Author: Wendy Keegan

The best kept
Secret In
Cowlitz County

Helping people with disabilities and disadvantages make life work.

Did you know...

Since 1980, Life Works has been supporting people with developmental disabilities to live in our community. Did you know that we are one of the largest non-profit organizations in Cowlitz County? Check out these facts about the best kept secret in Cowlitz County!

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Life Works has 17 residential programs that serve children and adults with developmental disabilities in the Longview-Kelso area. These homes look just like any other home in your neighborhood.

TOP EMPLOYER
Life Works employs more than 220 staff. We offer benefits to full-time employees, great training opportunities, career progression, and flexible work schedules.

Expanding to meet community needs
In 1993, we expanded our services to meet the needs of families of children with developmental disabilities by opening the CRIS Children’s Group Home. We now have 2 children’s homes. Fulfilling the needs of children with disabilities and their families are our most sought after services at this time.
In 2000, Life Works partnered with the United Way of Cowlitz County to begin the Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network. The AmeriCorps team works with non-profits and schools to enhance the missions of these organizations.
Life Works merged with ADC-Pathways to Employment as of January 1 of 2009 to provide supported employment services to people with disabilities.

One of the largest non-profits in Cowlitz County
Life Works’ current budget is approximately $5.75 million, with more than 80% of the funding from contracts for services with the Washington State Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Over 91% of the agency’s budget is used for client care and services.

Our Donors Make it all possible

You made it possible for a family to know that their child with developmental disabilities is cared for now and in the future. You helped hundreds of school children achieve academic success. You helped a person achieve a drug free life. You helped a person purchase a home. You assisted a person to find a job that is fulfilling, and to learn self-sufficiency. These are just a few of the instances where your gifts have an impact on the lives of so many.
With your continued partnership, we can maintain and enhance services. Thank you for your donations, and your commitment to the citizens of Cowlitz County.

Individual donors

Grantors/Businesses

Harold and Marnie Alexander
Pam Alexander
Jerry Anches
Jim and Evelyn Anshutz
Suzanne Arnits
Paul and Cathy Barr
Joann Bordeaux
Bradtrud-Middleton Insurance
Melvina Brittle
Barry and Kathy Chappelle
Jim and Rita Chrispin
Margaret Chrispin
Matthew and Susan Chrispin
Chris and Lana Collins
Craig Collins – Collins Architectural
Larry and Penny Cox
Jeanette Culkins
Laurie Dundas
Arlene Ehrlich, MSW
Gene and Corinne Farrell
Christina Fennimore
Maryanne Gennette
George and Barbara Grashin
Howard Grashin
Nancy Hester
James Hitezmann
Bob and Barbara Howard
Stanley and Frances Jaffe
Marti and Bob Johnson
Tony Johnson
Dale and Wanda Jones
Dottie Koontz
Jan Langenbach
Allan and Rita Lawson
Wing and Sing Leong
Darcie Lessante
Vicki Martin
Benjamin and Lois Mayers
Jack McCoy
Marilyn McGhee
Jean McCrimmon
Burt and Polly Mendlin
Bernie Minsk
Carmen Mockrud
Tom and Frankie Nelson
Steve and Mimi Preedy
Larry and Alice Preedy
Bob and Risa Prizas
Duke Rogers
Richard and Ann Setter
Donald and Ruby Stauffers
Pete and Joyce St. Denis
John Spencer Stewart
Ernest and Doris Stiefel
Jim and Lori Swanson
Don and Velma Swisher
Holly Tirrell
Janet Turner
Bernard and Florence Wall
Janet Willemarck
Richard and Barbara Wollenberg
Sam and Shirley Zarkin

Altrusa International of Longview/Kelso
Arc of Clark County
City of Kelso
City of Longview
Columbia Ford/Chrysler
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
CTED – Housing Trust Fund
Curt Warner Foundation
DeFrancisco, Lampit, and Brado
Dollar Tree District Center – DC7
Entek B&B
Evans-Kelly Family Foundation
Financial Dimensions
Georgia Pacific
Health Care Foundation
Kiewit Pacific
Lakeside Industries
Lapic Living Trust
Longview Early Edition Rotary
Longview Noon Rotary
Longview Junior Service League
McCord Bros Nissan Dodge
SWIFT
United Way of Cowlitz County
Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation
Wilcox & Flegel
Woods Furnishings

Open up the possibilities

The Life Works website is a great place to learn about the services we provide. The site has links to a variety of information regarding developmental disabilities, Autism, and community resources.

Go to www.lifeworkswa.org to explore the possibilities!