The 43,000-square-foot facility serves as a place of worship for members of the Salvation Army and as a community center intended to serve the greatest number of people experiencing the greatest need. We seek to fulfill Joan Kroc’s vision by providing easy access to the arts, music, sports, and educational programming for each and every member of our community. The facility currently features a worship center, field house, classrooms, a fun zone, and a community room.
A $7.2 million dollar expansion project is under way and will take the existing facility to a new level, adding an indoor waterpark, fitness facility, locker rooms, a community hub with expanded concessions, and multipurpose rooms and lounge space to the current campus.
Prior to the opening of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, The Salvation Army was located at 40 East 3rd Street, Ashland, Ohio. Less than a mile away from the Kroc Center, the 3rd Street location served as the home of The Salvation Army Ashland Corps ministry from 1937 until the opening of the Kroc Center in April of 2009. The chapel cross, featured as you drive into the Kroc Center, was created from steel beams from the building. Upon entering the Kroc Center, previous items from the building can be found in the prayer room, RJ's place, and other rooms in the facility.
Major Annalise Francis
Major Billy Francis
Major James Klemowski
Brandon Wells, Business/Ops/HR
Becky Schaaf, Director of Programs
Vicki Bailey, Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper
Tim Haglund, Director of Development
Gayle Akkerman, Welcome Center Coordinator
Theresa Watson, Food Pantry Coordinator
Mary Anne Klemowski, Volunteer Coordinator/Admin Asst.
Cynthia Kyser, Director of Social Services
Makayla Kloock, Emergency Assistance Case Manager
Jacob Winn, Youth Ministries Coordinator
TBD Music Coordinator
Natalee Blackford, Events Coordinator
Jen Morano, Food Service Coordinator
Local advisory boards review annual budgets, help coordinate programs with other agencies, and provide advice for local activities and fundraising campaigns. Other advisory organizations serve specific Salvation Army programs in similar ways. A National Advisory Board, for instance, provides guidance for programs and services throughout the United States.
Our Advisory Board provides valuable assistance and advice that help us advance and continue the operations of The Salvation Army. Local community leaders volunteer their efforts to help the Army in maintaining good business and professional relations.
For a list of members and additional information about The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board please visit mysaboard.org.
Interested in joining the Ashland Kroc Center Board? Contact Brandon Wells at Brandon.Wells@use.salvationarmy.org
Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, said that she took a tour of San Diego and it was then that she recognized a community that was in desperate need of a safe gathering place, a place with facilities and trained professionals to nurture children’s social skills, arts appreciation and athletic potential. She described the Kroc Center as being a beacon of light and hope in the community.
Mrs. Kroc entrusted The Salvation Army with $87 million to build the first Kroc Center in the Rolando neighborhood of San Diego. Sadly, she passed away a little more than a year after it opened. She was so pleased with what was accomplished there that she left $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army to build centers like it across the country. Today, there are 26 Kroc Centers open and operational. Visit San Diego website >>
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
THE SALVATION ARMY RAY & JOAN KROC CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER
527 East Liberty Street
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 281-8001
Food Pantry: (419) 282-4223
Contact Us
Sign Up for Kroc Email
Facility Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-8PM
Sunday Worship: 10AM
Social Services: Monday-Friday, 9AM-3PM
Food Pantry: Monday, 11AM-2PM;
Tuesday-Friday, 10AM-2PM