Hard Times Hit Home
May 5, 2011
Dear Friends, Supporters, Staff, & Consumers of Liberty Resources:
Due to continuing economic challenges at the State and Federal level and the recent implementation of unfair rate reimbursement methodology by the Office of Long Term Living, Liberty Resources, Inc. (LRI), Philadelphia’s Center for Independent Living for people with disabilities, is forced to downsize its staff to ensure its future and the continuation of quality services for its existing Consumers. After careful consideration and review of every option to mitigate the large loss of service revenue, LRI made the extremely difficult decision to lay off a significant number of valued employees, many of whom have disabilities.
Numerous unsuccessful attempts to meet with State officials on the unfair and unsustainable rate system were initiated by Liberty and many other service providers over the past year. Unresponsiveness from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forced Liberty to take difficult but responsible measures to ensure its continued viability, beginning with a freeze on accepting new Consumers in March of this year and leading to the current layoff of 132 people or 43% of the LRI staff in the Philadelphia and Allentown areas. These circumstances are state- and system- wide with many other providers needing to take similar measures, jeopardizing the health and services of people with disabilities and seniors.
Liberty will continue to provide services for its existing Consumers as well as transitioning people with disabilities out of nursing facilities into cost-saving community-based services. During the economic crunch of the last three years, Liberty has saved the State $38,219,600.00 (thirty eight million, two hundred and nineteen thousand, six hundred dollars) by connecting its Consumers to these community-based services.
During this difficult time outgoing staff will be supported during this transition through LRI’s provision of outplacement services, a period of continued healthcare benefits and other supports and services.
Through department consolidation and alignment of the Center, Liberty Resources assures its current Consumers that their services will not be disrupted and they will continue to receive the support that they need to live independently.
Thank you,
Thomas Earle, Esq., Chief Executive Officer
Marshall Brown, Chairman of the Board
Please contact your State Legislators and/or Governor Corbett at (717) 787-2500 to express your opinion about this devastating situation. You can find your representatives at:
www.legis.state.pa.us.
With your understanding and support, we will continue to move forward and do what is best for our Consumers and the Center.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.libertyresources.org