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