MIDDLETOWN – Nonprofits Looking Upwards Inc. and Bridges Inc. announced on Thursday they will merge, effective July 1.
Bridges, of Jamestown, will become part of Middletown’s Looking Upwards going forward.
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“Our increase in size will add to our strength and flexibility while Looking Upwards continues to offer a wide range of personalized services to meet the needs of the community,” said Carrie Miranda, executive director of Looking Upwards.
Both nonprofits support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they might live as active members of their communities.
Combined, both organizations currently serve about 300 adults, 70 of which are served by Bridges. Looking Upwards also serves children and families.
Looking Upwards said that after the merger, the organization will employ 800 full- and part-time workers and service 1,200 individuals.
“This merger will help position Bridges for the future in a changing regulatory and fiscal environment. We have confidence that the quality of our partnership with people participating in our services will continue under Looking Upwards’ stewardship,” said Bridges Executive Director Lisa Rafferty.
The companies said the merger comes in part due to succession planning for Rafferty, who founded Bridges with her husband Jim about 30 years ago.
The organizations said Rafferty got her start in the field at Looking Upwards, the organizations have collaborated in the past and the companies have even employed the same people at different times.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
