Who We Are
About Versatile Development Group
Founded in North Carolina, VDG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to building stable homes, restoring dignity, and empowering communities through compassionate, comprehensive services.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
Versatile Development Group exists to provide affordable housing solutions, advocacy, and wraparound support services to individuals and families who face the greatest barriers — those re-entering society, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and tenants at risk of displacement. We believe that stable housing is the foundation upon which every life is rebuilt.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Dignity
Every person we serve deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and humanity — regardless of their circumstances.
Community
We believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors and the strength that comes from building genuine connections.
Advocacy
We stand up for those whose voices are too often unheard, fighting for fair housing policies and equitable treatment.
Empowerment
Our goal is not just to provide services, but to equip individuals with the tools and confidence to thrive independently.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Our board brings together dedicated community leaders committed to advancing VDG's mission across North Carolina.
Carlos Parks
Founder & Board Chair | BIC
Carlos Parks, BIC, is a licensed real estate professional in North Carolina and Virginia, entrepreneur, educator, author, filmmaker, and nationally recognized re-entry advocate dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity, housing, and economic empowerment. As the owner of Versatile Investments, Versatile Real Estate Group, Versatile Films, and Versatile Development Group, Carlos has built a diverse portfolio of businesses focused on community development, real estate, media, and investment. He is also the founder of The Opportunity House Transitions, a transitional housing organization serving individuals and families through locations in Winston-Salem and High Point, North Carolina. An accomplished educator, Carlos serves as an Adjunct Professor at Durham Technical Community College. He is a former TEDx speaker, published author, and author of a re-entry manual designed to assist justice-involved individuals as they transition back into their communities. Carlos serves on the boards of the Happy Hill Neighborhood Association, Twin City Housing Collective, Books in Bars, and the Happy Hill Community Land Trust. He directed the documentary Invisible People and served as Executive Director for The Kenneth Thomas Story, both featured on Fifth Sun TV. A dedicated foster parent, proud father of three, and grandfather of six, Carlos resides in Jamestown, North Carolina, with his wife, Demetria Parks. "Creating opportunities, transforming lives, and building stronger communities through leadership, housing, education, and advocacy."
Jaime Lassiter
Administrative Assistant & AI Consultant
Jaime Lassiter brings a deep commitment to community service and organizational excellence, ensuring VDG's operations reflect its values and mission. Our Swiss Army Knife, Jaime truly exemplifies the word Versatile — adapting seamlessly across every role, challenge, and need that comes her way.
Al Thomas
Executive Board Member
Al Thomas is a Nationally Certified Peer Support Specialist with a Forensic Enhancement specialization, Behavioral Health Trainer, WRAP Facilitator, and Workforce Development Specialist. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Al combines lived experience, professional expertise, and a passion for empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve lasting personal transformation. He serves with ANCHOR Management Workforce Development and is an instructor for the 96-hour Certified Peer Support Specialist training through Durham Technical Community College. As founder of the Neuro-Wellness Institute, Al developed innovative wellness frameworks including ROOTS™, CHAMP Wellness & Recovery™, Apple Tree Transitions™, and Survival Intelligence™. A motivational speaker, mentor, author, and community advocate, his mission is to help people recognize their value, discover their purpose, and maximize their potential.
Dana Saunders
Executive Board Member
Chef D. Saunders is a professional chef, military veteran, mentor, and co-founder of Village Minded — a non-profit organization he built alongside fellow board member Dr. Life to strengthen and uplift their community. Dana serves his community in the most nourishing way possible, gracing those around him with exceptional cuisine and introducing young adults to the art of fine cooking. His dedication extends far beyond the kitchen — as an active father and committed mentor, Dana pours into the next generation with the same discipline and heart he carried through his military service. His unique blend of culinary excellence, community leadership, and lived experience makes him an invaluable part of the VDG family.
Herbert Brown, Esq.
Executive Board Member
Herbert Brown, Esq. is an Attorney Advisor in the Trademark division of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, where he examines and processes several hundred trademark applications quarterly. He participates in Pro Bono expungement clinics and is the founder of HB6U Law Practice Pipeline — created in partnership with the Council on Legal Education Opportunities (CLEO, Inc.) through the LexisNexis AAN and Rule of Law Foundation Fellowship's 2021 inaugural cohort. Throughout his career, Herb has launched small business start-ups, served as a provisionally licensed mental health professional, facilitated workforce development workshops as an adjunct instructor at Durham Technical Community College, and mentored formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth through various non-profit and community outreach efforts. A proud alumnus of North Carolina Central University School of Law (Class of 2022), Herb also holds a Master of Social Work from NC State University (2016) and a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix (2013). Prior to his higher education journey, he served honorably in the United States Army Signal Corps as an Information Systems Analyst and Non-commissioned Officer. Herb is the proud father of three children and three bonus children. His legal interests include Sports & Entertainment, Contracts, Transactions, Copyrights, Trusts, and Real Property.
Dr. Life
Executive Board Member
Dr. Life is a phenomenal spoken word artist, public speaker, program trainer, former Marine, and entrepreneur whose energy and passion for community transformation are unmatched. As co-founder of Village Minded alongside fellow board member Dana Saunders, Dr. Life brings a powerful voice, creative vision, and deep commitment to uplifting individuals and communities. His unique blend of artistry, military discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit makes him an extraordinary asset to VDG's mission.
Demetria Parks
Executive Board Member
Demetria Parks is a Registered Nurse and Respiratory Therapist whose career has been defined by compassionate care and a commitment to healing. A proud graduate of UNC Charlotte, Demetria brings both clinical expertise and a servant's heart to everything she does. As a licensed foster parent, she has opened her home and her heart to children in need — embodying the same values of dignity and family that guide VDG's mission. A devoted mother of three, Demetria finds joy in traveling, shopping, and most of all, spending quality time with her family. Her dedication to health, family, and community makes her an invaluable voice on the VDG Board of Directors.
Ivy N. Kearney
Executive Board Member
Ivy N. Kearney is an accomplished nonprofit leader, behavioral health professional, and community advocate with extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by incarceration, homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, and other barriers to stability. She is the founder and executive leader of New Beginnings A New Way of L.I.F.E., a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive support services throughout Robeson, Columbus, and Bladen counties. Under her leadership, the organization connects individuals with housing, employment opportunities, essential documentation, food and clothing assistance, behavioral health services, spiritual guidance, and other critical community resources. Ivy holds a degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Teaching. Her professional background has strengthened her expertise in crisis intervention, resource coordination, program development, community engagement, and advocacy. She brings to board service a collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to ethical decision-making and organizational accountability. Guided by compassion and a results-oriented approach, Ivy is passionate about developing sustainable partnerships, strengthening underserved communities, and advancing initiatives that create equitable access to resources and long-term opportunities. She believes effective board leadership requires integrity, strategic vision, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the people and communities an organization serves.
Join us in making a difference.
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or partner with us — there's a place for you in our mission.