Our Approach
Empathy meets evidence in our work to solve youth homelessness.
“We put people first, and data second.”
— Dr. Liz Schoenfeld, LifeWorks CEO
What sets lifeWorks apart.
To tackle youth homelessness, we’ve built a model rooted in real needs, lived experience, and measurable impact. And communities across the country are taking note.
Here’s why it works:
It’s comprehensive. We’ve built a framework that reflects what young people actually need: safety, support, and opportunity, all in one place. We start with what’s urgent and stay for what’s next.
It’s youth-driven. We don’t expect young people to adapt to a system. Instead, we adapt to them. Lasting change happens when youth are treated like partners, not problems to fix. We listen first, build trust, and co-create the path forward.
It’s data-informed. We conduct rigorous research and data analysis, pair it with youth feedback, and continuously refine our approach. We study what’s working and adjust what isn’t because we value innovation that improves lives.
We’ve spent nearly 30 years building a model that reflects how young people actually live and grow.
It’s not just what we do.
It’s how we do it: with compassion, precision, and a deep belief in every young person’s potential.
That’s why cities across the country are turning to LifeWorks—not just for ideas, but for solutions.
What we Offer
Integrated Programs. Real-Life Impact.
Our team offers mental health services and peer support for youth navigating family conflict, trauma, and big life transitions.
We help youth finish school, build job skills, and prepare for meaningful work through personalized collaboration.
From street outreach to long-term housing, we offer a full continuum of support because every young person deserves a safe place to call home.
Results, delivered.
Every program we offer is shaped by evidence: data we collect, outcomes we measure, and lessons we learn. We test ideas and adjust quickly when something isn’t working.
Because when you’re helping young people build a more stable future, you can’t afford to rely on assumptions. You have to know.
4 of 5
youth we serve don’t return to homelessness
75%
of youth at LifeWorks report improved understanding of their mental health
350+
youth are housed through LifeWorks programs each year
97%
of youth in our workforce program kept their job for at least a month
“We’ve had clients say, ‘This is the first time someone’s followed through on what they said.’ That’s what builds trust.”
— Alfredo Guerrero, Director of Outreach Services
Tools for impact
We learn directly from the young people we serve and share what we’ve learned to strengthen systems, inform practice, and drive better outcomes for youth everywhere.
Sharing what works, so we can all do better.
Our Approach to Outcome Measurement
We track outcomes across all of our programs so we can learn, adapt, and improve. The data we collect shapes the way we serve.
Publications & Tools
Explore practical resources, research, and toolkits designed to support effective, youth-centered work in your community.
We welcome research partnerships with students, community organizations, and external researchers who share our commitment to learning and impact.
If you are interested in collaborating on a research or evaluation project—or seeking to gather information from LifeWorks staff or clients—please reach out to Krystan Farnish, PhD, Senior Director of Research & Evaluation. Please note that all projects are subject to an application and review process.
Conduct Research with LifeWorks
Invest in impact
LifeWorks is showing the country how to solve youth homelessness.
We’re building solutions that work and sharing them nationwide. When you give, you make it possible for young people to find stability and for other cities to follow our lead.