Virtual Special Olympics screenshot

April 28, 2021

Congratulations! Local team places 4th in Special Olympics Virtual National Championship

Congratulations! Local team places Fourth in Special Olympics Virtual National Championship A local team that participated in the first-ever Special Olympics Virtual National Championship presented by ESPN made some history this week. In a partnership between the St. Olaf College Student Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB), Northfield Area Special Olympics and… Read More

Elizabeth and Sandi

March 29, 2021

Elizabeth O’Sullivan Receives Gary Martin Memorial Scholarship

Elizabeth O’Sullivan Receives Gary Martin Memorial Scholarship Elizabeth O’Sullivan is the 2021 recipient of the Gary Martin Memorial Scholarship! Elizabeth started at Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) in 2019 and currently works overnights in LBSA’s Community Services Program. Elizabeth is currently pursuing a master’s degree at United Theological Seminary. Elizabeth… Read More

Tim Hawley

January 29, 2021

Welcome Tim Hawley!

Welcome Tim Hawley! Tim Hawley joins the LBSA team as the new Director of Community Services replacing Kathy Davidson, who recently retired after 40 years with the organization. Tim and his entire family have been very involved in the special needs community since the birth of his daughter Reilly who… Read More

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

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

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

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

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