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 […]

A Piece of Magic: The Lifeworks Sensory Garden

The sensory garden at our Apple Valley center is a space for Lifeworks clients and staff to relax, connect, and interact with the five senses. When the center opened in […]

Disabled Speech Matters

“Do not mock my speech ever! Ask for clarification. I will say it again,” reads the back of Michael’s bright orange t-shirt. Michael, who works in event security at various […]

Listen. Educate. Navigate.™: Advancing Disability Inclusion

For far too long, culturally diverse communities have not had the same access to disability services as communities from the dominant culture. Lifeworks is working to correct this gap by […]

Celebrating 33 Years of The Americans with Disability Act: 15 Tips To Create A More Inclusive Workplace

33 years ago on July 26, 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination […]

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 […]

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 […]

Swimming to Berlin: Matthew Prepares for the Special Olympics World Games

Thousands of athletes will gather in Berlin, Germany, this summer to participate in the Special Olympics World Games, the world’s largest inclusive sports event. Over nine days in June, athletes […]

Exploring the Intersectionality of Race and Disability

In the quest for inclusivity and social justice, it is crucial to address the often-overlooked intersectionality of race and disability. While the disability community aims to advocate for the rights […]

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 […]

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 […]

Increasing Access in Our Community

Earlier this year, Lifeworks announced we would be leaning on our value of “You Lead the Way – We Listen” by embracing a community-based model for our Day Support program […]

More Than Just Learning: Alyssa’s Story

It’s a cool, overcast Thursday morning in Mankato. A water main has just broken in the Mogwai Collaborative, a coworking space near the winding Minnesota River and downtown Mankato. The […]

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? […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]