The first steps have been taken to integrate Special Ministries of Livingston County into Livingston County Catholic Charities. The organizations have entered into a memorandum of understanding, which the boards of directors of each agency approved with an effective date of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.
Special Ministries provides social, recreation and faith-formation activities for adults with developmental disabilities residing in Livingston County. Activities are varied and include bible study, bowling, arts and crafts, dancing, exercise and more.
During the transition period, Catholic Charities will employ Special Ministries’ staff, screen its volunteers, manage its programs and its budget. For this one-year period, the Special Ministries programs and employees will be Catholic Charities employees. At the end of the transition, both boards will assess the year, and if it goes well, the plan will become permanent; the programs and services of Special Ministries will be fully integrated into Livingston County Catholic Charities.
In corporate terms, this is not a merger or an acquisition. Instead, absorption or integration are terms that provide a better description.
Special Ministries of Livingston County will remain during this year as a separate non-profit, but will not provide services or have employees, leaving open the potential at the end of the year that everything — including both organizations — will return to the status in place prior to June 30, 2019, should both parties choose.
If you would like additional information on the integration, contact LCCC Executive Director Mark Robinson at (517) 545-5944.
