MESSAGEFROMTHEEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

Patricia Ritter, PhD, CCC-SLP

What an exciting time 2022 was for TLC! The past year has been invigorating, as we came together for the first time in years to celebrate postponed milestones, accomplishments, and initiatives for the greater good of the TLC community. This year our energy and motivation was renewed, and commitment to our mission of improving lives and expanding possibilities strengthened, as we appreciated our time being in the actual, live presence of others. We will never take that for granted! The success we experienced was a result of our cohesive community and generous donors that persevered through challenges and went above and beyond expectations.

We had another positive year of financial sustainability. We sought out as many funding opportunities as possible to strengthen our organization for now and in the future Our community of donors demonstrated their generosity by contributing support to those we serve for new programs and existing program enhancements, capital costs, and additional resources to ensure community health, safety, and success. TLC can continue to provide the highest quality therapies, education, and services because of our active donors.

TLC recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to make our organization strong and to meet the needs of our diverse community. We have always advocated for inclusion for individuals with disabilities. We have increased organizational initiatives to help promote an inclusive culture. We developed and analyzed a DEI survey

Patricia Ritter, PhD, CCC-SLP

and created follow-up actions. We provided activities and discussion opportunities related to marginalized groups and specifically neurodiversity and racial equity. We expanded DEI knowledge for TLC employees and our Board of Trustees. Below are some of the other highlights of our year.

April2022

Celebrated TLC's 70th & The Katherine Thomas School’s 25th anniversaries at the Stronger Together Gala

May2022

KTS students recognized at the "Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady's Mental Health Awareness Youth Art" display

October2022

KTS recognized and awarded for PBIS Program

April2022

TLC Outcomes completed its 11th successful Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) survey

October2022

TLC recognized as winner in the Washington Parent Magazine Reader’s Poll

September2022

Redesigned and launched a new TLC website

We are filled with excitement for the next year! There are so many possibilities to continue to meet and exceed the needs of our community. We are grateful for our donors and their steadfast support and are looking forward to spending time with you in the next year.