About Downtown East Community Church
Who we are
Downtown East Community Church is a local ministry of The Salvation Army serving Toronto’s Downtown East neighbourhood. Located at 160 Jarvis St, our centre is both a community church and a Community Services hub, welcoming people from Moss Park, Regent Park, Cabbagetown and beyond.
Our mission is rooted in being a transformational influence in the lives of individuals and families offering spiritual care, education, fellowship, and practical support in a spirit of compassion and dignity.
Who we are
Downtown East Community Church is a local ministry of The Salvation Army serving Toronto’s Downtown East neighbourhood. Located at 160 Jarvis St, our centre is both a community church and a Community Services hub, welcoming people from Moss Park, Regent Park, Cabbagetown and beyond.
Our mission is rooted in being a transformational influence in the lives of individuals and families offering spiritual care, education, fellowship, and practical support in a spirit of compassion and dignity.
Our history
Our history
The Downtown East Merger – 2019
Downtown East Community Church & Community Services is the result of a meaningful collaboration and renewal of The Salvation Army ministries in Toronto’s Downtown East Neighbourhoods.
In November 2019, three Salvation Army Corps came together to form what is now The Salvation Army Downtown East Community Church & Community Services at 160 Jarvis Street:
- Moss Park (Harbour Light)
- Regent Park (Corps 614)
- Cabbagetown (Warehouse Mission)
Our history
Each of these ministries faithfully served their neighbourhoods through worship, outreach, and compassionate care. Their shared history and legacy continue to shape who we are today.
Today, our ministry is centred at 160 Jarvis Street inside the Harbourlight building, where we carry forward this combined legacy as one unified church and Community Services centre. From this location, we serve individuals and families across Moss Park, Regent Park, Cabbagetown, and the surrounding Downtown East communities.
From Citadel to Dance Studio – 2007
In 2007, The Salvation Army Citadel (est. circa 1912) on 304 Parliament Street in Regent Park sold to Citadel + Compagnie, who reopened the building in 2012 as a community arts studio named 'The Citadel.' They now offer extracurricular dance classes for youth and run outreach initiatives, offering free studio access to local, non-profit, dance groups.
The Old Harbourlight – 1990's
The old Harbourlight building stood at 160 Jarvis St. where the current Harbourlight exists.
Transitional Housing – 1990
The Salvation Army operated many social programs out of their Harbour Light facility. Just next door to their main building was this old, residential home at 152 Jarvis Street, which was used as transitional housing for clients in the late 1990's.
Harbourlight’s start – 1953
The Salvation Army Harbour Light Toronto was founded in 1953 by Major Josh Monk. It's first location was 280 Queen Street West.
We support our community by bringing
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Who we are
Downtown East Community Church is a local ministry of The Salvation Army serving Toronto’s Downtown East neighbourhood. Located at 160 Jarvis St, our centre is both a community church and a Community Services hub, welcoming people from Moss Park, Regent Park, Cabbagetown and beyond.
Our mission is rooted in being a transformational influence in the lives of individuals and families offering spiritual care, education, fellowship, and practical support in a spirit of compassion and dignity.
Our history
Territorial leadership
The Salvation Army’s leadership team in Canada and Bermuda provide vision and policy direction for the territory. They are sustained and encouraged by your prayers for wisdom and grace.
Commissioner Lee Graves
Territorial Commander
Meet our team
Amanda was born and raised in Peterborough, ON. She moved to BC in her young adult years to be close to, and marry, the love of her life, Jeremy. Since summer of 2021, Amanda and Jeremy bring leadership to The Salvation Army Downtown East Community Church.
Amanda brings experience as a psychology major, residential worker and now pastor to the Downtown of Toronto. She excels in one-on-one pastoral care conversations where she gives deeply of herself. Watch out though...Amanda is one fierce advocate when she sees injustice!
We are thrilled to have Amanda as part of the leadership in the downtown of Toronto.
Jeremy is a BC boy who has fallen in love with the heart of Toronto. Born and raised in Port Alberni, BC Jeremy relocated to the Okanagan in his young adulthood, marrying the love of his life, Amanda. Jeremy brings a plethora of experience in working with people of various backgrounds, specifically in the Community Living and Employment sectors.
Even though he is a counseling major, Jeremy is an administrator at heart, who welcomes people from all backgrounds. With his wife, Amanda, Jeremy has provided leadership to Downtown East Community Church since the Summer of 2021, directly after being commissioned and ordained as a Salvation Army Officer/Pastor. He loves teaching from the Bible, ever trying to reduce barriers for people to understand Gods word.
With a people-centred approach, Lola Lawson seeks to bring harmony, productivity and collaboration to the team. Lola holds a Social Service Worker Diploma along with Harvard Business certification in Leadership training and a background in staff management.
She has a passion for serving others and is driven by faith. As a Jamaican citizen, Lola enjoys travelling to her home country and loves to have her food, which is the Jamaican national dish – Ackee and Salt-Fish with dumplings.
While bringing enthusiasm and insight to staff meetings, Lola desires to bring change and evolution that is influenced by the growth and development of the Downtown East team.
416-304-1982 ext. 501
lola.lawson@salvationarmy.ca
Richard is originally from Chennai and is now embracing 'The Great White North'. He holds a master's degree in social work.
By day, he focuses on community initiatives, embracing a philosophy of mutual growth by learning alongside his clients and drawing inspiration from their stories and resilience, while striving through compassionate action to create environments where everyone can thrive, and by night, he enjoys playing badminton and watching cricket.
He believes that Canada’s natural beauty and friendly people make life here amazing. When he’s not relaxing to his favorite tracks,he’s busy exploring Canadian heritage.
Syeda hails from Bangladesh, a picturesque country in South Asia known for its lush greenery and numerous waterways. With a robust career spanning finance and customer service, she holds a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management (HRM). This academic background has afforded her the privilege of working closely with both management and employees, seamlessly blending management and finance to confidently manage projects and serve the community.
She enjoys Mediterranean and Indian-Chinese cuisine, and loves cooking and offering hospitality with love and a smile to those around her. As a people person, she thrives on interacting with clients, listening attentively to their needs, and serving them with passion. Her love for nature fuels her interests in hiking, camping, and gardening. She enjoys exploring new places and embracing different cultures, finding joy in the diversity of Canada.
Suyi was born in Hong Kong and completed her education with a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work. Her career has been shaped by her passion for helping people, having worked as a social worker where she assisted clients in navigating life’s challenges and achieving their goals. She also worked in a café, where she developed a love for coffee and latte art.
Suyi is drawn to the comfort of home and creativity. Artistry is her passion, and she loves spending her free time on creative projects—whether it’s designing latte art, exploring new recipes, or engaging in various artistic activities. Whether it’s crafting or making the perfect cup of coffee, She’s always exploring new ways to express her creativity.
416-304-1982 ext. 402
suyi.wong@salvationarmy.ca
Kanga has worked with The Salvation Army for over 15 years in the Downtown East of Toronto. She has a timeless passion for the kids in this neighbourhood, and strives to bring them the love and teaching of Jesus.
Get in touch
Phone: (416) 304-1982
Email: downtowneast.info@salvationarmy.ca
