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 ☺️

I stepped into the role as caseworker July 18, 2024. I have my Bachelors degree in Substance Abuse and Addiction to be a counselor. I am currently working on my CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor).

It has been a year with a re-occurring change from stepping into one role and taking on two more. It has been a blessing because I have been blessed to work hand in hand with the Director. He has listened to what I have to say and makes me feel as though I am valued. This value comes not only as a person, but as a caseworker, but also a new found Christian. When there is self doubt or frustration, he always makes it known that it will always work out. In the year I have been here I have met some pretty amazing people who have stories and experiences that some could not even imagine how they are still going. Hearing their stories and helping them transition into their own home is one of my favorite parts of my job. My door is always open if they need anything. For the guys who have a substance use disorder, I offer the Life Recovery work book program where we will sit down and discuss the 12 steps of recovery and how it relates to different stories in the bible. We also have several groups available to guests throughout the week including a Clean Sober Saved meeting & a weekly Men’s Devotion by Jamestown City Revival. for our guests to attend if they choose. Since I have started we have brought on some pretty amazing people that I get to call coworkers and I look forward to continuing to make some pretty amazing changes in the lives of those we work with.

“Since thou was precious in my sight, thous has been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” Isaiah 43:4

Spring 2025 UCAN City Mission Report

 

Fall 2024 UCAN City Mission Report

 

Another season and many things have been slowly transitioning here at The UCAN City Mission. Please check out our latest’s newsletters that have been posted. As we take a look at the new season we are walking through right now and what can be expected for the future. We can not help but be excited about the newness of life and vision at UCAN.

 

Here is a brief history of UCAN in a series of pictures.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! We have some encouraging stories to share in this winter’s Mission Newsletter from Director Jeff Rotunda, and we hope and pray that you enjoy them and are blessed the same way that we have been here at UCAN. Remember the reason for this festive Season and bring Joy to the World wherever you GO GO GO! (LOL… see what I did there? instead of HO HO HO, I said GO GO GO.)

Is there understanding? Where discipline thrives, freedom multiplies! Remember that there is a difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline in this case means “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” “a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity.” As the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” is often true of the work that goes on here at the UCAN City Mission, even during these uncertain times. We provide emergency services, such as toiletries, laundry and food, a safe place to sleep, and referrals to help men not only get back on their feet, but move forward in a positive direction. The one thing we cannot provide, however, is the will to do the work to maintain that positive direction.

Our rules and regulations have been established within our program to maintain safety, security, and structure, as well as provide guidance and a sense of “buy in” on the part of our guests. What is normally not seen by the community or people on the outside is many times, some men may feel like they are above the rules or responsibilities, or that they just don’t apply to them. We have a written warning system, similar to a “three strikes” protocol, and due to the often delicate balance we are upholding regarding the personalities and issues in the shelter at any given time, hard decisions have to be made.

We help everyone we can, in every way that we can, but sometimes it becomes painfully obvious that the men may not be ready to help themselves. We offer as much grace, truth, and hope as we can, along with all the practical help we extend to put these men in a position to begin or continue to make choices that better serve them. For some, it is often easier or more comfortable to return to familiar habits or ways of dealing with their current situations.

We do know, however, that through Jesus Christ first of all, and the help of a supportive network of caring people, change can be made and the trajectory of a life can begin to move in a positive direction. Nobody is ever too lost to be found!