A Life Connected to TLC
Tim Peltier’s story is deeply connected to the history of TLC itself. He first joined the organization in 1975 when TLC opened its very first residential home in Pasadena. From the beginning, his gentle personality and warm spirit made him an important part of the community.
When TLC later relocated to the San Fernando Valley, Tim moved with the organization and eventually became a resident of House 2 on Lindley Street in Reseda, where he still lives today. Over the years he has built lasting friendships with housemates and staff while becoming one of the most familiar and beloved members of the TLC family.
Today, Tim also participates in TLC’s Creative Arts Day Program for adults with disabilities, where individuals have the opportunity to explore creative expression, build friendships, and participate in meaningful activities.
Life at House 2 is filled with routines and relationships that bring Tim comfort and joy. He enjoys spending time with his residential aides and values the supportive environment that surrounds him every day. Recently, he also began attending Shepherd Church in Porter Valley with his program instructor Nikki, adding another meaningful connection to his weekly routine.
Discovering New Creative Passions
After attending Ability First and later New Horizons, Tim found a new chapter through TLC’s Creative Arts Adult Day Program, part of an inclusive arts and community program in Reseda that offers a wide range of creative activities for adults with disabilities. Since joining the program in 2023, he has embraced the opportunity to explore new interests and creative experiences.
Tim enjoys participating in ceramics classes, ukulele, art, job skills classes, braille, and music appreciation. Each class gives him a chance to learn something new while expressing his personality and interests in different ways.
Music has always been especially meaningful to Tim. He spent many happy hours listening to vinyl records with his late roommate Chris, with whom he shared a close bond. Inspired by those memories, Tim began learning to play the ukulele. Our music programs, including elements of music therapy, often help participants connect with memories and express themselves in meaningful ways.
Last year he performed in the Fall Showcase, sharing a heartfelt theater performance that left a strong impression on the audience. He is now preparing a new song for this year’s showcase.
Creativity That Brings Pride and Joy
One of Tim’s greatest creative discoveries has been ceramics. What began as a simple class quickly turned into a true passion for making pottery through TLC’s ceramics classes. Tim now creates cups, bowls, and other unique pieces that reflect both his patience and artistic spirit.
He proudly displays his work at TLC’s monthly Pop-Up Markets, where community members can see and purchase the pieces he has created. These events create opportunities for community engagement and allow participants in the Creative Arts Adult Day Program to share their talents with the broader community. Sharing his work with others brings him enormous pride, and his smile says it all when someone admires his craftsmanship.
Tim’s family has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his life. They have supported him through every milestone and have been connected to TLC since its earliest days in Pasadena. Their continued presence reflects the deep relationships that make the TLC community so special.
From his early days in Pasadena to the creative opportunities he enjoys today, Tim’s story is a powerful reminder that growth, connection, and discovery can happen at every stage of life through programs that support creativity, independence, and meaningful participation in the community.
Inspired by stories like Tims? TLC’s Creative Arts Day Program provides meaningful opportunities for adults with disabilities to explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with their community.
Learn more about TLC’s programs by visiting our website here.