WEST CHESTER, PA — The Salvation Army has appointed Captains Emmanuel and Shareena Echavarria to lead its West Chester Corps, placing the husband-and-wife team in charge of the organization’s worship services, social service programs and community outreach across Chester County.
The appointments give the Echavarrias responsibility for the Corps’ daily operations, including volunteer engagement, youth ministries, emergency assistance programs and partnerships with local organizations.
The officers bring more than a decade of experience with The Salvation Army. Emmanuel Echavarria was commissioned as an officer in 2013, followed by Shareena Echavarria in 2014 after graduating from The Salvation Army College for Officer Training.
Before arriving in West Chester, the couple led Salvation Army Corps in Cortland, New York, and in Bristol and Willimantic, Connecticut. They also served as divisional youth secretaries for the organization’s Southern New England Division, overseeing youth ministries and summer camp programs throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.
“It is an incredible privilege to join the West Chester community,” Emmanuel Echavarria stated. “We look forward to worshipping alongside our neighbors, serving those in need, investing in children and families, and building meaningful relationships throughout the community.”
The couple indicated they plan to expand partnerships with local organizations, recruit additional volunteers and continue developing programs that address community needs.
“Our prayer is that every person who walks through our doors knows they are loved by God, valued by this community and always welcome here,” Shareena Echavarria stated. She added that the Corps plans to launch a music and arts program this fall for children ages 6 through 17.
Shareena Echavarria holds an Associate of Science in social work, an Associate of Applied Science in occupational studies and a Bachelor of Science in nonprofit management. Emmanuel Echavarria holds an Associate of Applied Science in occupational studies and a Bachelor of Science in nonprofit management.
The Salvation Army West Chester Corps has served the community for more than 120 years, providing worship services, food assistance, community meals, emergency financial assistance, youth programming and seasonal outreach for residents in need.
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