Local StoriesJune 17, 2026

Community Highlights: Meet Chardaye Sammons of C&S Nexus & Gees Svfe Spvce

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chardaye Sammons.

Hi Chardaye, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I became a teen mom at the age of 15, and my journey through motherhood was not easy. I faced challenges that most teenagers never have to consider while still trying to figure out who I was. Despite the obstacles, becoming a mother gave me a reason to keep moving forward and fighting for a better future.

After attending Job Corps, I made the life-changing decision to join the Army at 18 years old. I was determined to create stability for my child and build a life that would offer opportunities neither of us had before. Military service taught me discipline, resilience, and perseverance, but it also came with sacrifices and experiences that would shape me in ways I never expected.

Throughout my military career, I faced personal struggles, injuries, and challenges that tested my strength. There were moments when I questioned myself, moments when I felt lost, and moments when I wondered how much more I could endure. Yet each time life knocked me down, I found a way to get back up not just for myself, but for my child.

After leaving the military, the journey did not become easier. I navigated the realities of single parenthood, becoming a mother for the second time in my late 20’s, mental health challenges, financial hardships, and the difficult process of rebuilding my identity outside of the uniform and even outside of motherhood. I learned that resilience is not about never breaking; it is about finding the courage to keep going even when you feel broken.

Today, I am a veteran, a mother, a homeowner, a college student, and an entrepreneur. My story is not one of perfection. It is a story of survival, growth, and determination. Every setback became a lesson, every challenge became an opportunity to grow, and every obstacle reminded me of the strength I carried within me all along.

I refused to let my circumstances define her and instead chose to create my own path forward.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Becoming a mother at 15 meant growing up much faster than most of my peers. I had to balance the responsibilities of raising a child while still trying to discover who I was as a young person. There were financial struggles, emotional challenges, and moments when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of my responsibilities.

Joining the Army at 18 brought new opportunities, but it also came with its own hardships. Military service tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I experienced injuries, faced difficult situations, and encountered challenges that continued to affect me long after my service ended. Adjusting to civilian life was another obstacle, as I worked to redefine myself outside of the military while still providing for my family.

I have faced periods of financial uncertainty, housing concerns, and the constant pressure of ensuring my children had everything they needed. There were times when I struggled with my mental health, questioned my abilities, and felt exhausted from carrying so many responsibilities at once.

One of the greatest challenges has been learning how to overcome setbacks without giving up. Whether it was navigating motherhood, military service, health challenges, education, or personal hardships, each obstacle required me to adapt and keep moving forward. While the road has been difficult, those experiences have strengthened my resilience, determination, and belief in my ability to overcome adversity.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Gee’s Svfe Spvce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black children, adults, and families impacted by autism. Our mission is to bridge gaps in access to resources, advocacy, education, and community support for underserved families navigating autism spectrum disorders. We understand that many Black families face unique challenges when seeking diagnoses, services, and culturally responsive support, and we work to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to thrive.

In addition to Gee’s Svfe Spvce, C&S Nexus focuses on creating connections, opportunities, and an AI support system that empower individuals to start their own businesses and create a sense of relief that the back work can be done and the creator can focus on their craft.

What sets us apart is our lived experience and deep commitment to the communities we serve. We are not simply providing services we are building relationships, advocating for equity, and creating spaces where families can find understanding, encouragement, and practical assistance. We specialize in connecting families with autism-related resources, raising awareness, and fostering community partnerships that create lasting impact.

What I am most proud of is the trust we have built within the community and our dedication to serving families who are often overlooked. Our work is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We want readers to know that Gee’s Svfe Spvce and C&S Nexus are committed to empowering families, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that Black families and individual’s on the autism spectrum have access to the support and opportunities they deserve.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality I feel is most important to my success is resilience. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that could have easily caused me to give up. Becoming a mother at 15, serving in the military, navigating personal struggles, and raising a child on the autism spectrum while pursuing my education and entrepreneurship have all required me to persevere through difficult circumstances.

Resilience has allowed me to keep moving forward even when the path was uncertain. It has helped me adapt to setbacks, learn from failures, and continue working toward my goals despite obstacles. Rather than allowing challenges to define me, I have used them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

I believe resilience is the foundation of my success because it has given me the strength to overcome, remain focused on my goals, and continue building a better future for myself, my family, and the communities I serve. Without resilience, I would not have accomplished many of the things I am most proud of today.

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