10 Ways to Be An Inclusive Employer
10 Ways to Be An Inclusive Employer By Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC Creating an inclusive workplace means making sure every employee, including disabled employees, feels valued and supported. By […]
Create an Accessible Workplace: The First Step to Disability Inclusion
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Each October, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in the workplace. […]
Celebrating Disability Pride Month: 5 Ways To Challenge Ableism and Become an Ally
July is Disability Pride Month! Disability pride means celebrating disability as a natural part of human diversity and to embrace disability as an identity that influences how people experience the […]
A Conversation on Avoiding Ableism and Becoming Allies
“Undoing and unlearning ableism is hard work,” says Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson in front of a sold-out crowd at the Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast. Brittanie was one of three panelists of disability […]
Learning Every Day: The Murphy Family Story
Robert and Michelle Murphy have deep roots in their hometown of Saint Paul. Aside from brief moments living in other parts of the Twin Cities, the two have resided in […]
Empowering Workplaces through Disability Inclusion Training: The Lifeworks and Uponor Partnership
Uponor, a long-time partner of Lifeworks, is bringing the disability inclusion conversation directly to their employees. Background A 2023 survey found that most workers think focusing on diversity, equity, and […]
Collaboration Through Conversation: Listening Session with WeNetworkNow
On Saturday, August 26, Lifeworks co-hosted a disability listening session with WeNetworkNow at our main office in Richfield. Participants discussed accessing disability resources and services as part of the next […]
Lessons in Navigating Non-Traditional Employment: Jessica’s Story
Finding the perfect job can be challenging. When Jessica started partnering with Lifeworks to explore career opportunities, she wasn’t sure how to navigate her options and identify meaningful work. After […]
A Piece of Magic: The Lifeworks Sensory Garden
The sensory garden at our Apple Valley center is a space for Lifeworks clients and staff to relax, connect, and interact with the five senses. When the center opened in […]
Disabled Speech Matters
“Do not mock my speech ever! Ask for clarification. I will say it again,” reads the back of Michael’s bright orange t-shirt. Michael, who works in event security at various […]
Celebrating 33 Years of The Americans with Disability Act: 15 Tips To Create A More Inclusive Workplace
33 years ago on July 26, 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination […]
Rolling with Kiesha
“I won’t settle for no unless it’s really no.” Kiesha has spent much of her life navigating complex challenges. Even as the challenges piled on, Kiesha developed a strong willingness […]
Lifeworks sparks conversation with Listen. EDUCATE. Navigate.™
Last week, Lifeworks hosted a first event of its kind. Listen. EDUCATE. Navigate.™ A Conversation on Disability Inclusion, kicked off at 7:30 am on Wednesday, June 7. Attendees enjoyed a […]
Swimming to Berlin: Matthew Prepares for the Special Olympics World Games
Thousands of athletes will gather in Berlin, Germany, this summer to participate in the Special Olympics World Games, the world’s largest inclusive sports event. Over nine days in June, athletes […]
Exploring the Intersectionality of Race and Disability
In the quest for inclusivity and social justice, it is crucial to address the often-overlooked intersectionality of race and disability. While the disability community aims to advocate for the rights […]
Breaking Down Barriers Alongside the Disability Community
When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, most conversations and efforts are centered around race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. An often overlooked community that comprises all of those […]
5 Steps to Kickstart your DEIA Journey
When developing a DEIA strategy, you might need help determining where to begin. Of course, the goal is to create an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible organization, but what does […]
The 2023 Lifeworks Annual Celebration
Thursday, April 20, 2023 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Depot, Minneapolis Join us as we come together to drive change and reimagine possibilities alongside people with disabilities! We are thrilled […]
Meet Muna Mohamed, Lifeworks Director of Diversity and Inclusion
My name is Muna Mohamed, and I am the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Lifeworks. I am excited to work with the Lifeworks team, the people we partner with, […]
Focusing on What’s Important: Raaj and Justin’s Story
Managing your own support or the support of a family member is complex and often time-consuming. Between overseeing a budget and finding staff to provide care, there are many barriers […]
Increasing Access in Our Community
Earlier this year, Lifeworks announced we would be leaning on our value of “You Lead the Way – We Listen” by embracing a community-based model for our Day Support program […]
Your Support Drives our Transformative Work
Together, we can make a difference! Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised $28,468 on Give to the Max Day! This includes matching funds from two anonymous donors. […]
More Than Just Learning: Alyssa’s Story
It’s a cool, overcast Thursday morning in Mankato. A water main has just broken in the Mogwai Collaborative, a coworking space near the winding Minnesota River and downtown Mankato. The […]
Proving Yourself Wrong: Scott’s Employment Story
When Scott was first hired to work in the mailroom at Securian in 2001, he never imagined he would be taking on the role and responsibilities he has at his […]
The 2022 Lifeworks Annual Celebration: An Evening of Impact and Investment
On Thursday, April 14th we hosted the 2022 Lifeworks Annual Celebration both in person at the Depot in Minneapolis and online. After hosting a completely virtual event last year, we […]
Careers at Lifeworks: Lindsey’s Story
Lifeworks prides itself in having staff who live up to our values as an organization and work every day to uphold our commitment to develop innovative opportunities that enhance everyday […]
Join Us For Our First “Lifeworks Connects” Presentation
The first steps in difficult conversations? Listen and support. On March 16 at 9:00 a.m., we’ll be on Zoom for a lively discussion. Our panelists will share resources around guardianship […]
Building Careers and Finding Value: Brian and Jesse’s Employment Story
When Brian was enrolled in a social studies course as a student in high school, he was tasked with exploring a big question: what career do you want to have? […]
My Educational Journey with Low Vision
An article by guest writer, Peter Froehlich. For many people, going to college is a smooth experience without many obstacles. For me, it was a different experience. I am legally […]
More than $370,000 Raised at the 2021 Lifeworks Virtual Annual Celebration!
Presented by Allianz Life Insurance of North America, Atomic Data, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Horton, the 2021 Lifeworks Virtual Annual Celebration was different from all other […]
Holiday Giving: 3 Ways to Support Lifeworks
Break down barriers. You can make an impact. Did you know that nearly 1/3 of all annual giving occurs in December? As a supporter of Lifeworks, a nonprofit serving people with […]
2020 National Direct Support Professional Week
Lifeworks celebrates National Direct Support Professional Week (September 13-19)! Every year since 2008, the United States has proclaimed a week in September to raise awareness and celebrate the incredible work […]
The Barriers that Remain Unbroken: A Celebration and a Revival of the American with Disabilities Act
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? July 26, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This historic civil rights law “prohibits discrimination on the […]
Thriving in Life: Daisy’s Self-Directed Support
The Lee family has four children and their second oldest, Daisy, uses Lifeworks Fiscal Management Services (FMS) for processing Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) – authorized funding that covers staffing, […]
Community Skill Building: Reinventing What’s Possible
An interview with Lifeworks Regional Manager, Raquel Sidie-Wagner. What is Lifeworks Community Skill Building? Community Skill Building (CSB) is an inclusive approach to advancing choice and building independence. The heart […]
Figuring Out the Next Step: Cheyenne’s Career Journey
From catching goldfish in the pond to crocheting booties for the local women’s shelter and reading L.A. Meyer’s novels, Cheyenne has always been one to dive into her passions and […]
Understanding Ableism in Today’s World
Lifeworks knows that if we want tomorrow to be different, we have to change today. We are always learning so we can continue to advance conversations about inclusion. As an […]
Launch Day: Hy-Vee Lakeville “My Heart” Bag Program!
Today is launch day for the Hy-Vee Bag Program that supports local nonprofits! We are so excited to share that Lifeworks has been selected to be a part of the […]
The Otto Bremer Trust Awards Grant to Lifeworks
The Otto Bremer Trust* awarded Lifeworks with a $60,000 grant. This funding will be used to provide skill building and career development opportunities for people with disabilities in the Twin […]
Self-Directed Services Provide Choice and Consistency
The Pathre family has been with Lifeworks Fiscal Management Services since 2009. Rijuta and Sadanand chose to self-direct services through Personal Support and Respite for their daughter, Minkakshi – or […]
Building a Career with Lifeworks: Lookman’s Success Story
Career Journey: How It Happened Prior to Lifeworks, Lookman Lasisi worked at a group home for people with disabilities. Some of the people he supported were also served by Lifeworks. […]
High Marks for Lifeworks Day, Employment, and Financial Management Services
Lifeworks strives to provide high-quality services that enhance the lives of the people we serve. We do this by continuously seeking ways that we can improve. This is to ensure […]
Ann’s New Ride to Work
Ann Haumschild, Clerical Assistant, has worked at Lifeworks for the past 13 years. She used to ride a shared bus service every day to and from work. The ride into […]
Disability Inclusion: Diversifying Talent and Enhancing Workplace Culture
Did you know that one in four people in the United States has a disability (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)? The changing demographics of the workforce coupled with low […]
Lifeworks Mankato: Building Skills in the Community
From learning about what local businesses do to bringing food and a friendly smile to aging adults as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, the people served by Lifeworks Mankato are […]
From Piece Rate to Earning a Livable Wage
Since 1938, section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act has allowed employers to pay people with disabilities wages below the federal minimum wage (U.S. Department of Labor). Kirk Langsjoen […]
A Little Help Goes a Long Way
Karen met Moses on her second trip to Africa in 2004. She was helping local communities in Nigeria and visited an orphanage where she was introduced to him – and […]
Lifeworks Develops Work|Life™ Exhibit for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Held every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and brings attention to the value of a diverse workforce. Explore the Work|Life™ Narrative […]
Building a Career with Lifeworks – Julie’s Success Story
Lifeworks Career Success Story – Learn more about how you can build your experience and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Lifeworks Leading the Way: Sharing Best Practices
Lifeworks recently presented at two national conferences offering insight into employment best practices, networking with industry leaders, and hearing new ideas. Our position as an industry leader, makes it essential […]
Lifeworks Awarded Outstanding Case Study Certificate by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council
Founded in 2013, the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) convenes buyers, suppliers, and public interest advocates from around the country to develop programs that simplify and standardize sustainable purchasing efforts. […]