About Us

In 1972, the first employment training program—what we now call Lifeworks Employment Services—was launched. A year later, the landmark consent decree issued by Judge Joseph Tauro mandated the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to close state institutions and develop community-based options. In response, we opened one of the first community-based group homes in Sharon in 1975 and launched our first Day Habilitation program in 1977, located at the First Baptist Church in Westwood. That same year, we also established our Family Support Center to serve families across our twelve-town region.

As services grew and evolved, the Board of The Arc of South Norfolk created a second organization—Lifeworks—in 1989 to manage residential and employment services. Though Lifeworks and The Arc of South Norfolk operated as separate entities with their own boards, they remained closely connected and shared a mission. Over the next three decades, The Arc of South Norfolk expanded significantly, adding programs such as the Harbor Counseling Center, the Family Autism Center, the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC), and Community-Based Day Supports. Lifeworks also grew its footprint to include 19 residential homes, two employment centers, and two Day Habilitation programs.

In 2021, Lifeworks and The Arc of South Norfolk came full circle—merging to become one unified organization once again: Lifeworks, an affiliated chapter of The Arc. Today, Lifeworks serves more than 2,400 individuals and families across Greater Boston and the surrounding counties. Our team of over 400 staff remains committed to our mission of Advocacy, Empowerment, and Opportunity—ensuring that the people we support live full, meaningful lives in inclusive communities.