SOUL STORY

Rose

“The journey to homelessness was not a hard one. I took one wrong step. I zigged instead of zagged,” Rose said. As a senior citizen, she never thought she would find herself in this situation. She had owned her own home with her husband until he passed away, she moved in with her daughter and then in with her son in Barnegat.

“Homelessness was a very gradual thing, nothing sharp,” Rose said. She continued, “My son bought a house in Barnegat, and then we eventually lost that house. From there, our journey to homelessness started.”

Rose and her son moved around for several months from motel to motel. They landed at The Budget Inn & Suites in Wall Township. This motel had the most reasonable rates for Rose and her son. Eventually, they could no longer afford the rent and were evicted, “It was at this point that I was forced to live in my car,” Rose said.

During the cold winter months, she would call NJ 2-1-1. This service operates 24/7 and serves as the State’s Homeless Hotline. During Code Blue nights (when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below), Rose would call 211 and they would connect her to a motel that had a room for her that night that the county would pay for. In 2023, motel placements were no longer authorized in Monmouth County, which created a great hardship for many individuals who face street homelessness, Rose included.

Rose then began going to Trinity Church in Asbury Park, which is a member of the Women’s Hospitality Network (WHN), providing emergency, overnight housing on Code Blue nights. While there, another guest talked to her about JBJ Soul Kitchen. After hearing so many wonderful stories, Rose decided to visit.

The first time Rose stepped into JBJ Soul Kitchen, she felt comfortable. “They are happy and talk to you. It is such a homey feeling. You are welcomed with open arms,” Rose said. “I couldn’t believe how good the food was!” She continued, “JBJ Soul Kitchen makes me feel wonderful. You sit down, and you are served.” Rose emphasized that everyone, despite their circumstances, feels the same way. She said, “They (JBJ Soul Kitchen) allow the homeless to come in and eat.” Rose contributes by volunteering around the restaurant, “anything that they may need me to do, such as sweep, I am more than willing. I’ve swept outside, I’ve folded napkins, and cleaned off the table.” Rose is happy to help and it makes her feel connected to the mission of JBJ Soul Kitchen.

“The staff have been fantastic, especially Nicole.” Nicole Dorrity is the Community Coordinator of JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank. Nicole connects those in need with the many resources and services that are available in the area. When Rose shared with Nicole that she was living in her car, “I had nothing, just the clothes on my back and a little bit of essentials, and whatever the volunteers gave me.” Nicole worked with her to improve her situation. Nicole said, “Through our partnership with The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHA), in particular, Red Bank Resource Network (RBRN) and Kristina Pruckowski, I am provided with housing resources as they become available. In the instance of Rose, Kristina had shared immediate openings available in a local apartment complex, just 3 days before my interaction with Rose. This is a great example of what we call ‘The Power Of We’ – through our partnerships, we can better serve our guests.”

That day, Rose filled out her housing application. “I have to thank Nicole who told me about Oceanport Gardens.” Oceanport Gardens is an apartment building, which has some subsidized units set aside for senior citizens, which Rose was fortunate enough to secure. Rose had applied to a few senior homes on her own previously, with no luck (most of the homes have 1-3 year-long waitlists). This time Nicole helped her with her application and she was approved, and Rose was able to move into her own apartment within a few weeks. Rose shares that “JBJ Soul Kitchen is a happy place for me – no doubt about it.” Rose says her parents were positive, and she learned from them to accept everyone, no matter their background or circumstance.

“For me – to have met the group from JBJ Soul Kitchen, I feel I have been blessed.”

*Pictured above is Rose*

SOUL STORY

Rose

“The journey to homelessness was not a hard one. I took one wrong step. I zigged instead of zagged,” Rose said.

As a senior citizen, she never thought she would find herself in this situation. She had owned her own home with her husband until he passed away, she moved in with her daughter and then in with her son in Barnegat.

“Homelessness was a very gradual thing, nothing sharp,” Rose said. She continued, “My son bought a house in Barnegat, and then we eventually lost that house. From there, our journey to homelessness started.” 

During the cold winter months, she would call NJ 2-1-1. This service operates 24/7 and serves as the State’s Homeless Hotline. During Code Blue nights (when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below), Rose would call 211 and they would connect her to a motel that had a room for her that night that the county would pay for. In 2023, motel placements were no longer authorized in Monmouth County, which created a great hardship for many individuals who face street homelessness, Rose included.

Rose then began going to Trinity Church in Asbury Park, which is a member of the Women’s Hospitality Network (WHN), providing emergency, overnight housing on Code Blue nights. While there, another guest talked to her about JBJ Soul Kitchen. After hearing so many wonderful stories, Rose decided to visit.

The first time Rose stepped into JBJ Soul Kitchen, she felt comfortable. “They are happy and talk to you. It is such a homey feeling. You are welcomed with open arms,” Rose said. “I couldn’t believe how good the food was!” She continued, “JBJ Soul Kitchen makes me feel wonderful. You sit down, and you are served.” Rose emphasized that everyone, despite their circumstances, feels the same way. She said, “They (JBJ Soul Kitchen) allow the homeless to come in and eat.” Rose contributes by volunteering around the restaurant, “anything that they may need me to do, such as sweep, I am more than willing. I’ve swept outside, I’ve folded napkins, and cleaned off the table.” Rose is happy to help and it makes her feel connected to the mission of JBJ Soul Kitchen.

“The staff have been fantastic, especially Nicole.” Nicole Dorrity is the Community Coordinator of JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank. Nicole connects those in need with the many resources and services that are available in the area. When Rose shared with Nicole that she was living in her car, “I had nothing, just the clothes on my back and a little bit of essentials, and whatever the volunteers gave me.” Nicole worked with her to improve her situation. Nicole said, “Through our partnership with The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHA), in particular, Red Bank Resource Network (RBRN) and Kristina Pruckowski, I am provided with housing resources as they become available. In the instance of Rose, Kristina had shared immediate openings available in a local apartment complex, just 3 days before my interaction with Rose. This is a great example of what we call ‘The Power Of We’ – through our partnerships, we can better serve our guests.”

That day, Rose filled out her housing application. “I have to thank Nicole who told me about Oceanport Gardens.” Oceanport Gardens is an apartment building, which has some subsidized units set aside for senior citizens, which Rose was fortunate enough to secure. Rose had applied to a few senior homes on her own previously, with no luck (most of the homes have 1-3 year-long waitlists). This time Nicole helped her with her application and she was approved, and Rose was able to move into her own apartment within a few weeks. Rose shares that “JBJ Soul Kitchen is a happy place for me – no doubt about it.” Rose says her parents were positive, and she learned from them to accept everyone, no matter their background or circumstance.

“For me – to have met the group from JBJ Soul Kitchen, I feel I have been blessed.”

*Pictured above is Rose*

SOUL STORY

In 2015, I was looking for spots to volunteer in the Red Bank area, and I learned about JBJ Soul Kitchen. I started volunteering by cleaning around the restaurant, becoming a dishwasher, and had the opportunity to work the front of house position. 

During “Giving Hope Day” a few years ago, I was asked how I could describe my experience at JBJ Soul Kitchen. I answered “support system,” and those words still ring true.

My experience at JBJ Soul Kitchen has been very positive, and that is because I know when I come here, I will always have the support that I may need. The uplifting spirit of the staff is what helps, especially if you’re going through a difficult time.

Unfortunately, I fell on tough times both personally and professionally. Through the supportive services at JBJ Soul Kitchen, I was able to get the help that I needed to succeed.

About a year ago, I was living in Red Bank, and realized it was time for me to spread my wings. After getting a degree at Brookdale Community College, my family influenced me to continue my education, because being a student is very important to me.

Through Investigo New York, a leading specialist recruitment agency, I was able to receive two scholarships to both Rutgers University-New Brunswick and New York University. I studied Business, Finance and Philanthropy. These concentrations are especially important to me, because they have directly affected my life. I hope to use my degree to help others who may need the support that I once needed.

After about a year away, while I was pursuing my education, I wanted to come back to JBJ Soul Kitchen to feel the support I once had. As soon as I walked in, I saw familiar faces and felt right at home. I felt comfortable and I could be myself.

I would give JBJ Soul Kitchen a five star rating on their food, but I wouldn’t ignore the resources that come with the community restaurant. If you need the assistance, they are there to help. I have met great colleagues, and love coming back to Red Bank.

I am currently reading, “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life,” which has inspired me. Since going through a difficult time, I try to keep my head up and stay positive, so that I do not take a negative turn. I know that if I am negative, everyone else around me will be negative.

I am very excited and dedicated to bring something to the table that I’ve learned and present it to others. As I complete my education and get my credit score up, I plan to prove my success. I have been able to put paperwork in to obtain housing, and am currently awaiting proof of documentation to have my own home in Hudson County, NJ.

Although I’ve moved away, I plan to come back to JBJ Soul Kitchen at least once a month to volunteer, because I love it! 

*Pictured above is Allegra*

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