What an incredible few months it’s been! As I sat down to pen my first “Message from the CEO” as the CEO of LifeLinks CLASS, I found myself simultaneously reflecting and looking forward. Reflecting on the journey that led us to merge two agencies with more than 100 years of combined history. But also looking forward to the development of our first strategic plan as LifeLinks CLASS, and advancing our mission of enabling the people we serve across the Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley regions to live fuller and more prosperous lives.
To get to this point, the combined leadership teams at LifeLinks and CLASS had to agree on a shared vision of creating a “one-stop-shop” agency model, providing individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and their families a more robust portfolio of services. But every day I’m reminded by a quote from Good to Great author Jim Collins:
“Great vision without great people is irrelevant.”
At the end of the day, that’s what this merger is about…great people. And it’s not just the incredibly talented and dedicated staff at LifeLinks CLASS, it’s the inspirational individuals we serve. It’s the passionate families we work with. It’s the generous employers we partner with. It’s the inclusive communities in which we live and work. It’s the enthusiastic interns we empower. The success of the merger is rooted in the diversity and passion of two organizations who are motivated by improving the lives of others.
I’ve been so inspired by everyone at this combined agency, that I knew one of my first priorities as CEO was to share with all of you some of the stories of the great people I am so fortunate to be around on a daily basis. And to invite you to engage with us on a more personal level in the important work we do.
Over the course of our first year, you’ll start to see more visible aspects of the combined agency in all of our communications vehicles, including the web, social media, and new newsletters like NewsLinks. We’ll be actively looking at ways to better serve all of you, as we complement our service portfolio and welcome new staff.
But know that LifeLinks CLASS will continue to offer all of the high-quality services and supports that advance our mission and are rooted in our combined and distinguished histories.
Individuals in the LifeLinks CLASS TREE (Treatment. Responsibility. Empowerment. Employment.) program have had the opportunity to refine their woodworking skills over the past few years with the help of Shaun Cohan, a shop teacher in the carpentry department at Greater Lawrence Technical School. The TREE program at our Lawrence location uses a unique therapeutic work model for individuals with complex life experiences, psychiatric diagnoses and behavioral challenges, supported by an intense staffing ratio of one to four. Some of their projects have included a maintenance supply shed, birdhouses and planters for past event auctions, cutting boards, and most recently, Adirondack chairs! Nancy Price, the facilities manager for our Lawrence location, hopes to have an efficient sales model in place for the carpentry program by next year — stay tuned!
Shaun Cohan, a GLTS shop teacher, gives Joseph direction during a recent project.
The Family Support Center, based at our Chelmsford location, hosted a summertime social for the families we are proud to serve. Some of the day’s activities included a delicious BBQ, a balloon artist, face painting, crafts, games, and a visit from the Chelmsford Fire Department! Thank you to all who attended and made the event such a hit. We look forward to more opportunities to connect with our individuals and their loved ones in the future.
Lily and her family enjoyed the balloon artist at our summer BBQ.
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) has been a longtime supporter of both LifeLinks and CLASS. In the past year, DCU made significant donations in the amount of $15,000 and $25,000 to support our programs and services. As an expression of our appreciation, staff from our Chelmsford location collaboratively worked with a group of individuals to create a banner that expressed their heartfelt appreciation. They personally presented their message of thanks to the DCU staff at their Tyngsboro, MA office.
The LifeLinks CLASS community presents the DCU staff with their personalized thank you banner.
Staff members from two DCU branches recently attended our annual talent/art show — hosted at our Chelmsford location. This opportunity allowed them to witness the impact of their donation and what it means to the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
From left to right: Flavia Cady, DCU Lowell Branch Manager; Bonnie L. and Maria P. from LifeLinks CLASS; and Meghan Bodington, DCU Tyngsboro Branch Manager.
CHELMSFORD, MA – On a sunny summer afternoon, a crowd roared with approval and joyously sang along to a Neil Diamond classic. But they weren’t singing “Sweet Caroline” and celebrating home runs or double plays at Fenway Park. Nor were they cheering on the Spinners at LeLacheur Park.
No, the scene of the raucous rendition of “Coming to America” took place at Omni Way in Chelmsford at the annual LifeLinks Art & Talent Show on August 8.
Organized by the organization’s Urban Youth Interns, the talent show is always a high point on the summer calendar. Friends, family, donors, interns, and staff were treated to a day of singing and dancing, where the hard work of all the performers was on full display.
“If I could describe what was happening that afternoon, it’s an incredible sense of love,” says LifeLinks/CLASS CEO Jean Phelps. “The incredible levels of support and encouragement being expressed by all of the people in the audience are moving. It just felt really good to be in the room, and I want to thank you all for giving us that moment.”
As part of the festivities, members of the Day Habilitation Program proudly displayed their artwork around the facility for attendees to enjoy, in an explosion of color that turned the first floor into a full-fledged art gallery.
“Where else would you rather be today?” asks Day Habilitation Services Director Shawn Nault. “When we talk about a culture of inclusion, this is what we mean. The passion of the people we serve in their performance is matched by the passion of the summer interns who put on the show, and that’s how lifelong memories are made.”
What an incredible few months it’s been! As I sat down to pen my first “Message from the CEO” as the CEO of LifeLinks CLASS, I found myself simultaneously reflecting and looking forward. Reflecting on the journey that led us to merge two agencies with more than 100 years of combined history. But also looking forward to the development of our first strategic plan as LifeLinks CLASS, and advancing our mission of enabling the people we serve across the Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley regions to live fuller and more prosperous lives.
CHELMSFORD, MA – On a sunny summer afternoon, a crowd roared with approval and joyously sang along to a Neil Diamond classic. But they weren’t singing “Sweet Caroline” and celebrating home runs or double plays at Fenway Park. Nor were they cheering on the Spinners at LeLacheur Park.
As part of the festivities, members of the Day Habilitation Program proudly displayed their artwork around the facility for attendees to enjoy, in an explosion of color that turned the first floor into a full-fledged art gallery.