Transitions Life Center and Community (TLC) is making Marion County a brighter place for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD)! Founded in 2012, Transitions Life Center (TLC) began as the dream a small group of parents had for their children to live lives filled with opportunity, joy and purpose. Today, more than 40 families share in this dream and look forward to the day ALL families supporting loved ones with IDD can enjoy the same positive experience.
In the United States, children with special needs receive a free and appropriate public education through the age of 21. For many, their 22nd birthday means an abrupt end to formal education including their entire support systems, the specialized therapies, daily routines, social interactions, and academic programming. Some states provide support to these families through waivers and state supported programming. However, in Florida, there is a waiting list of over 20,000 individuals needing services. Without state support, families are faced with the dilemma of what to do next, how will they provide daytime supervision for their child while they work? For others, isolation, lack of social opportunities, and regression of learned skills are a concern. But the biggest worry is that of aging parents, who will take care of their child when they are no longer able to?
TLC set out to answer these questions with the mission to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with 
intellectual and developmental disabilities! In November of 2015, the City of Ocala awarded TLC a long-term lease on a 22-acre tract of land. By the fall of 2019, through a Community Development Block Grant and private donations from individuals and businesses, TLC moved into their new 5,000 square foot Carmen & Carlos Pascual Community Center, the first phase of our full residential campus.
TLC’s THRIVE Program (Teamwork, Honor, Respect, Independence, Values, Education) provides daily support, engaging activities, and social opportunities in a faith-based environment. Members of varying abilities aged 18 to 65 years old participate in daily life skills such as cooking, laundry, sewing, and gardening. Micro enterprises provide work-like experiences for computer recycling & cottage industries. A volunteer program with the Marion County Humane Society, also helps with learning basic job skills while supervised by TLC staff. In addition, social skills, behavioral support, physical activity, and local field trips make for an extremely well-rounded day program.
We believe all individuals deserve a life filled with opportunity, joy, and the ability to reach their fullest potential. Your support will help us continue building the dream and supporting specialized programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Strengthening Independence Building Friendships Exploring their World Growing in Faith