Major Elijah Kahn, general secretary of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, second from left, got in on the action when two Boston Bruins centers visited the non-profit’s Boston Kroc Center to assist with a street hockey clinics for children in youth programs. (Courtesy The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division) 
Major Valerie Kahn, Program Secretary, reads up on key programs at The Salvation Army’s programs across the Commonwealth. (Courtesy The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division)
CANTON — The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is pleased to welcome new General Secretary Major Elijah Kahn and Program Secretary Major Valerie Kahn. The 28-year veterans of The Salvation Army, who arrived at the non-profit’s Divisional Headquarters in January, are settling into their new surroundings and will support statewide efforts to fulfill the organization’s mission to “do the most good.”
“This is our first time being appointed to a role in Massachusetts, so we are thrilled to be serving such a diverse community. The Salvation Army has so many ways of reaching people,” Major Valerie Kahn said. “In every community it’s different, but it’s always the same message and the same purpose — to serve everyone.”
The couple, who has two grown children, previously served The Salvation Army in the Greater New York Division, the New Jersey Division, and the Northeast Ohio Division. Major Elijah Kahn was first introduced to The Salvation Army’s programs in New York City, while Major Valerie was raised within The Salvation Army. They met while attending The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training.
“I want people to know that The Salvation Army is far more than just Red Kettles and thrift stores,” said Major Elijah Kahn. “The Salvation Army works year-round to help families overcome poverty, provide a safe-haven for children as they seek refuge from the streets, and to provide other vital social services.”
Major Elijah Kahn was first exposed to The Salvation Army through just such programming as a young man in Brooklyn and his family used the day-care and after-school programs offered by their local Salvation Army.
Kahn was honored to serve with The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was among the first Salvation Army officers and volunteers to respond to Ground Zero in the wake of the terrorist attacks and remained on the frontlines for weeks following.
“During times of disaster, we’re often one of the first on scene and the last to leave,” he said. “We were one of the first response agencies to be there.”
Major Valerie Kahn said she is already in love with the diverse programming of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, which serves thousands of people across every zip code in the Commonwealth each year.
“We serve all people without discrimination,” said Major Elijah Kahn. “That’s the gospel to me. We can reach out to anyone and say you are loved.”
Major Valerie Kahn has a background in early childhood education and is a particular fan of The Salvation Army’s after-school programs, the non-profit’s summer camps, and all aspects of the organization’s social services for youth.
“I love the work we do to feed and support struggling families both practically and spiritually,” she said. “It’s wonderful to sit down, have a meal, and conversation with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.”
Major Elijah agrees, “There’s nothing better than seeing firsthand the transformation that takes place in people as they become self-sufficient members of society.”
Major Elijah holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Nyack College and a master’s degree from Eastern University. Major Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Geneva College and a Certificate in Spiritual Transformation from Northwestern Seminary.
In their free time, the Kahns love exploring trails and parks, and look forward to exploring all that Massachusetts has to offer. Major Elijah Kahn loves cycling and hiking the Appalachian trail, while Major Valerie Kahn enjoys reading, walking the family dog Bella, cooking, board games, and walking along the beach searching for seashells.
“We are just two ordinary people who love others and who are passionate about serving. That’s who we are,” said Major Valerie Kahn. “We love people, and we love serving, and we love being able to make a difference in the lives of others by the work we do.”
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division serves 29 Corps Community Centers and 220 Service Unit areas. For more information, visit SalvationArmyMA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.
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