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 […]
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 […]
From Dialogue to Policy – Embracing a Future Without Subminimum Wages
Editor’s Note: Our conversations with Brian, Raquel, and Kirk occurred between May 4 and May 23, 2022. Information on the Minnesota Task Force on Eliminating Subminimum Wages in this […]
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 […]
Join Us For Our First “Lifeworks Connects” Presentation
The first steps in difficult conversations? Listen and support. On March 16 at 9:00 a.m., we’ll be on Zoom for a lively discussion. Our panelists will share resources around guardianship […]
It’s a Match!
You can double (or triple) your next gift to Lifeworks! Many Lifeworks families and friends also support the work we do by making a contribution. These gifts make it possible […]
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? […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]