“Helping people feels awesome.”
Nicole was in crisis. Her mental health had taken a turn for the worse. She hit rock bottom and turned to 1JustCity, a Winnipeg-based Mission & Service partner that supports three drop-in centres, for support.
Before long, Nicole was not only attending programs but also started volunteering. She carried boxes, made coffee, and ran the dishwasher. She laughs as she talks about how trucking boxes up stairs is a good way to get in shape.
It’s been seven years since Nicole first walked through 1JustCity’s doors. She’s never looked back.
Last year, Nicole applied to enter a job-training program. Now, she is staff at 1JustCity.
“I love being staff. I feel respected. Working gives me a reason to get up in the morning. I feel mentally better about myself. It gives me a routine. Having something to do each day improves your mental health,” she says, smiling.
Above all, what warms Nicole’s heart most is making a difference in someone else’s life.
“Helping people feels awesome. Every single day you are there you are helping people. Giving them food. Giving them hygiene. Sometimes we have clothes. We help with emergencies. People meet in groups to support each other. It makes a difference.”
Your Mission & Service gifts help people like Nicole not only find support but also discover what is meaningful to them.
“1JustCity has been my rock, and without it I would be all over the place,” she says. “The Mission & Service of the United Church has changed my life because it gives me purpose every day.”
Thank you for your generous support.