For more information:
Call 651-454-2732,
or contact one of Lifeworks' Intake and Referral Coordinators:
Metro Area
Jeanne Eglinton
651-365-3781
jeglinton@lifeworks.org
Mankato Area
Kristi Powers
507-625-7522
kpowers@lifeworks.org
Lifeworks Customized Support
Dawn Thorn
651-365-3742
dthorn@lifeworks.org
Or call your county case manager and ask for a referral to Lifeworks.
Lifeworks Social Enrichment
Our person-centered services will help you fill your day with things you choose to do as well as see to your personal care needs. We focus on exploring and defining your preferences and ideas for the future. We coordinate life and career planning, facilitate meetings, and act as your agent to arrange supports and services. At Lifeworks you can build friendships and meet others who share your interests.
We focus on the Five Valued Experiences identified by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle, leaders in the field of developmental disabilities. The experiences are:
- Sharing ordinary places
- Growing in relationships
- Making choices
- Contributing
- Being respected
Our highly trained staff offer opportunities for personal growth and meaningful experiences every day, helping individuals gain skills, confidence, and a sense of community. Choosing from a wide range of social enrichment programs at any of our locations, clients have the freedom to plan and participate in the activities they find most meaningful. Activities include job training, art classes, healthy lifestyle classes, music therapy, field trips, and book clubs.
Please note: not all of the activities are available at all program locations.
Community involvement and volunteering
Lifeworks offers clients chances to share their talents and learn by volunteering in the community. Options include helping out at Meals on Wheels, packaging food at Feed My Starving Children, sorting donated clothes at thrift stores, walking dogs at animal shelters, provide disability awareness presentations at schools and many others.
Communication
Our goal is to help every client maximize their ability to communicate using the tools that suit them best. We conduct communication screenings, develop communication dictionaries, and connect with outside resources. We support clients to achieve their communication goals.
Multi-Sensory Environments
New, fully equipped multi-sensory environments, based on a European concept, are available in five centers and are overseen by a full time registered occupational therapist. They offer a variety of ways to alert, stimulate or calm the senses. Many people experiencing these environments are demonstrating enhanced skills in communication and self-regulation. Multisensory environments can be used to address the needs of people with a wide range of disabilities and diagnoses enabling them to participate more fully in the world around them.
Assistive Technology
Clients at Lifeworks can have opportunities to access a wide variety of types of assistive technology. Pencil grips, communication devices, environmental controls, alternative seating options, and alternative computer access equipment can be borrowed from our lending library or from outside resources. Clients can receive support from our staff to gain proficiency with the assistive technology, and we can help them explore funding options once they are ready to purchase their own equipment.
The arts
Art, music, theater, photography, and art history are taught by volunteers, guest artists and Lifeworks staff. Clients have the opportunity to display their art at events around the community, as part of the Lifeworks Traveling Art Show. Sixteen clients are members of the band Musical Syndrome.
Music Therapy
Lifeworks employs a full-time board certified neurologic music therapist, and provides therapy to our clients who come to our program locations. Music therapy helps individuals develop cognitive, physical, social, and communication skills that encourage independence and build confidence.
Health and Fitness
Clients can learn about the benefits of staying active, go bowling, or participate in an exercise class. Opportunities to take a creative movement class, and learn to make healthy snacks are available on a regular basis.
Transportation
We provide or arrange transportation to Lifeworks, work, and daytime activities. We also provide training on using public transportation.
