March 18, 2025

We Can Do Better

Why We Should All Care About the Lack of Behavioral Support for People with Developmental Disabilities Imagine watching someone you love struggle every day, not because of who they are, but because they can’t get the help they need. For thousands of families across the country, this is their daily… Read More

March 11, 2025

The Fragmented World of IDD Support Services

The Fragmented World of IDD Support Services Navigating the world of support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can often feel like traversing a maze. These essential services are frequently divided into multiple categories, each with its own unique focus and approach. While these specialized services are… Read More

March 4, 2025

Together We Can

Together We Can By Sandi Gerdes, Executive Director Transitions. They are an unavoidable fact of life. Despite their unavoidability, we resist them. We complain about them. We mourn the old. As the world moves faster and faster, we have less time to acclimate to transitions, to prepare ourselves. Sometimes they happen so quickly we… Read More

February 26, 2025

LBSA Welcomes New Behavioral Support Services Director, Malissa Parrott-Stanke

LBSA Welcomes New Behavioral Support Services Director, Malissa Parrott-Stanke My name is Malissa Parrott-Stahnke, and I am the new Director of Behavioral Supports for Laura Baker Services. I have been a lifelong advocate for people’s rights, person-centered thinking/planning and the need for behavior support services. I am a Qualified Mental… Read More

A mother and her son with Down syndrome enjoy a day out together, walking through a brightly lit shopping mall.

January 15, 2025

Embracing Inclusivity: Sensory-Friendly Activities in Minnesota

Embracing Inclusivity: Sensory-Friendly Activities in Minnesota Navigating a world filled with sensory stimuli can be challenging for individuals with sensory sensitivities. However, creating inclusive environments and offering sensory-friendly activities can make a world of difference for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing everyone to participate fully and enjoy… Read More

December 11, 2024

Creating a Holiday Haven: Tips for Making the Season Brighter for Families with Disabilities

Creating a Holiday Haven: Tips for Making the Season Brighter for Families with Disabilities Is there someone special in your life with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)? The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness; however, this festive period can come with unique challenges for families… Read More

Adult and child baking

October 17, 2024

Community First Services and Support (CFSS) has replaced the PCA and CSG Programs

Community First Services and Support (CFSS) has replaced the PCA Choice and CSG Programs Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a new program offered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. CFSS has replaced the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Choice program and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) benefit as… Read More

Saturday Respite

October 17, 2024

Together We Can

Together We Can By Sandi Gerdes, Executive Director “Our joint conviction is that much, much more is possible than people ordinarily think.” — Rosamund Stone Zander, The Art of Possibility It’s so easy to constrict ourselves. It’s easy to believe that what the world tells us is possible, is indeed… Read More

handprints

February 15, 2024

Possibility. Courage. Focus. Will. Hope Ignited.

We need our partners along for the journey – and we thank you, in advance, for continuing the journey with us. Read More

group home living

January 10, 2024

Care and Inclusion: Special Needs Group Homes

Care and Inclusion: Special Needs Group Homes At Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), we believe that every individual deserves to live in a place where they can thrive, feel safe and be embraced by a community that values them. As dedicated spaces that nurture, empower and celebrate the unique abilities… Read More