Jacob's tenure with a contracting agency Eagle Star Housing Inc.  Serving the United States Department of Veterans Affairs involved assisting homeless veterans Within The Western region of New York State. He consistently demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative work ethic With government officials, colleagues, and supervisors, effectively delivering immediate community services encompassing housing, education, and self-sufficiency initiatives. His experience encompassed a broad understanding of private and federal programs supporting veterans. Mr. Welch Empathetic approach fostered trust, enabling him to facilitate access to veteran compensation, healthcare, Section 8 housing, Social Security benefits, and various community resources, including mental health and outreach services.

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Jacob’s  experience includes special education services for the City of Canandaigua, NY, where he effectively leveraged his certifications and training in behavioral health, suicide prevention, and mental health therapy.  He employed positive learning strategies to address students' behavioral and developmental challenges, consistently reinforcing positive behaviors and maintaining thorough documentation and communication with school staff.  His contributions ensure student safety, fostered growth, promoted self-advocacy and independence, and supported academic success and safety. 

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Mr. Welch, possesses extensive experience collaborating with diverse clientele across public and governmental sectors.  His commitment to supporting the elderly is evidenced by his contributions to community nursing and rehabilitation centers and programs, effectively utilizing his prior experience and Florida CNA certification. Moreover, Jacob's managerial expertise is demonstrated through his tenure as a program manager, contracting with a Livingston County, NY school district to provide before- and after-school programs.

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Following several years of human services experience, Jacob, at age 21, sought professional development in governmental affairs.  He currently serves on the Canandaigua City Transportation Committee and collaborates with contracting agencies providing nationwide veteran support services for the VA. Subsequently, Jacob accepted a position with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, delivering comprehensive national veteran services.  His responsibilities further encompassed housing assistance, disaster relief, and community support resources addressing veteran crises.

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Mr. Welch, possesses extensive experience in developing and promoting legislative proposals at the county, state, federal levels, While also advocating on international levels for peace and Humanitarian Support. Additionally he has a high focus on improvement for housing, safety, education and community engagement within the government and community.  He is a strong advocate for  Small Business and Not-for-profit organizations programs, and community development. Jacob consistently prioritizes the needs and voices of his community. His passion lies in leveraging his advocacy skills to address complex and persistent challenges. From 2021 to 2023, he actively engaged with New York State senators and representatives in developing and promoting legislative proposals and collaborated with federal counterparts on similar initiatives. He has successfully authored and advanced six legislative proposals.

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The following are the proposed legislation Jacob has advocated to get a bipartisan vote and or support from Local, county, State and Federal officials and or committees. 

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• Working with county, state and local police: To ensure adequate funding for full-time school resource officers, New York State should provide complete financial support through grants and/or budgetary allocations, thereby preventing the diversion of limited school budget resources.

• Ontario County Department of Housing Services proposal - This proposal aims to expand housing services for the homeless and low-income populations, reform Section 8 policies to facilitate home ownership, establish homeless shelters in undeserved areas. Additionally this comprehensive proposal argued the need for additional funding for non-profit and county DSS programs to enhance emergency housing services. 

• New York State Housing Services Proposal- This department will serve as the central hub for all shelters under the New York State Department of Housing (NYSHS) across all 62 counties.  It will provide complex support to existing shelters, agencies, and local DHS shelter programs and services.  Furthermore, DHS will oversee the development of additional shelters and contracting opportunities with established not-for-profit organizations.  DHS proposes to offer funding, contracting, and other support services to agencies throughout the state, fostering networking and collaborative relationships with other federal, state, and county programs to secure additional funding. However, this proposal was rejected by Governor Kathy Hochul's Office, Senator Helming's office, and the NYS Association of counties.

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Update: Despite efforts to secure bipartisan support from both Democratic and Republican parties, a lack of cooperation prevented the proposal's advancement.

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• The United States Department of Community Security Administration (DCSA)- This proposed department submitted a proposal for a national partnership with public schools to enhance safety protocols and security staffing, incorporating supplemental federal funding, training, and mental health resources for schools and communities. The initiative seeks to mitigate gun violence in schools and local businesses.  Following the mass shootings in Buffalo, NY, Florida, and Texas, among others, Jacob developed this proposal. However, Representatives Congress Chris Jacob and Claudia Tenney declined to support it. Mr. Welch has continued to circulate the proposal to U.S. senators and committees, actively engaging with representatives' and senators' offices to secure support. —  Status: In progress.

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• Ontario county department Of refugee services- In response to the Ukrainian conflict, the United States and New York State implemented temporary border openings for Ukrainian families seeking refuge.  However, Ontario County lacked adequate refugee support services.  To address this deficiency, Jacob developed a comprehensive proposal for assistance programs in Canandaigua, securing support and funding through collaboration with the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, county administrator (Chris Debolt),  and relevant county and state committees.  Despite these efforts, New York State Senator Helming's office declined to endorse the proposal, citing a perceived lack of need within the county and the existing presence of several refugee support agencies.

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• New York State Department Of Foreign Services- In response to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, the United States and New York State implemented temporary open border policies for Ukrainian families seeking refuge.  However, Ontario County lacked adequate refugee support services.  Consequently, Jacob developed a proposal to establish comprehensive assistance programs in Canandaigua.  He collaborated with the County Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, and relevant county and state committees to secure necessary support and funding.  Nevertheless, Senator Helming's office determined that such services were unnecessary, declining to endorse or sponsor the proposal.  Senator Helming's rationale was that existing county agencies already addressed refugee support needs.

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​Update: 

Despite the availability of refugee services from various agencies, Ontario County, New York, and specifically the city of Canandaigua, lacked access due to geographical distance, insufficient staffing, and a relatively low refugee and immigrant population.  However, a gradual increase in this population, particularly within Geneva, New York, has been observed.

 

Despite initial setbacks, Jacob's perseverance led to the founding of Ontario County Supportive Services (OCSS), a significant achievement.  At age 22, he became the youngest and first person to establish a refugee services organization in Canandaigua and Ontario County, New York.  He immediately collaborated with New York State's Office of New Americans to secure essential training, support, resources, and services.  Subsequently, another refugee services agency, "Called to Care," opened in Canandaigua, and Jacob fostered a productive partnership, serving on its community workforce and employment committee to connect Ontario County businesses with refugee employees.

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Jacob serves as a National Community Affairs Advocate (NCAA), actively engaging with community members to understand their perspectives and concerns. He fosters collaborative relationships with representatives and officials at the local, county, state, and federal levels. He has promoted the creation of federal legislation, such as (DCSA) for school safety, year-round financial aid, and he aims to advocate for improved security measures and increased security personnel in school educational settings.

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Jacob has leveraged this platform to offer conflict resolution and solutions for escalating concerns related to international and domestic governmental issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. Jacob continues to advocate for services and opportunities through temporary housing affordability and development. With the aim to increase focus on community services and resources, education, community safety, small business and not-for-profit support. 

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Jacob is committed to driving effective, timely, and impact-full change and communication, ensuring the voices of the people are heard.  His vision prioritizes American interests through consistent growth, expanded opportunities, improved education, enhanced safety, and the promotion of self-reliance and freedom of choice. While acknowledging his limited political experience compared to established incumbents, he highlights the importance of engaging younger generations in the political process, recognizing their vital contributions to a stronger, more prosperous America.

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Jacob's preferred quotations include  "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us," from *The Lord of the Rings*, and "If you suffer defeat today, you must find a way to claim victory tomorrow," from the television series *Medici*.  He consistently demonstrates this commitment to service and actively pursues future successes for the people he serves. 

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