The Salvation Army’s Transitional Living Center (TLC) has received a generous donation from local business owner and philanthropist, Ken Cassel. Through his business, Sleep Center, he has donated a new double mattress set and frame for each of TLC’s twelve apartments.

Mr. Cassel, has donated financially to charitable organizations throughout his business career. This year he researched local organizations that would benefit from his company’s product and his influence with mattress vendors. In addition to several other organizations, he has taken an interest in the TLC program at The Salvation Army because he feels that the premise of the program best matches his own personal beliefs. He refers to the old parable, "If you want to feed a man for a day, give him a fish. If you want to feed him for a life time, teach him how to fish." Of this statement he says, "I believe in the work of The Savation Army. They are willing to go the extra mile to help people change their lives for the better."

Transitional Living Center apartments are located at the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Plum Street. The majority of clients are homeless, single mothers and their children. The families may stay up to twenty-four months, during which time coordinators and staff work closely with the families to provide a home-like environment and equip them with the tools that they will need to re-enter society. Also, the children are cared for at the HALO Child Enrichment Center, The Salvation Army’s on-site preschool program for homeless families.

Ken Cassel believes strongly in giving back to the community and the power that small businesses possess in making a positive impact. He has committed to providing more beds for The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope transitional living facility and emergency shelter as the need arises. Captain Edward Lee, the Lakeland Command’s Corps Officer, says, "Mr. Cassel has met our need for new mattresses beyond our expectations. We are extremely grateful for Sleep Center's generous gift."