Raleigh, NC – April 2025 – TLC is proud to announce its selection as a grant recipient from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (NC DHHS DMHDDSUS). The $745,000 grant will fund the launch of TLC Family Connect, a new initiative designed to provide crucial training, resources, and community engagement opportunities for families of children with disabilities across Central North Carolina.
At a time when families are facing extraordinarily long waitlists for disability services, with over 18,000 North Carolinians currently waiting for Innovations Waiver support—a number that continues to grow—TLC Family Connect will offer immediate guidance and support to caregivers navigating an often-overwhelming system. Many families are left in limbo, continuing to care for their loved ones with little to no assistance while they wait years for services. This initiative is designed to fill that critical gap, offering accessible resources and a community-driven support system.
TLC Family Connect will serve as a centralized hub, providing:
- Town Halls & Workshops – In-person and virtual events where families can engage with experts, share experiences, and build support networks.
- Digital Tools & Resource Hub – On-demand guides, videos, and interactive tools to help caregivers navigate services and care options.
- Personalized Family Outreach – Direct service navigation, support referrals, and tailored education to help families address their unique needs.
“TLC Family Connect is launching at a pivotal moment,” said Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC. “With thousands of North Carolina families stuck on years-long waiting lists, this program will provide immediate, accessible support so caregivers don’t have to navigate this journey alone.”
The grant is part of DMHDDSUS’s broader initiative to expand access to mental health and disability services, support caregivers, and create culturally responsive care models. This funding prioritizes innovative solutions that address unmet needs and empower families with lived experiences.
For more than 55 years, TLC has been a trusted resource for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Based in Raleigh, TLC offers early intervention programs, therapy, residential care, and family support services—all aimed at improving quality of life and fostering independence for individuals with disabilities.
TLC joins other innovative organizations receiving this year’s DMHDDSUS grants, all working to expand critical services such as mental health counseling, peer support, and crisis care across the state.
For more information about TLC Family Connect and how to get involved, visit https://www.nctlc.org.
About TLC
TLC is dedicated to empowering people of all abilities to live their fullest lives. For more than 55 years, TLC has been a trusted leader in providing comprehensive services, including early intervention programs, therapy, residential care, and family support. Based in Raleigh, TLC supports children, adults, and families through on-site and community-based initiatives, fostering inclusion and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities across the state.
About NC DMHDDSUS
The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services is committed to promoting equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in care statewide. For more information about their programs, visit NCDMHDDSUS Website.