Liz Witherspoon has been appointed as the program director for The United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission, 7 W. First St. Witherspoon previously served as the City Mission’s case manager and has since returned to her organization. P-J Photo by Christopher Blakeslee

The United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission has hired Liz Witherspoon as the organization’s program manager.

Witherspoon previously served as UCAN’s sole case manager and has since decided to return to the intrepid organization following a brief stint away.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air,” said Witherspoon. “I love the mission, I love our guests and I love seeing people who were down on their luck get back on their feet and thrive, not just survive.”

The UCAN City Mission exists to temporarily house homeless men and to help them break the cycle of crime, substance abuse and poverty by promoting positive lifestyle changes through multi-disciplinary programs and partnerships. Additionally, UCAN has a plan to provide in partnership with area churches and the local community, “Transitional Community Resource Hubs” throughout Chautauqua County to promote life-style changes with a Biblically centered-ministry through mentoring, counseling, pro-social role modeling, and the discipline of accountability. UCAN directly draws its lineage from the former Union Gospel Mission at 7 W. First St. and currently occupies the exact same location.

However, 2024, hasn’t been kind to the only men’s homeless shelter within Jamestown.

As previously reported by The Post-Journal, the shelter had to shutter operations because of the discovery of asbestos inside the building, the catastrophic failure of its heating system and the third resignation of an executive director over the past three years.

Stepping up to the plate to assist the homeless population during UCAN’s temporary closure was Joy Fellowship Free Methodist Church who partnered with and sheltered the homeless guests of UCAN, until the mission opened its doors last month.

“I’m so thankful for Pastor Dodi McIntyre,” said Witherspoon. “This church has consistently proven its care, love and support for the homeless in our community.”

For Witherspoon, empowering the mission’s guests leads to a positive rest of 2024.

“I think 2024 will be full of hope. Just yesterday I did several intakes of guests, and it feels good to be giving hope to those that need it the most,” said Witherspoon. Things are running smoothly; one of our goals is to help be motivators for these guys. We want to see our guests going to their appointments, getting jobs and searching for apartments, we’ve got to keep our guests moving forward.”

For more information call 716-488-7480 or email ucandirector@gmail.com