Jason Oxendine, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
When Jason joined our program, he was on the brink of eviction. His situation was made worse by personal loss and ongoing health challenges.
He had stepped away from work to care for his sister during her illness. When she tragically passed away, Jason faced both grief and financial hardship. Not long after, he was hospitalized, which left him unable to work and fully reliant on Social Security Income (SSI).
Thankfully, support arrived just in time. With the help of SSVF Case Manager Ja’Mesha Davenport, Jason’s path began to turn around. As a newly hired case manager, Ja’Mesha received guidance from Housing Director Chariden Lewis, who helped ensure Jason was enrolled quickly.
Together, they moved fast to meet his urgent needs. Through VSC, Jason received rental assistance that prevented his eviction, support for utility payments, and help with car repairs at C and J Tire and Auto Repair in Fayetteville. With his vehicle fixed, Jason was once again able to attend vital medical appointments in Sanford
“Without your help, I would be homeless. Ja’Mesha went far above and beyond the call of duty, visiting me, bringing food, and ensuring my car was repaired. As a Marine and Native American, asking for help was difficult, but Ja’Mesha and VSC made it easy to rebuild my faith in humanity. You have restored my hope and shown that veterans like me are loved and appreciated.”
Ja’Mesha reflected on her experience with Jason, praising his attitude through adversity:
“Jason is a beacon of light, even during dim times. It’s been a pleasure to help someone so kind and understanding. We need more people like him.”
Mr. Patalano, U.S. Army Veteran
Mr. Patalano, a determined U.S. Veteran, has been an inspiring presence at Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC). Earlier this year, he was referred to our team by Mr. Quentin Sanders, seeking guidance on his employment journey.
That’s when Case Manager Tamaia Faletogo stepped in with focus and care. She worked closely with Mr. Patalano, providing hands-on support that included resume assistance, job leads, and connections to hiring events. One key moment came during the Toyota Hiring Fair in December 2023. To prepare him, Tamaia walked him through the application process, helped with skills assessments, and coached him for in-person testing.
When a pre-hire physical revealed he needed an updated eye exam and new glasses, Tamaia acted quickly to remove that barrier. She also helped him enroll in Medicaid to resolve urgent dental issues that had previously limited his job prospects.
Thanks to her support and Mr. Patalano’s determination, he navigated each step with confidence. On October 17, 2024, he received his official job offer from Toyota, and he’s set to begin his new role on November 4.
We are proud to celebrate his success and are deeply grateful for Tamaia’s dedication. Stories like this remind us why we do what we do, empowering Veterans to build strong, self-sufficient futures.
Michael Coffey, U.S. Army Veteran
Meet Michael Coffey, a U.S. Army Veteran from the mid-1980s whose story is one of resilience, teamwork, and transformation. After spending several years living with a friend in Morehead City, Michael’s life took a drastic turn in early 2024 when he suffered a debilitating stroke.
No longer able to live independently, he was brought to Hope Mission Shelter following his hospital discharge. His medical needs had grown beyond what his friend could manage, but Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) was ready to help.
Our team enrolled Michael in the Hope Program and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Peer Support Specialist Patrick Byan and Health Care Coordinator Stacey Buckner worked closely with him to access vital benefits, secure housing, and coordinate ongoing medical care. Meanwhile, Housing Specialist Charles Lee made sure Michael had essential tools for daily life, including a cell phone to stay connected.
When Hope Mission Shelter announced its closure, the VSC team sprang into action. Patrick and his colleagues advocated to ensure that Michael and another Veteran would remain sheltered. Through quick coordination with SSVF and RCS Shelter in New Bern, they arranged hotel accommodations, followed by a transition into the Veterans wing at RCS. This new space gives Michael up to six months of stability as he continues rebuilding his independence.
Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets action. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the VSC team, he’s now on a path toward lasting stability and self-sufficiency, proof of our promise to stand beside every Veteran in need.
James Spann, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Meet James Spann, a proud Marine Corps Veteran whose life has been transformed through resilience and the power of community support. After spending a year and a half living unsheltered in Jacksonville, James’s journey toward stability began in April when he met Michael Wilson, a Peer Support Specialist with Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC), through the HOPE program.
Together, they created a personalized success plan to help James reach his goals. With determination and guidance, James gained access to essential resources and was approved for HUD-VASH housing assistance through the VA. Volunteers of America stepped in as well, generously covering his first month’s deposit and utilities.
On August 1, James held the keys to his new apartment, a turning point that marked the start of a new chapter. Now, with a safe place to call home and a strong support network, James is focused on rebuilding. He’s preparing to return to work and lay the foundation for a brighter future filled with purpose and opportunity.
James’s story embodies the power of connection and compassion. At VSC, we believe joy doesn’t just come from happiness; it’s created by seeing people for who they are and walking alongside them as they rebuild. That joy is felt by those who receive help and by those who give it.
Welcome home, James. Your strength and determination inspire us all.
Brandon’s Journey to Recovery
Brandon’s story is one of remarkable resilience, courage, and transformation. Faced with the challenges of homelessness, severe mental illness, and substance use disorder, he was at a critical crossroads when he first connected with Scott Guthrie, a Peer Support Specialist with VSC’s Formerly Criminal Justice Involved (FCJI) program.
Over the next three months, Scott worked alongside Brandon, building trust and offering consistent support. Though recovery felt distant at first, their connection sparked something powerful hope. When Brandon made the life-changing decision to take control of his future, Scott acted quickly. He coordinated Brandon’s detox and entry into Hope is Alive Ministries, beginning with a stay at the men’s home in Greenville, NC.
Brandon’s healing journey continued in Oklahoma City at another Hope is Alive men’s home, where holistic support became the foundation of his recovery. Thanks to the generosity of One Harbor Church in Morehead City, intake fees and travel costs were fully covered, removing key barriers in Brandon’s path.
Since entering the program, Brandon has made incredible progress. He completed a much-needed shoulder surgery, began addressing his mental health, and started to heal from long-standing trauma. Today, he has stable employment at a local toy store and is pursuing a degree in IT technology at South University.
He’s also made profound spiritual strides, choosing to be baptized as a symbol of his renewed faith and future. Now eight months into recovery, Brandon is building a life of purpose, stability, and hope.
His journey is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets the right support. At VSC, we’re honored to walk alongside Veterans like Brandon as they reclaim their futures, one courageous step at a time.
Army Veteran Albert Rodriguez
Army Veteran Albert Rodriguez was living in his truck, doing everything he could to protect and provide for his family. Despite the hardships, he came to Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) with determination and a willingness to do whatever it took to rebuild.
Recognizing his commitment, our team quickly enrolled Albert in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Housing Program. Case managers worked alongside him to secure safe, stable housing so his family could finally rest without fear. At the same time, Albert joined the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), where he received employment support and career guidance to regain financial security.
Thanks to Albert’s perseverance, and the coordinated care provided by VSC, his family now has a roof over their heads and a renewed sense of stability. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, Veterans can turn even the most difficult situations into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Shashanta Andrews, U.S. Army Veteran
Shashanta Andrews, a U.S. Army Veteran, embodies resilience and strength. While staying at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter for Women and Children, she worked with Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) to secure a better life for herself and her children.
Faced with barriers like a past eviction and the need for accommodations for her children with special needs, Shashanta never gave up. She partnered closely with her VSC Case Manager to find a property manager who believed in second chances. Her hard work paid off. Shashanta and her sons are now on the path to lasting stability.
Beyond housing, she took steps toward financial independence by enrolling in VSC’s employment and training program. Her goal: to find meaningful work that aligns with her talents and provides long-term security. VSC continues to support her with rental assistance and job resources to help her reach those goals.
Shashanta’s courage and commitment to her family’s future serve as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance. Her story reflects the heart of what it means to serve, both in uniform and as a mother determined to build a better tomorrow.
Alexis Smith, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
When Marine Corps Veteran Alexis Smith entered Veterans Services of the Carolinas’ housing program in the Foothills region, he carried little more than a backpack. Years of instability had left him without a place to call home. But with the steady support of his Case Manager, Dallas Bragg, Alexis committed to rebuilding his life one step at a time.
After months of determination and teamwork, Alexis received a HUD-VASH housing voucher through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This milestone allowed him to move into a newly built apartment. For the first time in over ten years, Alexis held the keys to his own home.
With stable housing secured, Alexis quickly turned his focus to employment. He is now enrolled in VSC’s job readiness program and actively applying for full-time positions. To help make his new apartment feel like home, his Case Manager coordinated local furniture donations and provided a Welcome Home Kit filled with essential items, thanks to support from the American Red Cross.
Alexis’s story reflects the strength of a Veteran determined to rebuild, and the power of a community committed to helping him do so. Through perseverance and partnership, Alexis is reclaiming stability, dignity, and hope for the future.
Stephen Coffee, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Marine Corps Veteran Stephen Coffee’s journey to stability is a powerful example of resilience and community-driven support. After initially connecting with Warrior Clan, Stephen transitioned to Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) for more comprehensive housing and employment assistance.
With the help of VSC’s programs, Stephen overcame chronic homelessness and secured a safe, stable home creating a fresh start not just for himself, but for his young son as well. In just six months, his life has transformed through the strength of determination and the support of a compassionate network.
“The saying is true, it takes a village. My life six months ago compared to now is unrecognizable.”
Stephen’s success reflects what’s possible when Veterans are surrounded by people who believe in them. His journey is a reminder that with the right resources and relationships, lasting change is within reach. We’re proud to walk alongside Stephen and celebrate this new chapter in his life.
Phillip Fulcher, U.S. Navy Veteran
After battling substance use for 28 years, Navy Veteran Phillip Fulcher found the support he needed to reclaim his life. Identified by VSC Peer Support Specialist Benji Horton on the North Carolina coast, Phillip began a life-changing journey grounded in trust, recovery, and connection.
With steady determination and the backing of VSC and its community partners, Phillip completed his recovery program. Today, he is sober, stably housed, and thriving in a new chapter of purpose as a peer mentor at Healing Transitions, guiding others on the path he once walked.
“There are no words to describe the appreciation I have for VSC and Benji, my Case Manager. His patience, caring, and dedication to find a place where I could focus on my demons and overcome them can only be described as outstanding.”.
Phillip’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, transformation is possible, and hope is always within reach.