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 […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – September 2024

Lifeworks Community, September 8-14 marked the annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. This nationwide observance is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the dedicated direct support professionals who partner with […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – August 2024

Lifeworks Community, I am thrilled to share an exciting update from our North Region: Lifeworks signed a lease for our new Hub in New Hope this month!  This space will […]

A Place of Her Own: Alicia’s Story

A roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive north from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities along Interstate 35 brings you to the city of Duluth. The city is synonymous with summer […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – July 2024

Lifeworks Community, In my work, I am fortunate to meet with many of you – community members, business leaders, and elected officials. In each conversation, I ask about your personal […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – June 2024

Lifeworks Community, This summer, we are excited to begin a series of Community Conversations across the state, starting in Brooklyn Park. The City of Brooklyn Park recognizes the importance of […]

How Shinoa Became an Advocate

Through her partnership with Lifeworks, Shinoa learned to advocate for herself and others in the disability community. Meet Shinoa Shinoa is a musician, poet, artist, and self-advocate who lives in […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – May 2024

Lifeworks Community, Last month, we hosted our Annual Celebration at The Depot in Minneapolis. It was a beautiful evening filled with energy and excitement. Together, we raised over $438,000 in […]

Addressing Compounding Barriers: Natsa’s Story

Natsa and her son, Ethan, have partnered with Lifeworks for services since 2019. With limited access to culturally relevant information on disability services, Natsa, who immigrated to the United States […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – March 2024

Lifeworks Community, As I shared in my January update, Lifeworks is continuing to educate our communities on disability inclusion trainings. We believe wholeheartedly in this work because we have seen […]

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 […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – February 2024

Lifeworks Community, I want to personally invite you all to join us at the 2024 Lifeworks Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 18. We are coming together once again at The […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – January 2024

Lifeworks Community, Happy New Year from all of us at Lifeworks! A new year brings such excitement for all the opportunities that lie ahead. At Lifeworks, we are building upon […]

A Fresh Start: Addyson’s Story

Trigger warning: This story contains content about suicide.     After years of challenges to her mental health and experiencing trauma, Addyson now has a new lease on life. The […]

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 […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – December 2023

Lifeworks Community, As we close out 2023, thank you all for being a part of the Lifeworks community. Our partners – including clients, families, board members, employer partners, donors, and […]

Navigating New Challenges: Siri and Jaette’s Story

Siri has been a client of Lifeworks for over 15 years. Her mother, Jaette, first connected with Lifeworks when Siri graduated high school, hoping to find a space that offered […]

Lifeworks Winter Concerts

It’s getting cold out – come warm up with us at the Lifeworks winter concerts! On Wednesday, December 13, come enjoy performances from clients in our day program at our […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – November 2023

Lifeworks Community, Throughout the year, I have shared about the importance of disability inclusion for our communities and the people with disabilities we partner with. This topic has been so […]

The Latest at Lifeworks – October 2023

Lifeworks Community, Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Each October, we honor and celebrate the contributions of our nation’s workers with disabilities and the inclusive employment practices that benefit employers […]

Collaboration Through Conversation: Listening Session with WeNetworkNow

On Saturday, August 26, Lifeworks co-hosted a disability listening session with WeNetworkNow at our main office in Richfield. Participants discussed accessing disability resources and services as part of the next […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The 2023 Lifeworks Annual Celebration

Thursday, April 20, 2023 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Depot, Minneapolis Join us as we come together to drive change and reimagine possibilities alongside people with disabilities! We are thrilled […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

The 2022 Lifeworks Annual Celebration: An Evening of Impact and Investment

On Thursday, April 14th we hosted the 2022 Lifeworks Annual Celebration both in person at the Depot in Minneapolis and online. After hosting a completely virtual event last year, we […]

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 […]

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? […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]