Meet the Nominee: Bonnie
Bonnie Schlachte, TLC’s fearless leader, was nominated for the LA Business Journal Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards in Los Angeles. Those of us who work with Bonnie or whose family members are participants in the many amazing programs at TLC know that she is exceptional. But we thought it might be nice for you to hear some of the many reasons why she was nominated as a visionary organizational leader.
When Bonnie Schlachte arrived at Therapeutic Living and Learning Centers in 2019 as the Executive Director, she found herself at the helm of an organization that was doing the admirable work of supporting and housing individuals with multiple disabilities including blindness. She also found herself with an organization on the brink of insolvency.
Within days she marshalled funds and supporters and was able to keep the proverbial lights on. With a supportive and collaborative board and an incredible group of dedicated teachers and care staff behind her, she methodically reframed the organization and helped bring it to the flourishing entity it is today.
Turning Passion Into Strategy
With years of experience at California’s regional centers, Bonnie understood how the funding model worked. She found opportunities to bring high-quality programming to her community while at the same time maximizing the dollars flowing towards the organization. Her deep passion for the creative arts became the key to unlocking not only funds, but also the skills, talents and joys of the program participants.
“The creative arts allow individuals of all abilities to anchor into the fundamental need we all have: to create. We see our participants as wholly capable and we offer choices and curriculum that they can explore and find what helps them fully express who they are,” contends Bonnie.
TLC Today: A Community Transformed
Today, the TLC campus consists of 12 residential homes for adults with disabilities, as well as a sprawling arts facility that is under renovation to better accommodate classes and participants. The arts facility will reopen in November 2026. It will join the fully operational Black Box Theater, where TLC showcases theater, dance, and music performances. A recent campaign to fundraise $5 million for the renovation is in full swing.
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
Recently, the program began offering programming to children ages 5-17. The TLC Creative Arts After School Program offers inclusive creative arts programming to children with or without disabilities. The state-of-the-art facilities will be in use for the full day. Youngsters who might not have had access to arts programming will find classes in music, dance, theater, film production, and more. Students will also have the opportunity to grow their confidence and make lasting friendships.
“We don’t ‘dumb down’ the curriculum. We offer 30 classes, including classical ballet, ceramics, gardening, culinary arts and more. Our occupational therapist and teachers can shape tools and the curriculum to meet the moment and ensure participants of all ages get the most out of their experience. The smiles I see every day tell me we are accomplishing that!” shares Bonnie.
Bonnie’s Promise for the Long Term
Bonnie’s ambitious plans for Therapeutic Living and Learning Centers stem from a simple promise:
“I want the families of individuals to know that their loved ones will be able to live their entire lives here, loved and cared for. I also want the community to know that TLC will be here in perpetuity because these needs will not suddenly disappear. It’s my job to bring awareness to TLC and the very special way we approach our work.”
That is the kind of leadership the LA Business Journal recognizes. And that is exactly the kind of leader Bonnie Schlachte is.
TLC is active on social media and offers multiple ways for you to connect to the program and community. See one of their showcases or theater events, catch the incredible TLC jazz musicians in concert or see the TLC dancers out in the community. Better yet, book a tour of TLC and meet Bonnie, her warm staff, and engaging participants. You will be forever changed!