Fall 2025

This summer, the residents of Howard Ave and their neighbors came together to bring new life to an old tradition—the community garden. Once a lively gathering spot filled with flowers and vegetables, the garden had been left undeveloped for several years. But thanks to the dedication of the neighborhood and the enthusiasm of the residents, it has been beautifully revived. 

The project began with plenty of hard work. Overgrown trees and shrubs were cleared, the land was cleaned and leveled, and new pathways and sitting areas were created. Raised beds were then built and planted with an array of flowers, herbs, and fresh vegetables. Week by week, the space transformed into a vibrant garden full of growth and activity. 

Beyond the plants themselves, the garden has fostered something even more meaningful: connection. Residents and neighbors worked side by side, sharing tools, tips, and laughter as they nurtured the garden together. One neighbor said, “The garden has brought us closer together. We’ve made new friends and discovered how much fun it is to work as a team.” The collaboration has deepened relationships and turned the home’s backyard into a welcoming space for everyone. 

The rebirth of the garden is more than just a summer project—it’s a reminder that Lifeworks residences are not simply houses, but true homes. Here, there is a sense of community belonging where you can build connections, enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

On August 27, more than 175 athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers came together for Lifeworks’ Annual Sports Banquet—a night filled with dinner, dancing, speeches, and celebration. The energy in the room was electric as we honored the accomplishments of our athletes, recognized the dedication of our coaches and volunteers, and highlighted the spirit of community that makes our Social and Recreation Program so special. 

This year marked several exciting firsts. Lifeworks presented two new awards—the Community Partnership Award to ASD Fit Boston and the Volunteer Award to Jackson McMorrow—recognizing the important role our partners and volunteers play in strengthening the sports program. We also celebrated the addition of a new Special Olympics sport, Cheerleading, with athletes receiving their very first awards in this category. 

Trophies were presented across all Lifeworks sports, recognizing outstanding achievements in categories such as Most Improved, Team Spirit, Coaches Award, and Sportsmanship. From bowling and basketball to softball, bocce, cornhole, and floor hockey, each award reflected the hard work, perseverance, and passion of our athletes. Special recognition was also given through the Ben Keister Award to Kayla Justice and the Continuous Support Award to Alice McWade for their long-standing commitment to Lifeworks athletics. 

There were many memorable moments, including one of the athletes singing a song and of course a bounty of raffles generously donated by local businesses, athletes, and their families. Proceeds from the raffle go right back into supporting the Social and Recreation programs. Of course, no Lifeworks banquet would be complete without a packed dance floor and this year was no exception! From start to finish, it was a joyful celebration of teamwork, community, and the spirit of sport. 

What a day! Under sunny skies and perfect late-summer weather, the annual Lifeworks Cornhole Tournament took over the front parking lot of McMorgan’s Pub in Sharon on Saturday, September 13.

The event drew together friends, families, and supporters from across Lifeworks, while McMorgan’s patrons added to the lively, spirited atmosphere. Twenty-two teams tossed their way through friendly (but fierce!) competition as enthusiastic fans cheered from the sidelines and the pub’s deck.

Raffle prizes added an extra buzz, with many McMorgan’s guests stopping by to purchase tickets, meet the Lifeworks community, and learn more about our programs.

This year’s big winners:
🥇 First Place – The unstoppable mother-and-son duo, Linda and Mason Young
🥈 Second Place – Tough competitors David Smith and Spencer McCourt

The day was filled with great throws, loud cheers, and lots of laughter—all captured in photos that show the spirit of community and connection at the heart of Lifeworks.

The heart of Lifeworks is the people we serve—and no one is more vital to that mission than our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Each day, DSPs provide essential care, guidance, and encouragement to help the individuals in our Lifeworks community enjoy happy lives with dignity, independence, and joy.

Every September, the nation pauses to recognize these extraordinary professionals during DirectSupport Professional Appreciation Week. At Lifeworks, we believe one week simply isn’t enough—which is why we extend the celebration to two weeks!

This year, our celebration included food and ice cream trucks at our three office/day program locations, special delivery catered lunches for all residential staff, and daily drawings for gift cards—60 lucky staff members were the recipients of $50 Target gift cards. Most importantly, it was a chance to say “thank you” for the compassion, dedication, and creativity our DSPs bring to their work every day.

Our staff are like no other—and we are grateful for them not just during DSP Week, but all year long. Acknowledgment and support from our families always brings a smile, so if you happen to see one of our wonderful staff, we welcome you to give them a round of applause!

Here are a few highlights from this year’s celebration:

On a beautiful July day, colleagues, families, and friends gathered in the Jane Smith Community Room to celebrate this year’s Lifeworks Scholarship Award recipients. Each year, Lifeworks is proud to award scholarships to students and employees pursuing studies in special education or related fields. These scholarships not only honor the legacy of those for whom they are named but also invest in the next generation of professionals committed to advancing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Laughter, music, and celebration filled the ballroom at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood on October 3rd, as more than 400 people gathered for the Lifeworks Employment Services (LES) Annual Banquet. The much-anticipated event brought together individuals supported by LES, their families, employers, and Lifeworks staff for an evening of recognition, fun, and community spirit.

Guests enjoyed dinner, raffle prizes, and plenty of dancing, with DJ Chris Morris keeping the energy high throughout the night. The evening also featured a special performance by the Lifeworks Theatre Group, directed by Laura Canfield, showcasing the creativity and confidence of participants.

Awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements in several categories, including Employment Skills, Teamwork, Most Improved, and Life Enhancement. The program also honored this year’s Employer of the Year, Shaw’s Supermarkets, for their long-standing partnership in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals supported by Lifeworks. Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Anthony and Claire Calderone Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrated significant vocational growth and success. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!

In her welcoming remarks, Lisa Dwinnells, Associate Director of Lifeworks Employment Services in Norwood, shared her appreciation for everyone’s hard work and commitment throughout the year. Insert Lisa Dwinnells quote here

President and CEO Dan Burke reflected on the growth of the Employment Services program and the importance of community partnerships.

“Each year, we see more individuals achieving their employment goals, gaining confidence, and making meaningful contributions in the workplace,” said Burke. “These successes are possible because of the dedication of our staff, the support of families, and the commitment of employers who share our belief in inclusion and opportunity for all.”

Lifeworks Employment Services continues to make great strides, with more than 160 individuals working in community jobs and more than 170 participating weekly in Life Enhancement activities that promote wellness, education, and volunteerism.

The banquet was a joyful reminder of how employment fosters independence, confidence, and inclusion and how, together, the Lifeworks community continues to create opportunities that inspire possibility every day.