The TLC Outcomes Service November 2025 E-Newsletter
THIS NEWSLETTER FOCUSES ON OUR VOCATIONAL SERVICES AND INCLUDES:
A feature story by Veronica Vasquez, Director of Community Services, highlighting Seth’s journey in the Supported Employment program.
A success story highlighting Corey’s journey in the Community Development Services and Employment programs.
A MESSAGE FROM DR. PATRICIA RITTER
Executive
Director
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the TLC Outcomes Newsletter! As the season of change arrives, we continue our commitment to empowering adults with disabilities through both in-person and virtual services that foster growth and independence.
I’m proud to share that TLC Outcomes has earned a 3-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) with no recommendations, an exceptional and rare distinction. This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to the highest standards of person-centered care, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting the meaningful work we do each day.
Did You Know?
Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
In October, we honor the 80th anniversary of NDEAM — an annual celebration of the vital contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce.
This October, we honored the 80th anniversary of NDEAM an annual celebration of the vital contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce.
Disability Employment Awareness Began in 1945 as a weeklong observance Became NDEAM in 1988 by Congressional designation Now administered by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) November 2025
Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
ery County . We’re create unity to thrive. thing to do— ery team.
TLC’s Employment-Related Services
TLC is proud to be:
A DDA Supported Employment provider
A Community Rehabilitation Partner (CRP) with DORS
A Ticket to Work provider through the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN)
A provider of private pay services for individuals needing support with job coaching, application assistance, or service navigation
Also Offering:
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Services for DORS consumers to support communication, social skills, and executive functioning in the workplace.
FY 2025 Highlights: DORS Employment Services
Consumers Served:
331 individuals supported up by 100+ from FY24
Growth due to increased DORS staff and improved TLC service systems
Career Assessment Services (CAS)
104 CAS assessments completed in FY25 — double the 52 in FY24
Increase attributed to the Workforce Technology Center (WTC) ceasing CAS and referring to CRPs like TLC
Work Adjustment Training (WAT) & Employee Development Services (EDS)
WAT (in-person) and EDS (virtual) provide training in:
Referrals increased after removal of income restrictions of individuals participating in the program
Job Development
118 consumers received job development in FY25 (up from 91 in FY24)
More young adults entering workforce post-COVID
Job Coaching
25 individuals received one-on-one coaching
Focus on job learning, accommodations, and on-the-job support
News You Can Use
Need Workplace Accommodations?
Explore the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Free resource from U.S. Department of Labor (ODEP)
Provides accommodation ideas by disability type. You can search on the site for workplace accommodation suggestions. Visit: https://askjan.org/
The job market has shifted — here’s what you need to know:
Key Challenges:
Waitlisted for VR?
Try Ticket to Work – Free job support for SSDI/SSI recipients.
Consider looking for a Ticket-to-Work provider. TLC is a Ticket-to-Work Provider as an affiliate of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN).Ticket-to-Work is free of charge and part of Social Security. You need to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income, have a disability and want to work towards economic self-sufficiency or improve your economic situation through earnings.
To learn more about Ticket to Work - Home | Choose Work! - Ticket to Work - Social Security. To find a provider Find Help - Search Results - Ticket to Work - Social Security . This allows you to look for providers based on your zip code and notes providers that support your zip code.
High Competition – as many as 300+ applicants per job in the DMV area
Slower Hiring – Delays in seasonal and full-time recruitment
Layoffs – Even experienced applicants face instability
AI Impact – Automation changing job roles and hiring processes
Rising Expectations – Entry-level roles now require multitasking
Ghosting – Fewer responses from employers due to applicant volume
If You're Looking for Work and have a disability, where can you start for short-term supports?
If you have a disability and are looking for work, consider reaching out to your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office. Local Vocational Rehabilitation offices can help you obtain work, often working with a vendor or provider such as TLC that has job coaches that can assist you to look for work and help make job searching a more positive experience.
Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office:
DC – Vocational Rehabilitation Services | DDS, D.C. Department on Disability Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services | dds
MD –- Division of Rehabilitation DORS Home VA – DARS Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment Highlights
140 INDIVIDUALS SERVED
77% (91 OF 118) WERE EMPLOYED
AVERAGE WORK HOURS: 24/WEEK
TLC facilitated:
Virtual Job Club (Workplace Behaviors & Readiness)
2 In-person Job Readiness
Groups:
One focused on workplace behaviors
One focused on job search & interviewing
Mental Health Awareness
Many participants continue to face challenges with: Social skills
Workplace readiness due to post-COVID isolation
TLC provides support through a licensed social worker as needed
TLC Outcomes Service Earns
3-Year CARF Accreditation!
We’re proud to announce that TLC’s Outcomes Service has received a 3-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) — and with no recommendations, a rare and exceptional distinction!
This achievement recognizes that our program meets international standards of excellence in helping individuals reach their employment and independence goals. It reflects our team’s unwavering dedication to person-centered care, accountability, and continuous growth.
Corey’s Success Story: Finding His Stride on the Journey to Confidence and Success
When Corey Balmoris joined TLC Outcomes, he was looking for a program where he could truly feel comfortable and supported. “I’m very comfortable with the staff,” Corey shared. “They make me feel like I’m heard and are helpful.” Through TLC’s Community Development Services (CDS) and employment supports, Corey built new skills in time management, communication, and confidence — and found a job that fits him perfectly.
Today, Corey works five days a week at Dogtopia in Bethesda, where he shines caring for and managing groups of dogs. His job coach, Nina, says, “Corey commands a room of twenty dogs with confidence — and stays calm even with pet parents watching on the webcam.” Corey’s goal now is to keep improving and learning on the job. When asked what advice he’d give others, he says simply, “I would recommend TLC to anyone looking.”
Seth’s Succes Story: Building
Confidence, One Job at a Time
When Seth joined TLC Outcomes, he was determined to find meaningful work and greater independence. With support from The Outcomes Service team, he built his resume, practiced interview skills, and learned how to advocate for the accommodations he needed to succeed.
That preparation led Seth to a job at Wegmans, where he’s thriving. With coaching and encouragement, he gained confidence, overcame challenges, and now works independently — continuing to grow and set new goals for his future.
“Seth’s journey shows how preparation and support can turn uncertainty into confidence.” — The Outcomes Service Team
The TLC Outcomes Service 1390 Piccard Dr, Suite 120 Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 294-9205
Fax: (301) 294-9209 www.ttlc.org
Karen Morgret Director of Vocational Services and Quality Assurance kmorgret@ttlc.org
Veronica Vasquez, MA Director of Community Services vvasquez@ttlc.org
Reka Daroczi, M.S., CESP Lead Community Resource Advocate and Admissions Coordinator rdaroczi@ttlc.org Office Phone: (301) 294-9205 Ext. 274 Mobile Phone: (240) 778-3782
