Leadership
Meet Our Team

Kathy Johnson
Executive Director

Tosheria Brown
Director of Programs and Services
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
Volunteer Coordinator
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
Coordinated Care Specialist
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
Coordinated Care Specialist
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.

Owen Forbes
Basic Needs Services Coordinator
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
Grant Writer
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 as the Grant Writer.

Kitty Banks
Weekend Meals Coordinator and Coordinated Entry Support Specialist
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
Assistant 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.
Board of Directors
Mr. Charles Meeker
Chair
Dr. Brian Klausner
Vice-Chair
Mr. Michael D’Ercole
Treasurer
Mr. Rick Miller-Haraway
Secretary
Mrs. Barbara Goodmon
Mr. Barkley Sample
Ms. Kimberley Jones
Mr. Tom Gipson
Mr. Brad Crone
Mr. Casey Turner
Rev. Paul Anderson
Mr. Thomas Lindgren
Mr. Pablo Escobar
Our Provider Partners
These organizations are part of the ever-growing list of those collaborating to provide medical assistance, behavioral health care, veterans’ services, outreach, employment services, and coordination of care and support to Oak City Cares guests. Visit our Providers Page for the full list of partners.

HOURS:
9am-5pm Monday-Friday
9am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday for weekend meals (enter at the side entrance)
1430 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
We are accessible via the #21 bus from downtown Raleigh.
Oak City Cares
1430 S. Wilmington St.,
Raleigh, NC 27603