Imagine losing everything in a house fire so devastating it left you and your family with nowhere to go. At 61, the veteran, musician, father of six, and lifelong builder found himself facing the kind of loss that forces you to start over from the ground up.
Today, Percel and his family are rebuilding their lives in Durham, North Carolina, with the help of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program at Volunteers of America.
Percel was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina, the youngest of nine children in a close-knit household shaped by faith, discipline, and deep love. His father, a respected community leader and bishop, set a powerful example of integrity and responsibility that left a lasting imprint on Percel’s life.
“My father was known for his wisdom and uncommon wisdom. He was the most blameless men I’ve ever known. He never missed a bill, he never was unfaithful, he never told a lie to his wife, and loved us all deeply. He was everything a honorable man should be.” – Percel
That foundation guided Percel into a life of service and hard work. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 11 years in surgical operations and orthopedics before continuing in the reserves. Over the years, he took on many roles, including builder, artist, musician, and teacher, always doing what was needed to support his family.
“I always wanted to go to college, to study science, maybe architecture. But like my dad, I made choices that put family first. When you follow what God wants for your life, He provides.” – Percel
In 2023, Percel and his wife faced an unimaginable setback. A fire on their property destroyed vehicles, equipment, and multiple buildings, including the woodworking tools they had invested in to create a stable future.
“I stood there watching it all go up in flames. Four fire departments responded. It was devastating. But we were alive. That was the blessing.” – Percel
The loss left the Darden family displaced and financially strained. For months, they lived in a Hilton hotel, unable to cook meals and watching their savings slowly disappear. During that uncertain time, they reached out to the VA’s Veterans Hotline and were connected to Volunteers of America.
“We were introduced to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program in Durham, and it was like God opened a door. Chris Hoover, our case manager, was relentless. He never gave up on us.” – Percel
With support from Chris and the SSVF team, the Dardens were able to secure permanent housing. The family also received essential furniture and appliances through Military Missions in Action, along with Christmas gifts for their daughter.
“They made us feel seen, heard, and supported, like we truly mattered. I even told my wife, ‘If VOA ever switched gears and opened a pizza shop, it would be the best in town.’ That’s how exceptional their team is.” – Percel
Today, Percel and his wife are not just housed. They are building a future. They recently welcomed their second child together, a baby girl named Jada Rose. With stability restored, Percel is spending more time doing what he loves most, teaching his children and passing down the values he learned growing up.
“My 4-year-old already understands molecular principles and basic astronomy. That’s what VOA has given us—time, space, and peace to pour into our family.” – Percel
For others facing loss, uncertainty, or transition, Percel offers guidance shaped by faith and experience.
“Let God order your steps. Don’t move unless He says so. If you follow Him, He will not fail you. – Percel
To learn more about our Supportive Services for Veteran Families program in North Carolina, visit: www.voachesapeake.org/ssvf-nc