Creating a Family
Captains Nikki and Corey Hughes
Serving others is what Captains Nikki and Corey Hughes do best. Providing a family atmosphere and growing hope and love is what they cherish. Both captains have experience with Salvation Army social programs, and they offer the same support that was provided to them and their families.
Nikki began attending The Salvation Army when her father received Christ at a Salvation Army men’s dorm. Shortly after, the entire family began attending Army programs and became a part of the organization in one way or another. Then, at age fourteen, Nikki heard the call to officership, and at nineteen, she went to training at the College for Officer Training. Commissioned in 1995, she left the work after six months to get married.
Corey found The Salvation Army in Indianapolis at the Adult Rehabilitation Command; he was a beneficiary. After he completed the program and became the resident manager, he met Nikki. They were an excellent match.
Corey went to training, and Nikki returned to the work as a lieutenant. Today, equipped with a BA in Business and a MA in Urban Ministries, Captain Corey is able to build the trust of kids who experience grief and anger due to violence.
Together, the captains minister to children and adults who seek a safe haven, a church family, and a place to call home. They also provide mentoring programs such as Celebrate, Launch, and Landing. This program encourages discussion, fellowship, and playing basketball. It also includes experiential learning through field trips. Creating a family, growing a church, and loving the community can make all the difference.
Trophy
2020
The youth of the Chicago (Englewood), Il Corps won this trophy in 2020. It was awarded by the Kids on the Block non-profit organization that offers programs like the summer basketball league for kids in the Englewood neighborhood. Kids off the Block is a non-profit organization who partners with other service organizations like The Salvation Army to cultivate skills and meet the needs of the young people across the area.
On loan from the Chicago (Englewood), IL Red Shield Center