About Us

Our Story

Through the Team Armstead Community Center, Terron is personally investing his time, resources, and voice to create safe, structured spaces where young people are mentored, educated, and empowered to dream beyond their circumstances. What started as a foundation has grown into a community center that serves as a beacon of hope for Cahokia Heights and a safe place for learning and growth for its youth.

Today, TACC provides financial literacy programs, mentorship, reading programs, and entrepreneurship and career-focused workshops for children and adults across the Metro East. As we move into 2026, we are expanding our after-school programming, academic support, and mentorship opportunities for youth across Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis, Belleville, and the surrounding communities.

Mission

Team Armstead Community Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Cahokia Heights and the Metro East area through financial literacy, mentorship, and reading programs for children and adults. Founded by former NFL player Terron Armstead - born and raised in the Metro East - our mission is to uplift and equip individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to build brighter futures.

Vision

To build a stronger Cahokia Heights and Metro East community where every child and adult - regardless of background - has the tools, education, and confidence to lead, succeed, and give back. Through The Team Armstead Way, we aim to inspire generations of empowered leaders who create lasting change and strengthen the community for years to come.

The Team Armstead Way

The Team Armstead Way is built on leadership, discipline, and compassion. It means giving back, leading by example, and creating opportunities for growth through education, mentorship, and community connection.

Core Values

Leadership

We lead by example. We believe every individual has the power to influence change, uplift others, and make a lasting impact in their community.

Education

Knowledge is the foundation of success. We promote financial literacy, reading, and lifelong learning as essential tools for empowerment and growth.

Mentorship

We grow stronger together. Through guidance, support, and positive role models, we help individuals of all ages reach their potential and lead with confidence.

Community

We are rooted in Cahokia Heights and the Metro East. We value unity, service, and collaboration to strengthen families and neighborhoods.

Integrity

We hold ourselves accountable to our mission, acting with honesty, transparency, and respect in everything we do.

Empowerment

We believe in lifting others. Our programs are designed to help people recognize their worth, develop their skills, and take charge of their future.

Leadership Team

Terron Armstead

Founder

Kimiante Brown

Vice President

Daron L. Barge

Executive Director

Looking Ahead:

Our Goals for 2026

As we move into 2026, our vision is focused on growth, accessibility, and high-quality programming. With your support, we plan to:

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Terron Armstead is a Captain and All-Pro left tackle who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2013. Despite a highly decorated career including being a 5X Pro Bowl selection, his proudest achievements revolve around his community work. In 2019, Terron was named the New Orleans Saints Walter Payton Man of the Year, an honor bestowed upon the player that shows excellence off the field and in the community. Terron truly believes in servant leadership and has always used his platform to make a difference in the lives of the ones who need it most. He is a native son of Cahokia, IL, playing football, track and field at Cahokia High School, where he won the state championship in shot put and holds the Illinois state record. A proud HBCU alumni of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Terron knows the power of opportunity and education. Through the Team Armstead Community Center, he aims to create opportunity and champion education for future generations in St. Clair County.

Terron Armstead

Founder

Kimiante Brown is a native of Cahokia Heights and graduated from Cahokia High School in Cahokia, IL in 2006. She graduated magna cum laude from Purdue University Global in 2015. In her role as Vice President of the Team Armstead Community Center, she supports the advancement of the organization's mission by leading community events throughout the year. From coat and toy drives, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas meal drives, to the Team Armstead youth football camp, Kimiante is at the heart of the community center's impact. A local resident and mother, she knows the needs of the community and the importance of empowering the youth. Kimiante is a fierce public advocate and community leader who is ensuring all children in Cahokia Heights have a chance at a successful future.

Kimiante Brown

Vice President

Daron L. Barge serves as the Executive Director of the Team Armstead Community Center. A resident of the Metro East, Daron brings a deep commitment to service and a passion for community empowerment to his role. His leadership focuses on expanding TACC's programming, strengthening mentorship initiatives, and building partnerships that create lasting opportunities for youth and families in Cahokia Heights and the surrounding communities.

Daron L. Barge

Exclutive Director