This article was originally published on June 15, 2021 by MontcoToday.
By David Bjorkgren
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth has been a 51-year presence in the community, offering alternative education and social services to at-risk youth, guiding families to the help they need.
An established nonprofit, TLC provides an innovative approach to education, coaching and counseling.
Founded in 1970 by Eagleville Hospital, TLC works to close the gap between traditional education and behavioral health services.
Teachers and counselors at TLC do this by implementing the Transformational Education Model® which uses client-focused practices to improve student and client outcomes.
That means utilizing tools like authentic engagement, meaning making, personalized support and stimulated curiosity.
TLCs approach has transformed lives and communities throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
School-based staffing
In 1973, TLC began school-based staffing services.
Students in local school districts needed additional socioemotional support.
School-based staffing provides counseling and therapy to those students.
The Leadership Academy
The TLC Leadership Academy (formerly Lincoln Academy) launched in 1975.
It provides alternative education placement for students who need additional social, emotional, and mental health support.
Incorporated Nonprofit
TLC was incorporated in 1983 as a nonprofit with expanded programming that provided counseling and therapy, positive behavioral interventions and supports, college and career readiness services and alternative education.
Victims of Crime
Then, in 1987, TLC began providing counseling services for victims of crime.
Funded by federal grants administered through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), TLC’s programs provide free mobile counseling and art therapy services for any resident of Montgomery County affected by crime.
TLC’s success over the last 51 years continues to motivate its dynamic team, led by Dr. GT Freeman, TLC’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“I’ve seen firsthand the difference that our talented and dedicated team makes in our community as they passionately live out TLC’s vision to equip individuals and families with the will and skill to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Freeman. “TLC is honored to have served the Greater Philadelphia Area for over 50 years, providing education, coaching and counseling services.”
For more information, visit TheLincolnCenter.com, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.