Maud Ballington BoothMaud Elizabeth Charlesworth, later known as Maud Ballington Booth, was a prominent figure in social reform, known for her work with the Salvation Army and as a co-founder of the Volunteers of America. Born in Limpsfield, United Kingdom, on September 3, 1865, she moved to the United States where she became a significant force in promoting the welfare of marginalized communities. Maud's commitment to helping the poor, incarcerated, and disadvantaged led her to join the Salvation Army, where she met and married Ballington Booth in 1886. Together, they founded the Volunteers of America, an organization dedicated to providing support for people in need, including prisoners, the homeless, and families struggling in poverty. Her work focused on prison reform and advocating for the humane treatment of those incarcerated, as well as helping them reintegrate into society after serving their sentences. Throughout her life, Maud worked tirelessly for social change, writing extensively about issues of social justice. She passed away on August 26, 1948, at the age of 82, in Great Neck, New York, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and lasting influence on social welfare reform. Read More Read Less