The Salvation Army is acclaimed worldwide for its broad humanitarian service and outreach. Its impressive history as a religious and charitable organization dates to 1865, when it was founded by William Booth to minister to the homeless in Victorian England. Booth's compassion for society's outcasts sparked a spiritual and social revolution that continues to this day. The Salvation Army still upholds the code of doctrine and discipline formalized by its founder. The Salvation Army's Mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army in the United States officially began on March 10, 1880, in Battery Park, New York City, where the first street meeting was held. West Pasco welcomed the Salvation Army in 1978 and has nurtured its growth and caring spirit for more than 30 years. During that time, the services offered by the Salvation Army have grown to embrace the sick and lonely, feed and care for the poor, give shelter to abused women & children and counseling and support to all victims of domestic violence, and provide emergency response in times of disaster. In addition we now have one of the largest Salvation Army Community Centers in the state of Florida offering Before and After Care, Day Care, Summer Camps and sports programs featuring football, cheerleading and basketball and a Preschool for children ages two to five!