From the Operations desk:

7 months have flown by and here we are. UCAN has been both challenging and rewarding. Early on I had shared in our spring report that I began my journey with UCAN working in three specific areas. I continue to travel that path; learning and becoming acclimated to the mission, improving its efficiency and effectiveness and being a serving presence. Learning is a constant process. Everyday at UCAN is full of new opportunities to learn and grow. This is because the mission is always in motion towards a better future. Allow me to share with you a few areas where I have been working:

An overloaded disorganized storage room off of our dining room has been transformed into an organized usable workspace

With the help of strong volunteers we have entered the process of going through our donated clothing, both downsizing our inventory and labeling what we have. This will ensure that we have only clothes that we will actually use and that finding clothes for guests in need will be easier.

During our monthly staff meetings I have been revisiting and training staff on the standard operating procedure for shelters including; ethics, boundaries and customer service. To make sure UCAN staff is on the same page with how we treat guests and each other.

I have clarified what is expected of our operations staff by reworking UCAN’s staff code of conduct [which they will sign off on this Thursday 8/7] and holding regular job evaluations.

We are now recycling at UCAN and strive to be better with our overall disposal.

These months saw the loss of one of my full-time operations staff. We have responded well by hiring a new full-time employee.

We are implementing an “as-they-go” plan. Which focuses on our process with guests who are transitioning out of UCAN. This will be done by assessing their needs and assisting them with the supplies they might need, celebrating them and encircling them with prayer prior to their departure.

Since I started I have spoken at 3 churches and 3 organizations specifically about the ministry of UCAN to create awareness and support for the mission. As an ordained minister, I am also preaching 2-3 times a month at various locations, which always gives me an opportunity to share stories about UCAN and the work it continues to do.

In serving UCAN, I have the privilege of working with our Executive Director and Case Worker, who have been instrumental in helping me get acclimated to the mission and it’s overall functioning. We are growing in our relationship and collaboration. I have been able to step in and help them with payroll, scheduling, write-ups with guests and addressing staff challenges as they arise. I am thoroughly enjoying my job with UCAN and hope that I have been as much of a blessing to them as they have been to me ☺️