“TLC made me realize that my limits can never stop me from living an

ideal limitless life”

Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) takes a proactive and preventive approach to the growing social and emotional crises affecting teens today. Our curriculum helps teens adopt a positive mindset which enables them to successfully move past trauma, navigate life’s challenges and truly thrive.

Crises.

Teens are facing problems that are universal, affecting them at every socioeconomic level and in every community. Even in supportive environments, teenagers face confusion and uncertainty in life.

The Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) “I Am Me” SEL program teaches life skills that build confidence, inspire compassion, and encourages adolescents to pursue their dreams.

Imagine.

Now, imagine a world where teens are educated and empowered to make healthier life choices. Imagine enabling them to lay the foundation to grow into capable, compassionate, and responsible adults. Imagine creating an enlightened generation of parents, employees and leaders!

Facts.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the top 3 causes of death in the United States for 15-24 year-olds are unintentional injury, suicide and homicide in that order*.

According to the science of positive psychology, we know that our thoughts truly can create our reality. TLC is helping teens change from a fixed to growth mindset and move from a negative to a positive world.

Learn more about our program

TLC’s “I Am Me” curriculum focuses on the social-emotional needs of the 21st Century teenage learner.

It is a holistic, easy-to-apply curriculum that uses experiential learning, high engagement and realistic tools to provide practical mental wellness solutions to teens.

Solutions.

for a better world

Tilly’s Life Center has over 12 years of hands-on experience working exclusively with adolescents and their educators:

Reaching:

Students

Educators

Schools

Districts

Watch our PSA Videos

Read about TLC's SEL Benefits

PSA Videos

Student PSA – Fountain Valley HS – Pay it Forward

Student PSA – Mount Miguel – Hate is TOXIC, Love Heals

Student PSA – Ocean View HS – Everyday People

Student PSA – Higher Ground Youth & Family Services – Please Don’t Hurt Me Anymore

Student PSA – Estancia High School – 4 Reasons Why

Student PSA – Century High School Santa Ana – You Are Not Alone

Student PSA – Anaheim View High School – You Are Not Alone

Student PSA – Junipero Serra High School – Put Down the Phone

Student PSA – Estancia High School – Opioid Addiction

TLC students use their voices to spread positive messaging by producing powerful public service announcement (PSA) videos

TLC's SEL Benefits

Our “I Am Me” curriculum teaches adolescents to manage emotions, set goals, and build positive relationships.

Research involving over 1 million students confirms that SEL provides substantial benefits for mental health, academic success, and long-term life outcomes.¹

Mental Health

SEL acts as a critical "protective factor" that buffers against the mental health risks.¹

Stress Reduction

Helps individuals develop coping skills that lower anxiety and depression.¹

Better Coping

Cultivates emotional regulation and a greater ability to bounce back from adversity.¹

Positive Self-Image

Builds confidence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.¹

Academic & School Performance

Because the brain's "thinking" and "feeling" centers are linked, emotional stability directly improves learning.

Percentile Points

Grade Boost

SEL interventions can increase academic performance by an average of 11 percentile points. Some long-term studies show this benefit can grow to 13 points years later.²

Increased Engagement

Students feel safer and more connected to their school, leading to better attendance and higher graduation rates.

Reduction in
Bullying

Fewer Disruptions

SEL is linked to a 15% reduction in bullying and significantly fewer "externalizing" behaviors like aggression or outbursts.

Long-Term Life Outcomes

The "life skills" developed through SEL provide advantages that last up to 18 years.¹

Future Readiness

Strong social skills are major predictors of stable, full-time employment and postsecondary completion.

Reduced Risky Behavior

Teens with SEL training are less likely to engage in substance abuse or criminal activity.

Career Skills

Fosters collaboration, adaptability, and creativity.

TLC's SEL Benefits

Our “I Am Me” curriculum teaches adolescents to manage emotions, set goals, and build positive relationships.

Research involving over 1 million students confirms that SEL provides substantial benefits for mental health, academic success, and long-term life outcomes.¹

Mental Health

SEL acts as a critical "protective factor" that buffers against the mental health risks.¹

Stress Reduction

Helps individuals develop coping skills that lower anxiety and depression.¹

Better Coping

Cultivates emotional regulation and a greater ability to bounce back from adversity.¹

Positive Self-Image

Builds confidence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.¹

Academic & School Performance

Because the brain's "thinking" and "feeling" centers are linked, emotional stability directly improves learning.

Percentile Points

Grade Boost

SEL interventions can increase academic performance by an average of 11 percentile points. Some long-term studies show this benefit can grow to 13 points years later.²

Increased Engagement

Students feel safer and more connected to their school, leading to better attendance and higher graduation rates.

Reduction in
Bullying

Fewer Disruptions

SEL is linked to a 15% reduction in bullying and significantly fewer "externalizing" behaviors like aggression or outbursts.

Long-Term Life Outcomes

The "life skills" developed through SEL provide advantages that last up to 18 years.¹

Future Readiness

Strong social skills are major predictors of stable, full-time employment and postsecondary completion.

Reduced Risky Behavior

Teens with SEL training are less likely to engage in substance abuse or criminal activity.

Career Skills

Fosters collaboration, adaptability, and creativity.

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What people are saying

TLC is one of the best programs I know about for transforming young people's lives!
- Mark Warschauer - Professor and Interim Dean, UC Irvine School of Education
TLC brought many positive activities like stretching, meditation, stress management, and how to regulate emotions, as well as why I feel different emotions. I learned affirmations and how to be present in the moment. Thank you for teaching me forgiveness and what it means. I also learned to connect with peers around me that I originally could not resonate with. TLC brought insight into how to deal with bullies and what not to do. I couldn’t be any more grateful. THANK YOU TLC!
- Cadet Ramirez, 16 - Sunburst Youth Academy
TLC helped me learn how to help others.
- Alex, 14
This program has been such a huge relief. I have learned to manage my stress and anxiety through deep breathing strategies Chip taught us. I have begun meditating and, overall, taking my mental health more seriously because TLC has taught us about the importance of taking care of yourself. I have looked forward to Mondays because that is when I have TLC. I am going to miss our weekly Monday lessons, but I am ready to continue applying the strategies I learned into my daily life.
- Stephanie, 17 - Century High School
The TLC program is the first of its kind that I know of in the entire nation that addresses issues of post-treatment rehabilitation back to a normal life, to a life of self-esteem where the patient is able to put their pediatric cancer diagnosis behind them and focus on the future and on their ability to be happy. For the patients who’ve been through it, the TLC program has been life-altering.
- Leonard Sender, MD - Medical Director of the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's Hospital
I teach moral development at UCI. TLC actually lives it and delivers it. They are the rubber that meets the road. And we know with teenagers, that road can get bumpy. Wonderful to have a program and staff that commits to making their ride smoother and meaningful.
- Jeff Johnston, Professor - UC Irvine School of Education
TLC has helped me a lot throughout the year in many things. But most of all has helped me create new connections. TLC helped me reflect on how I can become a better person. It also helped me see myself as a better person. Using the time in Tilly’s Life Center to journal helped me be more calm throughout the day!
- Victoria, 13 - TeWinkle Middle School
I would recommend the TLC program to other teens because it’s fun, you meet different people out of your element and it’s a good experience.
- Viviana, 18
I’ll never forget being part of TLC. Some mornings are more difficult and stepping into a room where you could fully process those emotions and still have that opportunity to learn was truly amazing. The activities allowed me to place any negative emotions into something positive- my personal favorite being the ones involving plants, as I’ve learned it helps me calm down. I experienced a lot within the program; it has taught me many things about myself and others. I will carry all that this program is in my heart with fondness.
- Kelly, 17 - Century High School
TLC helped me have a more positive outlook on post-treatment life. It also taught me the power of positive thinking and meditation.
- Ralph, 21

Our Partners

*Data Source: National Vital Statistics System, National Center for Health Statistics, CDC. Produced by: Office of Statistics and Programming, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC using WISQARS™.
¹ Casel – What Does the Research Say? Hundreds of independent studies confirm: SEL benefits students.
² National University – What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Why It Matters.

“TLC made me realize that my limits can never stop me from living an

ideal limitless life”

Crises.

Teens are facing problems that are universal, affecting them at every socioeconomic level and in every community. Even in supportive environments, teenagers face confusion and uncertainty in life.

The Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) “I Am Me” SEL program teaches life skills that build confidence, inspire compassion, and encourages adolescents to pursue their dreams.

Imagine.

Now, imagine a world where teens are educated and empowered to make healthier life choices. Imagine enabling them to lay the foundation to grow into capable, compassionate, and responsible adults. Imagine creating an enlightened generation of parents, employees and leaders!

Facts.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the top 3 causes of death in the United States for 15-24 year-olds are unintentional injury, suicide and homicide in that order*.

Our Program.

According to the science of positive psychology, we know that our thoughts truly can create our reality. TLC is helping teens change from a fixed to growth mindset and move from a negative to a positive world.

TLC’s “I Am Me” curriculum focuses on the social-emotional needs of the 21st Century teenage learner.

Solutions.

for a better world

Tilly’s Life Center has over 12 years of hands-on experience working exclusively with adolescents and their educators:

Reaching:

Students

Educators

Schools

Districts

PSA Videos

Student PSA – Fountain Valley HS – Pay it Forward

Student PSA – Mount Miguel – Hate is TOXIC, Love Heals

Student PSA – Ocean View HS – Everyday People

Student PSA – Higher Ground Youth & Family Services – Please Don’t Hurt Me Anymore

Student PSA – Estancia High School – 4 Reasons Why

Student PSA – Century High School Santa Ana – You Are Not Alone

Student PSA – Anaheim View High School – You Are Not Alone

Student PSA – Junipero Serra High School – Put Down the Phone

Student PSA – Estancia High School – Opioid Addiction

TLC students use their voices to spread positive messaging by producing powerful public service announcement (PSA) videos

TLC's SEL Benefits

Our “I Am Me” curriculum teaches adolescents to manage emotions, set goals, and build positive relationships.

Mental Health

SEL acts as a critical "protective factor" that buffers against the mental health risks.1

Stress Reduction

Better Coping

Positive Self-Image

Academic & School Performance

Because the brain's "thinking" and "feeling" centers are linked, emotional stability directly improves learning.

Percentile Points

Grade Boost

Increased Engagement

Fewer Disruptions

Long-Term Life Outcomes

The "life skills" developed through SEL provide advantages that last up to 18 years.1

Future Readiness

Reduced Risky Behavior

Career Skills

TLC's SEL Benefits

Our “I Am Me” curriculum teaches adolescents to manage emotions, set goals, and build positive relationships.

Mental Health

SEL acts as a critical "protective factor" that buffers against the mental health risks.1

Stress Reduction

Better Coping

Positive Self-Image

Academic & School Performance

Because the brain's "thinking" and "feeling" centers are linked, emotional stability directly improves learning.

Percentile Points

Grade Boost

Increased Engagement

Fewer Disruptions

Long-Term Life Outcomes

The "life skills" developed through SEL provide advantages that last up to 18 years.1

Future Readiness

Reduced Risky Behavior

Career Skills

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Donate

What people are saying

Our Partners

SEL acts as a critical "protective factor" that buffers against the mental health risks.¹

The "life skills" developed through SEL provide advantages that last up to 18 years.¹

SEL acts as a critical "protective factor" that buffers against the mental health risks.¹

The "life skills" developed through SEL provide advantages that last up to 18 years.¹