NORWOOD, Mass. (July 8, 2025) – Lifeworks, a nonprofit human services organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently received a generous $1,400 donation from Potters Place, a cooperative pottery studio based in Sharon, Mass. The donation was the result of Potters Place’s spring show and sale, during which members donated and sold their original handmade pottery—contributing 100% of the proceeds to benefit Lifeworks’ Arts in the Community programming.

Potters Place President Sandy Smith and studio member Joyce Lauro paid a visit to Lifeworks Employment and Community Based Day Services program in Norwood, Mass. to present the donation to MaryEllen Cameron, Lifeworks Director of Employment & Day Services, and Lisa Dwinnells, Assistant Program Director.

“We believe in the power of art to connect, inspire, and empower people of all abilities. Supporting Lifeworks is a natural fit for our values at Potters Place,” Sandy Smith.

This contribution reflects the impactful collaboration between Potters Place and Lifeworks. Over the past couple of years, members of the pottery studio have generously shared their talents to lead inclusive pottery workshops for participants in Lifeworks’ Community-Based Day Programs.

“This donation is a meaningful way for community partners like Potters Place to help us expand access to the arts and encourage creative expression. Our participants not only develop artistic skills, but also build confidence, independence, and community connections,”
said MaryEllen Cameron.

“They are so proud of the pieces they create and can’t wait to share their work with others. It brings them a lot of joy,”
added Lisa Dwinnells.

Lifeworks’ Arts in the Community program engages individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in enriching art experiences—from visual arts and performance to music and movement—within inclusive, public settings. These opportunities foster self- expression, personal growth, and meaningful inclusion in the cultural life of the community.

l to r: Lisa Dwinnells, MaryEllen Cameron, Joyce Lauro and Sandra Smith

Organizations or individuals interested in supporting Lifeworks through peer-to-peer fundraising events or collaborative initiatives can contact Dawna Gyukeri at dgyukeri@lifeworksarc.org for more information.