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December 14 • 2017 23 jn I n mid-October, JARC, a nonprofit provider of residential services based in Farmington Hills, and Waterford nonprofit Progressive Lifestyles Inc. announced through meetings and written communica- tions with staff and families that they were considering a merger. One reason JARC leaders cited for the merger was its well-regarded CEO, John Williams, who has consulted at JARC for years. The plan was for Williams to become CEO of the combined orga- nization, although only for two years as he planned to retire at the end of 2019. On Dec. 5, JARC families were notified through an email that stated, "After further consideration, JARC and Progressive have decid- ed not to proceed with the merger." According to David Carroll, JARC board presi- dent and interim CEO for the past year, the major factor in deciding against the merger was Williams' potentially limited avail- ability. "The two years [until his retire- ment] were always a major concern, and we tried to get him to extend it. Then John had a few things come up in his organization — nothing sensationalistic — but they would take up some of his time, so his two years [with JARC] was being shrunk down. He had been spending a lot of time on merger-related items, and he wasn't sure he could get it all done," Carroll explains. Williams says that it was a mutual decision after a "deep dive" into both organizations. "Everyone is disap- pointed but looked at it positively. We will continue to do the things that I have been working on at JARC," he says, adding that the two organi- zations will look at potential ways to collaborate by sharing best practices. Williams will continue to consult for JARC. "He has been spending a lot of time on merger-related issues, but now he can focus on billing, adminis- tration, hiring and funding for JARC — making sure that everything goes well and improves," Carroll says. An immediate priority will be hiring a permanent CEO. JARC President-Elect Howard Luckoff, who takes office in June, will create a search committee. "It's a challenging job, and JARC will cast a wide net. John will be involved in mentoring the new CEO," Carroll says. In addition to the need for ongoing leadership, financial concerns were also cited ini- tially as a reason for merging with Progressive Lifestyles. However, Carroll says that the potential "backroom" savings from a merger would have been largely offset by the cost of bringing Progressive's staff salaries up to the hourly wages of JARC staff. Philanthropy bolsters JARC's government funding and comprises about one- third of its revenue, accord- ing to Rena Friedberg, JARC's chief philanthropy officer. JARC's annual major fund- raising event is intended to raise about half that amount. JARC is in the midst of its year- end appeal, relying on a variety of communication channels to reach donors. Looking ahead, Friedberg anticipates a greater emphasis on foundations and grant writing. Several parents of JARC residents were contacted and seemed comfort- able with the decision. Allan Gelfond and his wife, Harriet, of Farmington Hills, were part of the parents group who initiated JARC in the 1960s. Gelfond says the decision was "some- what surprising." "This was an interesting thought, but it doesn't work out now," he adds. "JARC is not a fly-by-night orga- nization, and it will continue and thrive. I don't know anyone who is concerned. Both CEOs are straight- shooters and, as a parent, I have confidence." Ronelle Grier of West Bloomfield, whose daughter lives in a JARC- staffed home, also expressed confi- dence for the future. "I do trust them to have the best interests of the cli- ents and organization in mind for the long haul. Williams is very knowl- edgeable and nice. Having him as a consultant will go a long way to help the organization," she says. • JARC Decides Against Merger Nonprofi t remains confi dent in successful future. David Carroll SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER jews d in the John Williams Let our experienced team handle all of your estate needs: ǵLjǵ%Éãǵ¬ß££ǟ±ãã£ǵ¬ß££ǵ£ãéé£ǵã£ã Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation 248-709-9648 CHANGING HANDS ESTATE SALES MID CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE, FINE-ART, HOME DECOR & LIGHTING LET US HANDLE YOUR ESTATE SALE! NOW BUYING AND ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS TUES-SAT 12-6, SUN 12-4 3325 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD, KEEGO HARBOR, MI 248-481-8884 WWW.LESHOPPETOO.COM changinghandsestates.com