In 1963, the United Mental Health Services conducted a study revealing a critical need for housing and supports for individuals with mental disabilities leaving state facilities. Out of this study, TSI emerged as a one of its kind demonstration project. In June 1966, in cooperation with the United Mental Health Services and Mayview State Hospital, TSI began to assist these individuals to transition into the community.
Initially funded through grants from organizations including the Maurice Falk Medical Fund and the Richard King Mellon Charitable Trust, TSI soon became incorporated as a non-profit organization. On April 7, 1969, grant funding was replaced with funding from the Offices of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and additional funding followed in the 1980s from Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
While TSI initially began to serve individuals with mental health diagnoses, it quickly branched out to include meeting the needs of individuals with mental retardation. Proudly, TSI became nationally recognized as one of the first programs of its kind to serve an entire metropolitan area. Through the years, TSI has continued to evolve and intensify in its commitment to provide mental health and mental retardation services. In an effort to continue quality services and address an ever changing environment, TSI has established a Long Range Strategic Plan to promote its continued growth and development.