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Nonprofit doubles reach with group homes, job training programs for individuals with disabilities.
Nonprofit doubles reach with group homes, job training programs for individuals with disabilities.
When Quality Connections (QC) began 25 years ago, it had a simple but powerful mission: to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and success.
This month, QC will celebrate its silver anniversary not with a party, but by expanding its impact in Northern Arizona. The organization is taking over the operation of the Helping Hands Agency, a consortium of eight group homes and an adult day program in Page.
The move more than doubles the scale of QC’s services, said Armando Bernasconi, CEO, who launched Quality Connections 25 years ago with his wife, Melissa.
This expansion includes acquiring some physical assets and leases from Helping Hands Agency. QC plans to maintain existing programs while enhancing opportunities for employment training, in-home care and community engagement.
“This is an extraordinary moment for Quality Connections,” said Bernasconi. “We’re thrilled to bring our successful workforce development and support services to Page, offering even greater opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
A Seamless Transition
QC is committed to ensuring the transition is smooth for both clients and staff. All Helping Hands employees are continuing in their roles; meanwhile, QC’s leadership has conducted listening sessions with staff, clients and guardians to identify priorities and preserve the close-knit community culture.
“The sense of connection among clients, guardians and staff in Page is truly special,” said QC Chief Operations Officer Doug Arnett, who has been overseeing the integration of the two programs. “We are excited to become part of this community and to contribute to its continued success.”
Honoring a Legacy
QC’s expansion builds on the legacy of Cynthia Kokasko, founder of Helping Hands Agency, who has dedicated nearly three decades to serving individuals with disabilities, said Bernasconi.
Kokasko will be turning her focus to Helping Hands Express, a publicly funded transit service that enables seniors, students, individuals with disabilities, and the public the freedom to work, shop and go to school without the expense of owning a personal vehicle.
The Express links Page with seven small towns in the region and is working toward establishing permanent, dependable transportation in all directions from Page.
Looking Ahead
In the short term, QC plans to focus on maintaining high-quality services during the transition while laying the groundwork for expanded employment opportunities for participants. Longer-term plans include growing in-home services and introducing QC’s social enterprise business, QC Office, to Page.
Expansion has always been part of the DNA of Quality Connections
Both Bernasconis had extensive experience working with disabled individuals prior to founding Quality Connections and were further motivated by their friendship with Armando’s college roommate, Ben Sutcliffe, who had cerebral palsy. Among Ben’s dearest wishes was to be gainfully employed.
They began QC in their dining room and garage. In the past 25 years, QC has grown into a multi-faceted organization. QC Office launched when Melissa and Armando were awarded a $750,000 Rehabilitation Services Administration Establishment Grant from the state. (QC Office’s first employee was Ben Sutcliffe.)
Then came expanded employment services and acquiring group homes. During the pandemic, the nonprofit began Evergreen Academy, a highly rated preschool that also serves as a training center for QC members interested in careers in childcare or early childhood education.
The expansion of Quality Connections into Page and the extensive work needed to ensure a smooth transition meant that QC was unable to hold its 25th anniversary party, which had been planned for last November. They are hoping to have a larger celebration later this year that includes participants from both the Flagstaff and Page programs.
While its anniversary celebration is postponed, QC remains laser-focused on the mission that has defined its 25 years: empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent, productive lives.
“This expansion is the perfect way to celebrate our history and invest in our future,” said Bernasconi. “We’re excited to embark on this new chapter and look forward to celebrating with our Flagstaff family and our new Page family once the time is right.” FBN
By Cindy May, FBN
Courtesy Photo: The Quality Connections family celebrates success for both the nonprofit organization and the individuals it serves.
Filed Under: Business, Local News
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