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The Lifeworks 2019 Annual Report highlights our impact. Through the incredible support of our community, we honor choice and fuel the ambitions of the people we serve while continuing to break down barriers to inclusion across Minnesota and beyond.
From providing services for 2,883 people with disabilities and their families to hosting our most successful Annual Celebration ever and sharing our expertise at local and national conferences, this past year has been extraordinary. 2,895,220 hours of direct care were provided by our Fiscal employees. 715 people received career support through 555 employer partners; and Lifeworks Day Services participants traveled 12,638 miles to learn new skills in their communities. As always, we continued to hold ourselves to the highest standards – passing our Readiness Review (with a score of 99 percent!) and earning our three-year CARF accreditation.
2019 was also a year of innovation. We launched Work|Life™, a traveling exhibit that uses personal accounts to show the value of a diverse workforce, and developed disability inclusion sessions for employers to advance accessibility. Community partners such as Allianz Life Insurance of North America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Uponor have invested in our new initiatives.
In 2020, we will welcome John Abbott as our new Board Chair. John and his family have been connected with Lifeworks since 2004. His uncle, Jerry, received support from Lifeworks for 15 years; and in 2013 John joined our Board of Directors. John is a Senior Vice President of Otter Tail Corporation and the President of Varistar (Otter Tail’s Manufacturing Platform); his extensive business expertise has been essential to our success. We are grateful for his longstanding commitment.
While 2020 has brought many unique challenges in the way we work, Lifeworks is confident that it will be another year of strong collaborations and innovative solutions.
Thank you to our community – we couldn’t do what we do without your support.
people served in Minnesota
people received career support through 555 employer partners
miles traveled through skill building opportunities in the community
hours of direct care provided by 3,565 fiscal employees
Since 1965, Lifeworks has been a champion for inclusion. We were founded by families who recognized the importance of advocacy and removing barriers for people with disabilities to be part of the community.
As an industry leader, Lifeworks continues our commitment to self-determined support, careers with competitive wages, and developing innovative opportunities that enhance lives.
With expert staff skilled in solving complex situations and navigating regulations, we provide a personalized, self-directed experience for people in charge of their own care and support. Lifeworks processes services for Consumer Support Grant, Consumer Directed Community Supports, Night Supervision, PCA Choice, and Personal Support & Respite.
For 35 years, Lifeworks has worked to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce in Minnesota. We connect people to experiences that explore their interests, develop skills, and start or advance their careers. In 2019, Lifeworks supported 176 job placements with 92% of people being directly hired by employers.
Lifelong learning is important for everyone. With the people we serve leading the way, we provide opportunities to increase their independence and build self-reliance, including: creative arts, career exploration, music therapy, skill building in the community, self-advocacy development, technology labs, multi-sensory environments, and so much more.
In 2019, Lifeworks created Work|Life™ — a traveling exhibit that uses personal accounts, photographs, data, and design to raise awareness and challenge perceptions about employment experiences for people with disabilities.
I was really proud to be hired. Everybody that I know came in and congratulated me.
It’s just been really nice.
Fiscal Management Services
The Merciers first learned about Lifeworks from a list of providers given to them by the county. After a few phone calls, they determined that Lifeworks was the best fit for their family – especially seeing that they could receive two services at one place: Personal Support and Respite. As a licensed provider, Lifeworks assists with the hiring process and training for staff as well as monitors and coordinates services.
Day, Employment, and Fiscal 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 that our offerings reflect the highest standard of service. In 2019, Lifeworks was recertified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and passed our Readiness Review.
Party with a Purpose
The Lifeworks Annual Celebration is our largest fundraiser – and the total raised for 2019’s successful event surpassed all prior celebrations. With nearly 1,000 guests in attendance at The Depot in Minneapolis, Lifeworks asked for help with supporting innovative, high-quality, community-centered programs.
