The Process of Starting Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)

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 […]

What is New and Different with Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)?

At Lifeworks Services, we’re committed to supporting innovative opportunities that enhance everyday lives. One of the latest updates in self-directed care is Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), which gives […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The 2023 Lifeworks Annual Celebration: Driving Change and Reimagining Possibilities

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Virtual Music Therapy: Building Transferable Skills

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Lifeworks 2020 Legislative Highlights

PCA Hours & Rate Increases Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) provide essential services that help ensure the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities and older adults. While their work is critical, PCAs […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]