More than 60 years ago, Goodman’s Grocery Store owner Betty Goodman came to the Salvation Army in Selma. She never left.

Today as a volunteer, Goodman said she uses the lessons she has learned through the years to help the young people at the Salvation Army and around her Alabama Street store.

She said it all began when she first moved to town.

“I was 4-years-old and somebody invited my brother and I to the Salvation Army,” she said. “He got me and put me on his bike and we rode up there and we started going to the church. I’ve been going ever since then.”

Goodman said the Salvation Army has always been her first love and a major part of her life.

“When I was younger I became a member of the Girl Guard and today I am able to help with the guard, youth groups and the ladies group.”

Those who know Goodman says she will do anything to help people and often ministers to customers in the store. She said she just wants to give young people the positive influences she was given as a youth.

“I thank the Lord for the older people that made me want to keep going,” she said. “I think it’s important that we pass that on.”

Her favorite part of the Salvation Army is the opportunity to mentor others through the church.

“I love the devotion part of the Salvation Army and that we have church,” she said. “I am a Sunday school teacher, which is something else I enjoy. I also help when the preacher is out of town.”