one roof in the new building, she said. It will also expand the organization's food programs and allow for more opportunities for outreach and church services. "We just continue to plant seeds, continue to be available to our community and do the best we can for the people that are here," Smith said. "I'm hoping to see the Lord multiply, whether it's in participants, donors who are invested, volunteers or in the personal growth of the people that we serve. I'm excited to see that." She said the Salvation Army is thankful for the community and its donors. "Truly, all the glory goes to God, but he certainly used the hands and the feet of the people that are here in order to make this happen," Smith said. "We're very grateful." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.