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!

2019 RE-CAP

• Structural face lift – There were masonry repairs made to some of the exterior and the entire facade of the building was painted and given an updated fresh new look.
• Changes in leadership – Scott Linden, the Executive Director that UCAN began the year with, decided to move on to what God had next for him. Therefore, our Program Director, Jeff Rotunda, stepped up into the Executive Director position and has taken on the role with zeal and a sense of purpose for the future of the shelter.
• Board updates – We have had a number of Board members come and go this past year, but still have a tremendously supportive Board that advocates tirelessly to help the Mission progress and move forward… Thank you to all past board members for your service, and we truly appreciate the dedication of all of the current UCAN City Mission board members!
• A New Assistant Director – Billy Witherspoon, was hired on and is beginning to fill his new role and duties within the UCAN organization, helping the Executive Director achieve efficiency and optimal performance both in the areas of guest and staff over-site.
• Key Volunteers – Volunteers are a huge part of the mission’s success. There have been Key Volunteers present throughout this past year and without them we would not have had as nearly as successful a time managing all 19 beds throughout the ups and downs of the 2019. Thank to all of our Volunteers past, present, and future! If you would like to contact the mission about volunteering click here

We look forward to 2020 with eagerness and what is certainly an exciting bright future on the horizon. There is growth to come at the UCAN City Mission both literally and figuratively, and more lives to love and to see impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We hope that you first – pray, and second – see fit to be a part of the journey by supporting us either physically or financially as we bring hope to the hopeless, and offer a bed of rest to the weary.

Here is a perspective for you! Although it is very important to help the mission to continue to operate, is not just money that helps to provide care for the men at the mission. Look at it this way! Think about all of the things that you use daily or maybe even take for granted that you normally don’t think of? Things that involve cleaning your home, clothes, yourself, and so much more. What about the food you eat and the things that you use to prepare it? Let’s also not forget, the much needed, morning coffee and what it takes to prepare this necessity. Now think about what that looks like for just your life and then multiply the need by 19 adult men. This is what the men at the mission also need for them to move forward. Think about the amount of items or supplies like toilet paper, detergent, copy paper, shampoo, and so on that 19 adult men would use daily. It is a lot! But we have been so blessed by the support of the community when it comes to those items being donated! As the sayings goes “it all adds up” and “many hands make light work!” It truly does! We want to thank you all for your support! We also wanted to encourage you to continue to donate as you can. The more that we network together to provide for the needs of the men at the mission the easier the work becomes. In case it has been a while since you have donated, below is a list of the some items that are always needed. Thank you so much!

Cleaning Supplies: Large trash bags, Carpet fresheners,  Air fresheners, Dish soap, Paper towels,   Laundry detergents,   Fabric softener sheets Window cleaner, All-purpose cleaners,  Dish rags/ sponges,   Disinfectant spray,     Latex gloves, Toilet bowl cleaner,    Toilet brushes,     Bleach,     Disinfectant Wipes

Toiletries: Toilet Paper,    (Travel size) Shampoo, Conditioner, Soaps, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Kleenex/Tissues, Combs, Deodorant, Shaving cream Razors…

Kitchen items: 8 oz Coffee Cups, Coffee, Sugar, Creamer (liquid or powder), Cereal (No sugar coated), Salt, Butter, Milk, Napkins, Hot Sauce, 1 gal Ziplock Bags

Office Supplies: Copy Paper,    Envelopes (standard/ business),    Dry Erase, multi color Highlighters, Manila Folders,     Standard 8.5×11 Paper, Masking Tape,    Sharpe Markers,

Here we are coming into the month of September and the change of season is getting closer. As the leaves get ready to change color, the mission is beginning to change color itself. The planned structural repairs for this round have been completed. The brick and mortar has had time to setup. Before the building received the first of it’s new color, it received a wash from top to bottom. Though there is still some time to go, we are already pleased with how the old building is starting to look. Still to come is the accent colors, new signage, and new awnings with a new verse.

Well folks, it is in the books for the UCAN City mission’s 1^st annual fundraising event held on Saturday the 21^st of September. There were many laughs had by all while getting the word out there for the need of helping the men who stay at the mission. There was a great turnout of people on such a beautiful evening at the Lucille Ball Theater. We, here at the mission, wanted to share our deep appreciation for all who were a part of such an evening. To the board, staff, and volunteers, thank you everyone for your service leading up to and through this successful night. Thank you to ALL our sponsors that so generously donated and continue to do so. Thank you to the staff and management for allowing us the use of Events by Scott at 31 Main and the Lucille Ball Theater.  Thank you to all of you who attended and made it possible to have an audience to have a show for and your continued donations. We are excited for what the Lord has in store for the mission and the future events to support it! We will keep you posted as the next one draws near! Thank you and God bless each of you!