Jason Oxendine, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

When Jason entered our program, he was at risk of eviction, a situation compounded by personal tragedy and health setbacks. After stepping away from work to care for his ailing sister, Jason faced financial hardship when she tragically passed away. Shortly after, he was hospitalized, leaving him unable to work and relying solely on Social Security Income (SSI). With the guidance and dedication of SSVF Case Manager Ja’Mesha Davenport, Jason’s path took a positive turn. As a new case manager, Ja'Mesha was supported by our Housing Director Chariden Lewis, who assisted in Jason's enrollment. Together, they immediately addressed his urgent needs. Through our program, Jason received critical support, including rental assistance to stop his eviction, utility payments, and help to repair his vehicle at C and J Tire and Auto Repair in Fayetteville. This repair ensured he could attend vital medical appointments in Sanford.

Jason shared his gratitude, stating:
"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 working with Jason, expressing admiration for his resilience and positive spirit. "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 Veteran who has been an inspiration to all of us at Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC). Earlier this year, he was referred to our team by Mr. Quentin Sanders, seeking support for his employment journey. That’s when Case Manager Tamaia Faletogo stepped in, bringing her expertise and dedication to the forefront. Tamaia worked closely with Mr. Patalano, offering tailored support including resume-building assistance, job leads, and access to hiring fairs. One pivotal opportunity was the Toyota Hiring Fair in December 2023. To ensure he was fully prepared, Tamaia guided him through the application process, skills assessments, and in-person testing.

When a pre-hire physical revealed the need for an updated eye exam and glasses, Tamaia quickly facilitated these, ensuring no obstacle stood in his way. She also assisted Mr. Patalano in securing Medicaid to address urgent dental needs that had created a barrier to employment. Thanks to Tamaia’s unwavering support and encouragement, Mr. Patalano confidently navigated each step of the process. We are overjoyed to share that he received his final offer from Toyota on October 17, 2024, and will officially begin his new role on November 4, 2024!

A heartfelt thank you to Tamaia and our entire VSC team for their dedication to empowering Veterans like Mr. Patalano. Together, we are helping them achieve their goals and build self-sufficient futures.

Michael Coffey, U.S. Army Veteran

Meet Michael Coffey, a U.S. Army Veteran from the mid-1980s, whose determination and community support have shaped his journey through adversity. For several years, Michael lived with a friend in Morehead City, but in early 2024, his life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a debilitating stroke. The medical challenges left him unable to live independently, and after his hospital discharge, he faced the daunting reality of finding specialized care.

With nowhere else to go, Michael’s friend could no longer accommodate his needs, and hospital staff brought him to the Hope Mission Shelter in March 2024. Recognizing his critical situation, Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC) quickly stepped in to provide the care and resources Michael urgently needed.

Michael was enrolled in both the Hope Program and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant program, where Peer Support Specialist Patrick Byan and Health Care Coordinator Stacey Buckner worked tirelessly to help him access benefits, housing, and medical care. Additionally, Housing Specialist Charles Lee assisted in securing essential items, including a cell phone.

When Hope Mission Shelter announced its closure, Michael faced the possibility of being without shelter again. However, Patrick and the VSC team advocated fiercely, ensuring that Michael and another Veteran could remain at the shelter temporarily while they arranged alternative housing. Through collaboration with SSVF and RCS Shelter in New Bern, the team secured hotel accommodations, followed by a room in the Veterans wing at RCS. Here, Michael can stay for up to six months, allowing him to continue working with VSC staff and other case managers to rebuild his independence.

This story highlights the power of teamwork and unwavering dedication. Thanks to the efforts of Patrick Byan and the VSC team, Michael Coffey is on a path to stability and self-sufficiency. Together, we continue to honor and support Veterans like Michael, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve.

James Spann, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Meet James Spann, a Marine Corps Veteran whose life has been transformed through the power of community support and determination. After living unsheltered for a year and a half in Jacksonville, James found renewed hope when Michael Wilson, a Peer Support Specialist with Veterans Services of the Carolinas (VSC), connected with him in April through the HOPE program. Together, they developed a personalized plan to help James achieve his goals and regain stability.

Through the program, James accessed essential resources and was approved for HUD-VASH housing assistance through the VA. Volunteers of America further stepped in, covering his first month’s deposit and utilities. On August 1, James proudly picked up the keys to his new apartment, marking the beginning of a fresh start.

James, once feeling stuck and without options, now has a renewed sense of purpose and direction. With a secure home and a strong support system, he is focusing on his next steps: starting work and building a brighter future.

James’s journey reflects the essence of a caring community—one that fosters joy by seeing individuals for who they are and meeting their needs. At VSC, we believe that joy is not just a byproduct of happiness but a powerful tool in building caring communities. It is found in both those seeking help and those offering it.

Welcome home, James. Your resilience and success are an inspiration to us all.

Brandon’s Journey to Recovery

Brandon’s story is one of incredible resilience and determination, made possible through community support and his unwavering courage to embrace change. Facing homelessness, severe mental illness, and substance use disorder, Brandon was in a difficult place when he first connected with Scott Guthrie, a Peer Support Specialist with VSC’s FCJI program.

For three months, Scott worked closely with Brandon, who faced significant barriers to recovery due to his substance use. However, their connection ignited a spark of hope. Brandon made the life-changing decision to take control of his future, and Scott immediately set things in motion. He coordinated Brandon’s entry into Hope is Alive Ministries, beginning with detox and a stay at the men’s home in Greenville, NC. Brandon’s journey then took him to another Hope is Alive men’s home in Oklahoma City, where his holistic recovery truly began.

This transformation was supported by the generosity of One Harbor Church in Morehead City, which assisted with intake fees and plane ticket costs. Since joining the program, Brandon has made remarkable strides. He completed a much-needed shoulder surgery, addressed his mental health recovery, and began healing from past trauma. He now has stable employment at a local toy store and is pursuing higher education in IT technology at South University.

Brandon has also taken significant spiritual steps, choosing to be baptized as a testament to his renewed faith. Today, he is eight months into his recovery, working toward an amazing future filled with stability and growth.

Brandon’s story is a powerful reminder that hope, paired with dedicated support, can transform even the most challenging situations. We are inspired by his courage and are proud to celebrate his continued success on this incredible journey.

Shashanta Andrews, U.S. Army Veteran

Shashanta Andrews, a U.S. Army Veteran, exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Alongside her children, Shashanta was staying at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter for Women and Children while working with VSC’s housing program in the Charlotte area. She faced significant challenges, including a previous eviction and the need for accommodations for her special needs children.

Despite these obstacles, Shashanta remained determined, working tirelessly with her Case Manager to find a property manager willing to give her a second chance. Her perseverance paid off, and she and her boys are now one step closer to stability and security.

In addition to addressing her housing needs, Shashanta enrolled in VSC’s employment and training program with the goal of finding a job that aligns with her skills and aspirations. VSC continues to provide support, assisting with subsidized rent payments and employment resources to help her achieve long-term success.

Shashanta’s unwavering strength and commitment to her family’s safety and well-being are truly inspiring. Her story is a powerful testament to the courage and determination of Veterans striving to create brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.

Alexis Smith, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

When Marine Corps Veteran Alexis Smith enrolled in VSC’s housing program in the Foothills region, he had little more than a backpack to his name. With the dedicated support of his Case Manager, Dallas Bragg, Alexis worked tirelessly over several months to secure a brighter future. Their efforts culminated in obtaining a HUD-VASH housing voucher through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing Alexis to move into a newly constructed apartment. For the first time in over a decade, Alexis held the keys to his very own home.

Now focused on the next step in his journey, Alexis is actively participating in VSC’s employment program and submitting applications for full-time positions. To ensure his new home truly felt like his own, his Case Manager secured local furniture donations and a Welcome Home Kit of essential household goods provided by the American Red Cross.

Alexis’s determination and the unwavering support of VSC and community partners have helped him regain stability and independence. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of compassionate collaboration in transforming lives.