TLC Holds First Community Table Event, Advancing New State-Funded Effort for NC Families Navigating I/DD Services
This month, TLC, founded as Tammy Lynn Center, launched its new Family Connect initiative with “The Community Table: The Conversation Begins.” This kickoff event brought families, caregivers, and community partners together for an honest conversation about navigating intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services in North Carolina.
The launch event is an early milestone made possible through a 2025 grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (NC DMHDDSUS). The grant supports Family Connect’s mission to expand caregiver training, system navigation, and community education across Central NC.
“Family Connect is built on listening first,” said Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC. “Saturday’s discussion gave us meaningful insight into what families are facing and how we can respond with clearer pathways to care, better tools and stronger community connections.”
Panelists Provide Deep Insight Into Family Needs
The Community Table featured a panel of respected leaders in North Carolina’s disability and family-support landscape:
- Kim Tizzard, Autism Society of North Carolina
- Lisa Sullivan, First In Families of North Carolina
- Laurel Powell, UNC School of Social Work, Family Support Program
- Donna Beckmann, Independent family advocate
Moderated by Family Connect Project Manager Ruth Garfinkel, the conversation explored early guidance for families, real-world examples of effective support, persistent system gaps, and opportunities for more coordinated services.
Attendees then participated in discussions focused on mapping supports, identifying barriers, and sharing ideas for strengthening collaboration. Themes from these conversations will guide upcoming Family Connect workshops and resource development.
State Grant Powers Expansion of Tools and Training
The NC DMHDDSUS grant supports key components of Family Connect, including:
- In-person and virtual educational workshops
- A digital resource hub
- Personalized family outreach and service navigation
These efforts are designed to make disability supports more accessible, responsive and easier to understand for families at all stages of their unique journeys.
TLC will announce details for upcoming Family Connect events and digital tools in early 2026.
About TLC
TLC empowers individuals of all abilities to live their fullest life. For 56 years, TLC has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering comprehensive services that help them grow, connect, and thrive. Based in Raleigh, TLC supports more than 2,000 children, adults, and families each year across North Carolina through on-site and community-based initiatives that foster inclusion and improve quality of life. TLC’s services include therapies, early interventions, and home-based supports; community homes and a day program; and care navigation and family support.