The Salvation Army Boyertown Corps has welcomed Captains Derek and Betty Ellen Barrett as its new Corps Officers, placing the couple in charge of the organization’s church ministry, community outreach and day-to-day operations.
In their new roles, the Barretts oversee worship services, social service programs, youth ministries, volunteer engagement and other efforts serving individuals and families throughout the Boyertown community.
The couple brings years of experience with The Salvation Army. Derek Barrett grew up in the organization as the son and grandson of Salvation Army officers, while Betty Ellen Barrett was introduced to its mission through her work at Camp Ladore, a camp, retreat and conference center in Pennsylvania’s northern Pocono Mountains.
Betty Ellen Barrett later spent approximately 12 years working in The Salvation Army’s Service Extension Department before the couple entered ministry leadership together.
In 2014, the Barretts began serving as envoys in State College, helping lead the local Salvation Army ministry. They subsequently attended The Salvation Army College for Officer Training and were commissioned as officers in 2019.
Before their appointment in Boyertown, they served at The Salvation Army Roxborough Corps in Philadelphia and the Pottsville Corps.
“We have felt incredibly welcomed by the Boyertown community since arriving here,” said Capt. Betty Ellen Barrett. “So much of the work happening at the Corps is made possible by dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to serve others. The support we have seen from the community has been phenomenal, and we are grateful to be part of it.”
The Boyertown Corps offers several programs to support local residents, including a soup kitchen on Mondays and Tuesdays, a food pantry on Thursdays and Fridays, and Club 316, a weekly youth program.
According to The Salvation Army, the Boyertown Corps serves approximately 26,000 individuals annually through its programs and ministries, which include food assistance, spiritual care, youth activities and seasonal outreach.
Looking ahead, the Barretts plan to strengthen existing programs while exploring new opportunities for children and teenagers, including potential life skills programming.
The couple also hopes to expand the Corps congregation and encourage greater participation in its church ministry.
“One of our goals is to build the Corps, not only in numbers, but by helping people grow in their spiritual walk with the Lord,” said Capt. Derek Barrett. “Many people know The Salvation Army for the services we provide in the community, but they may not realize that we are also a church. We want the Boyertown Corps to be a place where people can find both practical support and a welcoming faith community.”
Community members interested in learning more about the Boyertown Corps, including its services, worship opportunities, volunteer programs and ways to support the organization, can visit pa.salvationarmy.org/boyertown.
