Letter from the Chairman
Dear Friends:

More than 26 million American children now live in low-income families. (A low-income family earns less than twice the federal poverty level; for 2005, a low-income family of four would be living on about $38,000 or less.) And, according to Census data, about one-fifth of the nation's workers earn low incomes. The vast majority of low-income parents are working but they struggle to make ends meet. Health care, child care, housing, even getting enough food for the family are all common problems. They also struggle with being present and productive on the job—and it's no wonder, given the difficulties they face.

Fortunately, there is growing awareness of the plight of low-income workers. Organizations such as Corporate Voices for Working Families and the Families and Work Institute are focusing the attention of government and employers nationwide on the needs of low-income workers. LifeCare applauds these efforts, and we want you to know that we are continuing to expand our own roster of services designed to help our clients better assist their own low-income constituents.

Most recently, we integrated a free life insurance program called LifeBridge^SM, created by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), to help low-income workers secure the educational future of their children. Under the program, MassMutual will issue a 10-year term $50,000 life insurance policy to a trust (MassMutual pays the premiums). If the insured parent or legal guardian dies during the policy term, the $50,000 is used to cover the educational expenses of the insured person's eligible children. LifeCare is helping its client organizations host on-site information sessions and application meetings, and we will refer low wage earners to the free program. (For more information about LifeBridge, LifeCare clients should call their account managers.)

As a reminder to our clients, our low-income services include 24/7 counseling, education, and referrals for: Medicaid-certified services; energy assistance programs; free health insurance for children; child care and adult care providers who offer sliding-fees and discounts; low-income housing; local assistance agencies that help families pay for child care; public transportation options; work-clothing programs (such as “Dress for Success”); and private programs/services that are dedicated to the social, academic and healthy development of children from low-income families.

LifeCare remains dedicated to expanding our services for low-income individuals in the coming years. And we hope your organization joins us in the effort to bring greater national attention to this most important issue.

As always, we’d appreciate knowing how we can better serve you. So e-mail us at connection@lifecare.com, fax us at 203-291-3571, or call us at 800-873-4636 if you’d like to share ideas and offer feedback.

Finally, allow me to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sincerely,

John B. Place, Chairman