Nonprofits double their reach with group homes and job training programs for people with disabilities.
When Quality Connection (QC) began 25 years ago, we had a simple but powerful mission: to help people with disabilities become independent and successful.
This month, QC is celebrating its fourth anniversary not by partying, but by expanding its influence in northern Arizona. The organization will take over operations of Helping Hands Agency, a consortium of eight group homes and adult day programs in Page.
CEO Armando Bernasconi, who started Quality Connections with his wife Melissa 25 years ago, said the move will more than double the size of QC’s services.
This expansion includes the acquisition and leasing of certain physical assets from Helping Hands Agency. QC plans to maintain existing programs while enhancing employment training, home care, and community engagement opportunities.
“This is a special moment for Quality Connections,” said Bernasconi. “We are excited to bring our successful workforce development and support services to Page and provide even greater opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
Seamless transition
QC will work to ensure the transition is smooth for both clients and staff. All Helping Hands employees continue in their roles. During that time, QC leadership conducted listening sessions with staff, customers, and parents to identify priorities and maintain a close-knit community culture.
“The sense of connection between Page clients, parents and staff is truly special,” said Doug Arnett, QC Chief Operating Officer, who is overseeing the integration of the two programs. “We are excited to be a part of this community and contribute to its continued success.”
respect tradition
QC’s expansion builds on the legacy of Helping Hands Agency founder Cynthia Cocasco, who has dedicated nearly 30 years to serving people with disabilities, Bernasconi said.
Mr. Cocasco is working with Helping Hands, a publicly funded transportation service that allows seniors, students, people with disabilities, and the general public the freedom to work, shop, and go to school without the cost of owning a private vehicle. The focus will be on express.
The Express connects Page with seven small towns in the region and is working to establish a permanent, reliable connection from Page in all directions.
Looking to the future
In the short term, QC will focus on maintaining high quality services during the transition period while laying the foundations for expanded employment opportunities for participants. Long-term plans include expanding home services and bringing QC’s social enterprise business, QC Office, to Page.
Expansion is always part of the DNA of quality connections
The Bernasconis had extensive experience working with people with disabilities before founding Quality Connections, and were further motivated by their friendship with Armando’s college roommate, Ben Sutcliffe, who has cerebral palsy. One of Ben’s deepest desires was to be gainfully employed.
They started QC in the dining room and garage. Over the past 25 years, QC has grown into a multifaceted organization. The QC Office was launched when Melissa and Armando received a $750,000 Rehabilitation Services Management Establishment Grant from the state. (The QC Office’s first employee was Ben Sutcliffe.)
Next came the expansion of employment services and the acquisition of group homes. During the pandemic, the nonprofit established Evergreen Academy. This is a highly rated preschool that also serves as a training center for QC members interested in a career in childcare or early childhood education.
Due to Quality Connections’ expansion to Page and the extensive work required to ensure a smooth transition, QC was unable to hold its planned 25th anniversary party last November. They hope to hold a large celebration later this year that will include participants from both the Flagstaff and Page programs.
Although the anniversary celebration has been postponed, QC remains focused on the mission that has defined its 25 years: helping people with disabilities lead independent and productive lives.
“This expansion is the perfect way to celebrate our history and invest in our future,” said Bernasconi. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter and look forward to celebrating with the Flagstaff family and the new Page family when the time is right.” FBN
Cindy May, FBN
Courtesy photo: The Quality Connections family celebrates the successes of both nonprofit organizations and the individuals they serve.
