Winter Potpourri: A Season of Connection and Celebration
This past Halloween, a room in our Westwood office transformed into a haunted space filled with eerie games and surprises! Staff and individuals had a blast exploring the spooky setup—afterwards, enjoying healthy snacks and hot cocoa at the Warren Bistro. Meanwhile, our Social & Recreation Program hosted a lively evening of Mini Golf and snacks at McGolf in Dedham. Shout out to Ryan for bringing Halloween-themed Oreos and for putting TWO holes in one! It was a fantastic night of fun and friendly competition.
With spirited cheers and plenty of team pride, Lifeworks Eagles Cheer Team brought their energy and enthusiasm to Gillette Stadium for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts State Flag Football Tournament. The tournament was a great opportunity to see the support that Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) provides to our community, fostering inclusion and camaraderie for all.
Lifeworks received a generous donation of winter essentials, including hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks, from the congregants of St. John of Damascus Church in Dedham, MA. Over 100 individuals benefited from the thoughtful gifts, ensuring they stayed warm this winter.
The arts took center stage at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center in Foxboro, where the LES Theater Group and participants of the Creative Workshop Series experienced the magic of live theater. Performers lit up the stage with excerpts from The Lion King, The Nutcracker, and a special Talent Show, showcasing their creativity, passion, and hard work. These performances provided a fantastic opportunity for our community to shine.
Lifeworks’ Arts in the Community programs, which promote inclusive opportunities in art, pottery, and theatre arts, continue to thrive thanks to the generous support of our community partners. We extend our sincere appreciation to Bailey’s Team for Autism and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for their grant funding, which helps make these vital programs possible. Their contributions directly support individuals participating in Lifeworks’ Social & Recreation Program and Community-Based Day Services Program, fostering creativity, self-expression, and connection.
During the Gap Week Teen Dropoff Event, teens enjoyed Patriot Place, where they were able to explore the Hall of Fame and the incredible Lighthouse Experience.
Our Explorers program continues to offer exciting outings and activities throughout the season. From a sightseeing boat tour with the Charles River Boat Company in Cambridge to an adventurous trip to Newport, where they took a brief walk along the Cliff Walk, participants had the chance to experience new sights and environments. The group also visited Capron Park Zoo, went pumpkin picking and tackled a challenging corn maze at Wojcik’s Farm in Blackstone.
Indoors, Explorers got creative by baking delicious holiday treats, crafting tissue paper wreaths, playing board games in the Jane Smith Community Room, and making bean mosaic canvases—a fun and unique artistic activity.
The Autism Support Center also embarked on an exciting adventure to Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Boston! Families explored interactive exhibits, discovered iconic props and costumes, and immersed themselves in the Wizarding World, creating magical memories together.
Lastly, team Lifeworks took the plunge. Kevin, Kat, Tracey, Michael, Jackson, John, and Lou braved the icy waters for the Polar Plunge, showing their dedication and support for our athletes. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and cheered us on. Funds raised from this event support our athletes who participate in the Games of the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Thanks to all who help create more opportunities for our community! From everyday activities to big adventures, this winter at Lifeworks was a season of joy, learning, and connection. As we reflect on these meaningful experiences, we remain committed to Shaping Tomorrow Together—creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and building a future full of possibilities for the individuals we support.
Celebrating Success at the Lifeworks Employment Services Banquet
The annual Employment Services Banquet once again shined a bright light on the dedication and achievements of hard-working employees and the businesses that support inclusive employment. This year’s banquet, held in November at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood, welcomed 400 guests for a night of recognition and celebration.
Kudos to all the recognition recipients. Awards were presented to:
Employment Skills Award ~ Laquan T.
Dependable Employee Award ~ John B.
Team Work Award ~ Mike F.
Most Improved Award ~ Madeline Q.
Life Enhancement Achievement Award – Denis G.
Individual Employment Award ~ Stephanie H.
Anthony and Clair Calderone Award ~ Jessica D.
The Employer of the Year honor went to awarded to Chartwells Higher Education at Babson, a food service company that currently employs eight individuals in the Babson College dining halls. The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to honoree Lifeworks Board of Directors member, Tom Ehrard.
The evening was filled with delicious dining, enthusiastic cheers for award recipients, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Guests enjoyed great music, lively dancing, and exciting raffle prizes, making it a truly memorable celebration of workplace success and community support.
Lifeworks extends our heartfelt appreciation to our community employer partners and congratulates all the individuals who have reached one year or more in their jobs! Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable. They are:
- Steven S. -Mansfield Shredding
- Kate S. -Briarwood Senior Living
- Sharon M. -Stop & Shop-Norwood
- Juan M. -Shaw’s-Sharon
- Brianna S. – Shaw’s-Sharon
- ED D. -Shaw’s- Norwood
- John M. -Trillium Brewery
- Stanley O. – Top Golf
- Erik W, -MIT Endicott
- Falvey – MIT Endicott
- Ryan M. -Society St. Vincent DePaul
- Philip C.G. – Alimed
- Wuenfril D. – Compass-Moderna
- Jovan K. – Wegman
- Jin L. – CVS
- Shae M. – Green Rabbit
- Meir S. – Aramark-BU
- Katie W. Roche Brothers Supermarket
- Timothy C. – Home Depot/Star Market
Chartwells/Compass at Babson:
- Ryan M.
- Efrain O.
- Michael W.
- Dashawn G.
- Vincent B.
- Stephen M.
- Jason S.-C.
- Alize C.
AVI Food Service-Wellesley
- Oberon B.
- Sherry G.
- Xiao W.
- Jessica D.
- Davant G.
2025 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The Lifeworks 2025 Scholarship Application is now open! Applications must be submitted by May 15th, 2025. This scholarship is available to students pursuing studies in Special Education, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received one of these scholarships and those with a strong connection to the geographic area served by Lifeworks. To apply, scan the QR code or visit the provided URL. Applications can be submitted via email to dgyukeri@lifeworksarc.org or mailed/dropped off at Lifeworks, 789 Clapboardtree St., Westwood, MA 02090. For more information, visit lifeworksarc.org/get-involved/.
HR NEWS
Exciting HR Team Updates: New Leadership, Roles, and Team Members at Lifeworks
Marco Caserta, and Richard Atkind
Lifeworks is pleased to share exciting updates from our Human Resources team, including new leadership, promotions, and key hires that will enhance employee support and engagement across the organization.
Leadership the Way
At the helm of our HR team is Richard Atkind, who joined Lifeworks in fall 2024 as our Vice President of Human Resources. With over 40 years of experience in human resources management, Richard leads Lifeworks’ initiatives in employee relations, recruitment, retention, compensation, diversity, and performance. His leadership fosters innovative recruitment strategies, strengthens staff training programs, and furthers our commitment to an inclusive workforce.
Ursula Page, Retention and Benefits Manager
Congratulations to Ursula Page, who has been promoted to Retention and Benefits Manager from her previous role as HR Coordinator. Ursula will oversee the employee lifecycle at Lifeworks, focusing on benefits offerings, employee engagement, and retention strategies.
Priscilla Robinson, Human Resources Manager
We welcome Priscilla Robinson as our new Human Resources Manager! With 22 years of HR experience, Priscilla will drive performance management, oversee employee relations, and review Lifeworks’ compensation practices. She will also update our employee handbook, focusing on performance and conduct policies.
Marco Caserta, Recruiting Manager
Marco Caserta recently joined Lifeworks as our Recruiting Manager. Marco brings expertise in modernizing recruiting strategies and enhancing diversity efforts across all levels of the organization. He will manage the Applicant Tracking System within Paycor to streamline hiring processes and help fill open positions efficiently.
Donna Jacobsen, HR Administrator
Donna Jacobsen will continue her role as the HR Administrator. She provides the HR team with essential infrastructure and operational support needed to keep the wheel spinning.
For any HR-related inquiries, employees can reach out at HR@lifeworksarc.org.
Join us in welcoming the newest Members of the Lifeworks Team!
(October 8, 2024-March 5, 2025)
Kimberly Albiani, Payroll and Compensation Manager, Business Office
Henry Amadi, Substitute Teacher Counselor, Relief
Lurdes Arruda, Substitute Teacher Counselor, Relief
Maria Barbosa, Case Manager, Individual Home Supports
Wissam Bou Aoun, Driver, Transportation
Erika Brusoke, Awake Overnight Teacher Counselor, Residential
Robert Canfield, Substitute Job Coach, LES-Norwood
Marco Caserta, Recruiting Manager, Human Resources
Sara Costa, Case Manager, LES-Boston
Dijiaura Dixon, Case Manager, LES-Norwood
Richard Donovan, Case Manager, LES-Boston
Marie Dorismar, Home Health Aide, Residential
Adam Enos, Case Manager, LES-Boston
Syggnong Eveillard, Driver, Transportation
Julia Flanagan, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Maria Gerasimova, Case Manager, Day Habilitation
Cheyenne Helmersen, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Julie Hollis, Clinician, Harbor Counseling
Chistopher Homer, Maintenance, Maintenance Department
Sean Igoe, Case Manager, Individual Home Supports
Hannah Jamieson, Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential
James Jennings, Job Coach, LES-Boston
Patricia Jerome, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Patrick Kelley, Case Manager, LES-Boston
Alexandra Konovalova-Taylor, Awake Overnight Teacher Counselor, Residential
Guyorguy Laguerre, Job Coach, LES-Boston
Zachary Lavoie, Case Manager, Individual Home Supports
Justin Malek, Case Manager, LES-Boston
Natania Martins, Assistance Case Manager, Day Habilitation
Alice Masser, Registered Nurse, Administration
John McDonald, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Nadine Muhammad, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Olukayode Oyebanjo, Substitute Teacher Counselor, Relief
Karen Paquette, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Suze Rene, Teacher Counselor, Residential
Priscilla Robinson, Human Resources Manager, Human Resources
Fatima St. Hilaire, Autism Support Broker, Autism Support Center
Abigail Strug, Skills Instructor, Family Support
Brittney Sutton, Skills Instructor, Family Support
Alistair Trotman, Skills Instructor, Family Support
Jahana Watt, Assistance Program Manager, Residential
Ronald Wedge, Maintenance Coordinator, Maintenance Department
DEVELOPMENT
For the Love of JJ: Our Family’s Lifeworks Legacy
My love affair with Lifeworks began over 40 years ago when my husband Jack and I were searching for help for JJ, our young son who was diagnosed with autism. As young parents ourselves, we were distraught by the lack of programs and resources available at the time. That’s when we turned to Lifeworks, known then as SNCARC, a small organization in Norwood offering a wealth of advocacy, advice, and support.
Their help felt monumental. Lifeworks became our lifeline, and we called on them often. Over the years, as Lifeworks expanded its programs, our family benefited immensely. One unforgettable moment came when JJ, at age 14, cut the ribbon to open the Autism Support Center at Lifeworks’ Westwood location.
As JJ grew, his needs evolved, and Lifeworks was always there. At 22, they helped him transition from school to work, finding him a job and providing counseling. The family support Lifeworks offered was invaluable, and we were grateful to have help just a phone call away. Though I longed to volunteer, my full-time job prevented me from giving back at that time.
Years later, as I prepared for retirement, my focus shifted to finding adult housing options for JJ. Once again, Lifeworks was our first stop. My husband and I met with Dan and Chris (Lifeworks current President/CEO and COO, respectively) to explore possibilities, and together, we developed a five-year plan. Following their advice, we purchased a condo in Norwood Center and introduced JJ to it—though he was initially reluctant to leave our family home.
Through Lifeworks’ Individual Home Support (IHS) program, JJ began socializing with others living independently. In the meantime, we rented his condo at an affordable rate to another person served by Lifeworks in need of housing. It was incredibly rewarding. By the end of the five years, JJ, encouraged by his new friends, was ready to move into his own condo.
After retiring, I joined the Lifeworks Board of Directors and began volunteering. I gained a deeper understanding of the organization, witnessing firsthand the dedication of its staff and administration. My admiration for their work only grew, and my husband and I knew we wanted to contribute more.
We revised our wills, making Lifeworks the beneficiary of JJ’s condo and trust fund. I was initially nervous about how our daughter might react, but her response was immediate and supportive: “Of course. They’re the ones who have taken care of JJ all these years. That’s great—it makes perfect sense.”
Her words affirmed what we already knew in our hearts: this decision was the right one. We may not be here to see it, but we have peace of mind knowing our gift will help carry forward the vital support Lifeworks provides.
Lifeworks has been our steadfast partner through every stage of JJ’s life. Now, as senior citizens, we lean on them more than ever. We stand on the shoulders of the parents who dreamed and founded Lifeworks, and it’s our turn to carry it forward for future generations. Through planned giving, we’re ensuring Lifeworks thrives for children and families yet to come.
It makes sense. And it feels great.
Jane McClellan
ADVOCACY
Join Us for the 2025 Legislative Breakfast!
Lifeworks is once again partnering with the Charles River Center to host a Legislative Breakfast on Friday, March 21st. We invite you to be part of this important advocacy event!
Location: Charles River Center
Check-in: 8:00 a.m.
Program: 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Use the QR code or URL to register.
Agencies across Massachusetts, including Lifeworks, are working tirelessly to advocate for essential funding and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Your voice matters—join us in making an impact!
Here’s how you can help:
Contact your local legislators
Attend advocacy events
Speak up for your loved ones
We hope to see you on March 21st!
MEDICAID
BUY LIFEWORKS GEAR AT SQUADLOCKER
Did you know that Lifeworks has an online company store? You can now buy a hoodie, water bottle, or many other Lifeworks-branded products and have them shipped directly to you. Looking for a specific product you couldn’t find on the store site? Let me know and I may be able to add it to our collection.