Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tammy Lynn?
Tammy Lynn Pierce was the daughter of one of our founding families. Her parents, Ruth and Billy Pierce, along with two other families established this agency in 1969 to develop education programs for children with special needs. Tammy Lynn passed away in 1971 at the age of 12.
What programs and services do you provide?
• Developmental Day Services — Specialized classroom education for children 3—22 years. Therapies, nursing care, before/after school care, a summer program and family support services.
• ICF/MR Residential Services — Home for 20 children and 10 adults who receive high-level nursing services and sensitive personal care 24 hours a day. Our residents are nurtured and challenged continuously to become as independent as possible. Familieis remain actively involved in their loved one's lives through visits and participation in treatment plans.
• Community Residential Program — Off-campus residences for adults who receive continual supervision in the most normalized setting possible.
• Early Childhood Intervention Program — Individualized in-home therapy and family support services for children 0—3 years who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities or delays, or who are at risk for these conditions.
• Respite Care Services — Hourly, overnight, or extended relief coverage for family members and caregivers from the direct care of individuals of all ages with a developmental disability.
What kind of disabilities do these individuals have?
We confront a wide range of developmental delays, from very mild to severe and profound mental retardation. Many have disabilities which resulted from cerebral palsy, brain injury and seizure disorders. Tammy Lynn Center is renowned statewide, as well, for its services to individuals with medically complex issues.
How do your children communicate?
Many of the children and adults we serve are unable to speak, but they do communicate through the use of gestures and formal systems, such as communication boards, adaptive switches, sign language, voice output devices and eye-blink systems.
Do your students really learn?
Among other things, they learn choice-making, self-help skills, and domestic skills. Their accomplishments may not happen as quickly or easily as they might for individuals without disabilities, but they are just as meaningful and significant.
Can the people you serve enjoy any community activities?
Many enjoy attending sports events, adaptive bowling, musical performances, swimming, eating out, visiting area parks and engagements with family members and friends.
Is there a waiting list for any of your programs?
We receive refferal for residential services, respite care, before/after school care, and the summer program from Wake County Human Services and other entities. Families seeking early intervention services are referred through the Children’s Developmental Services Agency. Children in need of special education and related therapies are referred by Wake County Public School System. Certainly, there are more people who need the services we provide than we can serve.
What type of funding does your agency receive?
Tammy Lynn Center receives federal, state and local government funding, as well as fees for services. Charitable contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, civic groups and churches are a major source of funding for the Center and help to close the gap between what is reimbursed and the cost of providing services.
Are fees charged for families who participate in your programs?
Fees for residential services are paid by Medicaid and CAP-MR/DD funds. Early Intervention fees are paid primarily by state funds or private insurance. Services to students in the special education program are funded by the local public school system and charitable contributions. Before/after school care and summer program fees are paid by CAP-MR/DD, parent fees and some state funds.
How can I help?
You can make a tax-deductible contribution. You can also get involved in our annual Tammy Lynn Golf Classic or our premier fund raising event, A Toast to the Triangle™, through sponsorship or committee participation. You can help to share our story in the community by inviting your friends and colleagues to tour the Center.
Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups — in the classrooms or residences, around our campus, and through our special events.