LivingWell’s Family Fun Day brings residents and their families together in an active and supportive way. Photo: LivingWell Disability Services
Orono Woodlands joins Living Well in its mission to help people with disabilities.
Across the Twin Cities, our 36 homes thrive on a stable foundation and shine with the warmth of friendship. For more than 50 years, Living Well Disability Services has strived every day to embody and reflect our nonprofit mission: “Transforming the lives of people with disabilities through the delivery of exceptional services.”
Living Well owns and operates homes across 20 neighborhoods, and also serves people outside of their permanent housing locations. The nonprofit is supported by more than 500 staff and 1,000 volunteers, serving more than 300 people. With a person-centered focus, details like home aesthetics, enrichment activities and daily care routines are customized for each resident with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities.
Making choices, whether that be participating in an art project, a performance, or learning a new board game, creates a sense of personal expression and empowerment, allowing people to have an impact on their environment.
In 2020, Living Well brought new facilities under its umbrella, including Orono Woodlands. April Stevens, program manager at the Orono facility, has worked at the facility for more than 20 years, years before it became part of the Living Well system. Stevens has seen and learned a lot during her years at the Orono facility, including how to build trusting relationships with residents and how to pivot when the pandemic halted many activities and visitors and affected staff numbers.
Making Valentine’s Day gifts in Orono Woodlands is one way to bring crafts to residents.
“I feel like the Orono Woodland and the people here have shaped my whole life into who I am today,” Stevens said.
Orono Woodlands is fortunate to have Trinity Lutheran Church next door. “The church has been a big supporter of ours for many years,” Stevens said. “They call and ask how things are going and bring leftovers from their events. [and] We ask residents if they have any wish lists to add to the donation tree for the holidays. They know our name. They have embraced Orono Woodlands. It’s wonderful to have that kind of support right next door.”
In addition to the ever-growing relationship with the church, Orono Woodlands has also received tremendous support from joining the Living Well network, Stevens said, “We have over 30 managers. [of the other Living Well homes]”We are all part of an organization of people who have the same heart, the same goals, the same obstacles as you. I can’t imagine a more mission-driven group of people.”
Many facilities welcome volunteers to play games, interact with residents, engage in conversation, prepare meals for the freezer, take part in garden therapy and other activities – the opportunities to get involved are endless.
LivingWell Disability Services
2100 County Road 6 N., Long Lake; 651.688.8808
Facebook: LivingWell Disability Services
Instagram: @livingwellds