Welcome to the Lakes Region Community Services (LRCS) website.
Whether you are an individual or family looking for services, a job seeker, following a calling to be a provider, a donor, a community member, you get the idea, there is something here for everyone within this strong, vibrant and ever evolving organization. We pride ourselves on being a community partner, and if you are reading this, consider yourself part of our larger community!
Established in 1975, LRCS, originally known as the Lakes Region Twin Rivers Human Services Coordinating Council (Council) began as a grassroots effort organized by local citizens who felt better planning was needed for a variety of human services. Some of the first work of the Council was to form an Information and Referral Network for the area, complete Title XX service planning, conduct planning for people living in the Lakes Region with developmental disabilities, and start the Youth Services Bureau.
In 1981, Lakes Region Community Services Council was designated as an Area Agency by the State of New Hampshire. The role of the Area Agency, outlined in state law (RSA 171-A) is to plan, establish, and maintain a comprehensive service delivery system for individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders in the area. LRCS continues to be the designated Area Agency for the greater Lakes Region.
While our designation as an Area Agency is a critical component of who we are and what we do, it is that, a piece of what we do. With offices and businesses in Laconia and Plymouth, LRCS currently provides comprehensive social services in Belknap, Grafton, and Sullivan Counties as an essential community partner.
Today, LRCS employs over 375 people, contracts with an additional 150 vendors and serves 1,200 individuals and families annually with disabilities. LRCS programs and services range from birth through the lifespan.
While serving individuals with disabilities and their families remains the primary mission of LRCS as originally designated in 1981, LRCS services continue to evolve and expand to meet needs in our communities as evidenced by our commitment to support all children, adults, and families with our growing Family Resource and Autism Center Services, Employment Supports, and Home Assist Program for elders.
The mission of LRCS is “dedicated to serving the community by promoting independence, dignity, and opportunity.” This mission is much more than words on a paper to me. I work tirelessly to ensure that everyone impacted by LRCS feels our mission in all of our actions and words. The leaders who came before me set high marks and left a history of solid collaboration between individuals and families, employees and the Board of Directors. There is a well-worn path to and from the doors of LRCS to partners in the community, businesses, government, and beyond.
I have the privilege of leading a mature, ever growing, financially sound organization with deep roots in advocacy, service and community. I serve alongside a dedicated team of employees with tremendous heart and minds immersed in their work and mission. My job is to keep the paths clear, and listen, learn and lead LRCS on new paths with our stakeholders pointing the direction.
Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you will visit often for updates information on programs and services, community resources, employment, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships and events.
Sincerely,
Rebecca L. Bryant, President & CEO