About LifeWorks

Mission

LifeWorks provides comprehensive services to promote the healthy emotional development of children and families throughout Sonoma County.

Vision

LifeWorks is a vital force in helping children and families to become successful thriving members of our community.

Core Values

We believe every child has the right to develop in a loving, safe, secure, and nurturing environment.
We respect individuals in their capacity to flourish, thrive, and grow.
We believe in the resiliency of children, when provided with a supportive environment.
We believe in strength-based programs that utilize clients' existing strengths and assets.
We believe every child shall benefit from creative and empowering approaches that incorporate partnerships between families, community resources, public and private agencies.
We believe in prevention and early intervention, understanding the importance of providing families with education and the skills necessary to succeed.

Programs

LifeWorks programs are offered in school, home and community settings throughout Sonoma County. Services are provided through the establishment of five distinct, yet complementary programs, spanning a range of mental health counseling and educational services.

Choices for Change provides prevention education for children and families at risk for substance abuse.
Transitions@LifeWorks increases the self-sufficiency and success of young adults with Asperger's Syndrome (an autism related condition) & Nonverbal Learning Disabilities.
Family Education Center provides primary prevention parent education.
School-Based Counseling Program serves students, identified as emotionally challenged, and their families.
Lifeworks Behavioral Services & Nanny707 serves children and their families struggling with severe behavior problems.
El Puente (The Bridge) is a prevention/intervention program offering at-risk and gang-affiliated youth an alternate structure to support a healthy transition to adulthood.

History

LifeWorks, originally designated as CIL/PSI Special Services, formed in 1996 as a non-profit organization in Sonoma County to offer a spectrum of services that would fulfill a Systems of Care (SOC) federal grant providing comprehensive mental health services to children identified as severely emotionally disturbed. A collaboration between Sonoma County Mental Heath Services and Sonoma County Office of Education, this grant was designed with the intention of serving students who were mandated to have therapeutic services with an efficient, yet intensive program. Services at that time included full time placement of clinicians in each County ED (emotionally disturbed) classroom, after-school support services for those identified as at risk of developing mental and behavioral disorders, psychiatric and psychological services and ultimately family counseling and Wrap-Around services.

Following six years of success as a one-program organization, LifeWorks recognized the importance of collaboration within the community of non-profit, social service organizations and began to broaden the continuum of programs offered to the community. Rather than duplicating services already offered, LifeWorks began to partner and merge with already established programs in Sonoma County. As a result of this decision, today LifeWorks offers five programs representing the range of family oriented therapeutic and educational services.

Programs and Services Goal

LifeWorks will continue to provide quality, comprehensive, mental health and educational services that are responsive to the diverse needs of the community. Continuing to preserve the cornerstone of collaboration rather then duplication, LifeWorks will be responsive to community needs, adapting as necessary, to the ever-changing social environment.

Meet Our LifeWorks Team