SOUL STORY

Nasir

Over the next two years, Nasir visited JBJ Soul Kitchen to volunteer, enjoy meals, and stay at the JBJ & PBC Comfort Center during Code Blue nights. Even while struggling himself, he was always looking out for others, bringing neighbors in need to JBJ Soul Kitchen and making sure they could access the warming center.

With guidance from Nicole and connections to organizations like Covenant House and the Mental Health Association, Nasir was able to secure his own apartment this past April. For the first time, he had stability and independence. Music has always been a part of his life. “I rap and I’ve always had an interest in it. It’s a way for me to get my thoughts out and express myself,” he says. He’s planning to return to school to study music production, with a dream of opening his own studio.

Even with his apartment, Nasir still makes it a priority to visit JBJ Soul Kitchen whenever he’s in the area. “I never had a bad experience here. It’s a great place to connect and enjoy a meal,” he says. What makes his story even more inspiring is that he’s now been hired at the warming center for the winter season, serving as a support staff member and helping guests stay safe and comfortable. Just a year ago, Nasir was staying there himself, and now he’s giving back to others who are where he once was.

*Pictured above is Nasir*

SOUL STORY

Nasir

At 19, Nasir left home shortly after returning from college, facing a period of uncertainty and struggle. “Honestly, I just focused on surviving,” he remembers.

While looking for support, he heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen from another guest. Curious, he decided to check it out. From the moment he walked in, he felt welcomed. It wasn’t just the food, it was the people, the warmth, and the sense of community. He also learned about the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center, a safe place to stay during winter nights. “It didn’t take long for him to feel like part of the community,” says Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity.

Over the next two years, Nasir visited JBJ Soul Kitchen to volunteer, enjoy meals, and stay at the JBJ & PBC Comfort Center during Code Blue nights. Even while struggling himself, he was always looking out for others, bringing neighbors in need to JBJ Soul Kitchen and making sure they could access the warming center.

With guidance from Nicole and connections to organizations like Covenant House and the Mental Health Association, Nasir was able to secure his own apartment this past April. For the first time, he had stability and independence. Music has always been a part of his life. “I rap and I’ve always had an interest in it. It’s a way for me to get my thoughts out and express myself,” he says. He’s planning to return to school to study music production, with a dream of opening his own studio.

Even with his apartment, Nasir still makes it a priority to visit JBJ Soul Kitchen whenever he’s in the area. “I never had a bad experience here. It’s a great place to connect and enjoy a meal,” he says. What makes his story even more inspiring is that he’s now been hired at the warming center for the winter season, serving as a support staff member and helping guests stay safe and comfortable. Just a year ago, Nasir was staying there himself, and now he’s giving back to others who are where he once was.

*Pictured above is Nasir*

SOUL STORY

 Nasir

At 19, Nasir left home shortly after returning from college, facing a period of uncertainty and struggle. “Honestly, I just focused on surviving,” he remembers.

While looking for support, he heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen from another guest. Curious, he decided to check it out. From the moment he walked in, he felt welcomed. It wasn’t just the food, it was the people, the warmth, and the sense of community. He also learned about the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center, a safe place to stay during winter nights. “It didn’t take long for him to feel like part of the community,” says Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity.

Over the next two years, Nasir visited JBJ Soul Kitchen to volunteer, enjoy meals, and stay at the JBJ & PBC Comfort Center during Code Blue nights. Even while struggling himself, he was always looking out for others, bringing neighbors in need to JBJ Soul Kitchen and making sure they could access the warming center.

With guidance from Nicole and connections to organizations like Covenant House and the Mental Health Association, Nasir was able to secure his own apartment this past April. For the first time, he had stability and independence. Music has always been a part of his life. “I rap and I’ve always had an interest in it. It’s a way for me to get my thoughts out and express myself,” he says. He’s planning to return to school to study music production, with a dream of opening his own studio.

Even with his apartment, Nasir still makes it a priority to visit JBJ Soul Kitchen whenever he’s in the area. “I never had a bad experience here. It’s a great place to connect and enjoy a meal,” he says. What makes his story even more inspiring is that he’s now been hired at the warming center for the winter season, serving as a support staff member and helping guests stay safe and comfortable. Just a year ago, Nasir was staying there himself, and now he’s giving back to others who are where he once was.

*Pictured above is Nasir*