Nonprofits sometimes need a new, robust strategy and organizational rethink to sustain mission continuity.
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In 2021, the State of Delaware approached Inperium and requested that we acquire Connections Community Support Programs (CCSP). CCSP, one of the largest nonprofits in Delaware, was a provider of residential, vocational, and supportive employment services for individuals with disabilities, treatment for substance use and mental health disorders, and consultative nursing services. Like other nonprofits in these spaces, maintaining CCSP’s mission meant collaborating with government, community, corporate, and philanthropic stakeholders. The state had contacted Inperium because CCSP had entered bankruptcy proceedings (despite generating $150 million in annual revenue).
Prior to declaring bankruptcy, CCSP had explored acquisition options, but they only encountered buyers interested in dismantling the organization and restricting continuation of services to a few select programs. Delaware approached Inperium because the state wanted to maintain the full breadth of CCSP’s programs and ensure continued access to care at all CCSP existing locations. Officials in Delaware knew Inperium had been approached by other states under similar circumstances, worked well with government regulators, and produced great outcomes. We had seen firsthand how disruptive a loss of services could be to communities when states didn’t intervene or when other entities pursued acquisitions that weren’t focused on business continuity. Our past affiliations had proven that a properly managed transaction could produce a financial turnaround, rejuvenate organizational energy, and expand services. Most importantly, in the case of CCSP, we had state regulators ready, willing, and able to work with us as partners toward the same goals.
Never one to back away from challenging turnarounds, Inperium’s offer for CCSP included continuing all services while splitting the unwieldy, inefficient organization into two distinct operating companies: Conexio Care for developmental disability and mental health support, and Coras Wellness and Behavioral Health for substance abuse disorder (SUD) treatment. Because Inperium had developed expertise in both sectors and is led by care providers with boots-on-the-ground experience, we were fully committed to ensuring the continuity of care for all CCSP consumers. Based on our expertise and commitment, the bankruptcy court ruled in favor of Inperium, and Conexio/Coras was born.
Turning the Tide
As is our style, Inperium went to work immediately, identified inaccurate financial reporting, and executed third-party audits on accounts payable and client revenue records. With a true financial baseline established, we overhauled revenue cycle procedures that had caused systemic incorrect claims and underbilling. Inperium’s regulatory expertise became the backbone for this complex transition across six Delaware state agencies. We negotiated strategic agreements and secured a $3.5 million advance from the state to address qualification, new payer contracts, licensing, Medicaid and Medicare enrollment, and contracting with public and private insurance. Inperium installed new leadership and revamped credentialing and staffing models to prepare Conexio/Coras for the path forward. We right-sized the organization to reduce bloated operating costs. We eliminated excess salaries, closed unused administrative offices, and reduced the vehicle fleet by 55 percent. The administrative cost reductions achieved through improved leadership and efficient operations created $12 million in annual savings.
The decisions we made from the moment the state approached us always focused on the impact they would have on the individuals receiving care and on those providing it. But a mission without a lean, accountable, efficient organization cannot be accomplished. There is insufficient room here to share the full Conexio arc, nor to share stories of the lives touched or the numerous hurdles overcome.
Witnessing an organization emerge from bankruptcy to sustainability offers a lasting reminder that resilience requires teamwork. It took the existing staff of Conexio, its new leadership, the entire Inperium team, and the commitment and mission focus of numerous Delaware state agencies working together. The nonprofit missions that human services organizations undertake are built on the awareness and acknowledgment that no one can succeed alone.
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