HOW MANY EMPLOYEES?

OTHER LOCATIONS?

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAMS?

WHO IS STEVE ANDERSON?

HOW DO PEOPLE FIND OUT ABOUT THE PROGRAMS? INFOMERCIALS?

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PEOPLE WHO ANSWER THE PHONES?

WHAT DO QUALIFIED COUNSELORS SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAM?

Though many Westbrook residents may have noticed St. Mary’s Church coming down earlier this month, they may not know much about the company behind the demolition.

Legacy Publishing, which publishes personal development products and services for families, has been based in Westbrook for seven years. The company’s headquarters moved from the Dana Warp Mill to Speirs Street in February.

The four multimedia programs the company publishes help people improve their lives – from parents of children with attention deficit disorder to teachers who have trouble with memorization.

“A lot of times, we’re the last resort for families,” said Audra Becker, human resources director for the company. “Some people can’t afford the $100 counseling session.”

The work done by customer service representatives at Legacy Publishing is a far cry from technical support. From the Westbrook office, employees field calls from customers throughout the country and in Canada, asking for help with how to implement the programs into their daily lives.

“You’re dealing very directly with the customer,” said Fran Potvin, customer service supervisor. “Every situation, every call is completely different.”

Potvin said she recently spoke with the mother of an 8 year old who was taking out his frustration from school on his parents and siblings. Potvin advised her to come up with a list of things he likes to do and give him a half an hour after school to wind down and do those things.

“She felt like that was something she could start and do immediately,” Potvin said.

Though the conversations can last hours and many end in tears, Becker said, there’s a real sense throughout the company – from owner Steve Anderson to representatives on the sales floor – of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives. The phone lines are open from 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week and on holidays.

“We never close,” Becker said.

According to Susan Lemiuex, vice president of operations, no plans have been finalized for the site of the former St. Mary’s Church. But if residents viewed the church’s demolition as a loss to the community, the company has made up for it in what they have given back, Becker said, including annual donations to the Westbrook Food Pantry and Springbrook Hospital.

From employees to customers to the community, Becker said, Legacy Publishing is a company that cares.

“We appreciate people a lot here,” she said.