Today we’d like to introduce you to Tameka L. Gant
Hi Tameka L., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Starting a business was birthed from my strong desire to have autonomy and freedom over my time and to provide services that aligned with my values completely. I was looking out of my window one unseasonably warm day in January 2012 as I said to myself, “God didn’t intend for me to spend this day inside having meetings”. I dared to answer the age-old Oprah question, “What would you do if you were not afraid.”
I always found myself in leadership positions and then I’d find myself in conflict with my values and those of the organization. When you value quality over quantity eventually alignment shifts. I thought back to when I was truly satisfied with the work I was doing and the impact I was having on the lives of others. I recalled my first job after completing my bachelor’s degree and how wonderful it felt to learn and grow with people believing in them when others didn’t. I made a decision that day to apply for a state contract as a case management agency supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. I obtained a copy of the application and made a promise to have the application completed and submitted by March 31, 2012. Keeping that promise was the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
My application was approved on the first submission and during the orientation I was told that my application received full credit in all areas including fiscal responsibility and person-centered care planning. Upon approval, I became the First and ONLY African American Female-owned Owned Case Management company to have a contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Intellectual Disabilities. Currently, I am still the FIRST AND ONLY to hold this honor.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path I’ve traveled hasn’t been straightforward or easy, but that’s exactly how I prefer it. It signifies a road less traveled, one that needs to be carved out. The initial challenge I faced was securing capital to establish and operate my business. I worked tirelessly at a full-time job for a year and a half to fund the business, determined to make it debt-free without relying on investors or grants. Sadly, this story is all too common among African American women.
Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles, each of which has only made me a stronger business owner. Facing judgment for my age, race, and gender was tough, but it never deterred me.
On New Year’s Eve 2013, I was dealt one of the biggest blows when I had to bid farewell to my mother, whose passing was unexpected. However, this loss only fueled my determination to succeed even further. I know that I’m living out my mother’s dreams, and not a single moment passes without me acknowledging the foundation she laid for my success. I will be forever grateful for everything she did to ensure my prosperity.
We’ve been impressed with Quality Care Support Coordination of West TN, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the proud owner of two businesses Quality Care Support Coordination of West TN (est. 2012) and Quality Care Support & Counseling (est. 2021).
Quality Care Support Coordination of West TN, Inc. is a Independent Support Coordination agency contracted with Tennessee’s Department of Disability and Aging (formerly Department of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities) We coordinate supports for Tennesseans with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These supports include personal assistance, physical/speech/occupational therapy, supportive living, community-based supports and basically any supports that help the individual and their families live a more independent and successful life. We currently support persons all over West Tennessee.
Quality Care Support & Counseling LLC. is a mental health service organization that provides individual, family and group therapy to persons in Tennessee and Texas. Treatment for anxiety, depression, anger management, parenting, emotional abuse and career counseling. Specialized trainings in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. In addition, we provide consulting services for businesses that are seeking to improve and grow through assessing their strength and needs. This service is offered one on one and in a group format to help the agency learn how to gain access to capital, improve quality of services, develop policies addressed in quality assurance surveys.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As we look ahead to the future, collaboration remains the cornerstone of our success. We are committed to working closely with policy makers and other key stakeholders to continue improving the quality of life for all those we serve. Community organizations will find us available for speaking engagements, crisis planning, and response. Referrals for Department of Disabilities and Aging (DDA) can be directed to the Department at Tn.gov/DIDD Referrals.
For Quality Care Support and Counseling LLC, make sure to visit QualityCareSC.net.
Contact Info:
- Website: qualitycaresc@gmail.com
- Instagram: QualityCareSC
- Facebook: Quality Care Support & Counseling and Quality Care Support Coordination of West TN
