For more information:
Call 651-454-2732 or one of the following individuals:
Metro Area
Mary Lenertz
651-365-3749
mlenertz@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 and facilitate meetings. 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, book clubs, and access to Lifeworks Multi-Sensory Environments.
Please note: not all of the activities are available at all program locations.
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. Fifteen clients are members of the band Musical Syndrome.
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.
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, provide communication device support, and connect with outside resources. We support clients to achieve their communication goals.
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, providing disability awareness presentations at schools and many others.
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.
Multi-Sensory Environments
Lifeworks Multi-Sensory Environments are designed to integrate the senses and empower people with a variety of challenging conditions, so they are able to focus and learn. This is a dedicated space where sensory stimulation can be matched and controlled to fit therapeutic, educational, and leisure needs of the participant. Lifeworks Multi-Sensory Environments are available at Lifeworks Brooklyn Park, Lifeworks Burnsville, Lifeworks Eagan, Lifeworks Hastings, and Lifeworks Mankato. Lifeworks Multi-Sensory Environments follow the American Association of Multi-Sensory Environments approach to treatment.
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.
Self-Advocacy
Learn about the self-advocacy movement, how to gain personal power and how to help others understand the disability culture.
Transportation
We provide or arrange transportation to Lifeworks, work, and daytime activities. We also provide training on using public transportation.
