At UCAN homeless shelter, Joey’s journey to self-sufficiency began.

Joey found his way to the UCAN homeless shelter after losing his housing. Upon arrival, he was greeted with compassion and a sense of community. The shelter provided him with a safe place to stay, nutritious meals, and access to essential services that would lay the foundation for his journey towards self-sufficiency.

UCAN’s case worker and operations staff provided Joey with support and encouragement as he navigated his way back to becoming self-sufficient. Joey, who is a veteran, connected with services for veterans which help move him forward.

Joey was frustrated not to be able to return to the community he left but realized that UCAN provided him with a new beginning. He turned this frustration into resolve and as he stated, “how do I move forward?” In addition, the staff kept Joey focused on his goals of finding a decent job and an apartment. “Everyone on staff at UCAN kept encouraging me,” Joey stated. With the support of veteran’s organizations, local service agencies and UCAN staff Joey found employment at Blackstone Advanced Technology and continues working there. He is thankful for his company believing in him. Now working fulltime and with the help of the VA, Joey has located his own apartment and has transitioned out of UCAN.

Joey’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. He continues to drop by and share with other guests and the following statement is what he shares with others, “never give up, don’t look back, keep moving forward and never lose your self-value.”
Joey’s transformation from a resident at the UCAN homeless shelter to a self-sufficient individual with a job and an apartment is a story of hope and resilience. His journey highlights the importance of supportive services and the impact they can have on someone’s life. Joey’s success is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, showing that with perseverance and support, a better future is within reach.

Richie came to UCAN over the summer after being asked to leave the place he was living. Struggling with using substances, mainly marijuana he kind of bottomed out. Upon arrival at the mission it took him some time to realize the staff had his best interests in mind. Richie specifically remembers the moment the staff cared. He said, “for the first time someone accepted me as a person and I had value”. Unconditional acceptance came to Richie’s mind as he looks back on his time at UCAN.

Richie met with UCAN’s caseworker who helped him connect with the services in the community he needed. He stated, “I followed all the steps the mission gave me which were all helping me move forward.” In addition, he was always ready to help at the mission, whether it was carrying items down to the kitchen, sorting clothes, helping prepare meals or just being available. This process continued to help him recognize his value and worth.

One big change for Richie was attending church and discovering he was greatly loved by God and that God valued him. He is so thankful for Pastor Calvis Emanuel and his ministry at UCAN. In Richie’s words, “God has changed my life.” He continues to attend church and his faith is growing.

Richie, with the help of the staff has found his own apartment and now has returned to UCAN as a parttime operations staff member. He is a stellar example of how with God’s help people can change. He added, “I am thankful for UCAN staff because they believed in me that I could move forward and they consistently encouraged me in moving forward.

I found my way to UCAN from a young man in Wendy’s in Fredonia. I asked about where there may be a shelter that can help me.” The young man replied that there was a shelter in Jamestown that can help you. It is called UCAN.

They helped me not to look back anymore. I was lost and was re-introduced to myself after being homeless for 10 years. When I came to Jamestown, I did not know anyone and met some staff who helped me regain my footing, my heart, and my love for myself and the lord Jesus.

I am proud to say that I have been hired at UCAN as an operation support staff. This has given me the opportunity to give back to my community by helping guide those who are lost and need found.

“You have to believe in yourself, because the only person who can destroy you is yourself.”

“God Bless my footing here at UCAN and being given the chance to be recognized.