In 2002, Barbara began outlining her vision to offer homeless mothers a home where they could develop the skills to become better parents and responsible citizens. She then turned neglected buildings into much needed housing and founded The Life Center/TLC, a grassroots mentoring program for homeless moms that teaches them Life Skills and helps them develop independence. The need was so great that, as soon as the doors opened, the Little House immediately filled. To date, TLC has taken in 50 moms and 70 babies/preschoolers who had no place to go and four children have been reunited with their mothers.
Lemoine and her team have raised all the funds, written Policy & Procedures, and provided the leadership necessary to help residents succeed and move toward independent living. During the first six months of 2018 volunteers spent 1906 hours at TLC. With the help of these volunteers, TLC provides a wide variety of classes and programs including GED programs, Family Parenting classes and Career Source employment assistance. These have helped women go on to join the military, enroll in college and gain a stable environment.
Barbara Lemoine becomes the 337th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through this evening's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $16.95 million to more than 400 different nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2016, the Vinik's announced that the community hero program will give away another $10-million over the next five seasons.
