Transforming lives

TIFFIN—The Transformation Life Center—Tiffin's emergency homeless shelter for women and children—has completed almost a year and a half in service, and has exciting plans for the future. Throughout the past year, the TLC has served 16 women and 11 children in Seneca County, and out of the 16 women, 10 of them were able to secure housing after their stay at the shelter, and two of those women still reside in the shelter. "This is a great accomplishment as there is limited affordable housing available in Seneca County," said Challie Briihl, executive director of the TLC. Various life skill programs have been implemented at the TLC this past year as well, which is something that is always growing. Clients are able to work on different life skills during these programs to help build their confidence and knowledge as they seek to maintain stability within their lives. "The clients have worked with Gwen Stallard from Croghan Bank on budgeting, have been provided life skills training, case management, free mental health counseling onsite and referred to other supportive services," Briihl explained. "Another partnership we are blessed to have is with Great Lakes Community Action Partnership. Each month, a GLCAP advocate comes to the shelter to do intakes for rental assistance when funding is available. Once clients are able to sign a lease for their own housing, additional services are offered to be able to get them necessary items. The community partnerships have been paramount in ensuring these women are successful." Briihl has also been certified to teach Rent Smart, a program through the University of Wisconsin Executive Office. Rent Smart is designed to help individuals who have little to no rental experience and those who have had difficulty obtaining housing. The TLC has also recently built a new green space and playground for families staying at the shelter, which also includes a trellis, seating, trees and other plants. The TLC also received a new shed donated by Leadership Seneca County for storage. "These new additions help us better serve our clients and our community as a whole," said Briihl. As the shelter plans to continue serving women and children in Seneca County who are homeless, there is also a fund at Tiffin Charitable Foundation created by the Seneca County Council on Homelessness Board. Funds are being put aside for building an additional shelter on the property, which will allow the TLC to serve not only women and children, but families and men as well. To make a donation to the Seneca County Council on Homelessness fund, please contact Tiffin Community Foundation. "In order for the TLC to successfully fulfill its mission, we need continued community support," said Briihl. "It has been a blessing to watch so many people, organizations, and partners in Seneca County wrap our clients in love and support. We cannot thank the community enough for all they have done to forward our mission. It is our goal to reach a point where we can serve men and women alike but to do so, it will take community togetherness." Although the TLC has helped many people throughout Seneca County, homelessness is still an issue that is becoming prominent. "It was discussed that 65 youth could be identified as homeless in the Fostoria School District, and 105 could be identified as homeless in Tiffin City Schools," said Pastor Clayon Bailey, president of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness. "These numbers are shocking because we don't see homelessness like that of an inner city. Still, it is a concern and a real need. Providing resources, making connections and offering encouragement is just a part of what we do, and we still have a long way to go." Bailey went on to say that although things aren't perfect, and every story isn't a success, there are still opportunities, encouragement and training for clients to make good life choices. The year 2024 looks to be hopeful for both the TLC and the Seneca County Council on Homelessness, he said. "We are excited to share that our first full year of operation at the TLC has been a wonderful success," Bailey said. "Lives are indeed being 'transformed' through the TLC that we are offering to our ladies and their children."