About
Taryn Elizabeth Armstrong
CEO & Founder of TEA Social Communications
Community service and entrepreneurship have been the center of my whole life. I was raised in a family of hardworking volunteers, philanthropists, and small business owners who opened my eyes and mind to the needs of various communities. This cultivated a curiosity to learn, and a drive to use my skills creatively to make a difference in the lives of others.
I studied International Relations at Bishop’s University/UBC-Vancouver and Non-Profit Management at Simon Fraser University while working with various non-profits across North America. Social service work taught me the importance of viewing every situation in context, and studying social sciences gave me the research and writing skills to do just that.
Having worked both the “frontlines” and “behind the scenes” for non-profits and private corporations, I bring invaluable perspective to every project and piece of writing. I have a deep respect and appreciation for the work my clients do. That is why I work with my clients to understand their needs and stories, always staying true to their voice and mission.
Throughout my extensive tenure in grant writing and organizational development, I have successfully secured funding and crafted persuasive materials in diverse areas, including:
Affordable/Supported Housing
At-Risk Youth Programming
Community Arts Programs, Festivals & Events
COVID-19 & Organizational/Sectoral Impact
Disabilities & Accessibility Support/Programs
Education & Employment Support/Programs
Food Security/Basic Needs Support
Government Care Connected Clients (parenting, housing, education, employment supports)
Homelessness Housing & Services
Indigenous Programming (mental health, cultural programming, organization development, Friendship Centre construction)
Mental Health & Addictions Services
Professional & Organizational Development
Seniors Services
Social Enterprises & Business Plans
Sustainability & Environmental Projects
In my spare time, I volunteer as the Lead Chapter Advisor for the Bishop's University Alpha Phi (Eta Chi) Chapter and foster cats/kittens for K9 Advocates Manitoba. You can often find me in the garden, undertaking DIY projects, traveling, and spending quality time with my 3 pets.
Want to learn more about what TEA Social Communications can do for your organization? Check out the Services page for more information or Get In Touch today!
CV
Experience & Expertise
AFIG Financial Services | September 2020 - 2024
Office Manager/Communications Support
As part-time Office Manager for AFIG Financial, my role is mainly administrative with some client engagement and support. I have lent my skills as a Writer and Project Manager to the role, drafting informative company communications directed to clients and developing office systems for better accuracy and efficiency.
Aunt Leah's Place | January 2019 - January 2020
Development & Communications Officer
As a Development and Communications Officer, I supported the development needs of the organization by managing a portfolio of funders, in addition to managing a communications portfolio. I completed 10 successful grant proposals (federal, provincial, corporation and foundation applications), bringing in over $160,000 for the organization’s various programs.
Development Responsibilities included: Grant Research, Writing and Reporting, Project Management and Fundraising Support, Funder and Programming Presentations and Fundraising Campaign Design.
Communications Responsibilities included: Writing, Copyediting and Managing the Production and Distribution of Communications & Marketing Materials, Social Media (Branding & Content Generation), Marketing Strategy and Branding, Website Design and Copywriting
Aunt Leah's Place | January 2019 - January 2020
Program Coordinator
The Friendly Landlord Network is a coalition of 21 youthserving organizations who collectively support young people throughout their tenancy. Leading the program through its third year, I expanded the MetroVancouver wide network of 'friendly landlords' who are interested in renting a room or suite to youth aging out of foster care. After conducting program feedback interviews, I rewrote the program policies to better support all parties involved. As FLN Coordinator I created policy and guided the implementation of the RentSmart Guarantee Fund Pilot Project.
Under my leadership the Friendly Landlord Network housed 7 youth, 2 children, added 1 new non-profit partner, 5 new landlords and 1 enterprise partner. FLN has had 20 landlords join the program and housed 39 youth and 6 children since its creation in 2016.
Responsibilities included: Policy & MOU Writing, Program Support (all levels), Coalition Building and Recruitment, Workshop Facilitation & Presentations, Social Media and Website Management
Progetto Consulting | September 2018 - December 2019
Junior Business Analyst/ Project Coordinator Intern
Consulting on the development and launch of a mobile not-for-profit childcare application. Reporting directly to the CEO, I provided financial forecasts and budgets for implementing various aspects of the project, prepared and presented progress reports, and engaged with various stakeholders including; investors, potential users and customers.
Junior Business Analyst Responsibilities included: Conducting Market & Product Research, Developing the Business' Proposal, Model and Investment Structure, Developing Brand & Application Features.
Project Coordinator Responsibilities included: Defining Project Goals & Indicators of Success, Developing Tracking Metrics & Reporting Systems, Monitoring Deliverables and Ensuring the Project Stayed on Schedule and Budget, Facilitating Recruitment of Parents & Caregivers, Interviewing Web/App Development and Graphic Design Team Members, Creating Mock-Ups of the Application's User Experience (UX).
Ishtar Transition Housing Society | June 2016 - September 2016
Women's Support Worker Intern
Using an intersectional feminist approach and working under the harm reduction model, the Women’s Support Worker provides assistance to women and children who are fleeing violence. As a Summer Intern I had the opportunity to rotate between both the Langley City and Aldergrove safe houses operated by Ishtar Transition Housing Society.
Responsibilities included: Providing Emotional Support, Accompaniment, Transportation, Service Referrals & Resources for Women and Children, Cultivating a Safe Environment for House Residents, Advocating for Client Services (Income Assistance, BC Housing, Family Court, etc.), Consulting & Liaising with Community Service Agencies, Maintaining Current Information on Available Resources, Develop Community Relations, Maintaining & Providing Statistics and Reports on Service Delivery, Facilitating Interactive & Educational Programming for Children
KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights | June 2015 - September 2015
Legal Intern
KARAMAH is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting human rights globally, especially gender equity, religious freedom and civil rights in the United States. It pursues its mission through education, legal outreach and advocacy. Monday - Thursday I worked within KARAMAH's Civil Rights and Family Law Divisions.
Responsibilities included: Developing Programming for the Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice National PSA Campaign Development Planning, Reviewing Contemporary Articles & Literature, Summarizing Political Subcommittee Briefs & Documents, Processing Intake Forms for Domestic Assault, Divorce & Custody Cases, Attending Court Proceedings & Providing Emotional Support to Clients
The Washington Center Intern (Fridays): Participating in LEAD Professional Development, International Affairs Panel Discussions, Developing Leadership & Civic Engagement Skills Through Volunteer Service and Political Engagement Meetings.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General | September 2011 - January 2012
Criminal Division Intern
As the only full-day student intern, I had more opportunities to take on larger, more strategic projects. As part of my final project, I developed an “Intern Training Manual” for future employees/student interns. This manual outlined all office tasks, computer system guides, and office policies, which can be used in every criminal court across Ontario. This enabled me to develop strong organizational and interpersonal skills while working as part of team and collaborating with other court departments.
Responsibilities included: Fulfilling Telephone Information Requests, Daily Filing of Court Documents, Updating Overdue Fines System and Leading Other Student Interns Through Office Projects.
May 2012 - March 2018
Caregiver
For many years I worked as a full and part-time Caregiver for children ages 3 months to 17 years. I prepare activities and outings using play-based learning and recreational therapy approaches. Working with children instilled patience, empathy and the ability to multi-task. Education and childhood development continue to be causes I am passionate about today.
Responsibilities included: Facilitating Educational & Engaging Activities, Providing Supervision & Transportation, Meal Preparation, Homework Help/Tutoring, Facilitating Conflict Resolution and Educational Activities for up to 7 Children at a time.