Tillys Life Center

In May 2012, Tilly Levine, co-founder of Tilly's Clothing Stores, established Tilly's Life Center (TLC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The aim was to provide a long-term solution to the growing adolescent mental health crisis. Tilly's Clothing Store has always supported various youth-based organizations and given back to the community they served. However, Tilly realized that it was not enough to address only the immediate needs of the youth. It was crucial to impart life skills to young people that could change the course of their lives. As Tilly believed, "Instead of giving them the fish, teach them how to fish." In September 2012, the "I Am Me" curriculum and accompanying student journal were developed, focusing on social-emotional topics like effective communication, developing a positive mindset, identifying and managing emotions, stress reduction, and gratitude. In Spring 2013, TLC presented its first "pilot program." This group of teens confirmed that there was a need to have a "safe space" for them to work through their challenges, and they were open to exploring their journey around mental health. The demand for additional programming led to TLC's growth from 16 teens to 22,117 to date, with programming in middle and high schools, colleges, and youth organizations. In May 2020, TLC's Educator Training was launched. What was initially an effort to support teachers with distance learning during COVID-19 transitioned into the vehicle that would help scale TLC's programming. TLC envisions a social-emotional curriculum being a required part of school health courses. The essential life skills students learn are a critical part of adolescent development and the very foundation that enhances their ability to excel in every other aspect of their lives. Addressing health as a "whole self" includes emotional well-being and providing young people with the tools they need to thrive.