Business support is key to the success of Salvation Army programs, says the organization’s new Southern California divisional commander, Paul Bollwahn.
He oversees all operations from San Diego County to San Luis Obispo. From his base at the downtown office he plans to create synergy between local chapters and businesses to continue supporting programs that help those in hardship.
“The Salvation Army couldn’t exist without the interest of the business community,” he said, “We work together. What’s good for us is good for downtown Los Angeles, and vice versa. Anyone who has an interest in the community, we seek to involve them.”
The Salvation Army has worked closely with local businesses in a range of industries. This year marks the fourth annual Disney-sponsored Thanksgiving dinner; a four-course, entertainment-packed event that helps more than 2,500 of the working poor. Paramount will present the fifth annual “Vintage LA” fashion show, where local designers use clothing from Salvation Army thrift stores and transform them into stylish garments. All of the proceeds go to the Alegria program, a Silver Lake shelter for families afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
Bollwahn has been a part of the Salvation Army since childhood. His parents were both officers and his wife is a fellow colonel. He studied music and Christian education at the University of Nebraska and received a master’s in social work from the University of Illinois. He has worked in a variety of positions within the agency for 25 years, including a stint as supervisor of global operations. He and his wife started the practice of working with business leaders to further the organization’s influence.
Moving from Washington D.C., where he was national social services director, he views his new home city as “a vast array of wonderful diversity.”
Bollwahn believes in applying the Christian doctrine for a healthy community where people may thrive.
“We’re interested in helping people change their lives to become part of a healthy lifestyle that involves work, home, food security and a psychological and spiritual demeanor that is capable of growing,” he said. “What that means is that not just a meal is important. We want to stay with the family and make referrals into appropriate health and education situations to get them the necessary skills to reach a self-sustaining job.”
Bollwahn lives in Torrance with his wife. He enjoys golfing, taking walks, going to movies, shopping at farmers markets and riding bicycles with his grandson.
Jade Takahashi
