Oaks Senior Living Community, Laurel Lodge, Helps Local Veteran Find Hope After Hardship

At Oaks Senior Living, we recognize and prioritize serving those individuals that have made the choice of serving our country. Recently, the team at Laurel Lodge in Cleveland Georgia, had the honor of stepping in to help a local veteran, Stanly Latty, and his wife during an unimaginably difficult time—turning what began as heartbreak into a story of hope, compassion, and unity of community.

Mr. Latty, a longtime Baldwin resident and veteran, had lived in his home with his wife for over 30 years. After the home was foreclosed, the couple’s belongings were tragically thrown into the yard, leaving them without a safe or stable place to live. Their home had already been without running water for months, and Mrs. Latty—who is bedbound—had been admitted to the hospital, where her husband remained by her side.

News of their situation quickly spread through the Northeast Georgia community when former Baldwin Mayor, Alice Venter, shared their story online. Moved by the post, Laurel Lodge Community Relations Director, Becky Bowman immediately reached out to offer support.

“My husband shared the story with me, and I knew we had to do something,” Becky shared. “I contacted Alice, and shortly after, the couple’s son reached out to schedule a tour at our community.”

Understanding the urgency of their situation, Becky and her team worked swiftly to connect Mr. Latty with veteran support services and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help him apply for benefits he was entitled to. With help from OSL’s Regional Director of Sales Ashley Lowery, they were able to provide Mr. Latty and his wife a room at a rate that fit their circumstances.

The support extended far beyond the Oaks community. Neighbors, local organizations, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) rallied together to provide clothing, meals, and financial help. It was a true demonstration of how compassion can bring people together when it matters most.

Alice Venter, who first brought attention to the Latty family’s story, expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming response:

“Mr. Latty is still in disbelief and overwhelmed with gratitude. The only home he’s known for more than 30 years was ripped from under him, but our community immediately jumped in to meet his and Mrs. Latty’s needs. Becky Bowman from Oaks Senior Living has her finger on the pulse of our community and jumped in to help get the Latty’s stable. What an incredible resource Oaks Senior Living is for our neighbors.”

Reflecting on the experience, Becky shared:

“I was honored to help a veteran who has done so much for our country. We should be taking care of our veterans.”

Stories like this remind us of why we do what we do every day at Oaks Senior Living—to provide not only care, but dignity, hope, and a true sense of home to those who need it most.