New Board Chair Introduces a Fresh Outlook

FITCHBURG –Mary Heafy, President and CEO of The Alliance for Resource Management is pleased to announce that Leominster Attorney Jennifer LaBaire has been elected as the organization’s Chair of the Board of Directors.  Attorney LaBaire has served on the agency’s Board of Directors for the past six years and has chaired the Human Rights Committee. She understands the importance of advocating for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, believes in the mission of the agency, deeply appreciates the work of the staff, and has a deeper commitment after learning that two of her family members live with autism.

The Alliance for Resource Management, parent company of Arc Community Services and Matson Community Services, supports people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  A variety of programs are available including day habilitation, vocational training, job placement, residential supports, recreation opportunities, and family supports.

Attorney LaBaire, criminal defense lawyer, serves as the President of the Northern Worcester Bar Association and is a member of several other local bar associations. She anticipates many challenges upon accepting this new position.  “A personal challenge for me will be time management,” Attorney LaBaire explains; in addition to being active in the local legal community, she supports a daughter in college and two young children at home.  In a recent interview, she said, “I am blessed to have a very supportive husband but I will need to lean on my Board at times.”

As Chair of the Board, Attorney LaBaire looks forward to implementing the goals described in the agency’s strategic plan including raising the final $900,000 needed to complete the renovations of the 100-year old building on Main Street in Fitchburg MA and branding the organization under one name.  Attorney LaBaire also plans to promote the organization’s planned giving program and legacy society as many people who currently support the agency are not aware that they can make bequests to the organization.

Attorney LaBaire expresses, “I hope that my enthusiasm will be contagious as we work towards developing stronger relationships with the staff and individuals themselves, increasing our presence at organization events, visiting group homes, and bringing more community members into our family.

About the Author: Jennifer Peck

Jennifer Peck has four years experience in the non-profit field.  She comes to us from The United Arc of Franklin and Hampshire Counties, Inc. in Greenfield MA, bringing her significant talents in Fundraising Development as well as public relations, social media marketing, and website design.