Frank and Julie Zastera

January 29, 2021

Frank Zastera Named Robert Bonner Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Frank Zastera Named Robert Bonner Distinguished Service Award Recipient Frank Zastera has been involved with people with disabilities for most of his life, growing up with his sister who has a developmental disability. In addition to being a family member, Frank was a legacy board member for Laura Baker Services… Read More

Staff and Client on a walk

January 29, 2021

Gratitude.

Gratitude. Unadulterated thankfulness that I don’t do this work alone. Navigating the COVID-19 landscape, often in small circles or alone, has made it clearer that we need each other: for social purposes, for mental health purposes, for emotional support, for recreation. We are social animals. Isolation is chafing. If you’re… Read More

LBSA Board Members

November 16, 2020

LBSA Welcomes and Honors Incoming and Outgoing Board Members

LBSA Welcomes and Honors Incoming and Outgoing Board Members Thank You, Outgoing Board Members! Laura Baker Services Association is fortunate to have had many amazing people serve on our Board of Trustees over the years. We would like to give a very special thank you to our two outgoing board… Read More

Sandi Gerdes and Steve Brockton, Steve receives Spirit of Laura Baker Award

November 16, 2020

Employee Appreciation Awards: COVID-Style!

Employee Appreciation Awards: COVID-Style! Every year, LBSA honors staff with a luncheon and dinner where we honor award winners. This year’s events were postponed by COVID-19. Still, our staff of essential workers have been performing great feats of heroism over the last 10 months and continue to do so each… Read More

client outdoors in wheelchair on trail

November 16, 2020

The Pathway to Tomorrow

The Pathway to Tomorrow Change, The Art of Possibility, Beacons of Hope – I’ve written about all of them over the years. We’re definitely in a sea of change. I am inspired by the people who are finding ways to adapt their businesses and personal lives to meet the changes. Read More

creative arts group wearing masks

August 6, 2020

Beacons of Hope

Beacons of Hope It’s a time of uncertainty, heightened emotion – especially emotions we prefer to minimize: fear, sadness, fatigue. We struggle with our ability to feel a host of emotions at the same time: How do we hold fear and joy, sadness and pride, humility and anger? Instead of… Read More

Olive Omoro, award recipient

July 22, 2020

Olive Omoro Receives Gary Martin Memorial Scholarship

“I have always wanted to do something that can change someone’s life.” Olive shared in her scholarship application. “That’s why working in the medical field has always been my dream.” Olive Omoro is the first ever recipient of the Gary Martin Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to a donation from Eugene &… Read More

Molly Award Group

June 23, 2020

Molly Halls Recipient of 2020 Minnesota Direct Support Professional of the Year Award

National Disability Provider Association Names Molly Halls Recipient of 2020 Minnesota Direct Support Professional of the Year Award National Disability Provider Association Names Molly Halls Recipient of 2020 Minnesota Direct Support Professional of the Year Award The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) announced that Molly Halls,… Read More

in community standing up together

June 8, 2020

Standing Up Together

Standing Up Together I’m a little late to the support for the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter cause. Why? Because I want to be an authentic and appropriate voice for making meaningful systemic changes that are desperately needed in our society. For me, that takes thoughtful consideration. I – we –… Read More

May 1, 2020

Why Community Matters: Episode #6: Share Your Talents

Why Community Matters: Share Your Talents This is the fifth and final segment of the radio series called, Why Community Matters. In partnership with KYMN Radio, several community members tell their stories on how they’ve contributed to and been affected by Laura Baker. Community members can get involved… Read More