Tillys Life Center

Tilly's Life Center (TLC) is a transformative nonprofit at the forefront of addressing the urgent mental health crisis faced by today's young people. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community-based organizations in Southern California, TLC offers its "I Am Me" curriculum, equipping adolescents and young adults with critical life skills to develop a healthy identity and positive mindset, manage emotions, achieve personal and academic goals, foster strong relationships, and make responsible decisions—ultimately setting them on a path toward lasting success and overall well-being.

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.

Tilly’s Life Center delivers evidence-based social-emotional learning programs that help youth build skills in emotional regulation, communication, and decision-making. As a result, students demonstrate improved focus in school, healthier relationships, stronger self-awareness, and increased resilience.

The challenges facing today’s youth continue to grow at an alarming pace, while access to the resources and support they need remains limited. Although awareness and funding for youth mental health have increased in recent years, there is still a significant gap between the need for services and the availability of effective, accessible programs that support young people’s emotional wellness.

Poor mental health during adolescence is far more than occasional sadness—it can impact every aspect of a young person’s life. Youth experiencing mental health challenges often struggle with academic performance, decision-making, relationships, and overall health. These challenges are also closely linked to increased risks such as substance use, exposure to violence, and high-risk behaviors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many health behaviors and coping patterns are established during adolescence and carry into adulthood. Without strong skills in communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, empathy, and impulse control, young people are more vulnerable to negative outcomes, including involvement in or exposure to violence.

The data underscores the urgency:

Homicide is the leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24
Each day, more than 1,000 youth are treated in emergency departments for assault-related injuries
7% of high school students report being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property
9% have missed school due to safety concerns
16% have experienced electronic bullying, and 15% have experienced bullying on school campuses
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys under 18 experience sexual abuse or assault

Mental health challenges are equally concerning:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10–14 and the third for ages 15–24
42% of high school students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless
29% report experiencing poor mental health
22% of students—and 45% of LGBTQ+ youth—seriously considered attempting suicide
18% made a suicide plan, and 10% attempted suicide
In 2022 alone, 49,449 youth ages 10–24 died by suicide

(Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Data and Summary Report)

In California, the situation is especially critical. The Children Now 2024 California Children’s Report Card identifies mental health issues as the number one reason children are hospitalized. It also highlights that the state continues to fall short in creating environments that support children’s emotional well-being and in providing adequate behavioral health services.

Many young people face compounding stressors that impact their mental health, including exposure to domestic or community violence, family incarceration, systemic inequities, discrimination, bullying, and fears related to immigration status. These experiences can have lasting effects on a child’s development and overall well-being.

A comprehensive approach to youth mental health must include prevention, early intervention, and supportive programs—alongside treatment services. By investing in proactive, skill-building programs, we can equip young people with the tools they need to navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive.

TLC predominately serves in Orange County with a small portion of programming in Los Angeles County.

At Tilly’s Life Center, we see every day how deeply young people are struggling and how transformative it is when they are given the tools to navigate their emotions, build meaningful relationships, and believe in themselves. As I spend time with the youth we serve, I am continually reminded that what they need most is not just support, but the skills and confidence to face life’s challenges with resilience.

We are committed to being part of the solution by creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered, while equipping them with practical, lifelong skills that support their emotional well-being. This work is only possible because of the generosity of our community, and I am incredibly grateful to those who stand with us in support of youth mental wellness.

With immense appreciation,
Colleen

As Board Chair of Tilly’s Life Center, I am honored to support an organization that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. At a time when youth mental health challenges continue to rise, TLC’s proactive approach, equipping teens with the skills to navigate their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make positive decisions, is more important than ever.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our deepest gratitude to our community of supporters. Your generosity makes this work possible and ensures that more young people have access to the tools they need to thrive.

With appreciation,
Adrienne Matros