Finding the Right Support Through Navigation Services

Scrolling through her social media feed over morning coffee, Miriam spotted a photo of the Lifeworks Center for Disability Inclusion – New Hope. The caption caught her attention: “Open for walk-ins! Come visit and connect with a Navigation Specialist today.”

Miriam, who lives just a few blocks away, paused. She had a teenager with a disability who was receiving support through school, but lately, Miriam had felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what kind of help might be available at home. Every website seemed to lead to another website, and every question brought up five more.

So that afternoon, Miriam walked to the Lifeworks Center for Disability Inclusion.

When she arrived, she was greeted with a warm smile by the Lifeworks host. Miriam explained that she wasn’t sure what to ask, only that she was looking for support for her teenager. The host nodded with understanding and checked the availability of one of the Navigation Specialists.

“You’re in luck,” the host said. “One of our Navigation Specialists is available in about 10 minutes. Want a quick tour while you wait?”

Miriam agreed, and together they walked through the space: bright, welcoming, and easy to move through. The host pointed out the accessible restrooms, the community tables, and the quiet focus room, where private conversations or virtual meetings could take place.

“It’s really beautiful,” Miriam said, surprised. “And it doesn’t feel medical or intimidating.”

“It’s meant to feel like a part of the neighborhood where everyone is welcome,” the host replied. “Because it is.”

When it was time for the meeting, the host brought Miriam into the focus room, helped her get settled, and opened up a Zoom call with the Navigation Specialist. For the next 30 minutes, Miriam talked, the Navigator listened, and they chatted through the basics of the MnCHOICES assessment, and the in-home services that could be a good fit for Miriam’s family.

By the end of the conversation, the Navigation Specialist had emailed Miriam a set of tailored resources and set up a follow-up appointment to meet her at the Center for Disability Inclusion next week to keep things moving.

Miriam left the center feeling lighter. She didn’t have all the answers, but she had something just as powerful: a real sense that she wasn’t in this alone, that Lifeworks was a place to turn, and would be her partner to help her family figure it out.

About the Series

This post is part of our new blog series: “A Day at the Lifeworks Center for Disability Inclusion – New Hope.” Each story in the series reflects real experiences shared with us by people who visit the center – whether for Day Support, Employment, In-Home, or Navigation Services, or stopping by for a training, education session, or community event.

To honor the privacy of individuals and highlight the many ways people engage with the space, names and details are blended to paint a fuller picture of what accessing a Center for Disability Inclusion looks like in everyday life.