TLC Celebrates 56 Years of Empowering Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

On July 2, 2025, TLC marks its 56th anniversary, commemorating more than half a century of innovation, inclusion, and community-centric care for children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) along with their families. Founded in 1969 by the Tucker, Moore, and Pierce families as a “Mom’s Morning Out” program in the basement of a Cary church, TLC has grown into a leading NC nonprofit in the I/DD field, offering a full spectrum of on-site and community-based services.

Since its incorporation, TLC has expanded from humble beginnings to a comprehensive campus on NC State’s land next to Centennial Campus and multiple other community locations. Today’s programs include:

• Therapy Services, Individual & Family Services: TLC’s multi-disciplinary Therapy team includes a psychologist; physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists; and dieticians, who work collaboratively to provide services to individuals who live in TLC’s on-campus, ICF and community group homes or with their families or caregivers in the community. The Individual and Family Services team also provides clinical assessments, outpatient I/DD therapies, and training for parents.

• Day Supports Program: TLC’s Center for Learning provides a meaningful day program for adult individuals who have aged out of the public school system. This Day Supports Program emphasizes inclusion and independence with a focus on enabling an individual with I/DD to attain or maintain his/her maximum self-sufficiency, increase self-determination, and enhance opportunities to have a meaningful day. Attendees participate in music, art, yoga, life-skills training, vocational training, and more.

• Home & Community Based Services: Community Living & Supports empowers individuals to learn new skills and/or improve existing skills as well as provides supervision and support to individuals with I/DD to complete an activity to his/her level of independence, including daily living and interpersonal skills. Community Networking services help individuals with I/DD increase or maintain their capacity for independence and social skills to be successful in their community (e.g. volunteering, friendships, employment). Respite Care services provide short-term relief for caregivers and individualized support that enable adults with I/DD to live meaningfully in their family’s or caregiver’s home, out in their communities.

• Residential Living – On-campus and Community Residential: TLC provides safe, nurturing ICF homes on its campus with 24/7 nursing care as well as therapy and other supports; and four Community Residential homes across Wake County, where residents receive 24/7 support and opportunities for skill-building, community living, and independence.

• TLC Family Connects: TLC was awarded an NC Department of Health & Human Services (NC DHHS) grant in 2025 to build the TLC Family Connects Program, supporting families navigating and advocating for I/DD services. This program is being built to help bridge gaps for families trying to find the right services for their loved ones with I/DD–expanding access to clear and helpful information; building community partnerships for support and advocacy; and providing one-on-one navigation assistance to connect families with services and resources.

• Tailored Care Management: TLC is a Certified Care Management Agency by the NC DHHS, serving as dedicated Care Managers to individuals receiving Medicaid to help coordinate all aspects of their health care and supports – medical, behavioral, long-term, and community services – to ensure better health outcomes for those individuals and their families.

“Reaching 56 years is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go,” said Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC. “What began as a basement gathering of three families has blossomed into an organization that touches thousands of lives every year. We’re deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners whose unwavering commitment drives our mission forward.”

To celebrate this milestone, TLC will share a retrospective of TLC’s history, featuring archival photos, testimonials from founding families, and highlights from recent years— including the 2025 dedication of the new, state-of-the-art Austin Collard Residence and Community Center.

Members of the media and community leaders are invited to join the festivities, share anniversary messages on social media using #TLC56Years, and learn more about how TLC continues to innovate in delivering much needed I/DD services.

About TLC

TLC is dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities to live their fullest life. For 56 years, TLC has been serving the I/DD community and has become a trusted leader in providing comprehensive I/DD services, including early intervention programs, therapy, residential care, community supports, and family support. Based in Raleigh, TLC supports children, adults, and families through on-site and community-based initiatives, fostering inclusion and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities across the Triangle and beyond within North Carolina.

Collaboration is central to TLC’s approach. By partnering with organizations such as Voices Together and Arts Access, TLC expands its reach and impact, leveraging collective expertise to better serve the community and amplify support for individuals with I/DD.

Contact Information

Brittany Constance

Leadership Team

TLC

Contact via E-mail