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:
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.
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.
We’re thrilled to participate in the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce TEAMS Fundraiser, a virtual community event supporting the nonprofit community in Greater Lowell.
The reality is, we’ve incurred significant costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including PPE, cleaning supplies, technology products and services, and increased staffing costs. We also were forced to cancel our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Kentucky Derby Party.
While the entire LifeLinks CLASS team has risen to the COVID-19 challenge, our Care Champions need your support!
And in true LifeLinks CLASS fashion, we’re collaborating with our individuals to create some truly amazing and creative auction packages…
Old World Wine Basket
Generously donated by our Board of Directors, this wine basket is truly special! Curated by the sommelier at Wine Sense, these are truly high-end wines that can pair with an incredible meal. Value: $400
LifeLinks CLASSY Artwork
One word to describe this artwork: PRICELESS! Our individuals are so creative, and all money raised by this item will be used to purchase new art supplies for our day programs. Value: Priceless
Edelman Autographed Helmet
He may be catching passes from a new QB this year, but he will go down as one of the greatest receivers in Pats history! His career arc is inspiring! This comes with a certificate of authenticity (COA) and would look great on anyone’s shelf! Value: $500
Bird Autographed Basketball
They don’t call him “Larry Legend” around here for nothing! Larry Bird personified the 80s Celtics team, and his memorable battles with Magic Johnson and the Lakers in the old Boston Garden are iconic to this day! COA included. Value: $300
Best Patio Set on the Block
Here is our featured item, and it’s your COVID-19 oasis! Picture this on your patio…
It’s okay if you don’t want to purchase an item, you can always just make a small donation on the site. Let’s show the entire region how much we love our LifeLinks CLASS Care Champions! Silent auctions are fun, but there can only be one winner for each item, right? Every gift helps!
“Kara and I log onto their Zoom classes seven days a week. I don’t know what we’d do without them!”
Care champions at work! We loved reading about the impact of the LifeLinks CLASS Family Support Center growing virtual calendar alongside Bridgewell and Riverside Community Care in yesterday’s Boston Globe! Read the full article here.
LifeLinks CLASS has been faced with some incredibly difficult decisions in these past few months — decisions that greatly impact our staff and the individuals that we support. As part of The Arc of Massachusett’s #DontCutUsOut campaign, it is imperative that we act fast to ensure the continued funding of our services and supports for the I/DD community.
“Adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other intellectual and developmental disabilities served by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) will lose services if funding and policies don’t meet the requirements of the re-opening period and thereafter.”
Richard Faucher, a passionate advocate, voiced his concerns to our local legislators in the letter below:
Good Afternoon,
As you know Life Links has been a rock-solid DDS contract provider for many years. For the Cadillac of providers to lay off 140 employees, it will have a devastating effect on services whether it is day or group home services.
There is no question other providers are going to have to lay off employees and maybe close down permanently. It is estimated some of these laid-off employees will seek employment at places paying more than $15 an hour thus leaving a huge void in the provider ranks when and if things return to some kind of normalcy.
As an advocate, I urge you to see what you can do to make sure there will be funding in the next budget to continue the great services providers give to our most venerable population.
Some facts affecting those below if funding and policies do not meet the re-opening time frame and future needs.
+ 10,000 persons who receive day and employment services
+ 9,000 individuals in congregate living
+ 1,300 new students in transition from high school to adult life
+ Additional persons receiving Mass-Health services
(these are stats from the ARC of Mass)
Not that I have to remind you all, but the Department of Developmental Disability (DDS) generates more funds back to the general fund than any other agency in the Commonwealth.
On a personal note: My brother Pete who lived in a group home in Tewksbury passed away on May 13, 2020. His passing was not from Covid-19 but other complicated medical issues. He was a fighter up to the end. He died at the age of 69, a little less than 3 months before his 70th birthday. I mention this for one reason only. Many years ago in the 50’s the life expectancy was I think less than 40-50. If it wasn’t for our families great gene pool AND the outstanding support by legislatures like yourselves who cared for the developmentally disabled throughout those years and passed legislation supporting the needs of the population giving DDS and the providers the tools to do their job, Pete would not have lived as long. The Commonwealth has come a long way, but this situation we are in today reinforces more than ever the need to fund the DDS.
Thanks so much for letting me vent…I wish you and your families stay healthy and safe..
