About The Salvation Army in Southern California
Lt. Colonel Michael Dickinson, divisional commander for Southern California
Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, divisional director of women's ministries and divisional leader for officer development
Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, divisional director of women's ministries and divisional leader for officer development
Our Vision
The Salvation Army in Southern California is committed to serving men, women, and children in need on a daily basis without discrimination, by:
- Providing basic needs services such as food, rental and utility assistance, and case management support for families in distress
- Helping youth overcome a number of obstacles including poverty, violence, overcrowded and failing schools, and the influence of drugs and illegal activities
- Providing a safety net for homeless individuals looking to make necessary life changes
- Providing supportive services through our homeless programs to veterans and recovering addicts
- Providing basic health services to low-income and homeless individuals
- Providing educational training and skills enhancement to those looking to regain control of their lives, or to children who simply need a helping hand
- Filling a critical need for housing for low-income seniors, as well as assisting them in managing escalating housing costs
- Responding to disasters by ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our community receive shelter, food, and assistance in rebuilding their lives
- Measuring, communicating and learning from the impact of our efforts
Our Impact
history
Our History in Southern California
Read a brief history of the Salvation Army's more than 130 years of Service in Southern California.
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Explore our Service Areas and Locations
The Salvation Army in Southern California covers the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial, and San Diego.
groups
Who We Are
Discover the dedicated officers, soldiers, and volunteers behind The Salvation Army's mission.
Leadership
Lt. Colonels Michael and Cindy Dickinson
Divisional CommanderLt. Colonel Michael Dickinson, divisional commander, and Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, divisional director of women's ministries and divisonal leader for officer development, are in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Southern California. Headquartered in Carson, CA, the divisions extends south to San Diego County, north to San Luis Obisbo County, and east to Riverside and Imperial Counties.
Lt. Colonels Michael and Cindy Dickinson
Divisional Commander
Lt. Colonel Michael Dickinson, divisional commander, and Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, divisional director of women's ministries and divisonal leader for officer development, are in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Southern California. Headquartered in Carson, CA, the divisions extends south to San Diego County, north to San Luis Obisbo County, and east to Riverside and Imperial Counties.
Lyndon Buckingham
GeneralGeneral Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, originally from the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, are passionate representatives of The Salvation Army.
They have served as officers since they were commissioned in 1990 as members of the Ambassadors for Christ Session. Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff on 3 August 2018 and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021, having previously served as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.
They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023.
Over the years of their officership they have served in corps appointments in New Zealand and Canada, as Territorial Youth and Candidates Secretaries, Divisional Leaders and Territorial Programme Secretaries.
On 1 February 2013 the Buckinghams were appointed to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, firstly as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively, before assuming territorial leadership in June 2013. On 1 January 2018 they were appointed to lead the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as Territorial Leader for Leader Development.
Bronwyn and Lyndon are blessed to be parents and grandparents. They are continually encouraged and challenged by the desire of their adult children to serve God in their generation.
In each of their appointments the Buckinghams have displayed a desire to see the great news of the gospel shared.
Bronwyn is inspired by the belief that God has a new truth to reveal to her daily and compelled by the promise that he is continuing to grow and stretch her (Philippians 1:6 NIV). She desires to be the woman God is calling her to be and is passionate to be part of an Army where the next generation will choose to embrace their leadership calling.
Lyndon is passionate about finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission. He is determined to be faithful to the covenants he has made and is motivated by verses from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV 1984).
Both are intent on enjoying life, endeavoring to stay fit by walking and rowing. They enjoy reading, watching good movies and are avid supporters of New Zealand’s ‘All Blacks’ rugby union team!
Lyndon Buckingham
General
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, originally from the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, are passionate representatives of The Salvation Army.
They have served as officers since they were commissioned in 1990 as members of the Ambassadors for Christ Session. Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff on 3 August 2018 and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021, having previously served as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.
They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023.
Over the years of their officership they have served in corps appointments in New Zealand and Canada, as Territorial Youth and Candidates Secretaries, Divisional Leaders and Territorial Programme Secretaries.
On 1 February 2013 the Buckinghams were appointed to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, firstly as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively, before assuming territorial leadership in June 2013. On 1 January 2018 they were appointed to lead the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as Territorial Leader for Leader Development.
Bronwyn and Lyndon are blessed to be parents and grandparents. They are continually encouraged and challenged by the desire of their adult children to serve God in their generation.
In each of their appointments the Buckinghams have displayed a desire to see the great news of the gospel shared.
Bronwyn is inspired by the belief that God has a new truth to reveal to her daily and compelled by the promise that he is continuing to grow and stretch her (Philippians 1:6 NIV). She desires to be the woman God is calling her to be and is passionate to be part of an Army where the next generation will choose to embrace their leadership calling.
Lyndon is passionate about finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission. He is determined to be faithful to the covenants he has made and is motivated by verses from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV 1984).
Both are intent on enjoying life, endeavoring to stay fit by walking and rowing. They enjoy reading, watching good movies and are avid supporters of New Zealand’s ‘All Blacks’ rugby union team!
Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole
National CommanderCommissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole are the national leaders of The Salvation Army in the United States of America with Merle serving as the National Commander and Dawn serving as the National Secretary for Program. They assumed these appointments on March 1, 2025.
Immediately preceding this appointment Merle served as Territorial Commander and Dawn as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory.
Merle and Dawn are both children of Salvation Army officers, Lt. Colonels Merle L. and Vivian Heatwole and Colonels Thomas C. and Mary Lewis. The Heatwoles met when their parents were both stationed at the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters. They were married in 1981, entered the College for Officer Training the next year and were commissioned in 1984 as a part of the Servants of God session.
The Heatwoles served in appointments as corps officers, divisional officers, and territorial officers in addition to appointments at National Headquarters in the USA and International Headquarters in London, England.
The Heatwoles have three adult children Michael, Michele and Melissa who live in the United States. Michael and his wife, Linnea, live in Carpentersville, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Elin and Audrey. Michele and her husband, Dan Penning, live in St. Petersburg, Florida, with the Heatwoles’ grandson, Carter. Melissa and her husband, Kenyon Sivels, are the corps officers in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Trinity and Eden.
Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole
National Commander
Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole are the national leaders of The Salvation Army in the United States of America with Merle serving as the National Commander and Dawn serving as the National Secretary for Program. They assumed these appointments on March 1, 2025.
Immediately preceding this appointment Merle served as Territorial Commander and Dawn as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory.
Merle and Dawn are both children of Salvation Army officers, Lt. Colonels Merle L. and Vivian Heatwole and Colonels Thomas C. and Mary Lewis. The Heatwoles met when their parents were both stationed at the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters. They were married in 1981, entered the College for Officer Training the next year and were commissioned in 1984 as a part of the Servants of God session.
The Heatwoles served in appointments as corps officers, divisional officers, and territorial officers in addition to appointments at National Headquarters in the USA and International Headquarters in London, England.
The Heatwoles have three adult children Michael, Michele and Melissa who live in the United States. Michael and his wife, Linnea, live in Carpentersville, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Elin and Audrey. Michele and her husband, Dan Penning, live in St. Petersburg, Florida, with the Heatwoles’ grandson, Carter. Melissa and her husband, Kenyon Sivels, are the corps officers in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Trinity and Eden.
Lt. Colonels Michael and Cindy Dickinson
Divisional CommanderLt. Colonel Michael Dickinson, divisional commander, and Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, divisional director of women's ministries and divisonal leader for officer development, are in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Southern California. Headquartered in Carson, CA, the divisions extends south to San Diego County, north to San Luis Obisbo County, and east to Riverside and Imperial Counties.
Lt. Colonels Michael and Cindy Dickinson
Divisional Commander
Lt. Colonel Michael Dickinson, divisional commander, and Lt. Colonel Cindy Dickinson, divisional director of women's ministries and divisonal leader for officer development, are in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Southern California. Headquartered in Carson, CA, the divisions extends south to San Diego County, north to San Luis Obisbo County, and east to Riverside and Imperial Counties.
Lyndon Buckingham
GeneralGeneral Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, originally from the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, are passionate representatives of The Salvation Army.
They have served as officers since they were commissioned in 1990 as members of the Ambassadors for Christ Session. Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff on 3 August 2018 and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021, having previously served as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.
They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023.
Over the years of their officership they have served in corps appointments in New Zealand and Canada, as Territorial Youth and Candidates Secretaries, Divisional Leaders and Territorial Programme Secretaries.
On 1 February 2013 the Buckinghams were appointed to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, firstly as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively, before assuming territorial leadership in June 2013. On 1 January 2018 they were appointed to lead the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as Territorial Leader for Leader Development.
Bronwyn and Lyndon are blessed to be parents and grandparents. They are continually encouraged and challenged by the desire of their adult children to serve God in their generation.
In each of their appointments the Buckinghams have displayed a desire to see the great news of the gospel shared.
Bronwyn is inspired by the belief that God has a new truth to reveal to her daily and compelled by the promise that he is continuing to grow and stretch her (Philippians 1:6 NIV). She desires to be the woman God is calling her to be and is passionate to be part of an Army where the next generation will choose to embrace their leadership calling.
Lyndon is passionate about finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission. He is determined to be faithful to the covenants he has made and is motivated by verses from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV 1984).
Both are intent on enjoying life, endeavoring to stay fit by walking and rowing. They enjoy reading, watching good movies and are avid supporters of New Zealand’s ‘All Blacks’ rugby union team!
Lyndon Buckingham
General
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, originally from the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, are passionate representatives of The Salvation Army.
They have served as officers since they were commissioned in 1990 as members of the Ambassadors for Christ Session. Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff on 3 August 2018 and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021, having previously served as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.
They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023.
Over the years of their officership they have served in corps appointments in New Zealand and Canada, as Territorial Youth and Candidates Secretaries, Divisional Leaders and Territorial Programme Secretaries.
On 1 February 2013 the Buckinghams were appointed to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, firstly as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively, before assuming territorial leadership in June 2013. On 1 January 2018 they were appointed to lead the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as Territorial Leader for Leader Development.
Bronwyn and Lyndon are blessed to be parents and grandparents. They are continually encouraged and challenged by the desire of their adult children to serve God in their generation.
In each of their appointments the Buckinghams have displayed a desire to see the great news of the gospel shared.
Bronwyn is inspired by the belief that God has a new truth to reveal to her daily and compelled by the promise that he is continuing to grow and stretch her (Philippians 1:6 NIV). She desires to be the woman God is calling her to be and is passionate to be part of an Army where the next generation will choose to embrace their leadership calling.
Lyndon is passionate about finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission. He is determined to be faithful to the covenants he has made and is motivated by verses from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV 1984).
Both are intent on enjoying life, endeavoring to stay fit by walking and rowing. They enjoy reading, watching good movies and are avid supporters of New Zealand’s ‘All Blacks’ rugby union team!
Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole
National CommanderCommissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole are the national leaders of The Salvation Army in the United States of America with Merle serving as the National Commander and Dawn serving as the National Secretary for Program. They assumed these appointments on March 1, 2025.
Immediately preceding this appointment Merle served as Territorial Commander and Dawn as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory.
Merle and Dawn are both children of Salvation Army officers, Lt. Colonels Merle L. and Vivian Heatwole and Colonels Thomas C. and Mary Lewis. The Heatwoles met when their parents were both stationed at the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters. They were married in 1981, entered the College for Officer Training the next year and were commissioned in 1984 as a part of the Servants of God session.
The Heatwoles served in appointments as corps officers, divisional officers, and territorial officers in addition to appointments at National Headquarters in the USA and International Headquarters in London, England.
The Heatwoles have three adult children Michael, Michele and Melissa who live in the United States. Michael and his wife, Linnea, live in Carpentersville, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Elin and Audrey. Michele and her husband, Dan Penning, live in St. Petersburg, Florida, with the Heatwoles’ grandson, Carter. Melissa and her husband, Kenyon Sivels, are the corps officers in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Trinity and Eden.
Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole
National Commander
Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole are the national leaders of The Salvation Army in the United States of America with Merle serving as the National Commander and Dawn serving as the National Secretary for Program. They assumed these appointments on March 1, 2025.
Immediately preceding this appointment Merle served as Territorial Commander and Dawn as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory.
Merle and Dawn are both children of Salvation Army officers, Lt. Colonels Merle L. and Vivian Heatwole and Colonels Thomas C. and Mary Lewis. The Heatwoles met when their parents were both stationed at the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters. They were married in 1981, entered the College for Officer Training the next year and were commissioned in 1984 as a part of the Servants of God session.
The Heatwoles served in appointments as corps officers, divisional officers, and territorial officers in addition to appointments at National Headquarters in the USA and International Headquarters in London, England.
The Heatwoles have three adult children Michael, Michele and Melissa who live in the United States. Michael and his wife, Linnea, live in Carpentersville, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Elin and Audrey. Michele and her husband, Dan Penning, live in St. Petersburg, Florida, with the Heatwoles’ grandson, Carter. Melissa and her husband, Kenyon Sivels, are the corps officers in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Trinity and Eden.