SOUL STORY

Vinnie

Vinnie’s path was difficult by any measure. After a 30-day stay at the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, he was placed at Fort Monmouth Homeless Shelter, where he worked hard to meet the program’s requirements. Unfortunately, at Fort Monmouth guests can only stay for 30 days, they can return after 90 days to start the program again if they are still unsheltered. So Vinnie moved to a motel where the accommodations were less than desirable and the conditions unhealthy. Despite these setbacks, Vinnie stayed determined. He documented his living conditions and advocated for himself to social services to get the help he needed.

His challenges grew even greater when human services demanded that he secure U.S. citizenship within a week—a task that seemed nearly impossible given his situation. Vinnie kept pushing forward, completing the required paperwork and handling the tough process with the help of Soul Kitchen’s Community Coordinator, Nicole, and Kristina Prucowski, Housing Navigation Program Manager, from Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.

After months of uncertainty and temporary homelessness, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Nicole, Kristina, and Vinnie, an affordable apartment became available through our partners at HABCore. As he prepares to move into his new home this August, his joy and relief are evident to everyone around him.

Vinnie’s story is not just one of personal success but also of the power of community. His involvement with JBJ Soul Kitchen has been a source of hope for others. He’s not only a dependable volunteer, helping with everything from painting garden boxes to translating for Spanish-speaking guests, he is also an inspiration to those around him. Vinnie’s commitment goes beyond his own needs; he is an ambassador for JBJ Soul Kitchen spreading our mission to others facing food insecurity.

As Vinnie looks forward to his new apartment, he’s most excited to finally have his own kitchen where he can cook again—a passion he’s cherished since childhood.

Vinnie is a powerful example of the resiliency of the human spirit and the difference that community support can make. At JBJ Soul Kitchen, we are proud to be a part of Vinnie’s journey and are inspired by his story. His success highlights the collective effort of our community and the positive difference we can make together.

“When you do good things, you get good things,” Vinnie says, reflecting on his journey. His story is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for us all. Just one more example of why we say Hope is Delicious.

*Pictured above is Vinnie*

SOUL STORY

Vinnie

Initially, he relied on unemployment benefits as he looked for employment, but his situation worsened as he faced mounting health issues, including severe and debilitating back and neck pain. As his physical condition declined, so did his mental health, the weight of these struggles became too much, and Vinnie became depressed and then lost his home.

Amidst his struggles, Vinnie found a glimmer of hope through the JBJ Soul Kitchen and the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center. Vinnie became a regular guest at JBJ Soul Kitchen, not just for a meal, but for the sense of community and support he found here. JBJ Soul Kitchen became a sanctuary where Vinnie could enjoy a nourishing meal and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Despite his hardships, Vinnie never gave up. He sought medical care, attended appointments, and followed through on referrals from social services. Vinnie’s determination to improve his situation remained strong, and he continued to visit JBJ Soul Kitchen even while navigating through emergency assistance programs and temporary shelters.

Vinnie’s path was difficult by any measure. After a 30-day stay at the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, he was placed at Fort Monmouth Homeless Shelter, where he worked hard to meet the program’s requirements. Unfortunately, at Fort Monmouth guests can only stay for 30 days, they can return after 90 days to start the program again if they are still unsheltered. So Vinnie moved to a motel where the accommodations were less than desirable and the conditions unhealthy. Despite these setbacks, Vinnie stayed determined. He documented his living conditions and advocated for himself to social services to get the help he needed.

His challenges grew even greater when human services demanded that he secure U.S. citizenship within a week—a task that seemed nearly impossible given his situation. Vinnie kept pushing forward, completing the required paperwork and handling the tough process with the help of Soul Kitchen’s Community Coordinator, Nicole, and Kristina Prucowski, Housing Navigation Program Manager, from Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.

After months of uncertainty and temporary homelessness, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Nicole, Kristina, and Vinnie, an affordable apartment became available through our partners at HABCore. As he prepares to move into his new home this August, his joy and relief are evident to everyone around him.

Vinnie’s story is not just one of personal success but also of the power of community. His involvement with JBJ Soul Kitchen has been a source of hope for others. He’s not only a dependable volunteer, helping with everything from painting garden boxes to translating for Spanish-speaking guests, he is also an inspiration to those around him. Vinnie’s commitment goes beyond his own needs; he is an ambassador for JBJ Soul Kitchen spreading our mission to others facing food insecurity.

As Vinnie looks forward to his new apartment, he’s most excited to finally have his own kitchen where he can cook again—a passion he’s cherished since childhood.

Vinnie is a powerful example of the resiliency of the human spirit and the difference that community support can make. At JBJ Soul Kitchen, we are proud to be a part of Vinnie’s journey and are inspired by his story. His success highlights the collective effort of our community and the positive difference we can make together.

“When you do good things, you get good things,” Vinnie says, reflecting on his journey. His story is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for us all. Just one more example of why we say Hope is Delicious.

*Pictured above is Vinnie*

SOUL STORY

 Vinnie

Amidst his struggles, Vinnie found a glimmer of hope through the JBJ Soul Kitchen and the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center. Vinnie became a regular guest at JBJ Soul Kitchen, not just for a meal, but for the sense of community and support he found here. JBJ Soul Kitchen became a sanctuary where Vinnie could enjoy a nourishing meal and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Despite his hardships, Vinnie never gave up. He sought medical care, attended appointments, and followed through on referrals from social services. Vinnie’s determination to improve his situation remained strong, and he continued to visit JBJ Soul Kitchen even while navigating through emergency assistance programs and temporary shelters.

Vinnie’s path was difficult by any measure. After a 30-day stay at the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, he was placed at Fort Monmouth Homeless Shelter, where he worked hard to meet the program’s requirements. Unfortunately, at Fort Monmouth guests can only stay for 30 days, they can return after 90 days to start the program again if they are still unsheltered. So Vinnie moved to a motel where the accommodations were less than desirable and the conditions unhealthy. Despite these setbacks, Vinnie stayed determined. He documented his living conditions and advocated for himself to social services to get the help he needed.

His challenges grew even greater when human services demanded that he secure U.S. citizenship within a week—a task that seemed nearly impossible given his situation. Vinnie kept pushing forward, completing the required paperwork and handling the tough process with the help of Soul Kitchen’s Community Coordinator, Nicole, and Kristina Prucowski, Housing Navigation Program Manager, from Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.

After months of uncertainty and temporary homelessness, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Nicole, Kristina, and Vinnie, an affordable apartment became available through our partners at HABCore. As he prepares to move into his new home this August, his joy and relief are evident to everyone around him.

Vinnie’s story is not just one of personal success but also of the power of community. His involvement with JBJ Soul Kitchen has been a source of hope for others. He’s not only a dependable volunteer, helping with everything from painting garden boxes to translating for Spanish-speaking guests, he is also an inspiration to those around him. Vinnie’s commitment goes beyond his own needs; he is an ambassador for JBJ Soul Kitchen spreading our mission to others facing food insecurity.

As Vinnie looks forward to his new apartment, he’s most excited to finally have his own kitchen where he can cook again—a passion he’s cherished since childhood.

Vinnie is a powerful example of the resiliency of the human spirit and the difference that community support can make. At JBJ Soul Kitchen, we are proud to be a part of Vinnie’s journey and are inspired by his story. His success highlights the collective effort of our community and the positive difference we can make together.

“When you do good things, you get good things,” Vinnie says, reflecting on his journey. His story is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for us all. Just one more example of why we say Hope is Delicious.

*Pictured above is Vinnie*