About Us - Life Skills Training Center

Our Goals

Life Skills Training Center is a private non-profit organization committed to assisting adults with disabilities to achieve maximum independence and productivity. A staff of trained professionals has enabled a growing number of persons the opportunity to train/learn and in the process earn incentive pay. Life Skills Training Center was founded by a local group of concerned citizens in 1972. The doors opened to five clients in January 1973. Growth has been steady, as we now offer comprehensive services to over 60 adults with disabilities. We strive to ensure that no client will be discriminated against in matters of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

It is our desire to see every person with a disability provided the opportunity to realize the fulfillment of total community citizenship. At Life Skills, we will assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their highest desired level of independence and inclusion in their communities. We are committed to assisting each person to attain the highest quality of life possible, enhanced by human dignity and self-worth.

Mission Statement

Life Skills Training Center, Inc. will assist individuals with disabilities achieve their highest desired level of independence.

Vision Statement

It is the desire of Life Skills Training Center, Inc. to see every person with a disability is provided the opportunity to realize the fulfillment of total community citizenship.

Person-Centered Philosophy

Life Skills Training Center, Inc. puts into practice in all services offered our philosophy that all persons we serve are given the right to choose the direction and scope of their training and we are here to help them set their goals and provide the training needed to achieve those goals.

Purpose Statement

Life Skills Training Center, Inc. is committed to the on-going education and training of its staff in order to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their chosen goals. Consumer programing will be provided by well-trained, professional staff who will train individuals served in the development of skills necessary to achieve group or individual employment and the social skills necessary for community integration. In addition, Life Skills is committed to fiscal accountability in the efficient and effective provision of all training services to staff and consumers.

Accreditation

The quality of the services at Life Skills Training Center and the progressive nature of the facility, made it the third facility of its kind to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in 1976. It has maintained its accreditation status since.

Meet Our Team

Jessica La Fleur

Executive Director

Libby Peters

Business Manager

Shelly Thomson

Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Tesa schmid

Director of Employment Services

Missy Coffee-Gengler

Director of Day Habilitation Services

Richelle Pinard

Facility Operations Manager

Questions?

Call us at 712.546.9554 or fill out the form below.

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Haylee began her journey with life skills when she was 16. Her high school was fantastic but it was just time to start working more on some “life skills”. She spent part of the day at school and the rest working and developing new skills. Haylee has been working with and supported by this wonderful organization for 10 years! Haylee has brought some challenges but the team at life skills have always come through to determine what they need to do to keep her on track. It’s not easy to be a mom of a child with a disability, but when you have a support system like life skills, a true team, you know there is someone always in your child’s corner. I am so thankful and blessed Haylee is a part of it all!

Dawn K

The mission of Life Skills Training Center is to provide those with a disability with the opportunity to realize their potential for full community citizenship. As parents of a consumer who receives services from LSTC, we value the opportunities that are offered. Life Skills has a strong history of allowing people with disabilities to reach their highest desired level of independence. Le Mars and the surrounding areas support their mission. Thus, they are an integral part of our communities.

Life skills have been a wonderful place for Luke to work. He loves his job and is anxious to go everyday. The staff is awesome and very easy to work with.

Beth S

I grew up with a brother and sister with special needs. I believe my experiences with them shaped the person I am today. However, most children do not get that opportunity and because of that, they are scared to interact with people who have mental or physical disabilities. My students felt timid and scared when we first arrived at Life Skills Training Center, but by the end of the visit, they were warming up to the residents. They thought it was pretty cool that they go to work just like their own moms and dads, and live in homes just like their families. They noticed that the residents laugh and have fun with each other, just like they do with their own friends. I think my students realized they have more in common with each other than they originally thought. After this experience, I hope my students have a new appreciation for all people and go out into the world and treat all people with kindness, compassion, and respect.

Cheri H

Life Skills Training Center has been cleaning Northwest Bank for the past 20+ years and has done a very good job of keeping the Bank clean and organized. They are here 5 days a week with 5-6 of their staff every weekday morning, starting at 6:30 a.m. and done before opening at 8:30 a.m. It is a pleasure coming in early, talking with their staff, calling them by name, and getting to know each of them. Northwest Bank is very satisfied with their work and glad to help out their organization.

Kevin R. EekhoffBank President

712.546.9554

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