Redefining what's possible for people with disabilities.
The mission of CLASS is to support, promote and facilitate the inherent rights of individuals with disabilities to experience a life of opportunity for personal growth and active, meaningful engagement in their community.
Keywords: disability disabilities Adult Family Care Arc of Greater Lawrence Arc/GL intellectual disabilities developmental disabilities
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1976 CLASS, a 501c3 nonprofit, has provided services and supports to adults with disabilities and their families in Northeastern Massachusetts through offices in Lawrence (HQ) and Wilmington.
What is your primary product or service?
The mission of CLASS is to support, promote and facilitate the inherent rights of individuals with disabilities to experience a life of opportunity for personal growth and active, meaningful engagement in their community. We provide services and support to individuals ages 22 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities, matching them to jobs in the community, creating volunteer opportunities, providing continuing education and skills building, and promoting independence. We are proud to be the Arc of Greater Lawrence, providing younger families with supports, such as our Healthy Balance program, an after-school physical fitness program in area high schools, with grant support.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
CLASS employs 160 dedicated, passionate people who put our individuals first every day. CLASS was started by a group of families who wanted more for their children, continued learning and inclusion, outside the institutions, and who began to offer programming out of their own homes. That was in 1976; today we support more than 400 individuals daily, including day programs and through our Adult Family Care program, which provides in-home clinical and financial supports to trained and qualified caregivers.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Through CLASS's innovative approach to collaborations with businesses, educational institutions and other nonprofits we have built pathways to the community for the individuals we support. We provide continued, customized learning, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities and job matching so that individuals thrive and lead lives more fully realized.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
CLASS is proud to be occupying a historic mill building in Lawrence and brand-new program space in Wilmington. We seek to collaborate with community partners and educational institutions to develop additional, continued learning opportunities in CLASSrooms without walls in the community.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Find CLASS, One Parker St. in Lawrence, at the intersection of Merrimack Street and Route 114, next to the Casey Bridge, Lawrence's center span over the Merrimack River. Reach our Wilmington office off Route 93, Exit 39 eastbound, on the left in the Cummings Park.
What type of payments do you accept?
CLASS is primarily funded through direct support of individuals who attend our programs by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and Medicaid. Our community inclusion programming is supported by foundations such as the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, New Balance Foundation and the Stevens Foundation, and through generous donations from people who believe in the CLASS mission.
Which areas do you service?
CLASS supports individuals living in Northeastern Massachusetts, primarily Essex and Middlesex counties.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Robert Harris, President & CEO; Alfred Frugoli, COO; Michael Durant, CFO.
What are your hours of operation?
CLASS is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, supporting individuals in programs beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
The best compliment paid to CLASS is from families who entrust their loved ones to our care and support.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"The goal is not to make them better; the goal is to make their lives better."
Jim Blough, parent
and member of the CLASS Board of Directors