From the Operations desk:

 

Allow me to catch you up on what has been happening in operations.

 

In October of 2025 our mission was selected as one of the Citygate missions to participate in the Innovation and Impact Lab in Baltimore, Maryland. Myself and 3 others of our team were able to spend four days with the Helping Up Mission and their tremendous staff. These days were extremely beneficial and are being used as a benchmark as we move forward. Our plan moving forward included hiring an outside consultant to help us assess and address the issues facing UCAN and to be more intentional with staff development and training.

 

Innovation and Change Specialist Katie Castro from Ally co was hired to do a full consultation with our entire staff in March. This full day Saturday was well attended. There we were able to talk about: What is moving UCAN forward? What is holding UCAN back? And then worked to create staff generated solutions.

 

In staff development we have been working in a few areas: Staff were required to go through the Academy of Peer Service training for New York State, Chad Danler was officially moved into a lead operations role to improve consistency with our team, and we have added a 2nd staff meeting per month. We have also added 2 new staff members who have been great additions to the team.

 

I was invited to participate in a fundraising academy in June at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The Fundraising Academy is an in-depth, comprehensive training program designed to equip nonprofit professionals and Board Members with the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective fundraising. This was a good opportunity for me to learn more about how we can be better moving forward.

 

We were able to knock out some big projects at the mission with the help of strong volunteers from Cummins and Wegmans.

 

We also had some great upgrades in the facility: Stormer Mechanical worked to get our HVAC system issues corrected and fully functional, we were able to replace one of our ovens with a brand new one, and improve the electrical circuitry in the dining room.

 

Every day I am trying to stay on task and continue to work hard in helping us as a mission move forward. I deeply appreciate all those who support this mission and have entrusted me with the job of operations manager. 🙂

-Timothy Miller

The quality of any organization is usually dependent on the quality of its staff. UCAN is no different. In a year that saw a lot of turnover in staff, we are happy to welcome 3 new staff members to the team: Kris Nutting, Jerremy Dossey and Elena Estrella.

 

Kris Nutting comes from a variety of different jobs and decided to inquire about a position with us. Kris has filled an important void created by the departure of one of our full-time 3rd shift employees. Kris has settled into that role. Trustworthy and reliable Kris has shown a willingness to serve in whatever capacity needed to help the mission. We are glad to welcome him onto the team.

 

Jerremy Dossey who had already been volunteering as part of the Clean, Sober and Saved ministry that meets at the mission. The longer Jerremy served at the mission, the more he felt God calling him to step in further. Jerremy has a huge heart for guys battling addiction and has been through that battle himself. UCAN is not his primary job at this point but, we have brought him on as part-time staff and he has been a great addition to the team. We are glad to welcome him onto the team.

 

Elena Estrella has been working in many related fields as a Peer Advocate. She has worked with ROME, has intervention skills training, mental health first aid and other skills. This is not her primary job, but we have brought her on in a part-time capacity. She brings a lot of experience and expertise to the table and a clear heart for the mission. She has also expressed an interest in being a part of the Women’s and Children’s Shelter when it opens. We are glad to welcome her onto the team. 

• Timothy Miller

Big News: Freshly Roasted Coffee is Now Available in Our Shop!
We have some incredibly exciting (and delicious) news to share with the UCAN City Mission community. You can now get premium, locally roasted coffee beans delivered straight to your door—all while supporting the vital work we do every day.

The Perfect Blend: UCAN x Cafe Kabul Coffee Roasters
We’ve partnered with the fantastic team at Cafe Kabul Coffee Roasters based out of Syracuse, NY, to bring you top-tier, freshly roasted coffee beans. Known for their exceptional quality and dedication to the craft, Cafe Kabul has helped us bring something truly special to our community.

Whether you need that essential morning jumpstart or a comforting afternoon brew, these beans deliver a rich, smooth flavor that will elevate your daily coffee routine.

“My wife, Cathy, and I are coffee snobs. Horton’s or Keurig aren’t our vibe. Precisely why we have our favorite fair trade organic beans from our chosen origins shipped directly to our house. Needless to say I was skeptical about this UCAN coffee, until I put it to the test. It was excellent! It’s very similar to the coffee I drink every day. Highly recommend it!” Timothy Miller

“I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was. Just a hint of chocolate caramel that doesn’t overpower the flavor of the coffee. Highly recommend.” Chad Danler

Sip Good Coffee, Do Good Work
This isn’t just about a great cup of coffee; it’s about community impact. Every single bag you purchase goes directly toward supporting the shelter, programs, and advocacy services here at UCAN City Mission. It’s an easy—and incredibly tasty—way to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

How to Get Yours Today
Ready to upgrade your coffee game? It couldn’t be simpler:

Step 1: Look up at the top of our website.

Step 2: Click on the “Shop” tab.

Step 3: Add a bag (or two!) of our new beans to your cart and check out.

Thank you for your continued support, your generosity, and your shared love for a great brew. Let’s transform lives, one cup at a time!

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.)