With gratitude

Thank you.

Two simple and powerful words that I can’t possibly say enough to all of you. Think about this for a moment…LifeLinks CLASS employs nearly 500 staff, with three day program locations and 16 group homes throughout Greater Lowell and the Merrimack Valley. And while we all may work in different roles at different locations, we are all connected in a way that not many other organizations can claim.  Because every day you come to work, each and every one of you make a profound and lasting difference in someone’s life. And you do it as a team. And you do it with pride. And you do it well!

And I sincerely mean that. In my last message, I talked about the dedication you all have to the people you serve. And I am putting an emphasis throughout the coming year on spotlighting your efforts and strengthening our sense of community as a combined agency; one that I am proud to lead.

This week is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, and I want to say a special thank you to everyone at LifeLinks CLASS who work hand-in-hand with the people we serve. You are making a profound difference, not just at LifeLinks CLASS, but in your community.

And for that, once again I say “Thank you.”

Jean M. Phelps, Chief Executive Officer

The Many Hands That Make a Difference

When I say “thank you” to our direct support professionals, I also want to extend that gratitude to every single person who helps make their work possible. Think about the nurses who manage medications, the clinicians who develop thoughtful plans, the residential coordinators who keep our group homes running smoothly, the day hab instructors who create meaningful activities, and the administrative staff who handle the countless details behind the scenes. None of us works alone, and none of your contributions go unnoticed.

I am especially grateful for the way you step in for one another. Whether it is covering a shift at the last minute, sharing an idea that improves someone’s daily routine, or simply offering a word of encouragement to a coworker, you demonstrate what a true team looks like. LifeLinks CLASS is not just a collection of programs and locations – it is a network of people who care deeply about each other and about the individuals we serve.

• Direct support professionals in our day programs and group homes
• Residential managers and assistant managers who keep everything on track
• Nursing and clinical staff who bring expertise and compassion to every interaction
• Administrative, maintenance, and operations teams who keep our buildings safe and our systems running
• Family liaisons and community partners who strengthen our connections beyond our walls

Every one of these roles matters. Every one of you matters. Thank you for showing up, day after day, with patience and purpose.

Moments That Remind Us Why We Do This

Often the most powerful moments of gratitude come not from grand gestures but from the quiet, everyday victories. I hear stories from across our agency that remind me why this work is so important. A person who was nervous about trying a new community activity finds confidence because a staff member practiced with them beforehand. A group home resident learns to make their own breakfast for the first time because someone took the extra ten minutes to teach each step. A day hab participant smiles when they see their favorite instructor walk through the door. These moments may seem small, but they are the building blocks of independence, dignity, and joy.

I want you to know that I see these moments, even when no one is watching. I hear about them from supervisors, from families, and from the individuals themselves. Your willingness to slow down, to listen, and to celebrate even the tiniest progress is what makes LifeLinks CLASS a place where people thrive. Please keep sharing those stories with me and with each other, because they fuel our shared sense of purpose and remind us all why we chose this path.

Your Well-Being Matters Just as Much

I cannot talk about gratitude without also acknowledging that this work is demanding. You give so much of yourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. Some days are long. Some situations are challenging. And yet you keep coming back with kindness and dedication. For that, I am more grateful than I can express in words. But I also want you to know that your own well-being is not an afterthought. It is a priority for me and for our leadership team.

We are committed to creating a workplace where you feel supported, heard, and valued. Over the coming months, we will be expanding wellness resources, offering more opportunities for peer support, and making sure that taking time for yourself is not just allowed but encouraged. If you are feeling stretched thin, please speak up. Talk to your supervisor, reach out to HR, or simply lean on a coworker. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and the people we serve need you at your best – which means we need to take care of you, too.

A Year of Saying Thank You – and Meaning It

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is a wonderful reminder, but gratitude should not be confined to a single week on the calendar. I am making a personal commitment to keep saying thank you all year long – not just with words, but with actions. We are developing new ways to celebrate your contributions, including monthly staff spotlights, peer-to-peer recognition programs, and team appreciation events at each of our locations. I want every one of you to feel seen, not just by me, but by your colleagues and by the broader community.

I also want to hear from you. Your ideas for how we can better support and recognize one another are invaluable. Please share them at staff meetings, through suggestion boxes, or directly with your managers. And if you have a story of a coworker who went above and beyond, tell me about it. Let’s make gratitude a daily practice, not a once-a-year sentiment. Together, we can build an even stronger, more connected agency – one where every person who walks through our doors knows that they are appreciated. Thank you, again and always, for all that you do.