T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM John Hofer sits in his new office at the Salvation Army Marshalltown. Hofer began working as the envoy three weeks ago, and is excited about the opportunity to lead the nonprofit.

He might not have officially introduced himself to the community, but the new Salvation Army Marshalltown Envoy John Hofer has been here for three weeks. He has been learning the ropes of his role in leading the nonprofit organization.

“We have a beautiful facility here,” Hofer, 48, said.

He wanted to clarify the difference between his title and that of a Salvation Army captain or lieutenant.

“I did not go through the two-year college in Chicago,” Hofer said. “I did an internship and three years as a ministry assistant. I did not go to college, but have been field trained on the front line.”

Now that he is in Marshalltown, he hopes to get the Salvation Army summer day camps and after school programs thriving again. Hofer, who transferred from Davenport, has seen roughly 25 children, of various ages, attend the recent youth nights.

“It shows me the youth are interested in having a place to come to, and I would like to see us go back to that thriving community center throughout the year,” he said. “I feel if we have a good program here, it will be good for the kids.”

Despite the decrease in donations the previous year, which led to a reduction of hours at the facility, Hofer is confident he and his staff, who he said are all great, can prove the Salvation Army is worthy of local charity. He plans on doing that through showing involvement of the organization in the community, and not just during times of disaster or during the Christmas season.

“There are opportunities for us to connect,” Hofer said. “We want to let people know we are still here, and these are the programs we offer. I think that will help with the donations. People want to know their gifts are being used the best they can. I know economically speaking, across the board, donations are down in a lot of communities. Need is rising.”

During the three weeks Hofer has been in the position, he said there have been a large amount of requests from people who are in need.

“I’ve seen more people here daily than I saw in the Quad Cities,” he said. “It’s a testament to the need (that) is there, and we are seen as a resource. We are able to address the little things such as a loaf of bread and lessen their burdens. We get phone calls all day long from people. We wish we could, but we can’t help everyone. We just don’t have the money to do that.”

Inspired by his time at the Salvation Army in the Quad Cities, Hofer also would like to develop a disaster response team in Marshalltown.

“Hopefully we won’t have the need for a disaster response, but have something in place that can be quickly organized if we need it,” he said.

Originally from Davenport, Hofer served in the United States Army for 15 years. He did one tour in Afghanistan and three in Iraq, achieving the rank of sergeant before returning to the United States. He finished his service, but went back to active duty for one and a half years.

During the last part of his service, Hofer was on the east coast working on a chemical and radiological nuclear task force. It was after his second service that he joined the ranks of the Salvation Army.

“In that transition, I got connected with the Salvation Army and they have the adult rehab center,” he said. “I worked there for two and half years as the resident manager.”

Hofer helped clients get settled in as they worked on recovery, and he said it went well. The dorm-style living was something he was already used to, and he became more familiar with the Salvation Army. Hofer also became interested in the ministry aspect after going to Puerto Rico in response to Hurricane Maria in 2017.

“I was really drawn to it, and I was growing closer in my relationship with God,” he said. “Then the opportunity came for me to learn more about the ministry portion of the Salvation Army. Then I got the call to come to Marshalltown.”

Knowing the many recent changes in leadership in the Salvation Army Marshalltown, Hofer can see this being a long-term position for him. Former Captain Chris Nicolai and his wife Abby left in July after one year. They replaced Captain Pam Kasten, who retired in June 2022.

“I’m the third Salvation Army leader in a year, and I’m sensitive to that,” he said. “I don’t want to be seen as someone who is soldiering with a lack of temperance. The way things have been going with settling in and getting acquainted, it feels like a place I could be for a while. I don’t have any plans to go anywhere.”

Fortunately, Hofer considers Marshalltown a wonderful place.

“Marshalltown is a very beautiful place,” he said. “As soon as I got here, I saw the beauty of the hills and the community in general. Marshalltown seems like a nice city. The people have been generous. There’s a small town feel. Since I’ve been here, people have introduced themselves, which lets me know the community has an intimate feel to it. I thought that was a neat thing, and I find it very welcoming. I feel Marshalltown is going to be a great place to serve.”

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.