Q & A with CEO Jean Phelps
Dear LifeLinks CLASS Family:
New strategic plan. New culture statement. New brand. New group homes. New virtual programs. You notice a theme here? So I thought, why not try a new format for my monthly message to all of you! So I asked Dan to facilitate a little Q&A session where I was able to touch on many of the questions I’ve received in the past few weeks.
Now, believe it or not, there are some of you out there who don’t have the time or inclination to watch to me talk for 20 minutes! (Shocking, I know!) So if any topic is of particular interest to you, feel free to watch in three-minute increments below:
- How are we doing as an organization? (1:18)
- Are we where you thought we’d be after our first full year as a combined agency? (1:37)
- What’s on the horizon for LifeLinks CLASS? (2:24)
- What do you say to LifeLinks CLASS Care Champions about adapting to change? (1:52)
- What do you say to LifeLinks CLASS caregivers, families, and individuals about engaging with our team in this unusual time? (1:36)
- What do you say to a new Care Champion on their first day on the job? (2:51)
Hopefully, you’re still with me! I’d love to hear from you now…do you prefer this type of communication? Are there questions you have for me? Are there others in the organization you want to hear from? We have a big year ahead of us, and our ability to work together for the people we support will be the key to maximizing our impact.
Remember, we’re all care champions – even me, the least valuable employee! ? And we’re all working #ForEachOther to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
Keep it up!
Respectfully,
Jean M. Phelps, CEO
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week
To all of the LifeLinks CLASS Direct Support Professionals,
It’s Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week – Governor Baker even signed a proclamation that designates this week as an official week in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In other words, for those of you who may be getting tired of me saying “thank you,” it’s going to be a loooong week for you! ?
In all seriousness, it’s impossible to properly put in words my appreciation for the work you do. Your impact on the lives of the people you support cannot be overstated. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing thanks and shining a spotlight on all of you, and since we can’t be together in person Al and I wanted to kick this off virtually.
You are all rockstars in our book!
With appreciation,
Jean
LifeLinks CLASS Partners with Fallon Health to Host COVID-19 Testing Site
LifeLinks CLASS partnered with Fallon Health last Friday, August 21 to host a pop-up COVID-19 testing site at our main office in Chelmsford. This was one of the largest testings that Fallon has completed to date, with nearly 400 participants.
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has various area offices located across Massachusetts. Individuals who receive services under DDS were encouraged to register for the testing, as well as the staff who work for human services agencies in this region. LifeLinks CLASS Care Champions took the lead on getting tested #ForEachother in order to ensure the continued safety of everyone we support.
A big thank you to our Care Champions, Stacie and Melanie, for coordinating this pop-up!
No worries if you missed this opportunity — there will be an additional seven pop-up testing sites in the near future! The details on dates and locations will be available at a later date.
Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards COVID-19 Relief Funding to LifeLinks CLASS
LifeLinks CLASS was pleased to receive a grant from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) as part of its Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The vulnerable population that we support was hit especially hard during the pandemic, with the sudden suspension of day programs and community-based activities. This critical support has allowed us to continue to provide high-quality residential care and virtual supports to the LifeLinks CLASS community.
Without the generosity of funders, such as GLCF, we would not have been able to sustain an essential workforce comprised of nearly 180 direct support professionals, program nurses, and managers. Adapting during these challenging times has required a new level of investment in staffing, technology, and PPE.
“The care champions of LifeLinks CLASS truly are on the front lines of the community’s COVID-19 response, providing critical services and supports to 800 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” says CEO Jean Phelps.
As we navigate the resumption of facility-based day programs, our top priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our program participants, caregivers, and staff. “I am in awe of the unwavering commitment and dedication of our Care Champions throughout the pandemic,” says Michael Bloom, LifeLinks CLASS Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer. “I eagerly continue to seek additional opportunities to support the mission, vision, and sustainability of LifeLinks CLASS.”
Group home residents and staff pose for a picture during our Care Champions Caravan, honoring their incredible work during the COVID-19 crisis.