The Latest at Lifeworks – November 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – October 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – September 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – August 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – July 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – June 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – May 2024
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 […]
Addressing Compounding Barriers: Natsa’s Story
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – March 2024
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 […]
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – February 2024
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – January 2024
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 […]
A Fresh Start: Addyson’s Story
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – December 2023
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 […]
Navigating New Challenges: Siri and Jaette’s Story
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – November 2023
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 […]
The Latest at Lifeworks – October 2023
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 […]
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 […]
Atomic Data: Lifeworks Partner Since 2007
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 […]
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 […]
Ensuring Access to Employment Support
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 […]
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 […]
Careers at Lifeworks: Abu’s Story
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 […]
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, […]
Remembering and Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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 […]
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. […]
Make Your Employer Work For You!
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 […]
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 […]
From Dialogue to Policy – Embracing a Future Without Subminimum Wages
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 […]
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 […]
It’s a Match!
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 […]
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? […]
Your Giving Has Impact in 2021
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 […]
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 […]
We’re in a Good Spot – The Saari/Kashef Family’s Self-Directed Support
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 […]
A Recipe for Success: Remote Cooking Sessions
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 […]
Pins, Spikes, and Patches: Loki’s Custom Jackets
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 […]
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 […]
Music Therapy: Innovative Techniques for Achieving Person-Centered Results
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, […]
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 […]
REV UP Minnesota: National Disability Voter Registration Week
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
2019 Legislative Session: Highlights
2019 Legislative Session: Highlights Thank you to all of the advocates who voiced their thoughts and brought much-needed attention to the legislative priorities that impact individuals with disabilities and caregivers. Together, […]
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. […]
Working Together to Build an Inclusive Community: Lifeworks and Upstream Arts
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 […]
Giving Back and Building Connections: Lifeworks Brooklyn Park Volunteer Therapy Dog Team
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 […]
Celebrating the Next Step: Alyssa Becomes an Employee at Renewal by Andersen
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 […]
$575,000 Raised at 2019 Lifeworks Annual Celebration!
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 […]
Financial Management Service Transition: Fiscal Support Team Offers Expert-Led Sessions for DHS Changes
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 […]
Lifeworks Day at the Capitol
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 Welcomes New Board Members
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 […]