20th Anniversary Coming March 15

TLC celebrates its 20th anniversary March 15 of this year. That's the day we took in our first client.

The real anniversary of TLC's birth, at least legally, is January 9, 1992. That's the day the nonprofit was recognized by the State of Arizona..

Were not sure how we'll celebrate this anniversary. At the five, 10, and 15 year anniversaries we had a celebration in a park. We had speakers and passed out plaques. This year's celebration is still in the planning stages. Quite likely it will look pretty much like the other celebrations we've had. After all, there's only so much you can do on an anniversary.

In reflecting upon this event it's almost amazing that this organization has survived 20 years. The whole operation has been run by recovering addicts and alcoholics. There has been zero government funding or assistance. In fact, in Nevada and in Arizona various government entities endeavored to close the program on more than one occasion.

And one result is that in Nevada we have no program. The only thing were allowed to do there is run sober housing units. For some reason the idea that alcoholics and addicts can help each other get sober is alien to them. Their belief is that the program needs doctors, psychologists, and professionals to really do it right.

The real thing we're celebrating on this anniversary is that we've helped thousands of men and women change their lives. And we've done it at no cost to the public. Our belief is that someday organizations like ours will be recognized for the service they do to the community in helping people get sober and change their lives.

But even if we're not recognized there are thousands of men and women in the community who are living better lives because of TLC. That's all that really matters...