Familylinks Announces Affiliation with Life'sWork
Two historic non-profit human services agencies serving the region are proud to announce their official affiliation. Life’sWork of Western PA has become an affiliate partner of Familylinks, Inc., effective July 1, 2026.
Sharing a long-term commitment to the region, with over 165 years of combined service to the community, Life’sWork and Familylinks have structured an affiliation agreement which will strengthen operational efficiency and expand the strategic reach of both agencies. The organizations share a common goal of impacting the lives of individuals and families facing various challenges through person-centered community, behavioral, social, and workforce development programs.
“While Life’sWork will keep their storied history and brand identity, the affiliation will support our shared goals of long-term sustainability of two organizations that are vital supports for our southwestern Pennsylvania communities,” said Stacey Vaccaro, President and CEO of Familylinks since 2020. “For the nearly 13,000 people served by the two organizations, the affiliation helps to ensure continued access to high quality services and supports in a sustainable model,” Vaccaro added.
Life’sWork will soon celebrate its 100-year anniversary of serving the community in southwestern PA. “With this affiliation, Life’sWork will greatly enhance its ability to secure its future through the robust infrastructure and administrative support provided by Familylinks,” said Timothy Parks, who has served as President and CEO of Life’sWork for over nine years. Parks has announced his retirement, effective July 17, 2026. The current Chief Operating Officer, Matthew Bittner, was named the Executive Director of Life’sWork, effective July 1, 2026. “We are entering a moment of tremendous opportunity—opportunity to innovate, to expand our programs, to strengthen our partnerships, and to shape the future of inclusive employment in our region,” said Mr. Bittner. “As I step into this new role, I do so with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. I am committed to honoring Life’sWork’s legacy while leading us forward,” he added. Mr. Bittner has served in a senior management capacity at Life’sWork since 2021 and has over 25 years of experience in the human services field.
“As these two important organizations come together to solidify their places in the community well into the future, the Familylinks Board immediately recognized the structural benefits of this type of affiliation and has been eager to support the incredible work to bring the organizations together,” said Erin Ickes, Chair of the Familylinks Board of Directors. She added, “The leadership of both organizations should be acknowledged for their vision to bring the affiliation to fruition.”
“This thoughtful and well-structured affiliation brings tremendous benefits, not just to these two well-respected and effective organizations, but also to the community throughout Western Pennsylvania,” said George Robinson II, Chair of the Life’sWork Board of Directors. “The partnership strengthens the operating capacity of Life’sWork and expands the strategic horizons of both organizations,” Robinson added.
For more information about the affiliation contact Mallory Ulizio, Director of Development & Strategy, at [email protected].
About Familylinks, Inc.
Familylinks has served Western Pennsylvania for more than 65 years, originally as two Pittsburgh-area nonprofits, The Whale’s Tale and the Parent & Child Guidance Center. Familylinks was formed as the merger of these two organizations in 2001 and continues to bring vital support services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Since then, Familylinks has grown to become one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive human service agencies, offering a vast array of services designed to meet critical community needs. With an annual budget of approximately $32 million, Familylinks four core service areas (Behavioral Health, Service Coordination, Youth & Family Services, and Aging Services) reach all ages and have a growing geographic footprint, serving nearly 11,000 people in 29 counties each year.
For more information: www.familylinks.org
About Life’sWork of Western PA
Life’sWork of Western PA is a nonprofit organization empowering people to live the life they choose. Life’sWork partners with people with disabilities, people with other barriers, young adults, children, and families to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships. Since its founding in 1927, more than 100,000 individuals have utilized the services of Life’sWork to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
For more information: www.lifesworkwpa.org