Last week, we regretfully announced layoffs of 140 valued members of the LifeLinks CLASS day program and employment services teams. It was a truly sad week for so many people, especially those staff members whose jobs were impacted through no fault of their own. But we will get through this.
When news like this drops, it’s natural that people may draw their own conclusions. LifeLinks CLASS is not closing. CEO Jean Phelps addresses this decision directly with all of you in her latest video, explaining “why we did what we did, and what our plans are going forward.” Additionally, we are enclosing the messages that were sent to both staff and families over the past week announcing the layoffs.
To our LifeLinks CLASS family, we will continue to lead in providing critical supports to the nearly 1,000 individuals and families who we serve. The Family Support Center will continue to provide engaging virtual programming, individualized support, and personalized counsel. Our residential programs will continue to support people living independently, in one of our 16 group homes, or with shared living providers. Our AFC program will continue to assist caregivers across the community during their time of need. Our clinical teams will continue providing their invaluable services to every person we serve. Our Strive2Thrive and Healthy Balance programs will continue to engage young people in the community in our work. And if we get guidance and funding in place, we are confident that facility-based, community, and employment programs will thrive again on the other side of the pandemic.
Message to Staff on June 17:
To my LifeLinks CLASS family,
I’ve pledged never to lose focus on communicating with all of you on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our agency. Sometimes that pledge is easier to keep than others, and today I’m overwhelmed with emotion as I write to you all with extremely sad news.
Tomorrow, we are mailing layoff notices to 140 of our colleagues – all of whom work in day hab, CBDS, TREE, and employment services. (If you do not work in these departments, you are not affected.) The layoffs will take effect on July 3 and will impact both hourly workers and managers. For an agency whose mission is centered on inclusion, this development has been painstakingly difficult. Even more frustrating is the fact that due to the pandemic, I’m delivering this news to all of you from a distance – and not speaking to you directly.
First, let me assure you that this decision was not made in haste; it was a last resort. We highly value and respect every member of the LifeLinks CLASS team. But the fact is our agency is confronting three hard realities that we have little control over:
- Reduced funding of day programs that was in place through June 30 has now ceased.
- It’s been nearly 14 weeks since we made the announcement suspending facility-based day programs due to the pandemic.
- We’re not sure when – or even if – we’ll be able to operate at 100% capacity again.
Over these past few months, we’ve overcome so much by working together. You’ve all been laser-focused on the people we support. You’ve adopted new policies and procedures that keep all of us and the people we serve safe in a time of uncertainty. And most importantly, you’ve stayed positive throughout this entire ordeal. I’m so grateful for that, and it’s something I never take for granted.
To those team members who are leaving LifeLinks CLASS, I am truly sorry. This is not your fault. Let me say that again – this is NOT your fault. The people you serve and their families truly value the care and supports you provided on a daily basis. Your impact will live on, as you embody what it means to be a LifeLinks CLASS care champion. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you do. I pledge to you that we will do everything in our power to recall you as soon as we are able to resume our day and employment programs.
Human resources will be in touch individually with each of you whose jobs were impacted to help with the difficult and painful transition. We informed the SEIU earlier today and will work together to follow all the policies and procedures outlined in the CBA.
To those team members who are staying with LifeLinks CLASS, let’s live up to the example set by those who are leaving us. Let’s honor their contributions to LifeLinks CLASS. And let’s never forget our mission as an agency, that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and happy life.
I know this news is difficult, and I want to give everyone a few days to process it. I’ll be convening a virtual town hall meeting next week so we can come together virtually as a community and begin the healing process. I’ll release more details on that in the coming days.
I promise you, better days are ahead. We will persevere. And we will always be there for the people we serve. The world is a better place because of it.
Message to Families on June 23:
Dear LifeLinks CLASS Families:
Last week, I shared the extremely sad news with the LifeLinks CLASS team that 140 of our colleagues – all of whom work in day hab, CBDS, TREE, and employment services – were receiving layoff notices effective July 3. The staff who are leaving us did nothing wrong, and truly embody what it means to be a LifeLinks CLASS care champion.
When I last wrote you it was with the news that we were suspending our facility-based day programs indefinitely, The reality is that without clear re-opening guidance from the Department of Developmental Services there is no way to commit to a re-opening date. Unfortunately, even after Governor Baker’s announcement of the phased re-opening plan, our agency is confronting three hard realities that we have little control over:
- The already reduced funding of day programs that was in place through June 30 has now ceased.
- It’s been 14 weeks since we made the announcement suspending facility-based day programs due to the pandemic.
- We’re not sure when – or even if – we’ll be able to operate at 100% capacity again.
Over these past few months, we’ve overcome so much by working together. No matter the circumstance, we’ve kept our focus on providing the critical services and supports to your loved ones. We will get through this. Together.
That being said, we’re losing critical funding that we need to maintain our current level of day services. While we’re hoping to recall all of the day services staff once we’re able to re-open, members of the team who you count on have been impacted by the layoffs. For some of you, that will mean changes after July 3:
- You may have a new main contact assigned to you.
- You may see a decrease in remote and in-person check-ins.
- You may see a reduction in some of the day program-related services and support we’re able to provide.
Over the next week, we’ll be in touch with each of you who will be directly impacted. While this is difficult, we’re all in this together. While we have to adapt to a new economic reality, we will never waiver on our commitment to providing the services and supports that your loved ones deserve. Our incredible team has pivoted over these past few months to ramp up our virtual and remote services and programs, and you’ve been a huge part of this incredible transition.
I want to thank you all. These past few months have been challenging for all of us – especially for your loved ones who are part of our family. We’ve been forced to suspend programs, restrict group home visitation, and implement new COVID-19 policies. Through it all, you’ve been thoughtful, understanding, and incredibly supportive. The stories you’ve shared with me about the dedication of our care champions have warmed my heart in ways I cannot possibly express.
I know this news is difficult to hear. I truly wish I could be more certain about the state’s plan and what it means for us going forward, but I promise I will update all of you as soon as we have clarity.
In the meantime, be well and stay safe.
Our agency is in regular contact with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and industry organizations and will keep you updated and informed as we learn more. We’re anxious to see all of you in person again once it’s safe to do so.