Lifeworks

Lifeworks is a regional human services organization serving children, adults, and families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum conditions, and acquired brain injuries across South Norfolk County and Greater Boston. Headquartered in Westwood and founded in 1954 as an Arc affiliate, the organization has spent more than seven decades creating community-based living, employment, clinical care, and social opportunities that champion personal dignity, independence, and full community integration for every person served.

Residential services form a core pillar of the agency, encompassing more than 20 neighborhood group homes, supported apartments, and shared living arrangements located throughout southeastern Massachusetts communities. Each residence is staffed by compassionate direct support professionals who assist with daily life skills, medication administration, healthcare coordination, meal preparation, and community outings. These homes provide safe, fully accessible, and nurturing environments where individuals can build lasting friendships, develop independent living routines, and participate fully in local neighborhood life with dignity and personal choice.

Day habilitation and community-based day support programs provide structured daily routines focused on lifelong learning, sensory enrichment, creative expression, physical wellness, and civic participation. Day centers offer individualized therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and assistive technology training, while community support teams connect participants with volunteer projects, recreational facilities, and cultural venues across the region. Participants develop practical life skills, enhance social connections, and build confidence through active daily engagement in community life.

Employment services help adults achieve economic independence and personal fulfillment through career exploration, resume development, interview coaching, and customized job placement. Lifeworks collaborates with dozens of regional employers across retail, dining, corporate administration, warehousing, and light assembly sectors. Dedicated job coaches provide individualized on-site training and ongoing support to ensure long-term career growth, workplace success, and strong partnerships with local businesses.

Family support initiatives are anchored by the South Norfolk Autism Support Center, which provides comprehensive navigation, parent networking circles, sibling workshops, and sensory-friendly community gatherings. Lifeworks coordinates flexible family assistance, recreational outings, parent support groups, and educational seminars that empower families to navigate educational and adult support systems with confidence and community backing throughout every stage of life.

Clinical behavioral health care is available through Harbor Counseling Center, a licensed outpatient mental health clinic dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through psychotherapy, behavioral consultation, and specialized psychiatric care. These integrated clinical services ensure that individuals receive holistic care tailored to their unique emotional, developmental, and psychological needs in an affirming environment.

Individuals and family caregivers seeking services can connect with the Westwood intake team online or by telephone to schedule an assessment and tour regional facilities. Community members can get involved by applying for direct care positions, volunteering during social events, partnering as an inclusive business employer, or making tax-deductible donations to expand program accessibility across the Commonwealth.