In 1955 a group of parents of individuals with developmental disabilities dreamed their children would live in the community in which they grew up instead of state institutions. We have much to celebrate at LifeLinks due to that small group of thoughtful, committed parents who had this dream. Their dream has been realized. LifeLinks employees are committed to ensuring that the services we provide for the developmentally disabled population we serve is the same quality of service they would provide to their own family members.

Services Provided by LifeLinks/LifeLinks Employees

Community Center Opened in 1974---A day habilitation program housed within a remodeled turn-of- the century mill located in North Chelmsford that provides support, recreation and education to adults with developmental disabilities through a variety of year round programs. 130 individuals are served at the center Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 2:15 PM. Participants attend classes and activities led by instructors who ensure that each participant will be challenged to learn new skills and maintain existing ones. On-going staff development ensures that the activities offered in the classroom maximize each individual’s ability to live, volunteer, learn and socialize in the community.

Group Homes Opened in 1981--- A total of 19 residential homes in the Greater Lowell area provide housing and support services to the developmentally disabled individuals who live in them. Service is provided 24/7; 365 days per year. Residents of the group homes participate in the daily routine of the home to the extent that they are able. Residents participate in meal planning and preparation, laundry, housekeeping, planning recreational activities and shopping. The residents go to work or participate in the day habilitation program Monday through Friday and typically stay home only if they are not well. Staff assists the residents to live in and be a part of the community around them. Staff ensure residents receive routine medical and dental care and treatment from other medical specialists as required. Staff must have current First Aid, CPR and Medication Administration certification in order to work in the group home. Two of the Nineteen group homes are designed to provide care for individuals who are medically fragile. Certified Nurses Aids and Licensed Practical Nurses oversee the care of these individuals.

Shared Living Program --- The Shared Living Program provides an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to live in their community with people in natural, home settings, the base from which they can learn life skills and participate fully in community life. The Shared Living Program involves the process of identifying and supporting mutually agreeable matches that meet the needs and values of the disabled individual with those of the shared living provider family. Once a family becomes certified to participate in the program and a placement is made the provider and the individual receive ongoing support from a professional shared living team. Support includes home visits, consultation, counseling and more.

Independent Living Program --- The Independent Living Program supports adults with developmental disabilities who live independently in the community. Case management staff provides support to these individuals by visiting them in their homes. Staff helps the individual learn how to manage their finances, food shop, prepare meals, use public transportation, complete household chores, plan leisure activities, access community resources and provides moral support as needed.

Family Support Program --- Two hundred and eighty families with a developmentally disabled family member living in their home within the Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley area are currently supported by this program. LifeLinks staff does everything possible to support these families in providing the best quality of care in their homes. Family support coordinators collaborate with the family to develop a family support plan which defines the kind of support the family requires. Support ranges from information and referral to cash stipends or other resources such as training.

Evening Education Program --- This program provides whole-life education for adults with developmental disabilities who are living on their own or are planning to do so in the future. Year-long, weekly classes that emphasize safety, human rights and responsibility, healthy relationships, community knowledge, independence and the practical skills needed to apply this information is provided.

Representative Payee Services --- LifeLinks staff provides financial management support for those developmentally disabled individuals who are not able to manage their money independently and/or do not have anyone to assist them. LifeLinks staff representative payee services include paying bills, filing reports with Social Security and Medicaid and establishing a bank account on behalf of the individual receiving service.