Behind the Shield: Liz Budelman, Communications Assistant
Liz Budelman is the Communications Assistant at The Salvation Army of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (the Divisional Headquarters) in Wauwatosa. She has worked for the organization for almost a year. In her job, she works with all the Worship and Community Centers across the Division to update their websites and its content, photography, creating original content for the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan and Milwaukee County social media as well as managing our platforms. Liz also revamped an old initiative that shined the light on employees, volunteers, board members and those with connections to The Salvation Army which is now this blog. Learn more about Liz below:
Q. How did you first learn about The Salvation Army?
A. Of course those iconic red kettles and the sounds of bells in the air during Christmas time. The Salvation Army also helped my family back in 2005 after my dad was in a life-changing car accident. He sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury causing him to be permanently disabled. Seeing as he was the main breadwinner and my mom now had to take care of him, The Salvation Army helped us pay our utilities for a few months and helped us find resources in our community to survive.
Q. What is your favorite part about working at Salvation Army?
A. The spirit of the organization. Everyone here is willing to help anyone no matter the need. As well as the impact it makes on the community, is truly heartwarming to witness.
Q. What has been your favorite experience at Salvation Army?
A. I went out on the Feed the Kids route back in July. I was able to witness our organization #DoingTheMostGood in our community and see the need first hand really made an impact. I'd also say dressing up as a Doughnut Lassie and handing out Doughnuts at the Milwaukee VA Hospital on National Donut Day.
How could I forget, I’d also say going to camp and doing the zip line was a blast.
Q. What is one thing you believe the world should know about The Salvation Army?
A. There is more than meets the eye. The depth of help the organization offers their communities is incredible. The kindness of anyone involved with The Salvation Army is pure and genuine; no one expects anything in return but the happiness of others.
Q. What are 3 words you would use to describe The Salvation Army?
A. Compassionate, unbiased and dependable
Q. What is your favorite project to work on?
A. Everything Christmas. I started right at the beginning of the Christmas season in 2017 and it was a whirlwind but it was fun to experience that right away. I’m also having a lot of fun with our new websites, it’s a challenging and rewarding project.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to add?
A. I cannot thank The Salvation Army for opening my eyes to issues that face our world and for going out into the world to help those who are in need. Without them, many people would be hungry, cold and left feeling helpless. Also, thank you to everyone who donates. Without your donations, we would not be able to do the things we do.