Lifeworks Community, At Lifeworks, we have always had a spirit of innovation and evolution. This spirit is rooted in our belief that people with disabilities deserve the best. With this […]
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 […]
Lifeworks Community, This month, Minnesota launched a new self-directed service: Community First Services and Supports (CFSS). CFSS is not just a new name – it is a new approach for […]
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. […]
At Lifeworks Services, we understand that transitioning to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) can be a complex process. CFSS offers individuals with disabilities greater control and choice in their […]
The 2024 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. High voter participation in elections is as Minnesotan as hotdish, with nearly 80% of our state’s voting-eligible population […]
Lifeworks Community, September 8-14 marked the annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. This nationwide observance is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the dedicated direct support professionals who partner with […]
Lifeworks Community, I am thrilled to share an exciting update from our North Region: Lifeworks signed a lease for our new Hub in New Hope this month! This space will […]
A roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive north from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities along Interstate 35 brings you to the city of Duluth. The city is synonymous with summer […]
Lifeworks Community, In my work, I am fortunate to meet with many of you – community members, business leaders, and elected officials. In each conversation, I ask about your personal […]
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 […]
Lifeworks Community, This summer, we are excited to begin a series of Community Conversations across the state, starting in Brooklyn Park. The City of Brooklyn Park recognizes the importance of […]
“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 […]
Through her partnership with Lifeworks, Shinoa learned to advocate for herself and others in the disability community. Meet Shinoa Shinoa is a musician, poet, artist, and self-advocate who lives in […]
Lifeworks Community, Last month, we hosted our Annual Celebration at The Depot in Minneapolis. It was a beautiful evening filled with energy and excitement. Together, we raised over $438,000 in […]
On Thursday, April 18, our community joined us at The Depot in Minneapolis for the 2024 Lifeworks Annual Celebration. Together, we celebrated our collective impact and recognized that we all […]
Natsa and her son, Ethan, have partnered with Lifeworks for services since 2019. With limited access to culturally relevant information on disability services, Natsa, who immigrated to the United States […]
Lifeworks Community, As I shared in my January update, Lifeworks is continuing to educate our communities on disability inclusion trainings. We believe wholeheartedly in this work because we have seen […]
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 […]
Lifeworks Community, I want to personally invite you all to join us at the 2024 Lifeworks Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 18. We are coming together once again at The […]
Lifeworks Community, Happy New Year from all of us at Lifeworks! A new year brings such excitement for all the opportunities that lie ahead. At Lifeworks, we are building upon […]
Trigger warning: This story contains content about suicide. After years of challenges to her mental health and experiencing trauma, Addyson now has a new lease on life. The […]
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 […]
Lifeworks Community, As we close out 2023, thank you all for being a part of the Lifeworks community. Our partners – including clients, families, board members, employer partners, donors, and […]
Siri has been a client of Lifeworks for over 15 years. Her mother, Jaette, first connected with Lifeworks when Siri graduated high school, hoping to find a space that offered […]
It’s getting cold out – come warm up with us at the Lifeworks winter concerts! On Wednesday, December 13, come enjoy performances from clients in our day program at our […]
Lifeworks Community, Throughout the year, I have shared about the importance of disability inclusion for our communities and the people with disabilities we partner with. This topic has been so […]
Lifeworks Community, Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Each October, we honor and celebrate the contributions of our nation’s workers with disabilities and the inclusive employment practices that benefit employers […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
For far too long, culturally diverse communities have not had the same access to disability services as communities from the dominant culture. Lifeworks is working to correct this gap by […]
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 […]
Since 2007, Atomic Data, an information technology firm based in Minneapolis, has maintained an unwavering partnership with Lifeworks Services. From being an employer to providing in-kind technology support and donating […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
For over 35 years, Lifeworks has connected people with disabilities to employment options that explore their interests, develop skills, and start or advance their careers. Lifeworks clients work in various […]
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 […]
On Thursday, April 20 we hosted the 2023 Lifeworks Annual Celebration at The Depot in Minneapolis. Our community came together to celebrate the impact of our mission and drive change […]
Abubaker started his career at Lifeworks as a direct support professional working with people with disabilities at our Brooklyn Park day program in 2003. Since then, Abu, as he is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
A message from our President and CEO, Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa Today, we recognize and honor the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebrating his leadership and advocacy of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
As employees, we spend so much of our time at work. In return, employers are looking for ways to invest more in their employees. Employers encourage us to make contributions […]
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 […]
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 […]
Editor’s Note: Our conversations with Brian, Raquel, and Kirk occurred between May 4 and May 23, 2022. Information on the Minnesota Task Force on Eliminating Subminimum Wages in this […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
You can double (or triple) your next gift to Lifeworks! Many Lifeworks families and friends also support the work we do by making a contribution. These gifts make it possible […]
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? […]
Lifeworks provides essential services. We’ve been serving people with disabilities in Minnesota since 1965, honoring choice and building disability visibility in our community. In 2021, Lifeworks broadened our offerings to […]
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 […]
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 […]
Beth comes from a musical family. Her mom and dad both know how to play the piano. Her dad also used to play the guitar. Like her parents, she enjoys […]
The Saari/Kashefs are a close-knit family. They love to play games, put together puzzles, and watch movies. Two of their children, Lauren and Ryan, access Lifeworks Fiscal Services (FMS) for […]
Prior to COVID-19, Casey participated in Lifeworks Day Services. She enjoyed band practice, art classes, and archery. Along with an active social life, Casey has worked at McDonald’s for the […]
Loki started customizing jackets when they were 14 years old. They were inspired after coming across a fellow classmate wearing crust pants, a punk-inspired, clothing style. Loki explains, “To make […]
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 […]
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 […]
An interview Lifeworks’ Neurologic Music Therapist, Laura Steines. What is Music Therapy? Music Therapy is proven and cutting-edge method for helping people further develop their sensory, social, emotional, cognitive abilities, […]
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 […]
Happy National Disability Voter Registration Week! The REV UP Campaign, launched by the American Association of People with Disabilities, is a nonpartisan initiative that coordinates with national, state, and local […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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* 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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
The long-term relationships that Lifeworks has built over the years with organizations and businesses has helped us better support the people we serve and our communities. Our partnership with Upstream […]
Recently, Lifeworks sat down with our long-time Personal Support and Respite participant: the Mercier family. Cheryl is a strong advocate for her children, Josh and Sara, who are both in […]
For the past two years, Lifeworks Brooklyn Park has been a regular stop for volunteer, Constance Bleecker, and her therapy dog, Zeus. When Constance retired, she wanted to explore dog […]
Alyssa Peterson joined the Renewal by Andersen team as a Lifeworks Associate more than seven years ago. Over time, she has developed skills, refined processes, and built strong friendships with […]
The Lifeworks Annual Celebration is our largest fundraiser – and the total raised for this year’s successful event surpassed all prior celebrations. With nearly 1,000 guests in attendance at The […]
The Situation: This past October, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced its intent to move from Fiscal Support Entity (FSE) services to Financial Management Services (FMS) affecting individuals […]
On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Lifeworks hosted Day at the Capitol with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, a non-profit coalition of organizations focused on improving the lives of […]
Lifeworks is excited to announce that Ajani (AJ) Lewis-McGhee and Patricia (Patsy) Riley have been appointed to our Board of Directors. AJ serves as a member of the Eagle’s Cabinet […]
