Who are we?

Life’sWork of Western PA is a not-for-profit charitable organization. We are honored to have served the communities of Southwestern Pennsylvania for 85 years — with more than 100,000 people served since inception.

What do we do?

Our mission, which has existed over three generations, is to assist people with disabilities or other barriers to employment to achieve independence and dignity through productive employment opportunities.

How do we do it?

Business services: Life’sWork provides cost-effective business services such as printing, mailing, assembly and packaging to hundreds of area companies, employing more than 200 individuals on a full-time basis and generating revenue for programs and services. Fees for service: Vocational services are usually funded by a third party referral source, such as the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Department of Public Welfare and the public school system. Fundraising: Government grant funding, agency-sponsored special events and individual contributions make up about 27 percent of Life’sWork’s $6.9 million operating budget. HISTORY Life’sWork was started in 1927 by the National Council for Jewish Women (NCJW) as an experiment to find out if women who were “handicapped by housework and children and could not leave their homes” could contribute to the family budget. Women were trained to be seamstresses, and their finished garments were featured and sold at fashion shows hosted by the region’s socialites. By the late 1930s, the organization responded to the effects of the Great Depression and began serving Jewish immigrants and disabled war veterans. Over the years, the agency expanded to include adults and youth with disabilities, individuals transitioning off public assistance and at-risk youth. Life’sWork is one of the oldest vocational rehabilitation facilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. STATS On average Life’sWork provides vocational assessment, case management, work experiences, job coaching, job placement and career advancement services to 2,200 adults and youth with disabilities, single parents transitioning from Welfare to work at at-risk youth.

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Life’sWork of Western Pennsylvania

Life’sWork of Western Pennsylvania

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