My name is Stephen Young, and I currently serve as Chairman of the Board of TLC. I came to know TLC intimately as I would send men that were in my employ to receive the care and transformation that was available through TLC. My father was on the board of TLC and I would contribute financially and come up for work details constructing the administration building, annex, chapel building and renovating the upper and lower men’s dorms. When my dad passed away in 2008, I was asked to be on the board.
I serve as Executive Director and Chairman of the board of a large ministry called House of Hope, in Florida; I was not looking for another commitment. The Lord would not let me say no to TLC, as I saw how House of Hope and TLC work together. I saw the missing pieces each ministry needed. House of Hope could provide re-entry, transition, after care and jobs for the men upon leaving TLC. TLC could provide a place to send our most broken in need of transformation that only Jesus Christ can give.
So, 15 years ago, one of my employees went off to TLC and it just so happened to be at the same time George Kalaras was enrolled in the program. The two of them became fast friends and brothers in Christ. Steve went on to successfully complete the program and develop a large successful manufacturing company. Several years ago he became a board member and is a true blessing to this ministry as another transformed life and his good friend George went off to college to got his BS, Masters, and his Doctorate and is now Dr. George Kalaras, Executive Director of TLC.
It never ceases to amaze me when I look back at God’s sovereign planning in the lives of people like Steve and George. TLC has gone on to transform many lives in my family and friends. I can give you many more stories of victory-reclaimed lives from the clutches of the evil one, but I will close with one more contemporary.
Last November we came upon a cold and broken young man huddled under the stairs of the firehouse building. He was desperate, running from the law and the drug gangs wanting to be free of his addictions. We brought him into House of Hope. He was then accepted into TLC. Steve drove him to the airport Christmas morning 2014. After completing the first phase program at TLC, James came back to us a new creation. He is now a leader in both our transitional housing and in our LIFEiLEAD group. I can only imagine what God is going to accomplish in James’ life when we look back 15 years from now. So I thank you for your faithful support of TLC. It is a ministry that affects thousands of lives transforming men into wonderful fathers, sons, brothers, employees and leaders.