What Lifeworks does

Lifeworks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1954 and headquartered at 789 Clapboardtree Street in Westwood, Massachusetts, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across Massachusetts. It operates an integrated portfolio of person-centered programs spanning Day Habilitation, Employment Services, Residential Living (19 group homes across the state), the Autism Support Center, the Family Support Center, the Harbor Counseling Center (outpatient mental health), Individual and Community Services (Adult Family Care, Individual Home Supports, Shared Living), the Social and Recreation Program (including Special Olympics), the Community-Based Day Program, and the ALEC (Autism Law Enforcement Coalition) training program. The agency serves approximately 2,300 individuals annually, delivers 100,000 hours of direct support, and secures 350 job placements per year through employer partnerships with organizations such as Siemens Healthineers, Big Y, Roche Bros., Shaw's, Walgreens, and Chartwells Higher Education at Babson.

Lifeworks' revenue model is primarily a government-funded pass-through: the majority of operating revenue comes from MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) waiver programs that fund residential supports, employment and community-based services, family support, autism services, and 100% of Day Habilitation, Adult Family Care, and Personal Care Assistance. Charitable donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants (including from Bailey's Team for Autism and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation) provide a secondary funding layer for programs, arts initiatives, and employee engagement. The organization does not sell a product or technology platform and does not disclose direct consumer pricing; services are accessed via state agency (DDS) referrals, advocacy, and family word-of-mouth.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors under President and CEO Dan Burke, with Amy Prewandowski as CFO, Richard Atkind as VP of Human Resources, Kay Lee Blanchard as VP of Clinical and Community Services, and Maureen Torraco as Clinical Director. It is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the U.S. and The Arc of Massachusetts, and is CARF-accredited and licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The October 2020 merger with The Arc of South Norfolk consolidated two formerly split agencies, and the organization has since expanded residential capacity by approximately 33% through the purchase and renovation of six additional properties.

Name

Lifeworks

Legal name

Lifeworks

Website

https://lifeworksarc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Lifeworks is a Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1954 that provides residential, day habilitation, employment, autism, family support, and counseling services to approximately 2,300 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities each year, funded primarily through MassHealth/Medicaid.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (621330), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Residential living programs
• Employment services
• Day habilitation programs
• Autism support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Westwood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (Medicaid/MassHealth): Lifeworks receives the majority of its revenue through MassHealth (Medicaid), which funds residential supports (50%), employment and community-based services (50%), family support and autism services (50%), Day Habilitation services (100%), Adult Family Services (100%), Personal Care Assistance programs (100%), and a majority of Harbor Counseling Program support. Over 500,000 individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts depend on Medicaid for essential services.
2. Donations and Grants: The organization receives charitable donations from individuals, families, corporate sponsors, and foundation grants to fund programs, employee engagement activities, arts programs, technology, and independent living supports.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Lifeworks is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides person-centered programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Massachusetts. Its core offerings include residential living (19 group homes), day habilitation, employment services with employer partnerships, autism support, family support, outpatient mental health counseling (Harbor Counseling Center), individual home supports, shared living, adult family care, and social/recreation programs including Special Olympics and arts programs. The organization serves approximately 2,300 individuals annually and is funded primarily through MassHealth/Medicaid contracts and charitable donations.

Product overview

Lifeworks is a non-profit human services organization offering a comprehensive suite of person-centered programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization operates as a single integrated service platform rather than a technology product, providing programs including the ALEC Program (training first responders on autism), Autism Support Center, Day Habilitation Programs, Employment Services, Family Support Center, Harbor Counseling Center (mental health services), Individual & Community Services (including Adult Family Care, Individual Home Supports, and Shared Living), Residential Living Programs (group homes), and Social & Recreation Programs (including Special Olympics and arts programs). These programs work together to support individuals across all life stages—from early intervention through adulthood—providing advocacy, empowerment, and opportunities for community inclusion and independence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ALEC Program (Autism Law Enforcement Coalition) Trains first responders and public safety professionals to respond effectively, safely, and compassionately to individuals on the autism spectrum. Designed for law enforcement agencies and first-responder organizations serving the autism community.
• Autism Support Center Provides support services for individuals with autism and their families, including peer groups, social activities, and community engagement programs. Targeted at individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families/caregivers.
• Day Habilitation Programs Day programs offering therapeutic activities, skill development, and community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities. Delivered at Lifeworks locations in Westwood, Norwood, and West Roxbury.
• Employment Services Job placement, job coaching, and employment support services connecting individuals with disabilities to meaningful work opportunities in the community. Delivered in partnership with employers including Siemens Healthineers, Big Y, Roche Bros., Walgreens, Shaw's, and Chartwells.
• Family Support Center Provides resources, guidance, and support services for families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. Includes respite, family caregiver support, and Intensive Family Supports Program.
• Harbor Counseling Center Outpatient mental health and counseling services including psychiatric care, psychiatric evaluations, psychopharmacological treatment, and both office-based and community-based therapeutic services for individuals and families.
• Individual & Community Services Includes Adult Family Care, Individual Home Supports, and Shared Living services that enable individuals to live independently in the community. Delivered in individuals' homes and community settings.
• Residential Living Program Group home and residential support services providing 24-hour care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Operates 19 residential homes across Massachusetts communities.
• Social & Recreation Program Recreational activities, sports programs, and social events including Special Olympics participation, arts programs, pottery, theatre arts, and community outings for individuals with disabilities.
• Community-Based Day Program Day programming that provides skill-building activities and community integration opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Funded in part by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,300 people served annually, 350 job placements secured, 100,000 hours of direct support provided each year

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and supporting.

• MetroWest Employment CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Partnership of service providers, government agencies, workforce development organizations, and employers working together to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Lifeworks recognized as MWEC Partner of the Year in 2025 and Wendy Elder received Most Engaged Member award.
• Shaw's SupermarketskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Shaw's was recognized as Lifeworks Employer of the Year in 2025 for their long-standing partnership providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Chartwells Higher Education at BabsonkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Employer of the Year in 2024, currently employs eight individuals in Babson College dining halls through Lifeworks Employment Services.
• The Arc of MassachusettscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLifeworks is an affiliated chapter of The Arc, continuing a 70-year history with The Arc of the U.S. and The Arc of Massachusetts. Joint advocacy efforts for funding and policies supporting people with disabilities.
• Siemens HealthineerskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2015, Siemens Healthineers in Walpole has employed people with developmental disabilities as a vital part of their culture. Individuals work in the shipping department, bringing positive attitudes and dedication to their roles.
• Big YkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing employer partner providing job placements for individuals with disabilities through Lifeworks Employment Services.
• Roche Bros. SupermarketkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term employer partner in West Roxbury where Lifeworks individuals have been employed for extended periods, including one individual for 22 years.
• Charles River CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts annual Legislative Breakfast with Lifeworks and Riverside Community Care to advocate for disability services funding.
• Bailey's Team for AutismsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant funding provided to support Lifeworks' Arts in the Community programs, promoting inclusive opportunities in art, pottery, and theatre arts.
• Doug Flutie Jr. FoundationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant funding supporting individuals participating in Lifeworks' Social & Recreation Program and Community-Based Day Services Program through arts initiatives.
• ASD Fit BostonsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner recognized with Lifeworks Community Partnership Award in 2025 for their role in strengthening the sports program.
• WalgreenskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner where individuals with disabilities like Anna Sweet have secured meaningful employment and grown into leadership roles.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of the United States: The national federation of which Lifeworks is an affiliated chapter. Directly comparable as the umbrella organization for disability advocacy and service provision; Lifeworks' Arc affiliation makes it the closest structural peer in the network.
• Sevita Health (formerly The MENTOR Network): Large national provider of home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; competes for MassHealth-funded residential and day programs across Massachusetts and operates at greater scale.
• BrightSpring Health Services: Public human services company providing home and community-based services including IDD support, behavioral health, and pharmacy services; competes for the same Medicaid waiver programs at greater scale and capital access than Lifeworks.

Direct peers

• Riverside Community Care: Massachusetts-based non-profit providing mental health, developmental disability, and community support services; co-hosts Legislative Breakfast with Lifeworks and serves overlapping populations in the greater Boston area.
• Charles River Center: Massachusetts non-profit serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities; co-hosts Legislative Breakfast with Lifeworks and competes for the same MassHealth-funded programs in the greater Boston region.
• Bay Cove Human Services: Boston-area non-profit providing residential, day, employment, and clinical services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs; directly competes for MassHealth contracts in the same geography.
• Vinfen: Massachusetts-based non-profit providing community-based services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and brain injuries; overlaps on residential, day habilitation, and supported employment services.
• Seven Hills Foundation: Massachusetts non-profit providing residential, day, employment, and clinical supports for individuals with IDD across the lifespan; comparable scale and service mix to Lifeworks.
• Aspire Health Alliance: Eastern Massachusetts non-profit providing developmental, behavioral health, and community-based services for individuals with disabilities; operates residential, day, and employment programs in adjacent geographies.
• The Price Center: Newton, MA non-profit serving individuals with IDD and autism; provides residential, day, and clinical services and is where Lifeworks' Clinical Director previously worked, indicating direct labor-market and programmatic overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LifeworksArc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@LifeworksArc
• Facebookfacebook.com/lifeworksarc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lifeworks-arc
• Instagraminstagram.com/lifeworksarc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lifeworks