Message from Leigh Derby - President & CEO
LIFESPAN is Back - Actually, we never left!
After several years of extreme challenges, LIFESPAN is back! We have re-invented and re-energized our programs; improved our facilities; created a single, but diversified business that is now generating earned income for these programs; and our programs are growing again, adding new individuals to their rolls.
Our talented and committed program leaders have successfully put the Arts & Gardens curriculum in place in Albemarle, Charlotte, Dobson, Guilford County, Monroe, Troutman and Waynesville, and the model is now broadened into LIFESPAN Creative Campus. These programs are thriving in newly renovated and/or larger buildings. These improvements have re-invigorated employees and program participants, gained greater support of our funders, enticed new families to choose LIFESPAN, and helped return growth to LIFESPAN. Today, LIFESPAN provides both facility and community-based services from these quality facilities.
Established in 2009, LS Solutions, LLC is LIFESPAN's socially conscious business. Its purpose is to generate income to support the programs of LIFESPAN and to employ and provide an employment training site for individuals with disabilities. In the first quarter of this fiscal year, LS Solutions exceeded both its sales and revenue budgets more than two-fold, while holding expenses to a modest increase. Since January, LS Solutions has employed five individuals and worked with LIFESPAN program staff to train 26 individuals. By any measure, LS Solutions is a huge success.
Most importantly, there is a renewed esprit décor throughout LIFESPAN. No doubt the challenges of the past few years took their toll on everyone at LIFESPAN, but there is today a renewed optimism and excitement as we continue to fulfill our mission of illuminating the abilities of those we serve.
While still challenged by our economy and a struggling North Carolina mental health system, LIFESPAN is indeed back and positioning itself for a future of growth, diversification, and the prosperity it has known in the past.
