About Us

History

CLASS has been providing services to individuals with disabilities for over 30 years.

In the mid-70's, a group of families in the Merrimack Valley began to talk about opportunities for their children. Historically, options for families were limited to placing children in institutions or keeping them at home. This group of families had a vision that their children may one day live in a more homelike setting, be provided the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, work and have rights like any other person. By 1976, those family members, along with community supporters, established the Citizen's League for Adult Special Services – now known as CLASS. Its original enrollment was 6 individuals.

Over the years, the agency grew and diversified. It now serves over 400 individuals and families throughout northeastern Massachusetts. Additional programs and services have been added to meet the needs of the growing number of individuals who are supported by CLASS each year. Today services include Assistive Technology, Employment Services, Production Services, Habilitative Services, Family Resources and Advocacy, Clinical & Case Management Support, Recreation and Transportation.

In addition to providing services to the individuals who attend CLASS programs, we also provide support services to the families of individuals with disabilities in the Greater Lawrence community. The Arc of Greater Lawrence (ArcGL) is the family support division of CLASS with a mission of ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive culturally competent services, and learn new leadership skills that will strengthen their ability to direct their own lives.