Lifeworks

Lifeworks Inc. is a Massachusetts-based provider of advocacy, support services, and community programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Rooted in a legacy spanning nearly seven decades, Lifeworks operates as a separate legal entity affiliated with The Arc of South Norfolk, sharing common managemen... t and a unified mission to champion the rights and dignity of people with developmental disabilities while delivering quality, person-centered services. The organization traces its origins to 1954, when a group of concerned parents, dissatisfied with the limited options available at the timeinstitutional placement or full-time home care with no external supportbegan meeting regularly to advocate for alternatives and community-based solutions. This grassroots effort led to the establishment of The Arc of South Norfolk and the creation of pioneering programs including one of the first clinical nurseries, day care services for children, and summer camp programs in Massachusetts during the 1960s. As a member of The Arc of Massachusetts, a statewide coalition of Arc organizations, Lifeworks became instrumental in securing landmark legal, legislative, and regulatory protections for individuals with developmental disabilities, including instrumental work toward Chapter 766, the nation's first Special Education law. This foundational commitment to systemic change and individual advocacy has positioned Lifeworks as a leader in the disability services sector, combining direct service delivery with ongoing efforts to expand rights, access, and community integration for the populations it serves. The organization's dual-board governance structure ensures both organizational independence and strategic alignment, enabling Lifeworks to maintain its core mission while adapting services to meet evolving community needs across the South Norfolk region and beyond.Read More