Lifeworks Opens Program For Those With Complex Medical Needs

Westwood-based nonprofit Lifeworks, Inc. opened a new residential program in Westwood earlier this month. The program is designed to provide medical and social supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new residential program is the result of a partnership between Lifeworks, Massachusetts’ Department of Developmental Services (DDS), MassHealth, the Town of Westwood, and The Green Company. The Green Company, a real estate firm based in Newton, MA, donated the land.

The residential program is located in a new five-bedroom house in Westwood. Its design is supportive of individuals with complex medical needs. The program will be staffed around the clock by nurses and direct care staff. The home is expected to reach its full occupancy of five residents during the fall of 2020.

“This project was an unprecedented collaboration between a person-centered human service provider, innovative state agencies, a welcoming town government and a community-minded developer,” said Daniel Burke, president and CEO of Lifeworks. “Together we have shown how a residential program can be done right for the community and even better for the individuals we serve. We are all proud to make this their home.”

Later this year, the Town of Westwood plans to accept municipal ownership of the property where the Lifeworks residence is located. The residence is on the site of the former Westwood Lodge.

According to documents surrounding the vote from the Finance and Warrant Committee's Town Meeting Guide “Assuming a vote in favor of this article the Town has been in negotiations with Lifeworks, Inc. for a 99-year lease of the property with an option for additional years.

"This arrangement also has many favorable aspects. One, the Town will have control over the agreement with Lifeworks vs. being an interested third party. Second, the negotiations ensure the Town that the 5 units are eligible as affordable units in our 40B calculations in virtual perpetuity. Third, this enhances the Town’s intent to be a welcoming community to persons with disabilities. Finally, abutter testimony to the Finance & Warrant Commission is that this arrangement is more secure with Town ownership vs. another party that may not always share the same intentions as the Town for this parcel."

“The Department of Developmental Services always strives to improve the quality of life for the individuals we serve and increase their access to services in the community and was pleased to partner with Lifeworks and the families who passionately advocated for the creation of this specialized home,” said DDS Commissioner Jane Ryder. “By engaging the community and listening to families, Lifeworks was able to create this innovative, specialized group home, which will make an incredible difference in how we serve this vulnerable and complex population and their families.”

Earlier this year, The ARC of South Norfolk’s (previously known as SNARC) and Lifeworks, Inc.’s Boards of Directors announced that as of October 1, 2020 they will be combining into one human service agency. The combined agency will be known as Lifeworks Arc.

“We are honored to be able to participate in the creation of the Lifeworks group home as part of our affordable housing commitment to the Town of Westwood,” said Daniel Green, president of the Green Company, developer of The Homes at 45, a new neighborhood of 55-plus condominium townhomes in Westwood. “It is gratifying to be able to have such a positive impact on the individuals who now live there and on the community of Westwood as a whole.”