LifeStream Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting SouthCoast Families

For today's Southcoast Health Community Spotlight we shined it on the third-biggest employer on the SouthCoast, LifeStream. Bonnie Mello is the President and CEO of LifeStream, and she joined us on The MGM Show to update up about what is happening with this very important organization.

What Does LifeStream Do?

LifeStream was founded in 1976 by the parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The family wanted a better life for their children, but the only option at the time was institutional care. LifeStream was founded specifically to provide programs and support for people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury.

"We have residential supports where we help people everyday in 24-7 homes. We have day habilitation programs, supported employment programs where we help people become gainfully employed," Mello said. "Yeah, it's wonderful. Everyone loves to bring home a paycheck and that feeling of accomplishment."

LifeStream supports over 200 people who live independently in the community.

"We might provide anywhere from five hours a week to 40 hours a week," Mello said. "They may live with their family, they may have children, but really our job is to help people be as independent as possible."

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Working at LifeStream

As the third-largest employer on the SouthCoast, nearly 700 people work for the organization.

"It's a wonderful job," Mello said. "The longevity of our employees is incredible. I've been with the organization over 30 years, and I'm not unique. There are people who have been there longer than I have. We treat people with respect and dignity, but it's about working with the individuals we support. It's all about them."

A Milestone for LifeStream

LifeStream recently kicked off a celebration of their 50 years at its North Street location.

"We had an exhibit of the history of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities starting during the institutional era to today where we are much more advanced," Mello said. "We still have a long way to go. It really highlights the need and the importance for advocacy to ensure the people we support are treated with dignity and respect."

LifeStream in New Bedford Is Hiring

While its not unusual to remain with LifeStream for decades, that doesn't mean they are not hiring.

"We have plenty of room for new employees. Go to our website www.LifeStreamInc.com and catch out video highlighting how rewarding a career with LifeStream could be," Mello said.