Lifeworks 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Dennis Carroll, Chairperson Norwood

Kevin Murphy, Vice Chairperson Mansfield

Paul Falvey, Treasurer Dedham

Marilyn Howley, Clerk East Walpole

Alan Adams Wrentham

Ira Biggar East Falmouth

Daniel Burke President & Chief Executive Officer Christopher Page Chief Operating Officer

Brenda Calder Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

Sheila Coakley Westwood

Paul Cummings Dedham

Karen Durham Dedham

Thomas Erhard Mansfield

Robyn Garth Dedham

Carolyn Gombosi Newton

Senior Leadership

Daniel Sullivan Vice President Quality & Community Services

Sarah Charbonneau Vice President Day & Employment Services

Danielle Warzecki Vice President Residential Services

Heidi Haggman Norwood

Richard Henderson Westwood

Jane McClellan Canton

Karen Norton Norwood

Garrett Traylor Westwood

Stephen Cantine Vice President

Human Resources

Dawna Gyukeri Director Development & Communications

A Message from Our President & CEO, Daniel Burke

As I reflect on the accomplishments of Lifeworks in the 2023 fiscal year, I am filled with great pride. Throughout the year, we embraced new opportunities to enhance the lives of the families and individuals we serve, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to empowerment and inclusion.

2023 was a year marked by significant achievements and memorable events. We celebrated the return of beloved programs and signature events, including the Empower Celebration, Cornhole Tournament fundraising events, Sports Banquet, and Employment Banquet. These gatherings served as powerful moments of community connection and collective celebration, uplifting the spirits of all involved.

One of the highlights of the year was the incremental increase in our workforce and the expansion of our programs. With a growing number of direct care staff, we were able to increase participation in our day habilitation and community-based services programs, positively impacting the lives of those we serve. I'm particularly proud that Lifeworks was awarded a Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Workforce Development grant, further strengthening our workforce recruitment efforts and enabling us to implement enhanced outreach, training, and retention initiatives.

As Lifeworks embarks on the milestone of our 70th Anniversary Year in 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the remarkable journey that has brought us to this significant moment. For seven decades, Lifeworks has been guided by a continued commitment to innovation, compassion, and empowerment, shaping our agency into what it has become today. Looking ahead, we are inspired by the endless possibilities that lie before us. Guided by our core values and

Looking ahead, we are inspired by the endless possibilities that lie before us. driven by our shared vision, we remain persistent in our dedication to advancing our mission and creating a more inclusive world for future generations. To each member of our Lifeworks family—our staff, clients, families, donors, and partners

—I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and I am confident that the future holds even greater promise as we continue to work towards our shared vision.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, and I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Day Habilitation Programs

Lifeworks' Day Habilitation Programs cater to adults aged 22 and older, focusing on promoting health and well-being through access to a diverse range of therapeutic and educational programs, all under the guidance and support of our dedicated staff. Operating at two distinct sites – the William F. Abel Therapeutic Day Program in Westwood and Connections in West Roxbury – these programs provide invaluable opportunities for personal growth and enrichment.

In FY 2022-23, our challenge was the rebound and bring participants back to day programs. Lifeworks has been steadily increasing its capacity to serve individuals in person. The Abel Therapeutic Day Program has been very active, with the capacity to accommodate up to 108 participants daily. The number of participants has been gradually increasing and we have been collaborating with waitlist and referral candidates to extend the reach of the program. Similarly, the Connections Program offers day habilitation programs and activities for up to 27 participants, with plans to enhance and broaden its offerings in the near future.

The programs offer a rich array of activities designed to engage and empower participants. From music therapy and weekly art classes to cooking sessions in our newly renovated kitchen, participants are provided with opportunities for creativity, skill-building, and social interaction. The addition of an accessible Bistro setting has further enriched the social experience, allowing participants to enjoy coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with their peers in a welcoming environment. Moreover, our gardening program and accessible outdoor patio settings provide tranquil spaces for relaxation and connection, while balance and movement groups promote physical well-being. The rolling calendar of special activities and themed events ensures that each day is filled with opportunities for personal development.

Volunteer and community projects remain a cornerstone of our programs. In May 2022, we celebrated Red Day with volunteers from Keller-Williams Realty dedicating a full day to gardening and yard work, enhancing the aesthetics of the Westwood campus. We also welcomed students and faculty from neighboring Xaverian Brothers initiatives. Additionally, the Day Habilitation programs regularly host Pink day for Breast Cancer Awareness, fostering a culture of compassion and support within our community. High School, who joined us for a variety of community volunteerism

Community Living

Lifeworks provides and maintains 18 community-based residences situated throughout Norfolk County and its neighboring areas. Currently, these welcoming homes accommodate 92 individuals, with a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive, community-oriented environment. Our dedicated staff, including program managers and residential directors, ensure around-the-clock professional supervision. Each residence is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of its residents, offering a diverse range of activities and programs. In a noteworthy development this year, Lifeworks acquired a 19th residence, slated to become a fully accessible home for five individuals upon completion of its renovations. We anticipate its grand opening in June 2024.

Our homes cater to individuals with various requirements, including those with medical needs, individuals on the autism spectrum, and those facing challenges associated with aging. Lifeworks takes immense pride in these residences and is grateful for the support from generous benefactors who contribute funding to enhance these living spaces. One such initiative, the Forsberg Beautification Program, continues to provide funding for the seasonal enhancements of our houses—enabling us to add beautiful elements such as gardens, flowers, trees, holiday decorations, and, this past summer, wooden swings at five of the residences. This generosity helps to enrich the lives of our residents and adds vibrancy to their homes.

Employment & Community-Based Day Services

Lifeworks Employment Services (LES) is a cornerstone of empowerment, operating from two program locations in Norwood and West Roxbury. Our broad choice of offerings encompasses employment services and Community-Based Day Services (CBDS), which include job placement, employment and vocational training, as well as job coaching. The Life Enhancement Program (LEP), our CBDS initiative, focuses on small group activities designed for skills development, volunteer experiences, community connectedness, education, and wellness.

This past year, LES made a significant impact, serving over 230 individuals and achieving the successful placement of 39 individuals in competitive community employment locations. The addition of new Job Developers in the Spring of 2023 marked a strategic move towards building robust community relationships and enhancing opportunities for community placement and group-supported worksites. Excitingly, LES work crews resumed activities at TJX Companies, Boston College, and Wellesley College, marking a return to normalcy after the pandemic hiatus.

Our resourceful and committed staff readily responded to individuals' interests, introducing a range of new activities throughout the year. A newly formed men's leadership group complemented the successful Women's Professional Empowerment group initiated the previous year. Furthermore, the introduction of a community inclusive arts program, supported by a grant from Bailey's Team for Autism, opened avenues for engaging art, pottery, and theater classes.

For those inclined towards physical activities, LES participants enjoyed visits to local and professional sporting events, stadium tours, and explored various local gym facilities. Amidst this active schedule, our commitment to community engagement remained strong. LES individuals actively participated in volunteer experiences with organizations such as New Life Furniture Bank of MA, My Brother's Keeper, Meals on Wheels, the Dedham Food Pantry, and engaged in various local food, clothing, and toy drives. The spirit of giving back continues to thrive within the LES community, reflecting our dedication to fostering a sense of purpose and community connection for all.

Autism Support Center

The Autism Support Center (ASCprovides tailored resources for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, offering specialized recreational programs, clinical support, information and referral services, and educational services to over 1,250 individuals annually.

The Adult Center, a vital component of ASC, continues to evolve to meet the changing environment. Currently, it hosts two in-person groups and three virtual groups each month, providing an array of engaging activities. Recent highlights include outings to a Boston Celtics game, Boston Comic Con, Anime Boston, and Canobie Lake Park. Introducing new groups and events such as Game Night, Water Wizz, Pax East Convention, Red Sox game, Dave & Busters, Star Wars, and Sports has added exciting dimensions to our program.

Responding to the evolving needs of our community, the Adult ASC has noted a growing interest in individuals and families seeking assistance with Social Security and Housing applications. Our dedicated team provides hands-on support throughout this process, and we have expanded our offerings by contracting with experts to conduct free workshops throughout the year.

In addition to our core services, the Autism Support Center continues to offer contracted adult services, including Adult Companion, Coaching, and In-Home Supports, further addressing the diverse needs of those we serve.

The Children & Families service area has actively forged new community partnerships with Ursuline Academy, We Rock the Spectrum, an Adaptive Photographer, and The Lark Center. Welcoming new partnerships with The Altitude Trampoline Park and Helix eSports, these collaborations aim to expand family activities and promote community inclusion. Other community-based activities include horseback riding at Winsome Farms and Family Movie Night at Patriot Place.

Our vacation and gap week family programs continue to increase in number of activities and rate of participation. Event highlights include the Ursuline Halloween Party, a New Year’s celebration at Norwood VFW featuring photography, adaptive woodworking, and cookie decorating, a family barbecue, magician performance, and an outdoor movie night. This year, ASC proudly introduces new programs, including the Friendship Club, Cooking Class, and Indoor Cornhole at Norwood Elks. These additions underscore our commitment to providing diverse and meaningful experiences for individuals and families within the autism community. The Autism Support Center remains dedicated to fostering growth, inclusion, and connection for all those we serve.

Family Support Center

Lifeworks Family Support program provides a diverse array of services and activities tailored to families of individuals eligible for support through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). These services are extended to both children and adults living at home with their families. Our aim is to offer comprehensive assistance to families, encompassing various aspects of support and care. This can include intensive family intervention, in-home respite care supports, case management services, emergency supports, clinical services, information and resource referrals, support groups, family training services, and overall assistance with navigating the human services systems.

In FY23, 514 individuals were served, an increase of 45 over the previous year.

The Family Support program receives funding from the Department of Disability Services, earmarked specifically for programming purposes. These funds are utilized to facilitate a range of activities and initiatives aimed at engaging and supporting our families. Programming includes school vacation week activities, therapeutic horseback riding, bowling, cornhole, and Junior Culinary Club. Training sessions serve as a valuable resource for caregivers, offering insights into pertinent topics. In FY23, trainings included Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems, aimed at equipping caregivers with essential knowledge and tools to enhance the quality of care provided to their loved ones.

Individual & Community Services

Lifeworks Community Services Programs, for adults aged 18 and older, focus on health and well-being. Individual and Community Services comprises three areas:

Adult Family Care Program

The Adult Family Care Program is designed to allow individuals we serve to live in their homes with their families, allowing them to thrive. Funded through MassHealth, the family receives monthly visits by either a care manager or a registered nurse, and the designated caregiver receives compensation to support the individuals who are unable to attend a daily program in the community, but there are also those who hold jobs, volunteer, and access community events.

Individual Home Supports Program

The Individual Home Supports Program fosters independence and inclusion for people we support who live in their own home or apartment. Funded by the Department of Developmental Services, case managers support individuals who have varying levels of independence in the community with transportation training, job support, getting to medical appointments, shopping, and other activities of daily living as needed. The IHS team must be very flexible and ready to handle any type of situation. Case managers provide 6-12 hours of weekly support, which varies by individual.

Shared Living Program

The Shared Living Program supports individuals who live in a home setting with people in the community who are trained and compensated to become providers. Many individuals do not want to live in a traditional group home; they want the ability to become a part of a family and their community. Shared Living is a great way to allow an individual the ability to live with a non-family member and have 1:1 attention in a home setting. Many Lifeworks individuals have gone on vacations, become affiliated with local churches and neighbors through their Shared Living provider.

A case manager supports both the individual and the provider with any needs or issues. One of our gentlemen says that he finally has the brother that he has always wanted! One of our ladies went to Hawaii her provider and their family this past year!

Social & Recreation Program

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Lifeworks experienced growth and engagement in our Social and Recreation Programs. These initiatives aim to provide individuals with enriching opportunities, encouraging their participation in clubs, activities, and sports that align with their interests while promoting dignity and inclusion.

Our diverse sports programming featured activities such as floor hockey, softball, basketball, bowling, bocce, cornhole, yoga, and the innovative Drums Alive. Beyond sports, our social activities spanned educational and computer classes, discussion groups, paint nights, movie nights, and fun summer BBQs. Club activities included the Massachusetts Audubon Society Club, Music Club, Social Club, and Our Club (self-advocacy group) that hosted six successful Hip Hop Café fundraisers to support their annual initiatives.

A highlight of the year was the summer Sports Banquet, a cherished event that celebrated the accomplishments of athletes and coaches. This evening of festivity featured the presentation of trophy awards in recognition of the hard work and dedication displayed throughout the season.

Volunteerism played an important role in our programs once again, with a holiday gift-giving program matching volunteers with individuals from our residences or participating in the Individual Home Support program. This initiative ensured that 32 individuals experienced the joy of opening gifts on Christmas Day. Additionally, the tradition continued with volunteers from Keller Williams Realty, Lifeworks staff, and individuals from the Autism Support Center coming together for Red Day. This full-day event saw volunteers collaborating on various outdoor tasks, including cleaning up gardens, tending to mulch beds, and planting flowers and vegetables around the Lifeworks Westwood building.

Throughout the year, we proudly served 200 individuals, and the addition of five new staff members ensured a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere. Lifeworks remains committed to fostering meaningful connections, promoting personal growth, and creating a community where every individual can thrive.

Harbor Counseling

The Harbor Counseling Center, located at our Westwood campus, offers direct behavioral and psychological counseling and psychiatric support specifically for people diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2022, Harbor Counseling served more than 300 individuals with the highest quality mental health services including outpatient psychiatric services, psychiatric evaluation, and psychopharmacological treatment.

The Center specializes in individual and group behavioral health care supports and uses a variety of evidence-based approaches to therapy for adults including, but not limited to, art therapy, music therapy, and psychopharmacological supports. In addition to providing office-based therapeutic services, Harbor Counseling clinicians also provide home- and work-based services for treatment support and consultation

Autism & Law Enforcement Coalition (ALEC)

The Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC) educates and enlightens first responders on how to respond to crises involving individuals with autism spectrum disorders using a nationally recognized and specialized training.

Lifeworks’ ALEC team collaborated with Bristol County Arc to train 119 Bristol County police officers. ALEC also expanded its campus police training with sessions held at Merrimack College, Lasell University, and Northeastern University in Massachusetts and at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. We also conducted trainings for police agencies throughout New England with funding from Bailey’s Team. And by establishing an online program, we were able to conduct ALEC training through the Utah Valley University for police officers in Utah and Wyoming.

Since its launch in 2003, the ALEC program has trained 52,600 first responders.

Development

In FY23 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023, Lifeworks received gifts and grants totaling $695,411 from 400 donors. These gifts included grant support of $263,316, donations to the Forsberg Beautification Program amounting to $143,800, and gifts in memoriam and in honor of individuals totaled $11,871. The balance, $276,424, was received through the annual appeal, sponsorships, and events.

Thank you to our generous donors. Lifeworks is extremely grateful for your support. Your gifts help make a difference!

Donors in FY2023

Thank you to our generous Lifeworks donors. Your gifts make a difference. This list represents gifts received in Fiscal Year 2023 – July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

Anonymous (4)

A & D Appliance Center

William Abel

Helen and William F. Abril

AmazonSmile Foundation

Amy and Joseph F. Ailinger, Jr.

Bruce and Mary Jane Alexander

Karen A. Allen

Pauline Allen

Leah Alvanos

Ibrahim Aly

Aubin Z. Ames

Renee Anderson

Arc of Massachusetts

Arch W. Shaw Foundation

Bob Arthur

Atkinson Charitable Fund

Atlas Relief Services

Ayco Charitable Fund

Bailey's Team for Autism

Sandra Baird

Elizabeth H. Baker

David Ball

John M. and Regina A. Ballinger, Jr.

Rhonda Banks

Francisco Barbosa

William Barrett

Christopher Barrow

Mary Bartkiewicz

Debbie Bastoni

Debbie Belanger

Joseph and Deborah M. Belek

George Bell

Andrew Belt

Benevity Community Impact Fund

David Bezarro

Howard S. and Marcia D. Bibeault Louis and Helene A. Bier

Michael and Nancy Borr

Lawrence and Linda Boucher

Thomas Boucher and Felicia S. Johnson

Jeanne-Marie Boylan

Leah Bradley

Perfeita Branco

Bright Funds

Brown & Brown of MA

Marc and Linda Brunelle

Jane Bryce

Daniel and Susan Burke

Darian Butcher

Kevin A. Butler

Brenda Calder

Robert J. and Catherine M. Callaghan

Andrew and Claire Cameron

Canton Council on Aging Board and Department of Elder and Human Services

John Carabatsos

Kellie Carey

Richard and Eloise Carey

Dennis W. Carroll

Ellen Carver

Edmund C. Case

Sarah Charbonneau

Estate of Richard G. Chenevert

Caroline and Raymond Chin

Roger Christian

Jessica Clain

Barbara F. Clark Charitable Fund

Brian Clark

Francis Corcoran

Alison Cohen

CohnReznick

Jeffrey M. and Heather S. Collins

Kevin Collins and Joan H. Lehmann

Colonial Construction, Inc.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies

Katherine and Scott Conley

Stephen Connelly

Joanne Connolly

Maurice Contee

Melinda and Nick Coppola

Paul Corboy

Elaine Corfield

Sarah Cregg

CSC Paymaster

Christine Cummings

Paul and Cheryl Cummings

Scott Curley

Mary S. and Dan M. Davis

Terry Davis

Paul DeCoste

Lorraine M. and Joseph H. DeCristofaro

The Dedham Exchange

Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation

W.J. DelPico, Inc.

Mark DePasquale Plumbing & Heating

Joao Depina

John Dervan

Susan DeVeuve

FY23 Donors Continued.....

Amanda and Willard Dickerson

Allison Diebus

Kay L. Diebus

Jason DiPrimio

Frank and Maria DiTucci

Ardyce Dodge

Sean Dooley

Judi Doucette Teague

June Doucette-Burr

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

Becky Dowd

Richard Dowd

John D. and Delia R. Drake

Kathleen and Anne Drummey

John G. and Linda M. Dunn

James and Karen T. Durham

Andrew L. Eisenberg, Esq.

Michelle and Selma Engler

Thomas F. and Lucy Erhard

Roy Erickson

Lynette Erlach

E.W. Robinson Sunshine Fund

John Falvey

Paul and Andrea Falvey

Robert J. and Catherine Falvey

Gina Farinella

Kerri Farren

Shawn Femino

Ferlazzo Family

Edmund Ferrara

Fidelity Charitable

First Parish of Westwood United Church

Roger and Nancy Fischer MacKay

Conor Flanagan

Erin Flanagan

Michael Flanagan

Isabelle Florek

Jeffrey and Jane Folan

Richard P. and Marie Teresa Foley

Tyler Forgeron

Bob Forsberg

Robert Forsberg, Jr.

Douglas L. and Virginia Foster

Joseph P. Frazer

Roger and Marilyn Galburt

Dale N. and Robyn M. Garth

Michelle Gaughran

Joe and Barbara Gearon

Carol H. Getman

Michelle Gilbert

Sheryl Gold

Beth Goldman

Carolyn Ferris Gombosi

Joan F. Goodwin

Paula Goodwin

Geri Gottlieb

Naomi Greenfield

Luke and Jacqueline Groden

James and Kelly Gryglewicz

Samuel H. Hallowell Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. William Hanson

Sarah and James Hanson

Brian Hardiman

Shannon Hardiman

J.Warren and Christa M. Harthorne

Samuel and Barbara Hayes

Allan Haynes

Janet F. Haynes

Judy Heap

Emily Hehn

Karen Heitkamp

Robert D. Hellweg, Jr.

Claire Henderson

Karina Herrera

Joan Hilchey

Mark Hilton

Joan Hoffman

Michael Hogan

Juanita Hogenson

Robert and Sarah Holden

Marilyn A. Howley and Kenneth M. Hunt

Brian Hughes

Andrew and Lindsay Hurley

F.Joseph Iannoni and Susan E. Wild

Peter T. and Mary Ittig

Tom and Julie Jackson

Connie Jones

Faye Jones

Kathi P. and Bruce N. Jordan Jr.

Lisa Joseph

Janet Judge

Bruce and Eileen Katz

John Kelley

Meredith Kelley

Lisette Kirchner

Sharon Knowles

Elizabeth Koehn

Julie A. Koeninger

Laurie A. and John Kraemer

Daniel Kubiak

Glenn Kurth

Linda Kurtz

Susan Laughlin

George and Joyce Lauro

Jason Lavoie

Patricia Lawrence

Diane Leary

Barbara Leston

John and Nancy Levanchy

Merle and Lester Levenbaum

Jonathan and Judith Levin

Joshua and Dora Levin

Paul F. and Susan A. Linehan

Susan Lubitz

Melissa Luongo

John Lutfy

Salong Ly

John F. and Marie M. Lydon

Elvis Lynn

Robert and Martha MacDonald

MacDonald & Vaccaro Insurance Agency

Joshua M. and Merilee Maeir

Joan Mahoney

Edward J. and Karen Maloney

Eli and Anne Manchester

Paul and Nancy Marandett

Paul Marinelli

Carol S. Marshall

Philip and Patricia Marshall

Brian E. Martin

Maria Martins

Jacqueline R. Mason

Katherine Mason

Margaret and William McCarron

James McCarthy

Mary McCarthy

Jane and John McClellan

John J. McClellan

James McDonough

Margaret McDonough

Peggy McDonough

Michelle McKenzie

Nancy L. McLellan

John L. and Martha McManamy

Jennifer McManus

Kris McMillan

Barbara McMullan

Joseph and Helen McNabb

Sandy McQuade

Jane and Michael McSweeney

FY2023 Donors Continued......

Minuteman Landscape Supply LLC

Kathy and Russ Montal

Susan Moore

Morgan Stanley Gift Fund

Phyllis L. and Frederick E. Mueller

Thomas F. Mulvoy

Kevin Murphy

Robert Murphy

Russell and Sheila Murphy

Mutual of America

Linda Myers

Network for Good

Richard Newman

Newton Center Chiropractic

Barrett Nichols

Eleanor B. and Norman Nicholson, Jr. Noanet Charitable Fund

Norfolk County Sheriff's Office

Jeffrey A. Norton, MD

John Norton

Mary Norton

John O'Connell

Diane O'Donovan

Stephen Ohlson

Rae A. O'Leary

James A. and Elsie A. Olivett

Albert R. O'Neal III

Christopher and Ursula Page

Janet Palazzi

Pamela and Robert W. Palmer

Patricia J. Palmer

David and Mary Val Palumbo

Michael R. and Carolyn J. Paolini

Eileen Perreault

Luanne Perry

Thomas and Karen Perry

Sumner Peters

Zach Peterson

Norwood Elks Lodge 1124

Point32Health

Mike Poppers

Prio Wealth

Helen Provos

Lura Provost

Audrey Pulgini

Susan Ramsey

Mark Rebello

Nancy Reimer

Patricia S. Reisert

Arthur and Janet Rico

Paul Ridikas

Lisa and Ron Rigge

Roche Brothers Supermarkets

Lisa A. Rockett

Barbara Rogers

William and Paula Rollins

Frank and Rosa Rondinelli

Timothy and Cynthia Rowles

Steven Ruggieri

John Runnette

Ellen Russell

Carol Saffran

Clare Saia

Kate Sally

SAPPI North America, Inc.

Seven Cleaning

Cashel Scanlon

Laura Schmatzler

Dann Scoland

Deidre Scott

Valerie Scribner

Judith Scribner-Moore

Navil and Mary Sethna

Reginald Sethna

Christine Singer

Maria A. Sharpe

Shaws/Star Market - Give Back Where It Counts Program

Cierra Sheehan

John F. and Linda R. Sheehan

Shephard Family Fund

Rita Siegle

SimpliSafe

Rachel Slawsby

Anne Hughes Smith

David Smith

John E. and Patricia A. Smith

Una Smith

David and Lisa Sorgman

Miriam Sprague

Patricia and Thomas Starr

Charles H. and Elaine B. Steeger

George E. and Dorothy C. Stephenson

Douglas W. and Edith B. Stevens

Edward J. Stewart III

Stewart Title Foundation

Allan and Linda Stikeleather

Elaine Strug

Samantha Sturma

Mark Sudalter

Daniel and Katherine Sullivan

Sullivan Family Foundation

Supreme Energy

Janet M. Surrett

Swanson Contracting Co.

Elisabeth Sweet

Richard M. and Janie S. Sylte

Jason Thayer

Jim and Cindy Thompson

Joan Thompson

TisBest Philanthropy

Richard and Louise Toland

Michaela Tomlinson

Erin Trainor

Bonnie Traylor

Garrett M. Traylor

Bob Trethewey

Charles Tretter

John C. and Linda B. Trimble

Trinity Lutheran Church of Boston

Peter Tsolias

Greg Turner

Jillian Turpin

Bryan Tweed

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

Ralph Valente

Christine Van Zadelhoff

Maureen and Joseph Vinson

John M. and Patricia Viola

Karin Wade

Rose and Gregory Wagner

Mary C. and Peter D. Wallan

John N. and Jaynellen Walsh

Fred and Karen Warchol

Danielle Warzecki

Steve Waters

Douglas N. and Elizabeth B. Watson

Wegmans Food Markets

Ashley Wells

Harry E. Wells

Nan Westbrook

James P. and Anne H. Whealan

Walter D. and Mary Willert

Adolph and Barbara F. Wismar

Mathew and Sui Wong

Tom Woodhouse

Natalie Woodward

Anne S. Yas

Lenard Zohn

Rabbi Henry Zoob and

Barbara S. Zoob

Lifeworks 2023 Empower Celebration was a great highlight of year. It shined a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of the individuals we serve, while emphasizing the vital role our agency plays in supporting over 2300 people and their families. This support is made possible by the dedication and expertise of our exceptional staff.

The event, attended by over 275 guests, commenced with a vibrant reception, where attendees had the opportunity to admire the artworks on display at the Artists Gallery, showcasing the creative talents within our Lifeworks community. Renowned Emmy award-winning journalist, Heather Hegedus (pictured above), graced the occasion as our emcee. Heather, a former anchor for Fox 25 news, shared her personal connection to our mission, reflecting on her experiences with a family member who has autism and intellectual disabilities. Her poignant opening remarks set the tone for the evening, guiding us through a packed agenda with finesse.

Throughout the celebration, guests were treated to various highlights, including engaging silent and live auctions, and compelling video presentations spotlighting the invaluable work of our staff across different programs such as Day Habilitation, In-Home Supports, Family Support, and Community Residential Program. A roundtable discussion provided further insight into our mission, while the rolling slideshow featuring thank-you notes to staff underscored our appreciation for their unwavering commitment. Live presentations and the honoring of esteemed staff members Mike Fuller and Joanne Sarno-Smith, each celebrating 40 years of service, added to the evening's significance.

The proceeds generated from the Empower Celebration support the individuals and families in our care, bridging the gap left by state and federal funding. These funds enable us to provide essential resources such as advocacy, life skills training, social and recreational programs, educational materials, improvements to residential facilities, and assistance during individual and family emergencies. The impact of these resources extends far beyond financial support, enriching the lives of those we serve and fostering a community of empowerment and inclusion.

Lifeworks Statement of Financial Position as of 6-30-2023

Total Assets for Lifeworks were just shy of $43.5 million and are made up of cash, investments, and accounts receivable listed as current assets that are approximately $27 million. The remaining assets represent real estate holdings, net of depreciation, and long term investments of $16.5 million.

Total Liabilities for the organization were 14 million and comprise current liabilities that include accounts payable, accrued salaries & expenses, and current portion of long-term debt that is approximately $5.2 million. The remainder of the liabilities represent long-term debt in the form of a Mass Development Bond financed through Dedham Savings bank and other long term liabilities equaling $8.8 million.

Organizational net assets/fund balance is a little less than $30 million ($28 million without donor restrictions and $1 million with donor restrictions).

Lifeworks ended FY23 with a small deficit of just under $300K. Fortunately, our investments over the year were a gain of $2.4 million, which is made up of both realized and unrealized gains and losses for the year, which is consistent with the market.

Important Percentages to Note:

Revenue is primarily made up of program service fees which results in 90% of the total revenues.

On the expense side, Employee Compensation is 70% of this year’s expenses, followed by program support of 11%. Lifeworks administrative rate is 9.5% which is a very good rate. That translates that for every dollar Lifeworks spends, less than 9.5 cents is spent on the administration and overhead.