Matthew L. Bradley Sr.

Born and raised in the small town of Enfield, North Carolina, Matthew Bradley Sr. grew up as one of 17 siblings in a two-bedroom home. These humble beginnings fostered a strong sense of determination. From an early age, he promised himself that one day he would build a home for his own family—a dream that would become the foundation of his life’s work.

Matthew’s formal education ended after the eighth grade when he had to leave school to help support his large family. Despite this, his dedication and strong work ethic propelled him forward. In the 1970s, he made the significant move to Virginia, where he worked for the City of Newport News, the Newport News Shipyard, and later as an independent contractor. In 1979, Matthew married and continued building his career as a contractor, earning a reputation for his reliability, integrity, and dedication.

In 1993, Matthew met a gentleman who owned a facility called Faith and Victory. That encounter sparked a profound realization. Recognizing the need for compassionate care for the elderly and individuals with special needs, Matthew envisioned creating a home that would provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for those often overlooked by society. This vision laid the foundation for what would become Heart & Soul LLC and Heart & Soul C.D.C.

Determined to turn his dream into reality, Matthew overcame numerous challenges, including moving his family into his in-laws’ home so they could use their own house as the first care facility. In July 1994, Heart & Soul LLC opened its doors as an assisted living facility licensed to serve six residents. This marked the beginning of a journey rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to community service.

Matthew’s dedication extended far beyond establishing the facility. Alongside his son, he attended New Horizons Regional Education Center in Hampton, Virginia, where they completed training and became certified nursing assistants and medication aides. This achievement reflected his hands-on commitment to providing the highest quality of care at Heart & Soul.

In 2001, Matthew, together with Bobbie Bradley, expanded their mission by opening Heart & Soul II ALF, a facility dedicated to supporting men in need of care and stability. As the Administrator, Matthew tirelessly balanced overnight shifts at the facility while continuing his contracting work during the day.

By 2008, Matthew recognized another opportunity to expand Heart & Soul’s impact. After learning of the closure of Zion Baptist ALF, he pursued the opportunity and successfully opened Heart & Soul III ALF. This larger facility enabled him to continue fulfilling his vision of serving some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

Although Matthew has officially retired, his commitment to the family’s mission remains unwavering. He continues to support the organization by maintaining the facilities, visiting food banks to help those in need, and even driving day support buses whenever necessary. His famous words, “If you want it, you gotta go get it,” embody the perseverance and determination that have driven Heart & Soul’s success and continue to inspire future generations of the Bradley family.

Matthew Bradley Sr.’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. His legacy lives on through Heart & Soul LLC and Heart & Soul C.D.C., which continue to stand as beacons of hope, compassion, and service within the community.