Editor's note: Last week, members of JMP Marketing gathered for a week of meetings to plan for 2026 and beyond. They enjoyed time together and also used some of it to give back to the local community. This series, called "Spring into Action," showcases the teams' service projects and how they gave back.
Anne Milley, Antoine Smith, and Ashley Fowler learn about the efforts of Oak City Cares.Anne Milley, Antoine Smith, and Ashley Fowler learn about the efforts of Oak City Cares.When you walk into Oak City Cares on the outskirts of downtown Raleigh, you notice a well-appointed waiting room, attentive employees, and a clientele waiting patiently for their turn. What are they waiting for? It could be almost anything.
Oak City Cares is a public-private partnership that supports people experiencing homelessness by serving meals, providing medical care, and helping clients obtain the documentation they need for additional services like Medicaid and SNAP food benefits.
The organization provides services and coordinates others, carefully avoiding duplicating the efforts of other groups. Meals are only served on weekends, for instance, when area soup kitchens are not open. “We’re the gap filler,” Joseph Solomon, Volunteer and Corporate Engagement Manager, explained. And they are the connectors. Their clients meet with mental health advocates, ministers, county healthcare workers, credit counselors, and even veterinarians, if they have pets.
A long-time volunteer, Mark, told us how even a shower and access to free washing machines can be world-changing for their guests. “I was working in the shower area,” he said, “and a young man came out and announced that he felt like a human being again.”
Ken, another volunteer, said he thought working in the coffee service area would be a difficult, sad job, but it turned out to be a social and uplifting experience. “Someone comes up and says I look tired, and then asks me how I’m doing,” he said, surprised at the kindness shown by guests he was serving. It may sound cliché, Ken said, but “volunteers here think they’re going to change someone’s life. But instead, it’s their lives that get changed.”
Another volunteer told us about a time when she was at the end of a meal service and a woman with children approached her. Because there were no more meals left, a man in line gave his food to the woman, even though he was hungry too. “Volunteering will change your life,” she said.
Solomon said the clients – usually referred to as guests – are some of the kindest, most resilient, and, oftentimes, hopeful people you’ll ever meet. “We don’t believe anyone here is a lost cause,” he said. “There is hope for everyone.”
Ashley Fowler (L) and Anne Milley (R) show a volunteer how they could benefit from using JMP.Ashley Fowler (L) and Anne Milley (R) show a volunteer how they could benefit from using JMP.JMP Digital Operations’ Antoine Smith, as well as Ashley Fowler, Anne Milley, and Diana Levey of JMP Global Marketing, saw some of the programs in action and met staff and volunteers. Their goal: Learn about the organization, take some photos for Oak City’s use, and show the organization how they could benefit from using JMP. The result: Success!
The organization will use JMP to explore trends and patterns in data related to the population they serve – for instance, how many clients are successfully re-housed and who is successfully reunited with long-lost family members. They may also use JMP to make better decisions around fundraising efforts.
Interested in supporting Oak City Cares? There has been a predictable trend of support dropping off during the summer, which is one of the highest times of need. Volunteers are always needed, and supplies such as travel-size toiletries, sunscreen, sunhats, and laundry pods are always welcome. Learn more at www.oakcitycares.org.
