OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As Marion County continues to grow, so does the need for services that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One local nonprofit is stepping up to meet that demand.

Transitions Life Center (TLC), a longtime resource for individuals with disabilities, broke ground May 30 on a $1.8 million expansion at its Ocala campus. The new 6,000-square-foot facility will be built by Benmar Construction.

“Our mission is to supply a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Sabrina Hughes, TLC’s chief executive officer. “We definitely have a high need in Marion County to provide these services, and we’re expanding just for that.”

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano speaks at a podium decorated with balloons during the TLC expansion ceremony, with a woman standing beside him.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano speaks during the Transitions Life Center expansion groundbreaking ceremony on May 30, 2025, in Ocala. Courtesy: Kylie Leeward/TLC

TLC currently supports about 65 members, with 30 to 35 participating regularly at the center. With the new space, that number is expected to grow.

“We offer vocational training, training with arts and crafts, all different kinds of training depending on the different abilities of each of our members,” said Hughes. “We have a wide range of disabilities, and we cater to those disabilities. With the expansion, we’ll see a more specialized level of programming, such as programming more specialized for autism, lower functioning members as well, and members that require a higher level of care.”

A TLC member stands between two adults, holding hands and smiling inside the pavilion decorated for the ceremony.
Three TLC members smile and pose wearing colorful hard hats at the expansion celebration.
A woman and a TLC member sit together in white chairs, smiling during the event.
Transitions Life Center members, families, and supporters came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of TLC’s new expansion, marking a milestone for the growing nonprofit. Courtesy: Kylie Leeward/Transitions Life Center

The expansion will feature a sensory room, functional room, two instructional studios, and a fully equipped teaching kitchen.

“We are here,” said Hughes. “We’re not in direct competition with any other program that provides these level of services. We are here for the members and the families as well. Down the future road, we plan to have respite housing as well for some of the families that need it. We’re growing and we’re not stopping any time soon.”

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