Meet Tammy Floyd-Westmoreland | Founder/CEO/President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Floyd-Westmoreland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There really was no thought process. God told me that I had a purpose in life, and it was to be the voice that my son never had. Their Voice of Greater Cincinnati launched in 2018 7 years after the passing of my son D’Jonte, who passed away due to complications of cerebral palsy. I know the trials and tribulations that I went through as not just a teen mom, but a mom of a child with a disability. The denial letters, the lack of support and resources. I have made it my mission to help others just like me who needs a voice, who needs guidance, who needs a village of parents/caregivers who also understand what they are going through. Who understands their whys. Who also asked the same questions, Why me? Why my Child? 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the Founder/CEO/President for Their Voice of Greater Cincinnati, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to empower families affected by cerebral palsy, while providing resources and support for the parents/caregivers. What sets our organization apart is that for 1) We focus strictly on families who are affected by cerebral palsy; which is a congenital disorder that affects the muscle tone, posture and movement. 2) We focus on what the parents/caregivers need. In order for them to properly care for their loved one with CP they must take care of themselves first. Sometimes being selfish is not such a bad thing. 3) I understand first hand what it is like having a child with cerebral palsy. The ups, the downs. Not having anyone who understands what you are going through or vent to without being judged. Not having the support or resources needed to properly care for a child with a disability. I can truly look the parents in the eye and say, “I get it, I understand and that it is ok to feel how you feel.” I am extremely proud of how far we have come since 2018. We have been able to start a respite program and successfully provide respite hours for 12 families and over 3000 hours.
I am here today because of my faith, the love God has for me and the support of my family and close friends as well as organizations such as The United Way, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Bi3. Without the financial support from those companies we would not be able to provide the in home respite service for families. Running a non-profit organization is not easy! I always tell people that God is a comedian. I have never been the type to ask for help. Running a non-profit that is exactly the only way you survive is by asking for help and money. I am also faced with the the emotional side, because dealing with families that have kids with cerebral palsy brings me to tears at times because I miss my son so very much! I wish that he was here with me today, but then I understand that if he was still here, I would not be helping so many families because my focus would have been strictly on him.
The lessons that I have learned along the way is 1) Let Go and Let God. He didn’t bring me this far to leave me and if I just trust the process it will all make sense and work out for the greater good. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 2) Do not be afraid to ask. I use to hate the word NO, but if you don’t ask you might be missing out on a lot of Yes’s vs No’s. and recently 3) Instead of saying think outside the box, just remove the box and do you. If you are doing it for the right reason, you will notice unexpected doors to start opening. “Trust the Process”.
What I want the world to know, that being a caregiver (because yes we are parents but we are now caring for our loved one 24/7 until one of us dies) is not easy. If you do not understand my Why, or Why it is important for you to donate or attend our fundraisers, you can always ask. We share pictures of our families on our website. Look into cerebral palsy and the extent it takes to care for them. Yes some cases are milder than others, but most can not walk, can not talk, can not sit without support, can not eat by mouth, have seizures or multiple diagnosis outside of cerebral palsy. Talk to me. Support us. And together we can help save so many lives and make such a huge difference and impact in our community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, first off I am a food lover so we would definitely go out to eat. A few of my favorite restaurants are J. Alexander and Agave and Rye. I love to try different places so I am sure I would google or research some places we have never been and go there. I don’t get out much, but one place I visit just to listen to some good music and have a good drink is Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Bar. Since my bestie is here for a week, we would definitely check out Most Outgrowing “Creativity and Cocktails” because it is on my to do list, and check out Thursday Night RnB Bingo at Bugatti’s since they have been a huge supporter for helping us raise money for Their Voice of Greater Cincinnati. If there is a Cool Kids party going on, we most definitely checking that out because they have the best DJ’s in the city, DJ GuyWes being one of them (Wink wink). But honestly for the most part, I love to entertain at my home, so we would hang out there mostly, playing games, eating good food, listening to music and sipping on a good bottle of wine. We are most definitely going to the cool kids

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God, My son D’Jonte, (as well as my two children still on earth Isaiah and Talyn (they keep me going) and all of the parents/caregivers who gives unconditionally to their loved one who depends on them for everything. God, because he is my creator, he made me in his image and molded me to become the woman I am today. He gave me my WHY, when I was jus 15 years old, my son D’Jonte affectionately and always known as Tae. God showed me why my WHY was important a few years after my son D’Jonte passed away. He taught me that my WHY, is my PURPOSE and it is to forever be the voice for Tae and every mom, dad and caregiver taking care of a child, adult or elderly with cerebral palsy. The parents/ the caregivers deserves much recognition because we do that job that we don’t get paid for without hesitation, without compensation, without support, without people truly understanding what it truly takes to care for your loved one. It is mentally, physically, emotionally and even financially draining. God only chooses his strongest warriors to care for his most precious Angels.

Website: https://www.theirvoice95.org/

Instagram: MrsQute_t

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-floyd-westmoreland-42bba458/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theirvoice95