Family Fun Day at Living Well brings residents and families together in active, supportive ways. Photo: Living Well Disability Services
Orono Woodlands joins Living Well in its mission to serve those with disabilities.
Throughout the Twin Cities, 36 homes thrive on a foundation of stability and glow with the warmth of friendship. For more than 50 years, Living Well Disability Services strives daily to embody and reflect the nonprofit’s mission, which is: “to transform the lives of people impacted by disabilities through the delivery of exceptional services.”
Living Well owns and operates homes that span 20 surrounding neighborhoods, in addition to serving others outside the permanent home locations. The nonprofit reaches over 300 people, supported by a staff of over 500 and a volunteer base of over 1,000. With a person-centered focus, details like the house’s aesthetic, enrichment activities and daily care routines are customized to serve each of the residents, who have intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities.
Whether it’s an art project, attending a performance or learning a new board game, making choices allows for individual expression and empowerment to impact their own environment.
In 2020, Living Well brought another home under its wing and welcomed Orono Woodlands as the newest addition to its roster. April Stevens, program manager of the Orono location, has worked at the location for over 20 years, including many years prior to it being a part of the Living Well system. Stevens has seen and learned a lot over the years in the Orono location, including how to build trust with residents and how to pivot when the pandemic halted many activities and visitors and impacted staffing levels.
Making gifts for Valentine’s Day at Orono Woodlands is one way to bring crafts to the residents.
“I think the Orono Woodlands and the people here have framed my entire life into what it is today,” Stevens says.
Orono Woodlands is fortunate to have Trinity Lutheran Church as a neighbor. “The church has been a backbone for many, many years,” Stevens says. “They call and check on us, bring over leftover food from events [and] ask if the residents have wish lists to add to their giving tree around holidays. They know us by name. They’ve embraced Orono Woodlands, and it’s amazing having that support right next door.”
In addition to the ever-blossoming relationship with the church, Orono Woodlands also gained a wealth of support when it came into the Living Well network. Stevens says, “There are 30 plus other managers [of the other Living Well homes], who can be thought partners and people to lean on. We’re all part of an organization of people, who all have the same heart that you have, same goals, same hurdles. I couldn’t imagine a more mission-driven group for this population.”
Many of the houses also welcome volunteers to play games, interact and converse with residents, make a few meals for the freezer or even participate in garden therapy and other activities. The opportunities for engagement are endless.
Living Well Disability Services
2100 County Road 6 N., Long Lake; 651.688.8808
Facebook: Living Well Disability Services
Instagram: @livingwellds
