From Seeking Support to Leading Change: Joye’s Story

“For the purposes of this story, please call me Joye. I grew up in San Francisco and have lived in the Bay Area for most of my life.”

Joye’s journey is one of quiet strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.

She started working at just 9 years old and kept going strong—until the late 1990s, when a series of layoffs then a serious illness upended her life. In 2019, while still recovering, a member of her church suggested she visit Hope’s Corner for a warm meal and community support.

That’s where she met Wei, a volunteer at the  Hope’s Corner shower station and co-founder of a small nonprofit just getting started: The United Effort Organization.

Wei saw something special in Joye—someone calm, articulate, intelligent and deeply capable—and asked if she’d be willing to help organize donated clothing in the church basement with fellow co-founder, Claire. Joye agreed, and once that task was underway (and still ongoing!), Wei asked her to take on a more specialized role.

Giving Back With Purpose

With warmth, patience, and a talent for technology, Joye stepped into a crucial role: helping clients apply for California LifeLine phones (free or discounted mobile service for those in need). From there, she expanded her involvement—learning every detail of housing and benefit applications, training new volunteers, and working alongside others to improve programs and systems.

“I’ve always enjoyed volunteering as a way to give back to my community,” Joye shares. “Helping Wei and Claire was an easy decision, especially because I’ve experienced homelessness myself.”

Her insight and dedication shaped how United Effort operates today—defining programs and approaches to improve effectiveness. From training other volunteers, navigating complex applications, to supporting clients with Caltrain GoPasses and VTA UPLIFT passes!

A New Chapter

Thanks to her volunteer experience and growing expertise, Joye secured a full-time job at a San Jose nonprofit. Even with a packed schedule and a home of her own now, she continues to volunteer with The United Effort—bringing compassion, clarity, and lived experience to every client interaction.

From once receiving meals and services, to now shaping solutions for others, Joye is a reminder that the path from crisis to stability is not just possible—it’s powerful and inspiring.  Proof that when we invest in people with dignity and care, they rise—and lift others with them.