Transitional Living Centers, Inc.

Hi TLC Donors, 

My name is Tabitha, and I was a reentrant at Transitional Living Centers, Inc.  I spent 2 1/2 years in SCI MUN for Drug-Manufacturing/Sale/Deliver or Possession with Intent from Lycoming County. When I learned I was being released from state prison and going back to my home area I was overwhelmed with all types of emotions.  I was excited that I was going home but I was also very nervous.  This is the place I have used and dealt drugs for more than half my life.  The only friends I had were addicts.  My family was hesitant to welcome me back with open arms due to the number of failed attempts at recovery in the past.  I could not blame them.  I was even unsure if I could do this thing called life successfully.  I was released to TLC on July 7, 2024.  

When I walked through those front doors of 900 West Third St. I immediately felt like I was home.  The Resident Advisor greeted me at the door with the warmest smile.  The place did not feel like jail, it felt like an actual home.  I haven't had a home since I was 18 years old, and I was kicked out of my parents' house.  The Resident Advisor conducted a brief interview, provided me with a set of sheets, towels, and a pillow along with a welcome hygiene basket.  I was given a tour of the facility and then shown my bedroom.  I recognized a few of my roommates from SCI Muncy.  They all welcomed me and asked if I needed anything.  My case manager was quick to stop by my room and introduce herself and let me know once I got situated, she wanted to meet with me.  

The minute I walked in my case manager's office it was like we hit the ground running.  She arranged my schedule to go meet with my parole officer and to stop by the assistance office to get my insurance turned on.  Parole referred me to drug and alcohol counseling. I was immediately set up with a medical intake at River Valley Health.  I am not going to lie the first few hours/days were a bit overwhelming with all of the intakes and initial appointments, but the staff continued to encourage me to keep moving forward.  Once the initial stuff was complete, I started to get into the swing of things, so I thought it was time for a job.  Once again, my case manager stepped right into gear, we developed a resume, and she did some mock job interviews with me to help me understand how to answer that dreadful question "Do you have a criminal history?"  I was able to walk into a job interview with confidence thanks to the TLC staff for cheering for me on the sidelines.  I got hired for my first real job since I was 22 and I wouldn't really call that a "real" job. I was hired on at a local hotel as the front desk receptionist as well as housekeeping.  I was given a uniform and started the very next day.  I quickly picked up on the job training and received my first paycheck three weeks later, $840.43.   I was so very proud of myself.  I ran back to TLC and was eager to show everyone my first paycheck.  The staff were all so excited for me.  The next day my case manager helped me set up a bank account and I was able to purchase a better pair of shoes.  My feet hurt so bad from standing on them more than I was used to.  By September 2024, I had $3500 in my savings account.  I was ready to find my own place, but I also did not want to overspend what I could afford. I was fortunate enough to find a small efficiency for $550/month everything included.  It was not ideal, but it was big enough for just me and I was still able to save money.  I was discharged successfully from TLC on October 2, 2024, and moved into my own apartment.  

By this point, I was confident enough in myself to reach out to my family and share my success.  They were surprised and so very happy.  My mom and dad stopped by to see my new place and I could immediately tell by their faces how happy they were for me. I also could still sense their anxieties.  

It is now 2025, I moved into a one-bedroom apartment.  I am now a full-time receptionist at a local hotel.  I communicate with my mom and dad every day.  I still am in drug and alcohol counseling and attend NA meetings.  I have a savings account.  I am still on parole and set to be released from them in early 2026.   I am so very proud of myself, but I know I would not have been able to do it without the steppingstone TLC provided me.  The encouragement, motivation, and advocating TLC provided to me gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with my life in such a positive way.

I want to give a HUGE thank you to donors like you- who take the time to read our stories and root for those trying to better their lives.  We too are human and made mistakes, but with your generous generosity TLC can truly make a difference.  

Thank you again.