The Grays Harbor Salvation Army will continue to offer social services but will discontinue worship services effective June 24, according to a statement released Wednesday.

With more people relying on social services and limited funds to work with, transitioning to a social services office is the most effective way to direct more resources to the services where they are most needed, said the statement. The social services office is next door to the now-closed Salvation Army store at 118 W. Wishkah St. in Aberdeen.

“The Salvation Army is supported by generous people who expect us to make good financial decisions,” explained Captain Jonathan Harvey. “That’s why we regularly review the financial performance of our locations and operation. And, when necessary, we make changes and re-align our priorities.”

As general secretary of The Salvation Army in the Northwest, Harvey oversees business operations of the non-profit Christian social service agency.

Staff changes

Lieutenants Lincoln Hawk and Claire O’Brien-Hawk have led The Salvation Army office in Grays Harbor for the past two years. They will relocate to Fort Collins, Colorado, to run The Salvation Army office there.

The Grays Harbor office will be run by a social services employee Jennifer Chuks. Jennifer has been employed by The Salvation Army in Grays Harbor for years and is very familiar with the community and the people assisted there, according to the statement.

“The Salvation Army has been serving the Grays Harbor community for nearly 125 years,” said Harvey.

“We’re committed to the community and not going anywhere. In fact, we hope to expand our social services in the future.”