Next month, about the 15th of March, TLC celebrates its 25th anniversary. It seems like yesterday that we were at our 20th birthday.
In fact, if memory serves me, we had graduates whose children who'd already made it to TLC as residents. This year there'll be even more of them for sure.
It's a great satisfaction to celebrate 25 years. Especially when a lot of of people laughed at the idea that we'd even last a year or two. Among them was my first sponsor, Dean W. We surprised him when we lasted the first year.
In 25 years we expanded from three shacks on South Robson Street in Mesa, Arizona to facilities in New Mexico and Nevada. From three buildings to around 60 buildings in less than 25 years. From five residents to 1100.
And it was all accomplished without government funding or grants. Just a lot of addicts working to stay sober and keep a roof over their heads.
While a few try to live at TLC and continue to get high, they don't last long. Later you hear them complain that it's "all about the money." That they were discharged because they couldn't pay $120 a week.
Try to live somewhere today for $120 a week - including meals, transportation, and some medical care. When you find it please let me know.
I'm waiting here by the phone.
