Prescott’s largest homeless shelter operated by the 17-year-old Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) has a new executive director.
Jessi Hans had served as assistant director since February of 2017. Hans, a native of Iowa, attended Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. For several years before joining the CCJ staff, she had worked with women and their children, helping them find jobs, homes and healthy living environments. She also worked recently with the court system, especially in the adjudicated courts, where she was frequently involved in dispute settlements among parties in the court system.
Hans replaces Paul Mitchell, who had been directing all CCJ programs. Mitchell, who served as executive director for three years, is relocating to Houghton, Michigan, where he will be working for the fundraising and development program for Michigan Technical University.
Before leaving, Mitchell said of Hans, “Jessi is ready to take CCJ in new directions. She will continue our mission to be a community catalyst, collaborator and advocate for our clients.”
Hans responded to Mitchell’s remarks. “We plan to continue the great work we do with our clients, assisting them in moving forward. We will maintain the client-centered approach and continue to create a healthier community in the Prescott area.”
CCJ Board of Directors Chair Mary Bauer said she and the BOD had all confidence that Hans would keep moving forward on a steady path that would benefit the CCJ and its staff and all the various clients it served through its many programs.
Bauer said the CCJ budget had grown substantially over the years. She indicated it was now approaching $1 million annually.
When it was originally incorporated in November 2001, the CCJ used the Prescott United Methodist Church as its base. Created through the cooperate efforts of 15 other churches and civic organizations, the CCJ evolved over time into a multi-faceted organization that now provides a wide array of community services to thousands of low income adults and families annually.
Among those services are home repair programs to help those who need assistance in maintaining their houses.
Another program is the Circles of Support, where CCJ mentors help families on a personal level, especially low-income families with children.
In 2010, CCJ launched a CCJ Thrift Shop that provides affordable appliances, clothing and household items.
Since its inception slightly more than two years ago, the Stagger Straight Shelter may well be the most visible program. Located at 531 Madison Avenue, the homeless shelter accommodates both males and females at a modest fee of $3 a night. Up to 50 people an evening often are provided shelter at the facility.
In the past month, the shelter has added a five-shower unit, including facilities for all abilities, at a cost of $80,000. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information about facilities and services at the CCJ, call Hans at 928-445-8382, or visit yavapaiccj.org.
Photo by Ray Newton
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