From the CEO

by | Sep 5, 2019 | Arc, Department of Developmental Services, Human Services, Merger

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.

Jean  M. Phelps, Chief Executive Officer

CLASS and LifeLinks join forces effective July 1, 2019

by | Jul 3, 2019 | Arc, Human Services, Inclusion, Merger

We are celebrating more than just the 4th of July this week!

Monday, July 1 was our first day as a newly merged agency:  LifeLinks dba/CLASS.  Now that the technical, behind the scenes, work of bringing two organizations together is complete we are excited about the opportunities that are opening to us. We are eager to begin the work to blend our organizations, cultures, vision, and goals.

I am proud and humbled to provide leadership to this new organization, to work collectively to set the course of our work and to celebrate what I know will be our many successes. Alfred J. Frugoli will remain with us, transitioning into the role of Chief Operating Officer overseeing all our great programs. As of today, we serve or touch the lives of over 900 individuals and are now almost 30 million dollars in revenue and have over 500 staff; formidable numbers indeed.

The merger of CLASS and LifeLinks provides many opportunities – the first of which is to leverage our collective expertise to make sure we’re providing the best services possible in our existing programs.   We believe that the next few years will be a sensational period for us as we come together to be an organization that can truly make sure everyone we serve in homes, day services and community supports experiences innovative, personalized and valued services that promote a full life, where there is an opportunity for personal growth and active, meaningful engagement in their community.

Thank you for your continued support

Have a great 4th of July!

Jean M. Phelps

Chief Executive Officer