Transitional Center Inc. (TCI) was born out of necessity—and a refusal to let youth fall through the cracks.

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Since 1999, we’ve served adolescent males ages 12–19 who face significant mental health and behavioral challenges. Many of the youth who come to us have been expelled, misdiagnosed, or placed in settings that don’t meet their complex needs. Without intervention, their futures often follow a devastating pattern: school dropout, homelessness, incarceration, and a cycle of hopelessness.

TCI began as a 12-bed residential program inside St. Mary’s Hospital. As demand grew, so did we—relocating to Centreville, IL and expanding our license to operate a 48-bed, trauma-responsive campus. Today, our main facility houses 40 youth, and our therapeutic cottage supports an additional 8.

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In 2007, we launched JTC Academy—a non-public, special education school housed within our center—to ensure our youth received consistent, therapeutic academic support. What started as a school for our residents quickly became a beacon for youth across districts. With rising demand from school partners, JTC Academy expanded off-site and now serves both residential and non-residential students needing a therapeutic academic environment.

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From our beginnings to today, our mission remains the same: to disrupt the cycle, restore hope, and help youth heal forward.