SOUL STORY

Evan

Evan had always heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen but never had the chance to dine there—until he found himself in need. Struggling to find food while living on the streets in 2023, he began visiting regularly. By May 2023, Evan had gotten sober and moved into affordable housing with the help of Resources for Human Development and Coastal Wellness.

Today, JBJ Soul Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community and support system where Evan continues to build relationships. Focused on bettering his life, he finds comfort in knowing he has a place where he can enjoy a nutritious meal without the financial burden, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his future.

Our Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity, shared: “As someone in recovery, I know firsthand how essential community is to the journey. Having a safe space, a sense of belonging, and a supportive group of people where you can truly be yourself is invaluable. That’s what struck me most when I first started working at JBJ Soul Kitchen—the incredible sense of community. When you step through the doors of JBJ Soul Kitchen, you enter a space free of stigma and judgment. It’s inclusive, welcoming, and safe for everyone. One of the greatest privileges of my work here is witnessing guests like Evan come into our community during a difficult time, find support, and grow. He is an inspiration to all of us and a prime example of why we do this work.

Evan has big goals ahead. He hopes to use his experiences to help others as a peer support mentor, guiding those walking a similar path. He’s also giving back by helping at the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center, where he assists with overnight stays when Code Blue nights are issued.

While he’s grateful for the support he’s received here, Evan gives a special shoutout to his grandparents and his mother, who have been an essential part of his recovery. With only positive steps ahead, Evan remains focused on maintaining his sobriety and helping others find their way—just as he did.

*Pictured above is Evan*

SOUL STORY

Evan

As a father of three, Evan faced a turning point in 2015 when he separated from his family in Connecticut. In the years that followed, he turned to drinking and self-medication, struggling to stay on his prescribed medications. The weight of missing his children led him deeper into depression, eventually losing his job and becoming homeless.

From there, Evan’s path took him across New Jersey—from shelters and religious recovery programs to emergency assisted housing and group homes. He cycled through sobriety, relapses, and hospitalizations, determined to find stability but often facing setbacks. Eventually, he returned to his hometown of Red Bank, still searching for a fresh start.

Evan had always heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen but never had the chance to dine there—until he found himself in need. Struggling to find food while living on the streets in 2023, he began visiting regularly. By May 2023, Evan had gotten sober and moved into affordable housing with the help of Resources for Human Development and Coastal Wellness.

Today, JBJ Soul Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community and support system where Evan continues to build relationships. Focused on bettering his life, he finds comfort in knowing he has a place where he can enjoy a nutritious meal without the financial burden, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his future.

Our Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity, shared: “As someone in recovery, I know firsthand how essential community is to the journey. Having a safe space, a sense of belonging, and a supportive group of people where you can truly be yourself is invaluable. That’s what struck me most when I first started working at JBJ Soul Kitchen—the incredible sense of community. When you step through the doors of JBJ Soul Kitchen, you enter a space free of stigma and judgment. It’s inclusive, welcoming, and safe for everyone. One of the greatest privileges of my work here is witnessing guests like Evan come into our community during a difficult time, find support, and grow. He is an inspiration to all of us and a prime example of why we do this work.

Evan has big goals ahead. He hopes to use his experiences to help others as a peer support mentor, guiding those walking a similar path. He’s also giving back by helping at the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center, where he assists with overnight stays when Code Blue nights are issued.

While he’s grateful for the support he’s received here, Evan gives a special shoutout to his grandparents and his mother, who have been an essential part of his recovery. With only positive steps ahead, Evan remains focused on maintaining his sobriety and helping others find their way—just as he did.

*Pictured above is Evan*

SOUL STORY

 Evan

As a father of three, Evan faced a turning point in 2015 when he separated from his family in Connecticut. In the years that followed, he turned to drinking and self-medication, struggling to stay on his prescribed medications. The weight of missing his children led him deeper into depression, eventually losing his job and becoming homeless.

From there, Evan’s path took him across New Jersey—from shelters and religious recovery programs to emergency assisted housing and group homes. He cycled through sobriety, relapses, and hospitalizations, determined to find stability but often facing setbacks. Eventually, he returned to his hometown of Red Bank, still searching for a fresh start.

Evan had always heard about JBJ Soul Kitchen but never had the chance to dine there—until he found himself in need. Struggling to find food while living on the streets in 2023, he began visiting regularly. By May 2023, Evan had gotten sober and moved into affordable housing with the help of Resources for Human Development and Coastal Wellness.

Today, JBJ Soul Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community and support system where Evan continues to build relationships. Focused on bettering his life, he finds comfort in knowing he has a place where he can enjoy a nutritious meal without the financial burden, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his future.

Our Program Manager, Nicole Dorrity, shared: “As someone in recovery, I know firsthand how essential community is to the journey. Having a safe space, a sense of belonging, and a supportive group of people where you can truly be yourself is invaluable. That’s what struck me most when I first started working at JBJ Soul Kitchen—the incredible sense of community. When you step through the doors of JBJ Soul Kitchen, you enter a space free of stigma and judgment. It’s inclusive, welcoming, and safe for everyone. One of the greatest privileges of my work here is witnessing guests like Evan come into our community during a difficult time, find support, and grow. He is an inspiration to all of us and a prime example of why we do this work.

Evan has big goals ahead. He hopes to use his experiences to help others as a peer support mentor, guiding those walking a similar path. He’s also giving back by helping at the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center, where he assists with overnight stays when Code Blue nights are issued.

While he’s grateful for the support he’s received here, Evan gives a special shoutout to his grandparents and his mother, who have been an essential part of his recovery. With only positive steps ahead, Evan remains focused on maintaining his sobriety and helping others find their way—just as he did.

*Pictured above is Evan*