Lifeworks Services, Inc

Submitted by Jean Grossman, Lead Generation & Sales Prospecting Coordinator

Recently I interviewed Eileen Dereus, finance manager, at Lakewinds Natural Foods.   Lakewinds is a member owned food cooperative committed to outstanding service. Similar to Lifeworks start in 1965, it began in a church, in 1975.  I wanted to talk with Eileen about the scanning work we had recently completed for Lakewinds. What problems had we solved? Is Lifeworks a good solution?

Shelf of documents to be scanned at Lakewinds

Eileen showed me a hallway filled with boxes, mostly empty boxes now. Not too long ago those boxes were Eileen’s problem. The boxes were filled with historical financial records and took up valuable space needed for other purposes.  They had considered renting climate controlled storage space for all those boxes.  In her research, Eileen talked with one of Lifeworks business partners, Sean Carey from Laser Technologies, about virtual storage and document management.  Eileen described her problem and, Sean said Lifeworks can scan all those documents for you.

Eileen said it was a complete success.  Lifeworks scanned the records; Lakewinds had more space.  Eileen stated, “The real solution was we can now look up invoices on our desk tops. This is slick, really useful,  a time saver for our staff.”  She went on to say, “Lifeworks is great to work with, very thorough, timely, concerned that we got exactly what we wanted and, the cost was really fair.”  Eileen mentioned that the intangible benefit of giving people with disabilities the opportunity to work also went into their decision to use Lifeworks along with the benefits they found in their cost analysis.

You can learn more by watching Lifeworks Document Imaging Solutions  a short video on YouTube or contact Jean Grossman at Lifeworks: jgrossman@lifeworks.org; phone: 651-365-3713.

Lifeworks client Robin Sonnichsen separating paper and plastic for recycling at Thomson Reuters

Submitted by Kath Pengelly

Most of us have been taught to view a book as something to treat gently and with respect, but in the Manufacturing, Distribution and Engineering (MD&E) departments of Thomson Reuters, Lifeworks clients support a job called “Book Destroy Recycling Program”.

I asked Troy Mattick, Production Coordinator at Thomson Reuters to explain this recycling program to me. He said, “Lifeworks clients take obsolete or outdated products and process them for recycling. Most of the material is paper. Often the paper has other materials combined with it such as plastic, cardboard or plastic strapping. Separating these materials, along with separating the different grades of paper to be recycled individually, dramatically increases the return gained from the sale of the recycling material.”

I wondered if Troy sees a benefit to having Lifeworks clients do the recycling work. Troy explained, “Absolutely. Partnering with Lifeworks is a cost effective way to fill this business need. Beyond the business benefit, there is also the community benefit of employing Lifeworks clients. Thomson Reuters is very proud of our relationship with Lifeworks and their clients.”

Then I asked whether Lifeworks has met or exceeded the expectation that Troy has for our work. His response was quick, “Certainly. The Lifeworks coach and crew provide such a consistent level of production that I am continually impressed with the dedication and effort they give to their jobs.”

 “Do you see us fitting into the workplace culture?” I questioned. Troy said,

 “The Manufacturing, Distribution and Engineering (MD&E) department of Thomson Reuters has a close family type culture among its employees. The Lifeworks clients have fit right into this culture by developing working relationships and friendships with many Thomson Reuters employees across multiple departments.” 

On a recent visit to the job site, I also asked several of our clients what they liked most about their jobs and each of them confirmed for me that this is much more than a job – they enjoy being in such a welcoming environment.

Lifeworks client Brandon Gangl busy working at Thomson Reuters

Finally I asked if Troy would recommend us as an employment solution to other employers. “I would, and I have recommended Lifeworks to other organizations,” he answered.

Now I ask you, do you have jobs that involve recycling? Is there paper or plastic at your business that needs to be sorted? Lifeworks can help you, too. Please contact Jean Grossman at 651-365-3713 or jgrossman@lifeworks.org.  We are ready to go to work.

Submitted by: Steve Huisken, sales consultant at Lifeworks

Lifeworks was recently honored by visitors from Yangshuo, China.  Zhao Chun Li (Angel) and her spouse, Xiao Mo, have been on a three month quest in the US to understand best practices in educating and training children with disabilities.  As a child with a disability, Angel grew up in a small fishing village with limited access to education.  The circumstances leading to Angel’s sponsorship by the Minnetonka School District and St. Cloud State University are quite amazing.

When Angel was 17, her family was visited in 1998 by President Bill Clinton and his entourage, including Clinton family members, Hillary and Chelsea.  However, embarrassed Chinese officials ordered Angel’s family to sequester her upstairs during the visit.  A year later, serendipity led businessman Chris Barclay, Clinton’s interpreter during the presidential visit to China, to revisit Angel’s home.  This time, Angel was not hidden, so Barclay was surprised to see someone with a disability living with the family.  Barclay assumed that Angel was a child, but discovered that she was a small, young woman with dwarfism and osteogenesis imperfect, a rare bone condition.  Barclay quickly realized that Angel was articulate and motivated to learn, so he hired a tutor for her.  This paved the path for Angel to learn how to read and write in English and eventually become an accountant.

Front: Angel and her husband, Xiao Mo. Back:(left to right) Lifeworks staff - Evan Henspeter, Fred Urch, Steve Huisken, Sue Trunk

Barclay was enthralled with the stunning beauty of the Yangshou Mountain area, so he designed and built a scenic retreat for international visitors.  Yangshou Mountain Retreat is nestled between towering mountains and the gentle Yulong River, with its lush rice deltas. The first employee that Barclay hired to be the retreat’s lead receptionist and accountant was Zhao Chun Li, Angel.

One of the international visitors to the resort, Dr. Kathy Johnson, met Angel and became fascinated with her story.  As an associate professor of special education at St. Cloud State School of Education, Johnson advocated for Angel and her husband to visit the US under an Educational Leadership Internship. Six months later, their journey began with Minnesota advocates coordinating visits to schools and organizations that focus on programs and services for children with disabilities and their families.  Lifeworks representatives shared how the organization serves adults with disabilities through social enrichment and career development programs, highlighting work skills training and art and music therapy in Eagan.  

After returning to China in April, Angel, with support from a team of US advocates and educational experts, aspires to build a model school in Yangshuo which empowers and inspires students with disabilities so they can achieve their goals and dreams. With a similar vision, Lifeworks is honored to be a resource for Angel’s team as they create new learning and training opportunities for people with disabilities in their community.

Lifeworks client and job coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota

Submitted by: Kath Pengelly, volunteer and advocate coordinator at Lifeworks

Many businesses and organizations display values like respect, teamwork, dignity, and integrity on the walls in their workplaces. These are important values to embrace and nurture at work as well as in our communities, but what about adding Diversity to this list? 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 20 million families in the United States have at least one family member with a disability. Given this information, it is likely that many of these individuals may be either in today’s current workforce or unemployed seeking employment. 

America’s diversity has given this country its unique strength, resilience and richness. Organizations that bring diversity and inclusion to their business plan have the potential to also increase their performance, productivity and customer satisfaction. Lifeworks business partners say that employees from Lifeworks have strong work ethics and positive attitudes. The jobs that they perform at more than 290 businesses are great matches for their skills and interests. 

Over and over again our employers say that we bring value to the workplace and they would recommend us to potential employers without reservation. When I asked Diane Wells of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota about recommending us to others, she said, “Yes,” without hesitation. 

 “…Of course, I struggle with the word ‘disabilities’. From my years of partnering with Lifeworks, I find the clients are full of many talents, strengths and abilities.” 

The power of diversity surfaces when we respect and value differences. What job do you have that we could help make your workplace inclusive, welcoming and successful? Lifeworks is poised and ready to make a difference for you. To inquire, contact Jean Grossman of Lifeworks Services, Inc. at (651) 365-3713 or jgrossman@lifeworks.org.   

If you would like to learn more about the topic of diversity and Lifeworks, we invite you to join us at the Multicultural Forum sponsored by the University of St. Thomas to be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center March 20 – 22. The topic, A Time for Innovation, will offer opportunity to rethink and redesign diversity. For more information on the Multicultural Forum, click here.

Thank you for 2011!  

It is time to take a moment to say thank you to those who offered opportunities, jobs and friendship to persons with disabilities served by Lifeworks. Thank you!  

In 2011:  

• Lifeworks supported 727 persons with disabilities working
• They worked a total of 467,849 hours
• At 290 businesses. 
• The average wage earned was $8.35 per hour.
• The average work week was 12.38 hours.

Thank you!   

After more than 25 years, we are still working at our very first employer. We started at the Dakota County Government Center in Hastings in 1985. Today there are five workers from Lifeworks performing light janitorial tasks at the government center. Thank you Dakota County!   

16 of the businesses we work with have employed people with disabilities through Lifeworks for 20 years or more. Among those valued partners are: Ameriprise Financial; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota; City of Eagan Park & Recreation Department; Cub Foods in Burnsville; Super Target in Plymouth, and Thomson Reuters. Thank you!   

Lifeworks client Eric Brown hard at work at Thomson Reuters

We developed 41 new employment sites in 2011. We want to thank those businesses for the new opportunities they bring to the people we serve. Our thanks goes out to: Benesyst; the Best Buy Stores in Apple Valley and Mankato; Broadway Party and Tent Rental; Caldrea; Group O Supply Chain Solutions; Laser Technologies; Trusight; UnitedHealth Group, and Uponor Distribution Center, to name a few.

Help us find new opportunities for people with disabilities who want to work. You will be assisting an eager and willing worker to become a valued asset in the work place and our community. To learn more about employing people with disabilities, contact Jean Grossman, lead generation & sales prospecting coordinator at Lifeworks: jgrossman@lifeworks.org; phone: 651-365-3713. 

You can watch our end of year video and many more videos that tell the Lifeworks story on the Lifeworks YouTube site.  

Thank you!

Special Thanks to Rachel who handles turkey triage.

 Submitted by: Jean Grossman, sales consultant at Lifeworks 

Now in its 33^rd year, “Oh You Turkey!”  is a popular art contest put on by the Star Tribune. The drawing runs in the paper every Thanksgiving and children across the metro color, glue, glitter and paint these entries and mail them in to the Star Tribune. Thousands of entries are received, and for the last ten years persons with disabilities from Lifeworks help to open, sort, and count them. This year there were ten workers supervised by a job coach for three days sorting and tallying the entries.  

I spoke with Kay Krhin, traffic manager at the Star Tribune, to learn more about this annual project.  

I asked several questions about the project. Kay told me the Lifeworks team opens the envelopes, sorts the “Oh You Turkey!” contest entries by age group, and tallies the amount of entries. Rachel handles turkey triage, carefully repairing any entry that may have been damaged in transit. The Lifeworks team has a lot of returning regulars who love the process and look forward to doing this project each year.   

 Kay said: “They are truly our turkey experts. I’m inspired by their attitudes. The team walks in each morning with huge smiles on their faces, ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. They walk out still smiling and covered in glitter from the entries.” 

Who would do the work if Lifeworks didn’t do it?   

“Great question! We have a lot of busy employees. Having the Lifeworks team come in allows us to concentrate on our work. I don’t know how we’d find the time and staff needed to dedicate to the huge process of opening and sorting thousands of entries.”  

Has the Lifeworks team solved a need? 

“Absolutely. It is a very efficient use of time and money.”  

Do we add anything? Do we create value?

“The Lifeworks crew has an amazing work ethic and positive attitude. They save us time, money, and enable us to focus on our job responsibilities during the busy holiday season.”  

The whole room in action

Thank you to the Star Tribune for giving persons with disabilities from Lifeworks a project they enjoy doing  and work that is valued.  

If you are interested in learning more about Lifeworks or have work you would like us to do, contact Jean Grossman, sales consultant at Lifeworks, 651-365-3713 or  jgrossman@lifeworks.org

Creative Water Solutions provides a very creative employment opportunity for Lifeworks. We measure, cut, sleeve, count, and package moss. This is no ordinary moss growing on the north side of a tree. This is Sphagnum moss, grown, harvested, and dried in New Zealand. Using this unique moss to treat water in pools and spas reduces the need for most chemical products, producing an easier, healthier experience with less odor, less maintenance, less corrosion, and more fun.

Gina Chavez with Lifeworks associates at Creative Water Solutions

The products from Creative Water Solutions successfully inhibit and remove the biofilm.  Many pool owners use harsh chemicals to achieve the same outcome, but Creative Water Solutions is a natural, healthier option.

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting with Gina Chavez, chief operating officer, for Creative Water Solutions to ask about our partnership. We have been employed at this business since February of 2007 and I wanted to know who did the work prior to us coming. Gina explained that in 2007 there were only two full time staff and they both were doing a variety of jobs including packaging. If the demand for product was up then they would bring in part time helpers, one of these part time helpers told Gina about a crew of workers from Lifeworks at Home Depot. Gina, being the efficient person that she is asked for a business card and a wonderful opportunity came our way.

I asked Gina if there is a benefit to having Lifeworks clients perform this work and her response was quick.

“Yes, this work cannot be fully automated, it is very repetitive and Lifeworks clients are a gift to us. Jim comes here every day psyched to work. These job tasks are a good match for the clients’ skills. Their quality is great and the cost is an affordable solution.”

Lifeworks associate Jim Anderson messing with moss at Creative Water Solutions

I also wanted to know if we have met or exceeded the expectations at Creative Water Solutions.

“Yes, said Gina, Lifeworks is a part of our growth plan. We plan to continue working with Lifeworks and adding more employees as our needs change and grow. Lifeworks has been so responsive and supportive. Lifeworks Director of Sales, Scott Herold brings a different set of solutions with competitive pricing to our changing business needs.”

My final question, would you recommend us as an employment solution to other employers, Gina?

“Yes, Gina said, without reservation and absolutely with enthusiasm.”

Do you have a need for a creative solution at your business? Lifeworks is ready to respond. Please call Jean Grossman at 651-365-3713.

visit the Lifeworks website at lifeworks.org

For the past 23 years, Lifeworks has used October, Disability Employment Awareness Month, to thank all of the businesses that give our clients the opportunity to perform real and valued work.

Last month, Lifeworks honored and thanked our business partners by giving to our employers and coworkers:

• 2256 cookies — that’s 188 dozen – 152 dozen from Emily’s Bakery in Hastings and 36 dozen from the bakery at HyVee’s in Mankato, both current employers of Lifeworks clients
• 554 Lifeworks coffee mugs
• 1232 Lifeworks pens
• 336 Lifeworks pencils
• 625 Lifeworks Post-it pads
• 35 Lifeworks Art cards packets

Lifeworks President and CEO, Judy Lysne, visited nine employment sites to recognize and thank our business partners for their long term commitment in employing people with disabilities through Lifeworks: 

Judy Lysne with Innovative Office Solutions

5 Years

• CotterWeb Enterprises, Mendota Heights
• Innovative Office Solutions, Burnsville
• Leonard Street and Deinard, Minneapolis
• Ecolab, St. Paul

10 Years

• Schwegman, Lundberg and Woessner, Minneapolis

15 Years

• City of Hastings
• Rapid Packaging, Champlin

20 Years

• Ameriprise Financial, Minneapolis

This year, the official theme for Disability Employment Awareness Month from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is: “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.”

We believe that the 291 businesses that currently employ the people we serve are profiting from the decision to employ people with disabilities. We would like to thank all of them for seeing and believing in the abilities of the people we serve.

To learn more about Lifeworks and employing persons with disabilities, contact Jean Grossman at 651-365-3713 or go to www.lifeworks.org.

Lifeworks client Kenan Kenimer

Story submitted by Kath Pengelly, volunteer and advocate coordinator at Lifeworks

When you walk into Creative Confectionaire, you are met with mouthwatering smells of chocolate, caramel, popcorn, and all things wonderful. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting with owner Cindy Blomquist about her business and partnership with Lifeworks. 

Cindy has a Masters degree in Food and Nutrition and has even taught at the college level, but loves the whole creative process of making yummy treats best. I asked her how she ended up in the caramel corn business and she told me that she got to go on a tour of the General Mills Betty Crocker kitchens when she was in the 8^th grade. Her mind was made up then that she would pursue a career with food. Her caramel corn, named Grandma Edna’s, is not only her mother’s recipe, but is also named for her. 

Creative Confectionaire began sixteen years ago in Cindy’s personal, industrial, licensed kitchen. Six years ago, it moved to the storefront location at 216 East 2^nd Street, Hastings, MN. Cindy makes a variety of chocolate delicacies including: truffles, chocolate pizza, fudge, and multiple flavors of popcorn including: Camo Corn- caramel popcorn drizzled in chocolate. Every week she delivers boxes of chocolate treats and bags of caramel corn, cheese corn, and Camo Corn to Lunds, Byerlys, and several other specialty shops. You need a lot of popcorn to keep up the demand for Cindy’s products, and that is where Lifeworks client Kenan Kenimer comes in. 

Kenan works three days a week, popping corn, helping with chocolate extrusion, cleaning, and most difficult but important – taste testing. Kenan is supported by his Lifeworks job coach, Anne Cohoon. Anne drops by once a week just to check in on Kenan, his sweet job, and to make sure that he is keeping Cindy well supplied with popcorn. 

I asked Cindy about our partnership, and she shared that we meet her needs on multiple levels. She needed more popcorn popped, and she has always wanted to give back to others but has not had the time to volunteer. Having Kenan work at the sweet shop is a way to meet both of those needs. Lifeworks provides Cindy’s business with a dependable worker, and she provides Kenan with a reliable job. When I asked Kenan what he likes about his work, he said, “Cindy is the best part, and I like popcorn.”

Creative Confectionaire storefront, Camo corn, and Kenan's popcorn

Cindy also went on to say that working with Lifeworks provides her with flexibility, brings humor into her kitchen (Kenan fits right into this family atmosphere), and affirms her belief that everyone can do something. In Kenan’s case, it is making mass amounts of popcorn. 

What about you? Do you have a job, large or small that we can help you with to make your business more productive? We never dreamed we would have clients popping popcorn, but it just goes to show that there are many different kinds of jobs, some sweeter that others. 

If you would like a member of the Lifeworks sales team to call you, please contact us at 651-365-3713.