Annual Celebration
Lifeworks is committed to the safety and the well-being of the communities we serve. Given COVID-19’s evolving impact, the 2020 Lifeworks Annual Celebration is postponed until further notice.
This is consistent with the current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention limiting in-person events to no more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks (https://bit.ly/2TS82hI). We are reviewing other options for celebrating our honorees and connecting with the Lifeworks community. Tickets holders will receive refunds this week and we will be in contact with our sponsors as future plans are made.
While we will miss the opportunity to see you in April, Lifeworks looks forward to continuing our work together of breaking down barriers to inclusion for the people we serve and the communities where we live and work.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Celebration
Since 1986, the Lifeworks Annual Celebration has recognized the achievements and contributions of the people we serve and our community partners that champion diversity and inclusion.
We are here to help!
Contact: 651-365-3719 or 651-454-2732.
of the Year
Awarded to a community partner or an employer committed to inclusion and ensuring that all people are represented.
Nominators: Patrick Eisele, Jodi Iverson, and Kaelene Klemick
Rach-Al-Paca Fiber Processing, a Lifeworks partner in Hastings, uses a community-centric approach to diversify talent and create an inclusive environment. With open arms and high expectations, they welcome the people we serve, young males at risk, and veterans.
They concentrate on individual strengths, teach life lessons, and develop skills – helping to ensure the future success of their employees. Their willingness to be flexible and adapt tasks as needed has improved accessibility for all.
As champions of inclusion, Rach-Al-Paca invests in people and shows through example that we are better together.
Award
Awarded to two people supported by Lifeworks who have excelled personally or professionally – and have made a meaningful impact in their community.
Nominators: Caryn Addante and Jonda Dansare
Recently celebrating her 10-year anniversary at Ecolab, Jonda’s come a long way in achieving her professional and personal goals. As a Lab Assistant in the Research, Development, and Engineering Microbiology and Analytical Department, she helps drive efficiency by prepping samples and maintaining equipment. Jonda is dedicated to her work and loves her job.
Her zest for life extends well beyond work. From weekly book club to bowling league and softball (her team won the championship last season), Jonda’s wide range of interests and willingness to try something new have given her the opportunity to continually develop skills and build lasting friendships.
Jonda is also passionate about giving back to her community. She volunteers at church helping take care of children, walks for Multiple Sclerosis each year in honor of her grandmother, and celebrates her birthday by donating time to Feed My Starving Children.
Award
Awarded to two people supported by Lifeworks who have excelled personally or professionally – and have made a meaningful impact in their community.
Nominators: Sherry Campeau and Patti Carroll
Sean’s focus on personal growth has led him to explore interests, set goals, and take action. Wanting to be on stage, Sean joined Interact Theater, a company of actors who challenge perceptions of disabilities through the creation of original work, and learned about acting and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating performances.
Opportunity struck when the director of the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company play, “O my God!,” sought authenticity for the role of Loir, a teenager with autism. Sean was offered the character and took it seriously – studying the script, attending every rehearsal, and even learning how to play the cello for the role.
His performance impacted viewers and received acclaim; “The most moving performance comes from Carroll,” read the StarTribune’s review of the play. Sean plans to continue pursuing his acting career and is working on his next goal: traveling to other states on his own.
of the Year
Awarded to a person who has excelled in creating meaningful and lasting change for the people we serve and the concepts we uphold.
Nominator: Kelly Anderson
Adopting 15 children over the past 20 years – Amy provides a loving home and unwavering support for people with significant needs. Despite mountains of county paperwork and back-to-back appointments, she strives to understand each child, focusing on choice and giving the tools to foster their independence.
Amy understands the value of community engagement and the importance of advocating for resources that remove barriers to inclusion. Her children take part in Special Olympics and they donate time to the felines available for adoption at Fleugals. From setting up therapy sessions and counseling services to managing in-home staff, Amy guarantees that a support structure will always be in place for her children.
Award
Awarded to Lifeworks personnel who goes above and beyond to make a significant impact in the lives of the people we serve.
Nominator: Kim Mueller
In October 2018, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced transition to a new budget model, impacting 904 Lifeworks participants who self-manage their services and their affiliated 2,150 employees. Lifeworks Fiscal Management Services Transition Team, which included Service Coordinators, Administrative Specialists, and Human Resources along with the Payroll and Finance Department, treated this announcement as an opportunity by providing a proactive, person-centered approach to help families confidently navigate this mandate.
To complete all the necessary requirements, the team offered expert-led, individual meetings in-person and over the phone and held more than 60 educational summits. Early morning, late evening, and Saturday summit sessions were available with interpreter services. The personal commitment displayed by the team – despite working long days for weeks and weeks – ensured that each recipient had what they needed and set an excellent example for Lifeworks and our industry in how to best support the people we serve with navigating complex regulatory changes.