From left, Don Mozzi, operations staff, Rachel Barto, board member and Bruce Baehr, who is now the permanent executive director, for the United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission pose for a picture. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

The United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission has had a rough go of it in 2024.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for UCAN.

The current interim executive director, Bruce Baehr, has agreed to stay on as the new and permanent executive director of the UCAN City Mission. The news of this announcement has been well received with the mission’s board of directors, UCAN staff members, and some of the guests and residents as well.

“In early March 2024, Bruce Baehr was hired by UCAN as its interim executive director,” said Sharon Hamilton, UCAN Mission board president. “He is not a native of this area, but has local ties here, which brought him to this area. He has been involved at Camp Mission Meadows for many years and his son, Pastor Jay Baehr (former President of the UCAN Board) and his family are located here,” she said.

“Mr. Baehr is a retired Associate Pastor of Families and Students at Grace Covenant Church in Clay, N.Y. In early May the board met to discuss Bruce’s request to become the permanent executive direction. In a unanimous decision Mr. Baehr was offered and accepted the full-time executive director position. The board is confident that Mr. Baehr will lead this organization to new heights with his leadership, compassion and energy.”

One guest of UCAN speaking on the condition of anonymity stated.

“Bruce is a blessing. He is kind, compassionate and knows how to lead and make you feel like you can accomplish things. That life, while tough and able to beat you down, that there are people out there that are willing to help you get back on your feet,” said the guest.

Starting in late December and early January, the city mission was going through a much needed HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system upgrade and repairs after its current and antiquated system suffered an unexpected failure. Then, without missing a beat, the CEO at the time, Aaron Wadin, resigned, one year into his employment this is after the previous executive director also left the mission. Additionally, the findings of asbestos within the confines of some of the mission’s interior structure required immediate abatement and the removal of some of the mission’s guest/residents -who were housed at Joy Fellowship Church until they were allowed to resume residence at the old mission

“I’m humbled and honored at this opportunity,” Baehr said. “I’ve found I love working with the homeless and unhoused population.”

UCAN City Mission will hold an open house community event July 10, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., to welcome Baehr, and to present awards to various organizations who have helped the city mission when it was forced to shutter its doors during the asbestos abatement. The City Mission is located at 7 W. First St. For more information call 716-488-7480 or visit ucancitymission.org