A: If you are planning to leave an abusive relationship, some advance planning on your part can help you be prepared when the time is right to take such a step.  In addition to having arrangements made with someone who would be able to safely pick you up once you decide to leave, the more items you are able to bring from the following list will be helpful in establishing your new life.

• Cash and prepaid credit cards that can’t be traced.
• Keepsakes.
• Small toys or books for your children.
• Personal journals, images and other evidence proving abuse.
• Clothing.
• Car, house, and other important keys.
• Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and any other medical devices.
• Proof of pet purchase and leash.
• Current medications and prescriptions for yourself and your children.
• Your address book or cell phone contacts.
• Prepaid cell phone or a cell phone with a new contract and number.
• Phone calling card.
• A post office box or safe address where you can forward your mail.
• Small valuables you could sell if need be.
• Checks.
• Credit cards, ATM cards and PIN numbers.
• Birth certificates.
• Car title, registration, and auto insurance documentation.
• Apartment rental agreement, or house deed.
• Financial records and bank account numbers.
• Immunization records.
• Your children’s school records.
• Health insurance cards and medical records; insurance booklet.
• Records of any police reports you have filed.
• Legal protection or restraining orders.
• Marriage, divorce, and custody papers.
• Green card or immigration papers.
• Government benefits card.
• Work permits.
• W2s and paystubs.
• Driver’s license and/or passports.
• Social security cards for yourself and your children.

A: Safe and secure housing is TLC House’s first priority. TLC’s residential living facility is
equipped with a security system that includes two 24-hour surveillance cameras at all entrance
points. Key pass codes are required for entry doors. All windows are secured with motion
sensors. Should an alarm be set off, the local police department is the first point of automatic
contact, followed by the Executive Director. The close proximity of the local police department
ensures a quick response and allows our residents to feel secure.

A: You can inquire about space through the contact button found here on our web page or you
can call the office phone number at 260-624-2274.

A: TLC House provides safe beds for women and children. Our living facility also has a fully
equipped kitchen and dining area. There is a washer and dryer, two large communal living
areas, two and one-half bathrooms, and a fully stocked food pantry and supply room with
personal hygiene items. There is also a fenced back yard with a play area. Residential parking
is located in back of the house where vehicles will not be seen or identified by passers-by. TLC
House is not identified by yard signage on the property.

A: In addition to providing safe shelter, TLC offers a wide range of supportive services. TLC
clients meet once a week for different programs, such as, group counseling and
“Codependency: Untangling Relationships.” There are also services such as individual
counseling, job search assistance and referrals, and assistance with budgeting and meeting
financial goals and establishing independent housing

A: Residents of TLC may bring personal items (shoes and clothing as well as cherished personal items). TLC House provides personal hygiene products, bedding, laundry soap, towels, and basic food provisions.

A: You can arrange for a police officer to accompany you to pick up essential personal belongings from your residence. If you are not able to return to your residence, TLC’s Executive Director will work with you to replace clothing, medications, birth certificate, and other vital items left behind.

A: A staff member will help you complete an intake interview. She will provide a tour of our facility and explain TLC’s “House Rules.” After the initial intake process, you will be drug tested as TLC House is a zero-tolerance facility. You will then be shown to your room and provided with linens and self-care items. Should you need medical treatment, arrangements will be made for you to go to the hospital or you will be scheduled to see a doctor at the local free health clinic. After you are settled in our shelter, you will meet with the Executive Director to determine how TLC can best help you during your stay.

A: During your stay, you will be expected to set goals for yourself and work toward attaining
those goals. All residents are required to attend the educational groups and house meetings.
You will be expected to refrain from using drugs or alcohol during your stay. Residents with
children are asked to attend parenting groups and are expected to always supervise children.
Mistreatment of children is not tolerated including verbal abuse and physical discipline, such as
spanking. Note that TLC does not provide child care services. If child care services are needed,
it is the responsibility of the resident to make such arrangements. Each resident is also
expected to obtain employment.

A: There is no “admittance fee” to enter TLC. However, as TLC is not federally or state funded,
residents are expected to pay a rental fee once they are settled and have gained employment.
This rental fee goes toward the costs to operate TLC House.

A: The average stay at TLC is usually 4 to 6 months. Typically, this depends on your
achievement of financial oriented goals and acquiring independent housing. After 6 months in
residency, you may apply for an extension of your stay, not to exceed 12 months.

A: There is no public transportation available in our locale. However, there is a transportation
service that is available for hire and TLC is often given passes for resident use.