 A MESSAGE FROM PAT
As TLC celebrates its 65th anniversary, I personally celebrate 25 years with TLC in October. A significant anniversary is certainly a time for reflection. In the current world of frequent job change, the question of why stay with one organization for such a long time, certainly comes to mind. The answer is simple. I love the TLC mission to improve lives and expand possibilities for individuals with special needs. Each day I see the mission in action as we serve individuals and families in our many programs. Our success stories are inspirational and a testament to the outstanding TLC staff who bring their skill and caring to those we serve. It is an honor to be a part of an exceptional organization that is celebrating its 65th anniversary. I hope you will join us for our Gala on October 22 when we celebrate our history and TLC's Champions in a memory filled evening.
TLC has allowed me to fulfill my personal mission to make a difference in the lives of others . I can't imagine a better place to work for 25 years.
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Celebrating 65 years of Service and Honoring "Champions of TLC"
Thursday, October 22, 2015
6:45 pm - 9:00 pm
The Gaithersburg Marriott, Washingtonian Center
9751 Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Gala65 Celebration will Honor "Champions of TLC" in recognition of their extraordinary commitment and vision:
- GEICO
- J. Richard Ward, Rockville Fuel and Feed Company, Board Member Emeritus
- Conrad and Lois Aschenbach and their Family
- Sylvia Valdivia - TLC employee with 28 years of service
Sponsorships Available
- $5,000 Diamond Sponsor - Same benefits as Platinum Sponsor plus 2nd table for 10, largest logos/most prominent exposure in event materials, premier seating at dinner and Full-Page Ad in Gala65 program booklet
- $2,500 Platinum Sponsor -Table for 10, attendance at VIP cocktail hour for all table guests, logos/Sponsor exposure in all event materials, recognition in TLC newsletters, featured seating at dinner, TLC's Annual Report and website and Half-Page Ad in Gala65 program booklet.
- $1,500 Gold Sponsor - 6 tickets to VIP cocktail hour for guests, logos/exposure on sign at event and Business Card Ad in Gala65 program booklet.
- $1,000 Silver Sponsor - 4 tickets to VIP cocktail hour and dinner, Name/Logo featured on sign cocktail hour, name listed in the Gala65 program and in TLC's Annual Report and website
- $500 Bronze Sponsor - 2 tickets to VIP cocktail hour and dinner, recognition in TLC's Annual Report and website
TLC is proud to have strong partners and community support which is reflected by the Honorary Gala Committee.
Congressman Chris Van Hollen
Charles L. Short, Special Assistant to the County Executive
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation
The HSC Foundation
Giant Food
Special Olympics Maryland - Montgomery
Sunflower Bakery
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Help Others Hear Celebration!
Help Others Hear is a wonderful program through TLC's Family Hearing Center. Hearing aids are funded for individuals who could not otherwise afford them by our generous donors. Special thanks to The Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, as well as Bob and Barbara Evans, who generously matched donations dollar for dollar to help us reach our goal. We recently held an event honoring donors and recipients. Please take a moment to listen as two recipients share what this program has meant to their lives.
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Speech-Language Director's Article in Washington Parent...
Kids Nursery Rhymes, Chants and Songs: Benefits for Your Little Learner
By Christina F. Morrissey, M.S., CCC-SLP
In a world of apps, ebooks and streaming, it is hard to believe that something as simple as a few verses of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," could make much of a difference on your child's brain. Research has shown, however, that those simple songs and nursery rhymes can help your child learn language and literacy skills. But all music is not created equally when it comes to teaching your child. Here are some tips on how to use nursery rhymes and simple songs to help you and your child make the most from music.
Play it Again (and again, and again)
If you've ever been asked by your child to read the same bedtime story over and over again, you are well aware that children love repetition. Not only do they like singing the same song many times over, but they also enjoy the consistency inherent in music, such as a familiar tune and a predictable chorus. Children benefit from repetition and review of concepts, and the right kind of children's songs have the repetition necessary to really make developing language concepts stick.
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Donald's Transition Story
Former Outcomes consumer, Donald, visited TLC's Employment Development Services (EDS) group. EDS is a DORS funded vocational program designed to assist job seekers in expanding their job development and retention skills, and to prepare them to gain meaningful employment.
Donald received EDS services two years ago and spoke to the group, sharing his experiences and advice about work transition. Donald spoke openly and honestly and had great advice for attendees. Everyone was truly inspired by Donald's words. Donald also started a Facebook page five years ago. He currently has over 45,000 fans! Check out
People With Disabilities Rock
.
Donald shared that he had applied for a job that he felt was a bit of a reach for him and he was waiting to hear abut it. A day later, Donald emailed to share that he got the job! We are so proud of Donald and grateful for his willingness to share his experiences.
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TLC's Speech and Occupational Therapy Camps
 In our continuing efforts to meet the needs of the community, we held out first extended "end
of summer" camps in August.
Both sessions were
well attended.
As usual, campers had a b
usy and exciting summer with
occupational therapy and speech camps. We partnered with Art Stream for weekly music classes in both camps too! 
Wa
ter play is always a favorite way for campers to spend their time cooling off in the summer sunshine! To learn more about all of TLC's Summer Programs including Learning Enrichment at The Katherine Thomas School,
link here
.
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 TLC Welcomes John duFief To The Board
"I am on fire for TLC and KTS!" is how duFief describes his passion for working with the organization. "It is very important work that you all do." New to TLC's Board, John is a seventh generation Washingtonian and his family has been in Montgomery County for just as long. He was raised in, what was then, a very quiet Potomac. John and his wife Karen now reside in Rockville and have four grown children.
John is a carpenter by trade and his company, John L. duFief, Inc., has been building homes, additions and renovations since 1958. John was involved in the Civitan Club of Rockville for 20 years until it dissolved. The Civitans raised money to help people with developmental disabilities. John found this mission very rewarding and it sparked his interest in TLC.
Pat Ritter, Executive Ritter of TLC states, "John has quickly embraced TLC's mission and become a valued member of the Board of Trustees. His longevity in the community and expertise are a real asset to TLC."
We are pleased to have John on our Board!
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NEW PROGRAMS AT KTS!
The Treatment and Learning Centers takes great pride in meeting the evolving needs of the community. For 65 years, we have been at the forefront of developing services in Montgomery County for individuals with special needs. With the rising numbers in the diagnosis of autism and the changing environment in both public and private schools, referrals to The Katherine Thomas School for students with more significant challenges was also on the rise.
Our goal was to expand the profile of students we could educate at KTS, with the appropriate staffing and models.
It took two years to develop and implement all three programs, but STRIDE (for lower school), BOOST (for middle school), and EXCEL (for high school) are up and running! Each program provides a more intense staff to student ratio than a typical KTS classroom which was needed for students with more complex needs. The goal is to develop "learning readiness" to move students into a less restrictive environment within KTS or another school.
These programs have enabled KTS to provide students with the supports they need to succeed. Additionally KTS High School has added a certificate program for students who do not meet the requirements for a diploma. We are pleased to meet the needs of more students, welcoming them to our KTS family. This is good news for everyone!
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