Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2017, Lifeworks supported hundreds of individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining competitive jobs in the community. This included 198 new job placements and 82 new employer partners, bringing the total number of individuals supported on the job to 603 and the total number of employer partners to 306. On March 1, 2017, Lifeworks chose to become one of just a handful of disability service providers statewide without a special wage certificate, meaning that all individuals supported on the job earn at least minimum wage. The average wage of a Lifeworks associate directly hired by a business was $11.02. Through Day Services, Lifeworks helped more than 400 individuals connect to the community, engage with their peers, and utilize modern technology – all while receiving the highest quality care. Among the various activities and accomplishments made possible, 52 individuals participated in musical performance groups throughout Lifeworks locations in the Twin Cities, self-advocates from Lifeworks Brooklyn Park visited the Capitol 17 times to make their voices heard and meet with legislators, and 564 volunteers donated 4,580 hours of their time enriching the lives of people served by Lifeworks. Lifeworks supported more than 1,900 individuals to self-direct the services they receive. As an approved fiscal support entity through the state of Minnesota, Lifeworks helped individuals enrolled in the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) programs. Lifeworks also served as a knowledgeable PCA Choice provider agency and a licensed provider of Personal Support.
Current Goals
Strive for operational excellence by defining service models in accordance with the Lifeworks Way. Implement year one of the technology roadmap. Establish baseline assessment of cultural competence. Implement employee engagement roadmap. Expand self direction and Inclusion by evaluating current customer markets and expand services to individuals who want to increase self direction and inclusion. Establish criteria for new opportunities and partnerships. Implement the small group employment model within local businesses to increase individualized focus on an individual’s career assessment, employment exploration, and ultimately leading to successful job placement.
Evolve our business to meet future challenges by playing a leadership role in the development of the Altair ACO with a focus on increased use of the LifePlan and participating in the integration of data to a Health Information Exchange.
Community or Constituency Served
Individuals with developmental disabilities.
Geographic Area Served
Primarily in the Minneapolis/St Paul area as well as Mankato.
