Foto: The Simoes move on to Portland.
by Richard Lieberman
The Advisory Board, along with the Downtown Rotary Club, Lion and the Kiwanis recently held a farewell BBQ for the Simoes family. Silvia Benetti Simoes, Lieutenant along with her husband Favio Simoes and their children bid farewell to Ventura after five years of service with the Salvation Army in Ventura.
“The best thing we were able to do in Ventura was engage with the community to help people and to build up a relationship with people from different areas of the community.” Said Silvia Simoes.
Favio Simoes added “the opportunity for me to have helped people get back to a normal life, and to offer to people not just shelter and food, but just to offer hope, many just need hope.
The Simoes have been reassigned to Portland and will be working at Salvation Army headquarters at the Cascade division.
“We love Ventura and it will always remain in our hearts.” Said Silivia Simoes. “We were so happy to be able to work with so many organizations in Ventura that welcome the Salvation Army.” She added
Favio Simoes began teaching music to youth in Ventura seven years ago and after that leaders at Salvation Army offered him a chance to attend the Salvation Army Training College to become an officer. After training they were assigned to Ventura chapter as their first appointment. “We felt that god was calling us to serve a full -time ministry, and that’s how we got to Ventura.”
“I will never forget what we were able to do to help Ventura Citizens after the Thomas fire to help bring people back to normalcy “said Favio. “It was amazing to see people from all different areas come together to help people in Ventura.” Added Silvia.
The Breeze wishes the Simoes our best at their new assignment. Ventura will miss their presence and good work.
