WELCOME TO JAMES COLE VILLAGE
It is a privilege for Volunteers of America of Florida to dedicate the Tampa area Veteran’s Program to Tampa Native & Army Veteran Mr. James Cole. Mr. Cole not only served in the US military, but he helped fellow Veterans in several ways and throughout his life bettered Tampa as a community at large. James Cole Village will help to continue his support of Veterans in perpetuity.
James Cole was born to Madelyne and Robert Cole Sr. in Tampa on July 6, 1944. James attended high school in Hillsborough County, was drafted by the Army at the age of 18, and volunteered to go to Vietnam so that his younger brother (Anthony), who was in Vietnam at the time, could return to the US. He spent over a year in Vietnam in 1966, helping with many aspects including evacuations of wounded and fallen soldiers.
Upon honorable discharge, Mr. Cole became one of Tampa’s first Black Fire Fighters & one of the first black men to attend Barber College. This was not new to James, as a child he and his brother Anthony were the first Black Children to integrate the Jackson Heights Playground on Lake Avenue and 34th Street. James’ interest in becoming a barber was spurred at an early age as his father was a Barber. In fact, James Coles Sr provided young James a stool to stand on so that he could watch his father cut hair, the rest is history.
During James’ career as a barber he helped his community in East Tampa. James helped to mentor children in the area, especially children of struggling families. James guided the children and instilled the idea of being responsible, working hard and earning for themselves. The community was better because of James.
James retired in the late 80’s to pursue treatment for PTSD. He was one of the first to enter and complete the PTSD Program at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Sadly, in 2004 James was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Despite his illness, James stayed active in his church and with the nonprofit Paralyzed Veterans of America. James passed away October 16th, 2017, He is survived by his father; wife Renet; and three children, Todd, James, Naji; and his 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
OUR AMENITIES
- Case Management
- Support Services
- Individual Therapy
- Development and follow-up with Individual Life Plan
- In-service and post-service referrals
- Therapeutic treatment for Veterans recovering from substance disorders
- Aftercare services
- Family engagement and education
- Monthly events
- Washer & dryer in each unit
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Must be a male, 18 years or older
- Must be a Veteran with General, Other, or Honorable Discharge
- Must be homeless or in danger of becoming homeless
DETAILS
- 3BR
- 4 Units
Upcoming Events:
There are currently no upcoming events at this location. Please check back soon for updates!
Join our team
We’re proud of our team members. If you are seeking new career opportunities, we’d love for you to explore a role within our community.