Lifeworks Services Inc.

We have immediate openings for new clients in Ramsey and Washington Counties!

Whether you're thinking about if employment is right for you – or if you're looking for support at your current job, Lifeworks is here to help!

Our team has capacity for clients in Employment Exploration, Development, and Support, as well as our VR Services.

Get in touch with us today to get started: https://bit.ly/3P66mg3

Lifeworks took part in the Disability Pride Festival yesterday, hosted by ACT - Advocating Change Together!

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, we asked people "What does disability mean to you?" – leading to engaging conversations about identity, disability inclusion, and empowerment.

Clients and staff at our Apple Valley center came together to celebrate everyone's birthday in 2024!

How can Minnesota become a more disability and aging-friendly state?

Join Lifeworks, Stratis Health, and state agencies for a virtual event hosted by the Minnesota Governor's Office as we discuss the steps our state can take to be inclusive for everyone who lives here.

When: Thursday, July 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome – please register to attend this free, virtual event: https://bit.ly/4bIsDtt

Brooklyn Park residents – we want to hear from you!

What has been your experience accessing disability services and resources in your area?

Join us on Wednesday, July 31 from 6 – 7 p.m. to share your perspective and learn more about career and resource navigation at Lifeworks!

Register for free: https://bit.ly/4cem5Uh

What is ableism?

The belief that people with disabilities are inferior to those without disabilities – and that being nondisabled is the standard of "normal living".

These beliefs have real world consequences: discrimination, social stigma, and marginalization.

We all need to take step to challenge ableism in our communities, workplaces, and within ourselves, so that full inclusion becomes the norm – and not the exception.

In honor of Disability Pride Month, here are five ways that you can challenge ableism and be a better ally to the disability community: https://bit.ly/3RVXwnk

What does disability inclusion look like in Brooklyn Park?

We want to hear from Brooklyn Park residents about your experience accessing disability services and resources in your area!

Join us on Wednesday, July 31 from 6 - 7 p.m. to share your perspective and learn more about career and resource navigation at Lifeworks.

Register for free: https://bit.ly/4cem5Uh

Jodi is celebrating 5 years at Lifeworks this week!

Jodi joined Lifeworks in 2019 as a Service Coordinator and now is a Senior Manager for our Fiscal and In Home Programs.

Having now adjusted to her leadership role, Jodi says "I enjoy working with my direct team. They make it so easy!"

As a leader for her team, Jodi works hard to foster an environment where everyone on her team feels confident to share their ideas and reach their goals: "They are so passionate about what they do and it shows each and every day. They all come to Lifeworks with brilliant ideas and one mindset: to make self-direction a goal for all that we serve."

Over the last five years, Jodi has appreciated the many opportunities to grow professionally and to ability use her passion for empowering others in her work.

Thank you Jodi for the impact you make at Lifeworks!

Join our team today to make an impact in your community: https://bit.ly/39YX70y

July is Disability Pride Month!

Disability pride means celebrating disability as a natural part of human diversity and to embrace disability as an identity that influences how people experience the world.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July as it marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

The ADA was a landmark piece of legislation which broke down barriers to inclusion, but people in the disability community still experience discrimination, social stigma, and marginalization.

To honor Disability Pride Month, we encourage you to consider how you can play an active part in driving disability inclusion:

Seek out the unique perspectives of those in the disability community.

Amplify the voices of people with disabilities.

Learn about the history of disability rights and the movement for disability justice.

Create accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone.

In observance of Independence Day, Lifeworks will be closed on Thursday, July 4.

"Lifeworks is engaging the community unlike any other disability service provider," says Lifeworks President and CEO, Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa.

In her June update of Latest at Lifeworks, Gertrude previews the upcoming community conversations we are hosting in Brooklyn Park and touches on the importance of learning from, and partnering with, our local communities.

Read the latest now: https://bit.ly/3RNcwnn

Mary is celebrating 15 years at Lifeworks this week!

Mary is the Financial Controller at Lifeworks – overseeing our day-to-day financial operations.

"For 15 years, I've been able to feel proud about what I do and who I work for," says Mary. "At Lifeworks, I'm surrounded by an amazing team in the Finance department. They are supportive, collaborative, challenging, encouraging, and continuously push me to be my best."

In addition to working with a fantastic team, Mary mentions that all three of her daughters have also worked at Lifeworks. She recalls a memory that has stuck with her from when her middle daughter worked at our old Eagan center:

"After about a week of being there, she came into my office and told me 'I know what I want to go to school for.'" Her daughter told her that she wanted to pursue a career as a Special Education teacher.

Mary says that her daughter went on to do just that. "I don't know that she would have realized her calling without the opportunity she had to work for Lifeworks," she adds.

Thank you Mary for the impact you make at Lifeworks!

Join our team today to make an impact in your community: https://bit.ly/39YX70y

What does disability inclusion look like in Brooklyn Park?

Join us for a Community Conversation next month in Brooklyn Park to share your perspective and learn more about disability services, supports, and resources in the community!

There is no cost to attend – but we do kindly request that you register for the event: https://bit.ly/4cem5Uh

Refreshments will be provided and accommodations, including interpretation services, are available upon request.

See more details below!

When:

Wednesday, July 31 | 6 - 7 p.m.

Where:

The Gardenview Room at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center | 5600 85th Ave N | Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

The Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council is hosting a Community Debrief on Thursday, June 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. to highlight legislation passed this session that impact the rare disease and disability communities.

This is a hybrid event – so you can join in a way that works best for you! Whether you plan to attend virtually or in-person at the Spruce Tree Center in Saint Paul, the organizers encourage you to RSVP using the link below.

Minnesota RDAC Community Legislative Debrief - National Organization for Rare Disorders On Thursday June 27 from 2pm to 4pm the Minnesota RDAC will be hosting a Community Legislative Debrief. The debrief will recap the Minnesota legislative

Today, we are celebrating Juneteenth!

We want to thank Andre Koen for leading an engaging training for our staff yesterday on the history and importance of Juneteenth.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth marks the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in the United States. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for the last enslaved African Americans in Texas and marking our country’s second independence day.

Although Juneteenth has long been celebrated in the African American community, it wasn't until June 2021 when President Joe Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday— which was quickly followed suit by state leaders like Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz, who signed a bill making Juneteenth a state holiday on Friday, February 3, 2023.

We hope you'll join us in celebration today by learning more about the history of Juneteenth or even attending events in your community.

To learn more about Juneteenth, visit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

In observance of Juneteenth, Lifeworks will be closed on Wednesday, June 19.

Sandy is celebrating 20 years at Lifeworks this week!

Sandy is a Service Facilitator and the Visual Arts Coordinator at the Apple Valley center! Most days you can find her back in the art room or going on community outings with our clients.

With 20 years of experience at Lifeworks – Sandy is not short on memories made with clients, volunteers, and co-workers. One of her favorite memories over the years was going with a group of clients to a high school to learn to throw clay on potter's wheel. "There was clay flying everywhere – getting in my hair and on my clothes! It was one of the most rewarding experiences and a great time for all."

Sandy uses her expertise to engage clients in a variety of artistic mediums. She does an incredible job of also getting clients involved in the community through art – from them creating art for wine labels at a local vineyard to submitting their creations to contests at the Dakota County Art Fair.

Sandy reflects on her time and role at Lifeworks, saying: "I feel Lifeworks is the right fit for me because I value every human being. Everybody deserves to be happy and I believe I bring that every day to work with me to share with others."

Thank you Sandy for the impact you make at Lifeworks!

Join our team today to make an impact in your community: https://bit.ly/39YX70y

Sumukha Terakanambi, a Policy Consultant at the Minnesota Council on Disability, has been publishing an informative blog series – highlighting barriers people with disabilities experience when searching for employment.

A few of Sumukha's posts are already available to read – covering the lack of information on supports, stereotypes and denying accommodations, and accessible transportation.

You can read them all now at: https://www.disability.state.mn.us/category/blog/

Discover the role disability services and supports play in Minnesota's employment landscape with Sumukha Terakanambi, a Policy Consultant at MCD. In the second post of this six-part series, Sumukha discusses some of the programs and resources designed to empower people with disabilities in the workforce. He also sheds light on the barriers many still face. From navigating eligibility criteria to advocating for informed choices, this post offers actionable insights and policy recommendations to dismantle systemic obstacles and create inclusive employment opportunities for all. https://www.disability.state.mn.us/2024/05/29/barriers-to-employment-a-lack-of-information-about-supports/

New on the blog – a recap of the 2024 Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast.

"Undoing and unlearning ableism is hard work," says Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson in front of a sold-out crowd at the Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast. Brittanie was one of three panelists of disability advocates who joined keynote speaker, Michelle Lauren Anderson, for the event on Tuesday, June 4, at the Glass House in Minneapolis.

Lifeworks invited community members – including business partners, professionals, and disability advocates – to the event to hear stories of personal experience with ableism, identify ways to become allies to the disability community, and engage in thoughtful conversation with their peers.

Continue reading: https://bit.ly/4ceSI3X

Congratulations to Conor and Shamus over at Highland Popcorn for a successful grand opening!

Highland Popcorn is a community-oriented nonprofit business in Saint Paul that provides life and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Last month, they invited members of the community to come together to celebrate their grand opening. The all-day event featured musical performances, a live recording of the Conor's Corner radio show, and opportunities to hear from their employees.

Shamus, a leading advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and his son, Conor, set their sights on opening an inclusive workplace years ago. Their vision has become a reality as Highland Popcorn opened their doors to the public this year - offering both opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain work experience and to serve up delicious popcorn!

In addition to customer facing jobs, Highland Popcorn also provides opportunities through their relationship with local supermarket chain, Lunds & Byerlys. Shamus says that the wholesale component of the business "will help sustain the ability to continue to provide meaningful employment opportunities for workers."

Highland Popcorn joins the growing list of Minnesota employers that are reimagining their business model and establishing disability inclusion as the norm – and not the exception. We hope that their success will encourage others to create more accessible workplaces and adopt more inclusive hiring practices.

New on the blog - How Shinoa Became an Advocate

Through her partnership with Lifeworks, Shinoa learned to advocate for herself and others in the disability community.

Read the full story now: https://bit.ly/4e8Zmur

2023 in stories!

Our stories highlight the experiences of the people we partner with, the importance of educating our community on disability inclusion, and the creative collaboration between our staff and clients.

Read them all now in our 2023 Annual Report: https://bit.ly/3QO4gDa

Lauren is celebrating 10 years at Lifeworks this week!

Lauren is a service coordinator, helping folks navigate complex systems and enabling people to get the most out of their waiver budgets!

"I love that my current role allows me to help people," says Lauren. "When someone has a question, I have an answer or at least know where to find one."

Lauren attributes her ability to provide support to the people she partners with to her range of experiences at Lifeworks: "My multiple roles at Lifeworks have allowed me to learn so much. I love that I have the knowledge and experience to share and help others."

She has made so many memories at Lifeworks. From planning theme parties at our day centers to making life long relationships with coworkers and participants, she is grateful for the decade she has invested here.

"My job just fits into my life perfectly and I love what I do."

Thank you Lauren for the impact you make at Lifeworks!

Join our team today to make an impact in your community: https://bit.ly/39YX70y

The Minnesota Olmstead Plan is being rewritten – and you're invited to make your voice heard on how it will be implemented!

The Minnesota Olmstead Implementation Office is providing an opportunity for Minnesotans with disabilities to take a short survey to share input on how to improve inclusion, choice, and community integration statewide.

You can take the survey now through June 30: https://bit.ly/45agQSZ

Do you want to share your input on how to improve inclusion, choice, and integration for disabled Minnesotans? Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan is being rewritten. This is a statewide Plan to create more choices, options, and support for people with disabilities to live in the community. Please take our Disability Inclusion and Choice Survey to help shape the priorities of the next Olmstead Plan. The survey is a few questions, available in multiple languages, and open from June 3 through 30. Take the survey:
https://bit.ly/45agQSZ

Our community is more invested than ever in advancing disability inclusion!

Today, we welcomed a sellout crowd of neighbors, community and business partners, professionals, and advocates to the Glass House MN for the Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast!

Our keynote speaker, Michelle Lauren Anderson, opened the conversation by sharing her story as a burn survivor and the ableism she experienced. She then facilitated an incredible panel discussion with Dupree Edwards, Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, and Judy Moe. All three touched on the importance of disability inclusion, how to unlearn ableism, and how we all can better support people with disabilities in our workplaces and communities.

Thank you to everyone who attended – we hope you left today feeling enabled to advocate for disability inclusion and to continue these conversations with your network!

Want to bring the disability inclusion conversation to your business or organization? Get in touch with us to get started: https://bit.ly/46pAzO8

June is Pride Month!

This month, we want to recognize the importance of allyship. While we celebrate the history and significant achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, many people continue to experience societal barriers and discrimination.

These experiences are exacerbated for those who also identify as having a disability. Individuals with intersectional identities have unique perspectives and stories that we should take the time to listen to, empathize with, and celebrate.

We all play a role to ensure those who identify as LGBTQ+ feel safe, welcomed, and valued in our workplaces and communities. This month, we encourage you to consider your role in being an ally and intentionally seek out resources to better understand the experience of people with disabilities in the LGBTQ+ community.

One story worth starting with is 'LGTBQ+ Pride and Disability: Coming Out", shared by Trevor Turner, the Public Policy Director at the Minnesota Council on Disability.

Read now: https://www.disability.state.mn.us/2021/06/25/lgbtq-pride-and-disability-coming-out/

The Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast is sold out!

Thank you to everyone who registered. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

If you didn't sign up, but want to be a part of the disability inclusion conversation, get in touch with us!

We offer a suite of disability inclusion trainings to fit the needs of your business or organization! Learn more: https://bit.ly/46pAzO8

A new, inclusive workplace is opening in Saint Paul tomorrow!

Highland Popcorn is a local nonprofit business that provides life and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Come celebrate their opening tomorrow from 10 am - 7 pm!