Year Anniversary Trials, Tribulations And Successes

The metaphor of being born with a silver spoon is not the case of Tanda Armstrong, nor was it the case for how she acquired her business “Community Connection Programs”, For it too wasn’t gifted to her out of an inheritance or business titles delivered to her in a luxury stretched limousine. But in fact, her life began on a long dirt road in a small town.

As the new luxury car drives down Military Road phones begin to ring as everyone in her small town tries to find out who’s driving. Angie, Louisiana like many small towns across America is one where neighbors know each other and readily wave or sit on each other’s porch to share some local gossip.

Seventy-five years ago, The Atlantic published an essay by a man named Arthur Morgan,

“The Community—The SeedBed of Society,” Morgan did not believe that the strength of America came from art, business or government, he believed that the roots of civilization are elemental traits—good will, neighborliness, fair play, courage, tolerance, open-minded inquiry,and patience.” These traits are best transmitted from one generation to the next in small communities from where they are then

spread throughout entire societies. Like a stone tossed into a still pond, Morgan believed that small town people would make their own waves and impact society.

Growing up Tanda believed her home town was one of those small towns Morgan spoke about. She believes that her town had the best woodlands, most plentiful natural resources, fertile grounds, spring waters, fruits, vegetation and wildlife. She believes that good stewardship and caring for the land is also a great trait, often found in rural communities, where one can virtually live off the land.

In January 1963 Jessie Mae gave birth to her fourth child, a girl, Tanda and she would one day make waves. Tanda was raised in a home filled with love but few financial resources. Her

mother had only a fourth grade education and was employed as a domestic helper; However her limited education did not hinder her because she was a woman of infinite wisdom who could rival with the best.

While her mother worked the older children were asked to care for Tanda who was determined and always had big dreams. Tanda’s mother, understood the importance of a good education and She sought to ensure that her children received educational opportunities that were not afforded her. Therefore, Armed with the advice of her employer State Representative Lawrence Sheridan ,she was able to send her kids to college. . In the fall of 1981, Tanda would attend Southeastern University and major in social work. After two years at Southeastern during a summer break, Tanda like many other left school and moved to New Orleans in hopes of better opportunities. Tanda landed a job as a substitute teacher. In this position she worked with children with special needs this experience would be her motivation to complete her education and receive a degree in Social work from Southern University at New Orleans. As fate would have it after graduation , Tanda would land a job as a case manager and once again found herself working with persons with disabilities and the

elderly. not knowing it at

the time , but this position would arm tanda with the knowledge & ability to become her own boss. In February, 1999 with her degree in hand Tanda once again made waves as she opened Community Connection Programs, Inc. With her new company she would have the opportunity to provide top quality services to the same

underserved people. As the cases poured in and the company grew Tanda was able to employ more people.

Recognizing the growth and the need for the services she was providing, Tanda opened a second and third location in Bogalusa and Baton Rouge respectfully, Community Connections Programs was impacting society. Like many small business, with the success there were also challenges .

For two years Tanda was challenged with a set back and was unable to provide services. Again those small town roots came in handy through prayer and determination she overcame that setback and positioned CommunityConnections programs, to become bigger and better.

Tanda always relied on her faith and the deep roots of family-love. She values loyalty and friendship through good and bad times, and nearly always did things to show her appreciation. Oftentimes she went out of her way to acknowledge birthdays of her family, friends and staff. Her most appreciated holiday is the birth of Christ, this is better explained than just saying

Christmas, for Tanda, the birth of Christ was the salvation she found herself thankful for, as she too relies on His grace. This made it all that much easier for her to become a forgiving person. But, her spiritual beliefs would also provide her with a good sense of discernment and the ability to navigate her business down the right pathway, following the laws of business and the rules governing the care of her clients and equally to see that everyone is treated with respect and dignity they deserve, regardless of their physical or mental challenges.

Perhaps, this sense of love, pride and wealth was found more in character than purely man made things. Just

as the rich characteristics of her small town, Tanda represents the tenacity and rich qualities needed to endure 20years of trials and tribulations that illuminates over her business ventures. Arthur

Morgan was correct the small town is the seedbed of our society, persons with small town roots head for the city determined to make waves but rarely do those waves reach back to the small town. Angie, La. currently has a population of just under 260 many have left and never look back, not so for Tanda. As her business expanded she didn’t forget her roots and she was most proud to open the location in her hometown, providing service and giving back to her community.

After 20 years Community Connection Programs continues to provide services in three locations and employs over 250 administrators & staff. Tanda is grateful and thankful to her clients, administrators, staff, family and friends for their support. Today when Tanda drives down Military Rd. people wave because they know it’s one of their own who’s making an impact in society. Like a stone tossed into a pond, Community Connection Programs, inc. under the stewardship of Tanda continues to make waves and lives are made better because of it.

1332 Oretha Castle Haley, Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504-416-9699

228 Richmond St. Bogalusa, LA. 70427 985-730-7011

2035 Wooddale Blvd. Ste D Baton Rouge, LA. 225-925-8600