Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

It takes a lot of determination to turn tough news into a steadfast business.

Over the past 20 plus years, that is exactly what Olantha L. Scott has done. She received that life-altering tough news when her first child was born with Down Syndrome. “It’s hard to express how much I truly love my children and enjoy their company. This life we love now wasn’t easy to build though,” Scott recalls.

Olantha turned her questions and concerns about caring for a child with special needs into a Licensed
Homecare Provider business that now has three locations across two states, a Down Syndrome non-profit and a triumphant life for herself and her children. She now works hard to extend that good life to her employees, her clients and even younger business owners just starting out who want to learn from her longevity and growth — especially those in the Homecare industry. Along the way, greatly valuing community has been a big part of the “why” and the “how” when it comes to her business mission. Helping families take care of their loved ones in the comfort of their own homes, by providing care for individuals with disabilities & the elderly is what that looks like.

So, when Hurricane Ida demolished her LaPlace office in 2021, it took the phrase “hit home” to a deeper level as she was also a hurricane Katrina survivor. Her company, Reliable Community Alternatives, has been in their new LaPlace location since 2023 — after their previous LaPlace location was completely demolished. They never, however, stopped to celebrate that return. The RCA team was busy working out of their Metairie office, doing their best to serve the greater New Orleans metropolitan and River Parishes geographical area. “Our clients here in LaPlace needed us, so we jumped right back in and went to work on their behalf,” said Scott.

This month, to mark her birthday, Olantha is partnering with the St. John The Baptist Parish Economic Development Committee to make sure the community knows RCA is back in business and here to serve. The Ribbon Cutting & Community Day is a special way to invite the local community out to meet the RCA team. “We want the community to know that we are here as a resource. Come down to our lovely office and ask questions about homecare services for your loved ones. Talk with our team about resources, navigating insurance and anything else you need help with,” said Olantha.

The idea is to re-energize that lively sense of vibrant, supportive community that existed before businesses shifted to mostly networking online. While digital content is great, Scott and her team say they want to see a real face, hear a real voice and make a real connection.

The Reliable Community Alternatives Ribbon Cutting & Community Day takes place on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. The RCA LaPlace office is located at 299 Belle Terre Blvd Suite CC in Laplace, LA 70068. Everyone is invited to come out for snowballs, nachos, door prizes and genuine community connections. Reliable Community Alternatives is a HCBS Licensed Agency through the Louisiana Department of Health