SOUL STORY

Ernest

What stood out most to Ernest was how people were treated. “They take you in. They treat you with love. They don’t judge you,” he says. That mattered to him, especially after years of being looked down on.

JBJ Soul Kitchen became a consistent source of support as he started this new chapter in his life. Beyond just the meals, it gave him structure, community, and a sense of belonging. “Seeing Ernest come full circle, from a guest in our warming center to an employee serving others, is a moment of immense pride for all of us. His growth and accomplishments reflect not only his determination, but the strength of a community that believes in dignity, opportunity, and second chances.” said Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity. 

Today, Ernest has his own place and is gainfully employed. He’s also deeply involved at Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Hope & Comfort Center, where he volunteers and mentors men experiencing homelessness. Having lived it himself, he knows how important honesty, patience, and consistency are. “You can’t promise people things you can’t deliver,” he says. “You have to walk with them, not talk at them.”

Ernest also went back to school, something he never thought he could do. He earned his culinary certification from Brookdale and continues to focus on surrounding himself with positive people and moving forward. He is also an active member of the Count Basie choir and continues to work in audio-visual production, combining creativity with purpose.

When Ernest talks about giving back, it’s personal. “I’ve been on the street. I’ve panhandled. I’ve asked for food,” he says. “Sometimes people just need someone to say, ‘I’m here for you.’”

“Stay focused,” Ernest says. “Don’t turn back.”

*Pictured above is Ernest*

SOUL STORY

Ernest

Ernest moved to New York City and spent those years living on the street. He describes that time as dark and isolating, feeling like no one cared, and like he had given up on himself. “When you’re that deep,” he explains, “you don’t see a future.”

Everything began to change when someone approached him in Brooklyn and invited him to church. Ernest saw that moment as a turning point. As his life began to stabilize, doors started opening. He began singing, dancing, and DJing. Rediscovering parts of himself he didn’t realize he still had. Eventually, he was trained as an audio technician, work he now calls his true calling.

After returning to New Jersey, Ernest settled in Red Bank, where even more doors opened. That’s when he heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen. At first, he was hesitant. “Everybody says ‘free,’ and usually there’s a catch,” he says. But what he found instead was something different. He was welcomed, treated with respect, and asked to be part of the community. He began volunteering, helping out where he could.

What stood out most to Ernest was how people were treated. “They take you in. They treat you with love. They don’t judge you,” he says. That mattered to him, especially after years of being looked down on.

JBJ Soul Kitchen became a consistent source of support as he started this new chapter in his life. Beyond just the meals, it gave him structure, community, and a sense of belonging. “Seeing Ernest come full circle, from a guest in our warming center to an employee serving others, is a moment of immense pride for all of us. His growth and accomplishments reflect not only his determination, but the strength of a community that believes in dignity, opportunity, and second chances.” said Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity. 

Today, Ernest has his own place and is gainfully employed. He’s also deeply involved at Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Hope & Comfort Center, where he volunteers and mentors men experiencing homelessness. Having lived it himself, he knows how important honesty, patience, and consistency are. “You can’t promise people things you can’t deliver,” he says. “You have to walk with them, not talk at them.”

Ernest also went back to school, something he never thought he could do. He earned his culinary certification from Brookdale and continues to focus on surrounding himself with positive people and moving forward. He is also an active member of the Count Basie choir and continues to work in audio-visual production, combining creativity with purpose.

When Ernest talks about giving back, it’s personal. “I’ve been on the street. I’ve panhandled. I’ve asked for food,” he says. “Sometimes people just need someone to say, ‘I’m here for you.’”

“Stay focused,” Ernest says. “Don’t turn back.”

*Pictured above is Ernest*

SOUL STORY

 Ernest

Ernest moved to New York City and spent those years living on the street. He describes that time as dark and isolating, feeling like no one cared, and like he had given up on himself. “When you’re that deep,” he explains, “you don’t see a future.”

Everything began to change when someone approached him in Brooklyn and invited him to church. Ernest saw that moment as a turning point. As his life began to stabilize, doors started opening. He began singing, dancing, and DJing. Rediscovering parts of himself he didn’t realize he still had. Eventually, he was trained as an audio technician, work he now calls his true calling.

After returning to New Jersey, Ernest settled in Red Bank, where even more doors opened. That’s when he heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen. At first, he was hesitant. “Everybody says ‘free,’ and usually there’s a catch,” he says. But what he found instead was something different. He was welcomed, treated with respect, and asked to be part of the community. He began volunteering, helping out where he could.

What stood out most to Ernest was how people were treated. “They take you in. They treat you with love. They don’t judge you,” he says. That mattered to him, especially after years of being looked down on.

JBJ Soul Kitchen became a consistent source of support as he started this new chapter in his life. Beyond just the meals, it gave him structure, community, and a sense of belonging. “Seeing Ernest come full circle, from a guest in our warming center to an employee serving others, is a moment of immense pride for all of us. His growth and accomplishments reflect not only his determination, but the strength of a community that believes in dignity, opportunity, and second chances.” said Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity. 

Today, Ernest has his own place and is gainfully employed. He’s also deeply involved at Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Hope & Comfort Center, where he volunteers and mentors men experiencing homelessness. Having lived it himself, he knows how important honesty, patience, and consistency are. “You can’t promise people things you can’t deliver,” he says. “You have to walk with them, not talk at them.”

Ernest also went back to school, something he never thought he could do. He earned his culinary certification from Brookdale and continues to focus on surrounding himself with positive people and moving forward. He is also an active member of the Count Basie choir and continues to work in audio-visual production, combining creativity with purpose.

When Ernest talks about giving back, it’s personal. “I’ve been on the street. I’ve panhandled. I’ve asked for food,” he says. “Sometimes people just need someone to say, ‘I’m here for you.’”

“Stay focused,” Ernest says. “Don’t turn back.”

*Pictured above is Ernest*