HISTORY

The TLC Story - 30+ Years of Caring for Children and Youth

TLC Child & Family Services has a rich history of caring for children and families. However, our story is not just a story of past history. TLC continues to adapt and change to meet the present day needs of troubled children and youth. Furthermore,TLC continues to prepare to meet the needs of future generations.

1975
TLC Child & Family Services began operations in South Lake Tahoe in 1975 under the name of High Sierra Group Home. It's founder, Jim Galsterer, worked with children who were discharged from institutions. Treatment extensively used was recreational therapy intervention in an 'Outward Bound' type program.

1978
High Sierra Group Home was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the title of High Passages, Inc.

1980
High Passages moved its headquarters to Sebastopol, CA. There were four boys and two girls in placement. High Passages, Inc. was welcomed by Sonoma County agencies, the local schools and its neighbors.

1983
High Passages, Inc. was re-incorporated as True to Life Counseling (TLC) on June 21. TLC opened a second residential home, Phoenix House, for six boys. Group homes provided settings for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 years. Each home utilized experienced well-educated and professional house-parents, relief counselors, and asleep night staff resulting in a 3:1 working staff to child ratio.

1984
The Hidden Lake Home was opened in December.

1985
The Coast House in was opened in September.

1986
TLC was licensed to operate a Foster Family Agency (FFA) program. This program provides foster homes for children whose needs are best met in smaller and less restrictive environments than those found in our group homes.

1987
The Mariposa Home opened in September.

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