Hello, I am the President and CEO of Choice Alternative Care Services Inc., my name is Donald Lamont Tonkins. I was born on July 3Rd 1954 in a little Town in Eastern North Carolina, call Smithfield. During the time of my birth an arrangement had been arranged for my adoption by my foster and soon to be legal parents Ernest and Viola Tonkins. They raise me in a Christian environment, grounding and rooting me in my Christian Faith.
My parents died before I finished high school in 1968 and 1970. I graduated from Smithfield- Selma Senior high school in 1972 where I was an average student, who excelled in Sports, music and dramatics. I entered N. C.A&T State University the fall of 1972. I studied political Science with a concentration in Law with the intentions to go to Law School. However, years later I went to Graduate School Instead.
During My undergraduate college years at NCA&T, I worked to send myself through school. I was a member of the SGA legislature and Junior Class president during my years at the university. I received my BA Degree in the spring of 1976. After receiving my Degree I worked as an apartment manager as my first Job. My adopted father had taught me some things about this area of work as a young boy; collection of rent from rent al properties, housing repairs and dealing with rental problems. When I was between 8 and 14 years old my father would take me around with him to watch how he would manage his property. Most of his tenants were black, poor, low and moderate Income single parent families. Most of my Fathers tenants were struggling to make it economically. My father was a good landlord; he would do what he could to assist these families in their plight to survive economically. I would follow my father’s lead and shared whatever I had; money toys and clothes with the children. Many of the children became my friends and we are still friends today.
I enter the United States Marine Corps in 1977 and received an honorable discharge in 1979. After my discharge I was homeless for a short period of time in Greensboro NC, the fall 0f 1979. In 1979 to 1981 I worked at Greensboro Housing Authority as a site manager and assisted families with housing and finding resources to help them and their children with socio-economical needs. My brief homeless experience gave me a heart for the plight of the people who were in need of housing. Again, I followed my father’s lead in trying to do all I can to help the people.
I could go on further regarding my biography but I believe I have expressed enough that relates to my mission and my vision. What I have express here is a real life experience that qualifies me for the project that I am presenting to you today. Also, inclusive of my real estate knowledge, skills, abilities and school certification in the Principles of Real Estate I am able to lead this project. The management skills in this area of expertise will give me the ability to over site this program effectively. With ten years of actual job experience in this industry will give me the ability to monitor each segment or area of this program. My experience alone with the Staff and Board of Directors that I have assemble; will allow success to become eminent. I have been planning this vision for over 10 years and I believe it will be successful, because it is not about me, it is about those who need and opportunity for a better quality of life.
Current Whereabouts:
Setting up Special Projects For my Ministry and Writing Grants.
Life & Professional Aspirations:
I hope to leave a legacy, that I have made a difference in the lives of those who needed to believe in themselves and to believe that success is not just a word or a dream but a reality.
To have a successful company one day after my Professional career is over, as a employee; this is my ultimate goal and aspiration
We were Celebrating our home-coming and I was short of Cash to enjoy the special events, until suddenly a Twenty ($20.00) dollar bill miraculously floated from the sky and fell to the ground right in front of me. Truly at this time I knew that God had answered my Prayers. And since that day I believed that if I trust in Him, he will supply all my needs.
High School: Smithfield -Selma Senior High School in Smithfield, NC
class of 1972
Activities & Accomplishments:
Band, School Choir, Football, Track, Dramatics
received awards in all of the above activities with scholarship offers to play football in college.
Best Memories:
Graduation night after the ceremonies I decide to walk from Triple SSS to Selma, NC; this would be about a 3 mile walk. This time alone allowed me time to reflect on my future and thank the people who had raised me, but who had passed away before I finished high school. Smithfield, NC has always been my home and my neighbors were my family. My memories of my friends and their parents will always be close to me. In respect to Many who help to raise me I am eternally grateful.
