Samantha's Journey with Project DeLorean

Background:

Samantha is a disabled Army Veteran and single mother of a child with Autism. She has faced a series of compounding hardships, including damage to her home and vehicle caused by a hurricane, a costly water bill stemming from a meter reading error, and the financial pressure of replacing her vehicle. These issues quickly escalated, creating significant financial strain and emotional distress. Samantha’s circumstances became overwhelming, impacting her mental health and daily stability.

The Challenge:

When NCServes Predictive Analytics Care Coordinator James Miller reached out, Samantha expressed urgent concerns about a mounting water bill, food insecurity, and the need for home repairs. In addition to these immediate challenges, Samantha opened up about feeling “mentally tired,” a reflection of the emotional toll these hardships had taken. As time progressed, her mental health declined further, and she reached out to NCServes with alarming symptoms of suicidal ideation.

NCServes Project DeLorean Solution:

James acted swiftly by securing payment for the outstanding water bill through the Bob Woodruff Hurricane Relief Fund and arranging emergency food assistance. He then connected Samantha with Tiffany Aswell, a Cumberland County Predictive Analytics Coordinator, to continue care and coordination. Tiffany worked closely with Samantha to connect her to home repair resources and support services for families of children with Autism.

Recognizing the severity of Samantha’s mental health needs, Tiffany introduced her to Hope-Thru-Horses, an equine therapy program designed to support Veterans. As Samantha’s condition became more critical, Tiffany immediately referred her to Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jen Guevara, who helped facilitate Samantha’s admission to the Recovery Response Center. During her recovery, Samantha’s sister stepped in to care for her son, allowing her space and support to begin healing.

Service: Crisis Intervention, Mental Health Support, Housing and Family Services, Food Assistance

Service Partners:  Veterans Services of the Carolinas, Project DeLorean, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Hope-Thru-Horses, and Recovery Response Center

Results:

Thanks to the rapid response and collaborative efforts of NCServes Project DeLorean and the broader care network, Samantha received critical support during her time of crisis. Today, she is on a path toward mental, emotional, and financial stability. Her willingness to seek help, even while navigating the challenges of single parenthood and recovery, is a testament to her strength and resilience.

Conclusion:

Samantha’s story highlights the life-changing impact of coordinated care. From emergency assistance to mental health intervention, the swift and compassionate actions of NCServes staff and community partners helped stabilize her life and provide hope for a better future. Her journey is a reminder of the power of community, trust, and the importance of showing up when Veterans and their families need it most.