‘First-of-its-kind’ Center for Disability Inclusion Opens in New Hope
Lifeworks Services, a Twin Cities nonprofit, opened what officials describe as a first-of-its-kind facility in Minnesota for people with disabilities.
Officials and dignitaries celebrated the grand opening Thursday of the new Center for Disability Inclusion in New Hope, located at 7508 42nd Ave. N.
“This is the first so you are witness to history right here,” said Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, CEO of Lifeworks Services, in an interview with CCX News.
The New Hope facility will help people with disabilities access job training, employment and support services. It’s also a place to help families navigate the often complex disability services system.
Matemba-Mutasa said it will not only help serve families in the northwest metro, but also families across the state.
“Think of this as a hub for anyone who has a disability in their families to be able to receive their services and the supports that they need,” said Matemba-Mutasa.
City dignitaries joined representatives of Lifeworks Services Thursday to celebrate the New Hope grand opening.
Advocates for people with disabilities say their clients are part of an “untapped workforce.” Employers can use the center too as a way to connect with potential workers.
“People with disabilities bring so much value to our communities,” said Matemba-Mutasa. “We talk about the workforce shortage, and most people with disabilities are unemployed and they want to work.”
The Center for Disability Inclusion in New Hope is the first of three locations in Minnesota that Lifeworks plans to open in 2025.
According to its website, Lifeworks now serves more than 4,000 people annually.
