SOUL STORY

Angel

Angel’s turning point came when he found his way to JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank. Here he met JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Nicole and Kristina from the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA). With their help, Angel was connected to Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), a crucial step in rebuilding his life. Nicole’s advocacy and support helped Angel navigate the difficult social services system. 

His love for JBJ Soul Kitchen is palpable. “It means somebody cares and treats you like a human being,” he says. “The staff here helped me get my birth certificate and other documents needed for the housing voucher,” Angel shares. “If I didn’t find my way to JBJ Soul Kitchen, I don’t know where I would be,” he says.

With much persistence, Angel’s determination paid off and he finally received a housing voucher and secured an apartment.

Living in his apartment has brought Angel a sense of peace he never imagined possible. “I feel like I have something,” he expresses with joy. “To shower in my own place is amazing. I’m content being by myself; I have a place to call home.”Angel is eager to explore new possibilities. He loves comedy and has performed two shows, receiving great feedback from the audience. “I couldn’t wait to get on stage!” he shares. 

He encourages others facing challenges: “Don’t lose hope. Fight for what you want. I thought about giving up, but I didn’t want to die.”

We are happy to help Angel find his way on this journey called life, he did the hard work, and we were thrilled to play a role.

*Pictured above is Angel with Community Coordinator, Nicole*

SOUL STORY

Angel

You may spot him dancing to Diana Ross at JBJ Soul Kitchen. However, Angel’s journey to this happy moment was not an easy one. 

Angel’s journey began over 25 years ago when he began to struggle financially. “I could never afford housing or groceries,” he explains. Despite working as a bookkeeper and multiple jobs, it was difficult to get ahead of his bills. His financial struggles left him feeling trapped and frustrated.

This led him to constantly have to relocate to start over again, leading him to Chicago, Atlanta, and Massachusetts, but his heart was tied to NJ where his mom still lives.

“Expenses were worse here, and it was harder to find a job,” Angel states. He knew that if he didn’t secure housing soon, he might have to leave again. He candidly shares his battles with bipolar disorder, which has plagued him throughout his life. “I didn’t want my haters to feel like they won,” he says. But he was determined not to lose hope.

Angel’s turning point came when he found his way to JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank. Here he met JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Nicole and Kristina from the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA). With their help, Angel was connected to Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), a crucial step in rebuilding his life. Nicole’s advocacy and support helped Angel navigate the difficult social services system. 

His love for JBJ Soul Kitchen is palpable. “It means somebody cares and treats you like a human being,” he says. “The staff here helped me get my birth certificate and other documents needed for the housing voucher,” Angel shares. “If I didn’t find my way to JBJ Soul Kitchen, I don’t know where I would be,” he says.

With much persistence, Angel’s determination paid off and he finally received a housing voucher and secured an apartment.

Living in his apartment has brought Angel a sense of peace he never imagined possible. “I feel like I have something,” he expresses with joy. “To shower in my own place is amazing. I’m content being by myself; I have a place to call home.”Angel is eager to explore new possibilities. He loves comedy and has performed two shows, receiving great feedback from the audience. “I couldn’t wait to get on stage!” he shares. 

He encourages others facing challenges: “Don’t lose hope. Fight for what you want. I thought about giving up, but I didn’t want to die.”

We are happy to help Angel find his way on this journey called life, he did the hard work, and we were thrilled to play a role.

*Pictured above is Angel with Community Coordinator, Nicole*

SOUL STORY

 Vinnie

Angel’s journey began over 25 years ago when he began to struggle financially. “I could never afford housing or groceries,” he explains. Despite working as a bookkeeper and multiple jobs, it was difficult to get ahead of his bills. His financial struggles left him feeling trapped and frustrated.

This led him to constantly have to relocate to start over again, leading him to Chicago, Atlanta, and Massachusetts, but his heart was tied to NJ where his mom still lives.

“Expenses were worse here, and it was harder to find a job,” Angel states. He knew that if he didn’t secure housing soon, he might have to leave again. He candidly shares his battles with bipolar disorder, which has plagued him throughout his life. “I didn’t want my haters to feel like they won,” he says. But he was determined not to lose hope.

Angel’s turning point came when he found his way to JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank. Here he met JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Nicole and Kristina from the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA). With their help, Angel was connected to Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), a crucial step in rebuilding his life. Nicole’s advocacy and support helped Angel navigate the difficult social services system. 

His love for JBJ Soul Kitchen is palpable. “It means somebody cares and treats you like a human being,” he says. “The staff here helped me get my birth certificate and other documents needed for the housing voucher,” Angel shares. “If I didn’t find my way to JBJ Soul Kitchen, I don’t know where I would be,” he says.

With much persistence, Angel’s determination paid off and he finally received a housing voucher and secured an apartment.

Living in his apartment has brought Angel a sense of peace he never imagined possible. “I feel like I have something,” he expresses with joy. “To shower in my own place is amazing. I’m content being by myself; I have a place to call home.”Angel is eager to explore new possibilities. He loves comedy and has performed two shows, receiving great feedback from the audience. “I couldn’t wait to get on stage!” he shares. 

He encourages others facing challenges: “Don’t lose hope. Fight for what you want. I thought about giving up, but I didn’t want to die.”

We are happy to help Angel find his way on this journey called life, he did the hard work, and we were thrilled to play a role.

*Pictured above is Angel with Community Coordinator, Nicole*