The 4 Day Movement exists to enrich and empower the underprivileged and those falling through the cracks of life by connecting their need(s) to the proper resource(s). Our vision is to see people acquire the physical, emotional, and/or spiritual necessities which they lack, help stop the cycles of poverty, and see restoration of families.
A note from our founder
“On June 4th, 2013 at 4:00 a.m., I was awakened out of a deep and restful sleep. I became aware of a word from the Lord. While listening, I began to write what was being downloaded into me. The Lord said to prepare for and not to be afraid to take action in the coming days, to be a light and a “bridge builder”. God’s instruction is that the timetable would be “4 days”. This will involve a divine itinerary. I was also told that there would be breakthroughs, healings, and restoration accomplished within 4 days that could not be accomplished in the previous 4 years. All of this is not by my might, but by our Heavenly Father’s hand and power. He is my CEO. I now embark upon this new assignment with prayer and constant closeness to God as my guide. I will do, say, sing, and serve as instructed for the glory and grace of God. (period)
I founded the 4 Day Movement because of my desire to motivate a collection of like-minded people who want to help those falling through the cracks of life by giving a hand up, not a hand out.
Everyone has something to offer -either a particular skill, a connection to someone who can offer a particular resource, or simply good old-fashioned elbow grease. In these moments of compassion, of helping people when they felt nobody else was able to, a connection is made in a real and powerful way.
Because I don’t have assumptions or judgments about those in need, people shared genuinely about their immediate needs- but also their less tangible needs. The need for connection, to feel valuable, to feel like someone cares is inextricably linked to the immediate need for help. These are things that would not have surfaced on any application form for services. While I feel like this organization is my life’s purpose, I did not set out to create a non-profit. The Four (4) Day Movement is growing organically. Compassion, respect, and connection are not just values of mine, or of the organization. They ARE the whole point of why we’re here.”
-DJ Coles, Founder & Ceo
The 4 Day Movement, Inc. is on a mission to help people who are struggling by harnessing the power of community, social connections, and faith-based organizations to provide for short-term fundamental human needs. We serve people who have fallen on difficult times and need a helping hand to avoid falling through the cracks and facing additional compounding obstacles.
After helping people in so many ways since it began, Four Day now concentrates on feeding and sheltering people in need. The group never actively looks for clients, people just find it. Four Day currently provides temporary supportive housing for the vulnerable population at five locations. One of those locations is a local hotel, where it houses families for a maximum of 30 days – on a case-by-case basis. Individualized client plans are re-evaluated weekly to be sure that they are being held accountable and are following their goal plans.
Each case is served through a “four day movement” by joining grassroots networks, volunteers and existing resources. The 4 Day Movement, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the power of connection and value of service to others. Services provided by the 4 Day Movement vary based on needs, but center around facilitating or directly providing short-term quality assistance through our 4 Pillars of Assistance: Project A.C.E., Project C.L.E.A.T.S., Project S.A.V.E., and Project E4.
Donald “DJ” Coles, Jr.
4 Day Founder / CEO / CSO, Board Chair
DJ Coles is a man of faith, husband, father, servant, & friend. He is the founder and CEO of the 4 Day Movement, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that helps the underprivileged and less fortunate with a hand up, not a handout. You will often hear DJ say that he and the 4Day teamwork to be the hands and feet of Christ for those falling through the cracks of life in this sometimes cruel world.
Before devoting his service full time to The Four Day Movement, Inc., DJ served 11+ years as the Case Manager/Health Educator at Wayne Memorial Hospital with the W.A.T.C.H. Mobile Unit in Goldsboro, NC. Mr. Coles impacted many patients’ lives with his patience and desire for them to excel in the midst of tragedy or illness. He also worked with WAGES. For over 22 years, DJ worked with the Air Force as a Protestant Youth Director and ministered directly to military-dependent youth and their families. DJ received a BSPH from UNC Chapel Hill with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Psychology. He later continued his studies at Columbia International University and is currently completing his MPA through Claremont Lincoln University.
DJ is married to his amazing & supportive wife, Ruth, and enjoys being a dad to their son and daughter, whom he calls his gifts! DJ is the Associate & Youth Pastor (PYM2) at Cornerstone Church where he and his family worship. He can also sing a little!
Ruth Coles
4 Day Board Support
VP & Director of Creative Services
She is the visual communicator of the vision God downloaded into her husband, DJ Coles. Her favorite logo design is The 4 Day Movement identity. She counts it an honor! Ruth is an artist by birth & designer by trade. She graduated top of her class from the University of Mount Olive in 1998 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Visual Communications and a concentration in graphic design.
Ruth takes care of the print collateral and all of the design aspects of The 4 Day Movement including promotional products. Ruth helps to oversee administrative and media systems. Not only does she aids in make decisions on programming and processes, but she also finds time to intentionally interact with the clients. Ruth is very conscientious about this divine assignment and works with DJ & the 4Day Team to help those in need, especially those who fall through the cracks of life. Ruth considers herself the gap filler and number one supporter for her husband and children. She is truly grateful to God for her family and The 4 Day Movement.
Ashley Horne
4 Day Board Secretary
Director of Operations & Logistics
Ashley has served with The 4 Day Movement since December of 2016. In this position, she is able to provide support and feedback to the CEO, as well as, oversee daily operations and assist with the case management piece to serve those within our community who are in need. Ashley has a desire to serve others and to assist individuals and/or families in overcoming their obstacles in order to be successful.
Prior to serving with 4 Day, Ashley worked with the Wayne County Public School system as an educator. She attended Barton College and received her B.S. degree. Ashley continues to reside in Goldsboro with her husband, Brooks, of 15 years.
Juanita Green
4 Day Board, Community Liaison (Non-voting)
Juanita is definitely a strong community advocate. Her perseverance and endurance helped her to overcome addiction and she now impacts the community as a peer support specialist and a listening ear for those struggling with addiction.
Juanita Green is a valuable asset to our board and our community. Juanita has served with The 4 Day Movement for several years. She serves as the Intake Supervisor & Peer Support Specialist. In this position, Juanita works one-on-one with our clients in need and aids with goal plans and connections for wrap-around services.
Brandi Strickland
4 Day Executive Board, Vice Chairman
Brandi has been a resident of Goldsboro for over 20 years. She has a heart for helping those in need. She joined the Board of 4 Day Movement a few years ago after meeting with DJ and Ruth about their organization’s needs. The purpose of 4 Day Movement resonated with her desire to help change the lives of others that have fallen through the cracks.
Brandi has volunteered and raised money for various causes over the years. She received a Business Administration from East Carolina University. Brandi has been married to her husband, Bret, for 16 years and they share three beautiful boys.
Dr. Chris Griffin
4 Day Executive Board, At-Large
Dr. Chris Griffin is a valued pediatrician and is affiliated with Wayne UNC Health Care-Goldsboro. He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 25 years. Chris has a heart for helping those in need.
He joined the Board of The 4 Day Movement from inception and has been a consistent and committed supporter and advocate ever since. Together, he and his wife, Ericka, have a beautiful daughter.
New Member:
Coming Soon
Ryan Rasmussen
4 Day Executive Board, Chaplain
Ryan is currently the head pastor at Cornerstone Church in Goldsboro, NC. He earned his Masters of Divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in 2002. Ryan and Michelle were then missionaries in Nairobi, Kenya for a year where Michelle taught orphaned children and Ryan ministered to youth and young adults at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Ryan then became the associate pastor of FPC in Goldsboro, NC and then the senior pastor of FPC in Anderson, IN before helping to plant Cornerstone Church in Goldsboro in November of 2013. Ryan then completed the coursework for a Doctorate of Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary.
He's on the executive board of The 4 Day Movement as well as a board member of Kwetu Faraja (a home for street boys in Tanzania). Ryan and Michelle have been married since 2001 and have four amazing children.
Corey Coley
4 Day Executive Board, Treasurer
Corey, a native of Wayne County, has committed a substantial portion of his professional career toward creating and providing educational opportunities for non-traditional adult learners. He serves as Assistant Director for the Graduate and Professional Studies Programs at Barton College; specializing in facilitating resources for students in the field of Social Work, Nursing, Education, Business and the Criminal Justice Sciences.
Corey has served as advisory board member for Johnston, Lenoir, and James Sprunt Community College. Corey earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from North Carolina Wesleyan College and completed his Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership from Barton College.
His motto is simple: “We are all endowed with greatness and should make it our life’s work to pursue our purpose with passion and vigor. Every waking moment represents a new opportunity; therefore, our daily decisions should reflect the gratitude for the new mercies we are extended. Never give up”.
Corey resides in Wayne County with his wife, Alesia, and their amazing children.
Gabriela Gonzalez-Santiago
4 Day Board, At-Large
Gabriela is the Assistant Director of Veteran Employment Services at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. She is an advocate for the Veterans and elderly. She is a seasoned Human Resources Specialist with leverage skills in organizational development, crisis management, strategic planning, and motivational leadership. She is recognized for exemplary planning and directing of administrative processes and procedures.
Gabriela is highly effective in time management, balancing competing details, and organizational processes. She has practical experience in overseeing program/event procedures from development to actual launch.
She possesses strong verbal, writing, interpersonal, and presentation skills and establishes consensus across all organizational levels. She also has a heart for helping those in need. She joined the Board of 4 Day Movement in 2017 after connecting with DJ and Ruth and the mission and vision of their organization. Together they have collaborated with assistance to several veterans who were falling through the cracks of life.
Gabriela attained a B.A.Sc. in Technical Management from DeVry University- Illinois and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management & Services from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University. Gabriela and her husband of many years have two handsome sons.
Wes Waller
4 Day Executive Board, At-Large
Wes was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. Community has been very important in Wes's life. Mr. Waller attended Lenoir Community College, Wayne Community College and East Carolina University to pursue a degree in technology education with a concentration in drafting and design. Wes received a job offer in private industry and has worked in many different areas in the construction industry to include design, estimating, and project management.
After college, Mr. Waller has continued his support of the community by serving on the American Red Cross board of directors, the Family Y board, NC Racquetball board, Mid Eastern Horsemen Association board, NC American Red Cross Disaster Services board along with being chairman of the City of Goldsboro Historic District Commission, and Finance Chairman at St Luke United Methodist Church. Wes has led several fundraising campaigns raising over 100,000 for the Red Cross. He has served for 27 years as the Assistant Director for the George F. Whitfield Baseball Clinic. Presently, Mr. Waller is acting as the co-chairman of the Tuscarora Council of Boy Scouts facilities fundraiser and is a current member of the 4 Day Movement. Wes and his lovely wife, Lorie, have one daughter.
In alphabetical order…
Shelton Carter: Special Projects & Wrap Around Support
DJ Coles: CEO-Founder
Ruth Coles: VP & Dir. of Creative Svcs.
Trinity Fernandez: Intern
Sarah Hamilton: Intake & Administrative Specialist
Ashley Hill: Director of Operations
Sally Hill: Intake Specialist & Special Projects
Tom Kazaar: Special Projects, Facilities & Maintenance
Ch. Dwayne Keener: E.D.I.T. (Executive Director in Training of The PORTAL)
Judy Parker: Pantry Organizer & Coordinator
Will Phillips: NLH Resident Lead & Outreach
Hannah Singletary: Special Projects/ Social Media/ Volunteer Support
Jeanne Spence: Special Projects
Mark Yates: Special Projects, Facilities & Maintenance
*Juanita Greene: Honorary Intake Supervisor & Peer Support Specialist
(*We will always remember and never forget)
