About LifeWorks for Autism

For more than two decades, Bowling Green has been home to a strong network of services for autistic individuals and their families. Programs such as the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex and the Kelly Autism Program have long provided essential supports for children, teens, and college students. Their presence helped establish the region as a place where families could find meaningful resources tailored to neurodiverse learners.

However, despite the strength of these child and college-focused services, one critical gap remained: there were no comprehensive supports for autistic young adults seeking to live independently, work in the community, and build adult life skills. Families repeatedly voiced the same concern — “What happens after high school or after college?”

To provide education and experiential learning for young autistic adults and those with other learning differences to empower them to live independent, self-directed lives as valued community members.

LifeWorks strives to facilitate a living, learning environment that empowers young autistic adults to realize their full potential and successfully lead lives of independence, self-direction, and inclusion. We believe in providing support that is guided by each participant’s unique desires, goals, and strengths.

We believe that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to successfully carrying out the mission of LifeWorks. Our staff members, board of directors, student interns, volunteers, and participants embrace diversity and are committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, language, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, religious or spiritual beliefs. We value diverse perspectives and appreciate how they enrich the LifeWorks community.

Participants First – We value each participant as an individual – having unique backgrounds, talents, and life dreams. We believe that all people have inherent value and should be defined by their gifts and abilities rather than diagnosis, label or learning style.

Community Inclusion – We believe that community membership can facilitate invaluable personal opportunities, resources, and relationships. We hold that all individuals deserve access and opportunity to fully engage in all areas of the community – including work, living, and leisure.

Valued Social Roles – Individuals with autism are often marginalized because of societal attitudes and misperceptions. We believe that gaining valued social roles (i.e., employee, volunteer, neighbor) better positions individuals with autism to experience the good things in life – acceptance, respect, friendship, career opportunities, safety and so on.

Community Contribution & Employment – Individuals with autism possess tremendous potential to make meaningful contributions to society through employment. We believe that possessing the ability to secure and maintain employment is perhaps the most important step to reaching independence.

About LifeWorks & the Bowling Green Community

The LifeWorks campus is located near the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) and sits adjacent to the main campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY.

Our residential apartment complex for LifeWorks participants – the Julie & Gary Ransdell Living and Learning Community – is located directly behind the LifeWorks Education & Administrative Building. The entire campus, including buildings and grounds, was completely renovated in Spring 2020. The apartments contain all appliances, including a washer & dryer.

The administrative building boasts several large classrooms, multiple-purpose rooms, as well as small and large conference rooms. Central to the facility is a modern, spacious, and comfortable gathering area and large teaching-kitchen. A comfortable lounge & game room is located on the second floor. Participants are provided after-hours and weekend access to the lounge as the second floor exterior doors are equipped with keyless door locks.

LifeWorks is also proud to host a satellite location of the Warren County Public Library. With a full-time librarian onsite, this branch located on the 2nd floor of the LifeWorks building, provides materials, programs, and services exclusively for the LifeWorks community. The hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. (Branch hours are subject to change.)

Leading from the administrative building to the living community is a large patio deck used for social events or relaxing with friends. For added safety and security, LifeWorks also provides a courtesy apartment for a police officer with the Bowling Green Police Department.

The LifeWorks campus is within walking distance of beautiful, historic downtown Bowling Green, Fountain Square Park, Circus Square Park, Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, and the Bowling Green Ball Park – home of the minor league Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball team. Many local restaurants and shops are located in the convenient downtown area.