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 […]
10 Ways to Be An Inclusive Employer
10 Ways to Be An Inclusive Employer By Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC Creating an inclusive workplace means making sure every employee, including disabled employees, feels valued and supported. By […]
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 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 […]
CFSS Budget Model VS. Agency Model
Take Control of Your Care with Community First Services and Supports Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a new self-directed service in Minnesota that gives you more choice and […]
The 2024 Lifeworks Annual Celebration: Unlocking Opportunities
On Thursday, April 18, our community joined us at The Depot in Minneapolis for the 2024 Lifeworks Annual Celebration. Together, we celebrated our collective impact and recognized that we all […]
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 […]
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 […]
REV UP Minnesota: National Disability Voter Registration Week
Happy National Disability Voter Registration Week! The REV UP Campaign was launched by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) as a nonpartisan initiative and stands for “Register, Educate, […]
Accessible Allies
An article by guest writer, Frank Eller. Hi! My name is Frank Eller. I have an Associate of the Arts degree from Turtle Mountain Community College. I am interested in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Thriving in Life: Daisy’s Self-Directed Support
The Lee family has four children and their second oldest, Daisy, uses Lifeworks Fiscal Management Services (FMS) for processing Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) – authorized funding that covers staffing, […]
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, […]
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 […]
Long-Time Fiscal Support Family Provides Insight into Services
Recently, Lifeworks sat down with our long-time Personal Support and Respite participant: the Mercier family. Cheryl is a strong advocate for her children, Josh and Sara, who are both in […]
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 […]
Tarvae Banks Finds Discovery at Lifeworks
Written by Iqra Rabbani, career placement counselor After graduating school, Tarvae Banks came to Lifeworks hoping to find a pathway to employment that could serve as the launching point of […]
Lexie the Texter
Written by Service Facilitator Cary Dorn, with additions from Service Facilitator Shelia Grittner. I have the opportunity to work with Lexie Barker when my coworker, Lexie’s facilitator, Sheila Grittner, is […]
Finding Work and Independence: James Londgren
Written by Lifeworks Service Facilitator, Lindsey Schmitt In July of 2018, the Community Skill Building group of Mankato welcomed James Londgren. James recently graduated from high school and was eager […]
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
A message from Jeff Brown, Lifeworks President and CEO Each October, Lifeworks joins organizations across the country in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This is our opportunity to […]
Solving the Puzzle: Program Benefits Travelers, Employees
“Each new document is like a puzzle to be solved,” says Alex Koon, legal operations specialist with Travelers in St. Paul, Minn. “I’m very analytical and observant – it’s very […]
House of Representatives staff visit Uponor and see the impact of Lifeworks service offerings.
Guest blog post writer – Sara Goodno, Policy and Legislative Intern at Lifeworks On July 18, Lifeworks Staff hosted a tour for Minnesota House of Representatives staff members Holly Iverson, […]
Lifeworks Associate Bridget Campbell Takes Promotion Opportunity, Joins Fairfield Inn & Suites
When Bridget Campbell first started working with Adam Hutzenbuhler, she had been a housekeeper at Best Western for almost a year. As guest service manager, he saw her positive attitude […]
Achieving Goals with Job at Boulder Tap House: Lifeworks Associate Dennis Berentson
Dennis Berentson’s goal was to continue working independently in the community. After searching for jobs that piqued his interest, he applied on his own and was hired! Berentson began his […]
Lifeworks Associates Improve Productivity, Positivity at Midwest Rubber
Since Lifeworks began its partnership with Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Company in May 2017, productivity and employee morale have been on an upswing. A family-owned business based in Plymouth, […]
Call Center Role Provides Challenge, Fulfillment for Lifeworks Associate Kari Lawrence
As a call center representative for Mayo Clinic Health System, Kari Lawrence answers about 100 phone calls each day from patients calling in the southwest region. Combined with more than […]
Guest Blog: In Memory of George Moudry (1928-2018)
By Judy Lysne | Sadly Lifeworks former CEO George Moudry died on June 8, 2018 at the age of 90. His extraordinary ability to connect with people means that he […]
Lifeworks Hastings: Connected to the Community – Part 1
Lifeworks Hastings: Connected to the Community is a five-part series highlighting our expanding community services in the Hastings area. Part 1 of 5 – Hastings City Hall When Lifeworks Hastings […]
$475,000 Raised at 2018 Annual Celebration!
The Lifeworks Annual Celebration, our yearly event honoring inclusiveness, was held on Thursday, April 26 at The Depot in Minneapolis. With nearly 900 guests in attendance, we honored four individuals and one […]
2018 Lifeworks Annual Award Honorees
The Lifeworks Annual Awards celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of people with disabilities and the individuals and businesses who support them. Each year, an independent selection committee is assembled to […]
Lifeworks Entrepreneur Launches Lawn and Snow Service With Help from Microgrant
Josh Schultze has been mowing grass, shoveling, and snow blowing for as long as he can remember – over 15 years, in fact. Last summer, he decided to make it […]
AmeriPride Job a Tremendous Fit for Lifeworks Associate Brian Kley
Article three of three in our National Disability Employment Awareness Month series A family-owned industrial laundry facility, AmeriPride has been operating for more than 125 years selling and renting just […]
New Program for Job Seekers Revolutionizing How People With Disabilities Find Work
Article two of three in our National Disability Employment Awareness Month series For many people, searching for a job is a daunting task. Finding the perfect combination of skills, interests, […]
Lifeworks Associate Travis Sprenger: Dollar Tree Employee Extraordinaire
Article one of three in our National Disability Employment Awareness Month series Travis Sprenger is no stranger to hard work. He’s worked in the food industry for Old Country Buffet, […]
Lifeworks Brooklyn Park Open House Showcases Artist Achievements
On a beautiful late July afternoon, Lifeworks Brooklyn Park opened its doors to community members eager to see all that the site has to offer. No one left disappointed. From […]
Lifeworks Teams Up With Adler Graduate School for Spring Art Show
What started at the beginning of 2017 as a partnership between students at Adler Graduate School and Lifeworks artists culminated in a lively spring art show on May 26. After […]
Building on Success of Women’s Group, Men’s Group a Positive Influence at Lifeworks Apple Valley
As festive music from the Dropkick Murphys fills the room, Lifeworks men’s group leader Chris Olson enthusiastically greets everyone with a smile and a handshake, displaying the kind of rapport […]
In Response to Olmstead, Employment-First Mandate, Lifeworks Answers with Community Pilot Program
Geldernick, Securian Play Pivotal Role in Program’s Success In June 1999, a United States Supreme Court ruling that would become known as “Olmstead” was handed down, requiring states to eliminate […]
Lifeworks Annual Celebration Raises $475,000 in Support of People With Disabilities
The 2017 Lifeworks Annual Celebration was the start of a new era for the organization, as President and CEO Jeff Brown served as emcee after joining the Lifeworks family in […]
Lifeworks Self-Advocates Rally for Wage Increases for Direct Care Workers
In Minnesota today, there are more than 8,700 unfilled direct care jobs in disability services. And the workforce shortage is only getting worse. With wages averaging just $12.32 per hour […]
Announcing the Winners of the Lifeworks Annual Awards!
Since 1986, the Lifeworks Annual Awards have celebrated the remarkable stories of people with disabilities and the individuals and businesses who support them. Each fall, we accept award nominations in four categories: Advocate/Volunteer of the Year, Employer of the Year, […]
A Successful Transition: How Glindys Donis-Bonilla Joined the Team at Celts Pub
Like many students with disabilities, Glindys Donis-Bonilla attended a transition program after graduating from high school. But unlike many before her, she began working with Lifeworks before she had graduated […]
From Teenage Mother to Entrepreneur: The Extraordinary Journey of LaToya Lewis
At age 13, LaToya Lewis gave birth to her son Malik, who was born with Down syndrome. As a young child, Malik was also diagnosed with autism and faced many […]
Lifeworks Associate Alex McColley Thrives in Full-Time Position at QC Supply
Article 4 of 4 in the Lifeworks National Disability Employment Awareness Month Series Growing up on a 22-acre farm in rural Waseca, Alex McColley was fascinated by the world of […]
Josh Meagher: Electrical Apprentice at Javens Electric
Article 3 of 4 in the Lifeworks National Disability Employment Awareness Month Series Although Josh Meagher is one of more than 800 individuals with disabilities supported by Lifeworks at community […]
Celebrating Success at Xcel Energy
Article 2 of 4 in the Lifeworks National Disability Employment Awareness Month Series As co-workers both current and past gather around to enjoy cake and pizza amidst a sea of […]
Lifeworks Associate Mike Anderson Celebrates 20 Years at Rapid Packaging
Article 1 of 4 in the Lifeworks National Disability Employment Awareness Month Series Not many people can say they’ve worked for a company for more than 20 years; Lifeworks Associate […]
Newly Merged Hanratty, USI Host Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Lifeworks
Although Hanratty & Associates was recently purchased by New York-based USI Insurance Services, its dedication to supporting the local community has not wavered under the new name of USI Minnesota. […]
The McManus Family: How a New Diagnosis Changed Their Lives
In 2004, Doug and Nancy McManus uprooted themselves from their Los Angeles home and journeyed nearly 2,000 miles across the country to Minnesota. Their goal? Find affordable services for their […]
From Job Seeker to Corporate Employee: Denise McCofferty’s Journey
At the North American headquarters of Uponor in Apple Valley, Denise McCofferty strolls through the halls with a sly smile on her face as she delivers mail and restocks supplies. […]
Partnering with Lifeworks to Meet Your Workforce Needs
Testimonial from JaDee Pals, human resources manager at Truck Bodies & Equipment International. In the past, frequent labor changes have made it a challenge to get new team members trained […]
Introducing Lisa Zaspel, Vice President of Services
We are excited to introduce Lisa Zaspel as the newest member of the Lifeworks executive team! With a robust background in managing fiscal support programs, Zaspel stepped into the role […]
Lifeworks Annual Celebration Raises $425,000!
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, the Lifeworks Annual Celebration – our yearly event honoring individuals with disabilities and the people and businesses that support them – raised […]
Lifeworks Associates Bring Commitment, Far-Reaching Benefits to Cargill
Since 1995, Cargill has partnered with Lifeworks to employ people with disabilities in positions that are essential to their day-to-day operations. Currently, two Lifeworks associates serve as valued members of […]
New Vehicles Help Eliminate Transportation Barrier
At the Lifeworks Golden Anniversary Celebration in 2015, we asked attendees to help fund transportation for the people with disabilities that we serve. Not only is transportation a consistent barrier […]
Celebrating 15 Years of Fiscal Support
In 2015, along with celebrating a 50-year anniversary as an organization, Lifeworks is also celebrating 15 years of providing Fiscal Support to people with disabilities and their families! When Lifeworks […]
Jobs Help People with Disabilities Reach New Heights in Mankato Area
Thanks to a grant through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Extended Employment Program, Lifeworks Mankato is able to provide specialized job placement and assistance to people on […]