Jessi Hans has been named executive director of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ). She had served as assistant director since February 2017 and has been in Prescott for several years.
Before joining the CCJ staff, Hans worked with women and children, helping them find jobs, homes and acceptable living environments. She also worked in the adjudicated courts system, where she helped in dispute settlements among parties.
She earned a bachelor’s degree at Northwest Missouri State University.
Prescott resident and CCJ Board Chair Mary Bauer said she and others on the 12-member board were confident Hans would move forward to fulfill the CCJ mission: “Maintaining a client-centered focus so that responses are relevant; ensuring organizational agility to respond to client needs quickly and effectively; and working collaboratively with many partners in the community while advocating positive change.”
“Jessi will keep us on a steady path that benefits the CCJ, its staff and all the various clients it served through its many programs,” Bauer said.
The CCJ coordinates and administers a broad variety of programs for the needy in the greater Prescott area.
Hans replaces Paul Mitchell, who served as Executive Director for three years and directed all CCJ programs. Mitchell is relocating to Houghton, Michigan, where he will be working for the fundraising and development program for Michigan Technological University.
Originally incorporated in November 2001, the CCJ first used the Prescott United Methodist Church as its base. Created through the cooperative efforts of 15 other churches and civic organizations, the CCJ evolved over time into a multifaceted organization that now provides a wide array of community services to thousands of low-income adults and families annually.
Among those services are the Home Repair programs to help those who need assistance in maintaining their houses and property.
Another program is the Circles of Support, in which CCJ mentors help families on a personal level, especially low-income families with children.
A new program, coordinated by Diane Iverson, is the Little Tree House, where parents can take their children to play from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is located at 505 W. Gurley St.
In 2010, CCJ launched the CCJ Thrift Shop that provides affordable appliances, clothing and household items. Now located at 1034 Fair St., the Thrift Shop is also a connection to the Open Door Food advocacy program, where people can get food.
Bauer said the CCJ budget had grown substantially over the 17-year history of CCJ. She indicated it was now approaching $1 million annually.
Those wanting additional information about facilities and services at the CCJ can contact Hans at 928-445-8382 or look online at yavapaiccj.org.