UCAN officials hope the efforts provide additional opportunities to community members in need.

The UCAN City Mission will be putting new required training into effect, which will teach clients a range of valuable life and employment skills. Bruce Baehr, UCAN executive director, said the staff realized that providing these resources in-house would relieve a significant burden from guests, and potentially teach more effectively. In the past many individuals previously had to find transportation between different locations to attend meetings. This had led the non-profit to bring on a life skills coordinator which will both provide easier access to services and also strengthen participation numbers, noted Baehr. Baehr said programs the organization has brought in include those to help with finding employment, help individuals understand themselves and help with communication skills.

Baehr also noted that staff have been working on installing computers for guests to use, with one being available and operational. This computer access saves clients from having to travel to the library to access job applications, or online functions in general. The organization’s ultimate goal is to bring in as many programs and services to a central location to minimize the burden of travel on guests.

“It’s just more helpful to our guests than expecting them to get to The Resource Center on Second Street, which is a mile away, or even MHA down around the corner,” Baehr said. “So that’s the direction we’re going. We’re trying to add as many services, and classes, and opportunities.”

The kitchen and food preparation area inside of the UCAN City Mission building.

Baehr noted a large number of external organizations that collaborate with UCAN to make so many of these services possible. The county Department of Family Service is one of these organizations, said Baehr. Family Services of the Chautauqua Region sends in a counselor on Fridays, which offers services to clients. The Resource Center has also collaborated with the organization to help guests determine if they are eligible for care coordination, according to Baehr. The Resource Center sends Thad Lund, social services clinical specialist, each Friday to work with individuals on determining eligibility. Resource Opportunities Made Easy Inc. also comes into the location about twice per week to provide services, said Baehr. The Mental Health Association comes to assist at least once per month as well, with Baehr noting that is occasionally more frequent if the organization requests.

Staff has also been planning the addition of certain indoor activities for UCAN residents throughout the winter months. Baehr noted that one event will be a pool tournament during the first weekend of November, and plans are currently ongoing to create a cornhole tournament as well. Activities attempt to bring in more people during times with harsh conditions, while giving guests a fun and memorable experience in the process.

Those seeking the services of the organization, or looking to help in any way, are encouraged to reach out or visit the UCAN City Mission Office at 7 W. First St. For more information contact 716-488-7480.