Leadership

Tosheria Brown, previously the Program Coordinator for the Oak City Outreach Center since its opening in 2014, is now the Director of Programs and Services at Oak City Cares. Prior to her current work in the non-profit field, Tosheria worked in the for-profit sector for over 15 years where she developed her skills in customer service, project management, and relationship building. Tosheria has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a true desire for serving our friends experiencing homelessness and other levels of transition. She sees the humanity in each person she encounters and has a compassion that allows her to exemplify a caring, empathetic, and nonjudgmental spirit.

Laura Martin has spent the last decade learning and leading in the Triangle area non-profit sector. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Dress for Success Triangle, seeking to broaden the economic opportunities available to women seeking careers. Prior to joining DFST (Dress for Success Triangle), Laura spent eight years at Raleigh-based, StepUp Ministry. Laura has a strong commitment to local workforce development efforts and specifically to better economic access and opportunity for all.

Azalea Garza’s passion to work with and for the people is evident in her life and role as Care Coordinator. With a background in mental health services and years of experience in grassroots organizations, such as el Centro Hispano of Durham with Jovenes Lideres en Accion and the Black/Latino Project with SEREJN (Southeast Regional Economic Justice Network), Azalea strives to open the doors of opportunity to the guests at Oak City Cares to ensure the best quality of life possible. Azalea’s commitment to serve, coupled with her compassionate personality, benefits those who need assistance with housing and other communiy resources.

Shawn Walker’s lifelong commitment is to serve, support, and provide solutions for everyone in need. With a BA in Social Work and over ten years in mental health and human services, Shawn has the experience, skills, and knowledge to assist the guests at Oak City Cares with housing and other community resources. Shawn is a true advocate for social justice, which is evident in her compassion and dedication to fight for her clients as a Care Coordinator at Oak City Cares.

Jenna Najjar spent the last six years working on behalf of runaway and homeless youth in a variety of roles at the Oasis Center in Nashville. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Oak City Cares’ new street outreach component of the Coordinated Care Program. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Jenna is ready to build trusting relationships with the community and our most vulnerable neighbors. Jenna’s affable personality and eagerness to accept and meet challenges makes her an invaluable asset to the Oak City Cares team.

Owen Forbes finds joy in helping people and seeing them develop and achieve their goals. After 17 years serving in higher education at several universities, Owen is Oak City Cares’ Basic Needs Services Coordinator. He will ensure a smooth and fair process is experienced by all. A native of Ayden, NC, Owen is known for his gift to sing. He is an ordained and licensed minsiter within The Church of God and now calls Raleigh home.

Darrell Cox joins the Oak City Cares team after serving as the Grant Writer Associate at Catholic Charities for two and a half years. Darrell is no stranger to the nonprofit world. He has worked for several organizations as the Executive Director or Program Director, including the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, a multi-service facility for homeless individuals and families in poverty. He supports Oak City Cares in project management tasks and grant writing as the Office Manager & Grant Writer.

Kitty Banks has always seen food as a way to bring people together, or in her words, minister to people’s souls. Prior to joining the Oak City Cares team, Kitty worked at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle for over 17 years where she held several roles, including Catering Kitchen Manager. With over 19 years of nonprofit experience in the Triangle area and over 30 years of experience in the food industry, Kitty brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Oak City Cares as the Weekend Meals Coordinator.

Betsy Baker’s passion is connecting and creating positive relationships with the guests and volunteers of Oak City Cares. After graduating with a BA in Social Work and working in South Carolina for 15 years, Betsy is delighted to bring her compassion and talent back to the Triangle area.