Former clients talk about us being mean. About our managers selling drugs to the clients. About us making people work. About clients using drugs. Cockroaches. Bedbugs. About us putting people out because they use drugs or drink. The tales go on-and-on.
In fact, at one time the Department of Corrections quit sending residents for a while. The reason: parole violators would tell the board that everyone - including managers - used drugs at TLC.
The real story's different. Those who fail in our program seldom take responsibility for why they left. They're not going to admit they refused to work. That they failed a drug test or wouldn't pay their rent. That they threatened another client.
The real story is that we're not a place where people can be lazy or do what they want. We have a strict code of behavior and tough rules. No drugs. No alcohol. No sex on the property. No threats or violence. Pay service fees. Work. Attend meetings and groups.
When clients figure out that we're not going to tolerate bad behavior, they leave - often with our help. And when they leave they blame everyone but themselves.
Having said that, do clients get high once in a while? Of course. We run an open program where people work in the community every day. People also get high in prison. And they have fences, gun towers, guards and dogs.
The reality is that we spend over $50,000 a year on urinalysis and alcohol testing. Plus we search rooms and clients whenever we suspect drug use.
As to sanitation, we contract with pest control companies and have heat rooms in all our districts. We have an ongoing eradication program to deal with infestations.
We’re proud of our operation. And our door is always open to anyone who would like to get acquainted with what we do and how we do it.
In fact, at one time the Department of Corrections quit sending residents for a while. The reason: parole violators would tell the board that everyone - including managers - used drugs at TLC.
The real story's different. Those who fail in our program seldom take responsibility for why they left. They're not going to admit they refused to work. That they failed a drug test or wouldn't pay their rent. That they threatened another client.
The real story is that we're not a place where people can be lazy or do what they want. We have a strict code of behavior and tough rules. No drugs. No alcohol. No sex on the property. No threats or violence. Pay service fees. Work. Attend meetings and groups.
When clients figure out that we're not going to tolerate bad behavior, they leave - often with our help. And when they leave they blame everyone but themselves.
Having said that, do clients get high once in a while? Of course. We run an open program where people work in the community every day. People also get high in prison. And they have fences, gun towers, guards and dogs.
The reality is that we spend over $50,000 a year on urinalysis and alcohol testing. Plus we search rooms and clients whenever we suspect drug use.
As to sanitation, we contract with pest control companies and have heat rooms in all our districts. We have an ongoing eradication program to deal with infestations.
We’re proud of our operation. And our door is always open to anyone who would like to get acquainted with what we do and how we do it.
