We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Newark & Hillside New Jersey. I grew up poor, food deprived and in a very abusive and neglected home with my 7 siblings. I always wished we could be rescued but that never happened. Who I am today is remarkable because my life could be totally opposite of what it is. I am a proud parent, grandparent, a working professional and the Executive Director of The Loving Arms Foundation. We assist families in need. Each case varies it depends on the need of the family. We provide a number of community services such as free Health Fairs, winter coat giveaways, holiday luncheons, Mother’s Day dinners, backpack giveaways, toy giveaways and so much more. It is our pleasure to help families who could use assistance, get what they need for their respective families in order to have productive family living.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since 1985 I have been an Administrative Assistant. For the past 23 years I have worked as an Executive Assistant for a major health care insurance company. When I was in high school in the 1980’s, being in the secretarial field was very reputable. I went to and graduated from a local business school where I received my certificate in “Executive Secretary Plus”. This 15 month class prepared me for the field that I flourished in. As a young mother I faced many challenges but with determination, hard work and sacrifices, I became very successful. The brand I created for my nonprofit “The Loving Arms Foundation” has become well known and respected by many businesses and people. I would like the world to know it’s not about how you start in life, it’s about your journey and how you finish.  Make sure you finish strong!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am new to the state of Georgia and still learning my way around. If I had visitors currently, I would take them to the following: The Atlanta Aquarium
Truist Park
Marietta Fish Market
Downtown Woodstock
Andretti’s in Marietta

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out Altarik White for assisting me when my nonprofit was just an idea. He encouraged me to move forward and he also opened his Center of Hope facility in Newark New Jersey up to me allowing me to help the community with Thanksgiving feedings for less fortunate families, free health fairs and more. Thank you Altarik! I would also like to give a big shout out to my NJ board members; Kawania Brinson, Sophia Dossous, Joan Wynn, Shaun Wynn and Marjorie Hargrave. You ladies volunteer your time and effort’s to make the lives of so many families better and I thank you for all that you continuously do.

Website: LovingArmsFoundation.org

Instagram: lovingarmsfoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.lovingarmsfoundation.org/

Youtube: Loving Arms Foundation

Other: https://youtu.be/EN6gr2Rd7Ko

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