Salvation Army moves Sedalia office into thrift store

Published 6:42 am Thursday, October 22, 2026

The Salvation Army in Sedalia has moved its service office into its thrift store at 601 S. Ohio Ave., allowing residents to access emergency assistance and case management services at the same location.

Cassandra Heaton, service extension representative for the Salvation Army in Sedalia, said the organization has experienced several changes, but its mission remains the same.

“There’s been a lot of changes, such as our location has changed but our mission remains the same,” Heaton said.

The new office offers rental assistance, material assistance, gas assistance and vouchers. The Salvation Army also is accepting applications for its Christmas program, including Angel Tree.

Previously, the Salvation Army’s service office was located in a different building. Heaton said moving the office into the thrift store was intended to help the organization give more back to the community.

“People are able to walk through the thrift store and get case management, emergency assistance and vouchers within the thrift store,” she said. “As well as sign up for Angel Tree and then as well as volunteer opportunities.”

Residents can walk in or make an appointment for assistance by calling 660-227-0399.

Heaton has been in her current position for about two months. Before that, she worked as a case manager for the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program.

She said the move has helped her provide more assistance to residents, including efforts to prevent evictions and help families maintain their housing and utilities.

“Change is definitely hard as well as a new face to this community,” Heaton said. “But it’s definitely in the past 2 months, I’ve been able to give more to the community, which is what we were wanting to do as well as, prevent evictions, keeping people’s houses over their heads and utility assistance.”

Pathway of Hope is an intensive case management program specifically for families with children in the home. It helps participants work through barriers that may prevent them from achieving stability, including housing needs, medical appointments and connecting children with resources.

Heaton understands the program from personal experience. She said she participated in Pathway of Hope while experiencing homelessness, receiving assistance that helped her find employment and establish stability.

“I went through Pathway of Hope for Salvation Army, so I definitely know just how hard it is to ask for help and just knowing where to go,” Heaton said.

After participating in the program, Heaton eventually returned to the Salvation Army to work with Pathway of Hope before moving into her current position.

Her experience has shaped her approach to helping others who may be struggling to find assistance.

Asked what she would tell someone considering Pathway of Hope, Heaton encouraged people not to be afraid to seek help.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Heaton said. “And just have faith. Keep praying and just know that someone’s gonna be there to either be a mentor or believe in you and kind of be that helping hand.”

The Salvation Army said money collected through its local efforts stays in the community and supports individuals and families in need in Sedalia and Pettis County.

Residents seeking assistance or information about available services can visit the Salvation Army thrift store at 601 S. Ohio Ave. or call 660-227-0399.

Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146