Q: What makes Lifehouse unique?
A: For the past 50 years, we have been instrumental in providing services and programs for people with developmental disabilities. During this time, we have initiated many new programs in response to expressed needs in the community. Lifehouse strives to ensure that clients are integrated within their communities and can function as independently as possible. We’re proud that our core group of staff members has been with Lifehouse for many years, allowing them to develop strong long-term relationships with clients. Our volunteers believe passionately in our mission, and their kindness and competence shines through while working with our staff, clients and families.

Q: How does Lifehouse help its independent living clients?
A: We offer support services and training for adults with mild disabilities so they develop the living and social skills needed for living independently. Our clients learn how to be mobile and social in their communities, shop for necessities, prepare meals, manage their finances, and take care of their personal items, health needs and household surroundings. We work with each individual to develop a comprehensive plan that will help them reach their goal of independence. Once clients are living in their own apartments, we offer counselor support on a regular basis, which averages 20 – 30 hours per month.

Q: How does Lifehouse assist clients with physical impairments or more severe cognitive disabilities?
A: We have four group homes that are designed to provide comprehensive support to individuals with severe physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Residents have the opportunity to live as independently as possible with outings in the community and continued training in self-help and communication skills. Staff members that work in these homes have regular contact with a house physician and nurse consultants. Other consultants that work with clients include speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapists.

Additionally, we offer supported living services that provide an individualized plan, which can include live-in staff in a client’s own independent home or apartment. Funding for supported living can be provided by the Regional Center but the client or the client’s family pays for the cost of housing.

Q: How does Lifehouse prepare its clients for community involvement?
A: We help clients become active participants in their communities by providing outings and skills programs to make them feel comfortable in their environments. Our staff and volunteers plan and assist in outings for clients to shop, eat, go to the movies, bowl and participate in community activities of their choice. Living and social skills training is given in clients’ homes as well as in public areas such as banks, supermarkets, department stores, buses and restaurants. Clients who live in our independent living skills training homes are either employed in the community or participate in job training and volunteer programs.

Q: What kinds of activities are provided for clients?
A: Clients are involved in many community activities including volunteering for various organizations, participating in Special Olympics, swimming and exercise programs, restaurant dining, bowling and house parties, and visits with “buddy volunteers” into the community. We have worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Departments to promote community activities such as monthly dances and get-togethers. Some of our annual events include a picnic, awards banquet, holiday party, and yachting party. We also offer travel programs and have taken our clients to Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Reno, Las Vegas, and New York.

Q: How does Lifehouse find appropriate housing for clients ready to live on their own?
A: Because of a lack of affordable housing in the Bay Area, Lifehouse is active in organizations that promote new affordable housing. Additionally, over the last 20 years, Lifehouse has developed its own housing which clients can rent based on one-third of their incomes.

Q: What is the application process for new clients?
A: You can e-mail or call the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Lifehouse, Nancy Dow Moody, to discuss a potential client’s needs. Nancy can arrange facility visits for a first-hand look at our programs as well as provide information about other agencies and services that may be of interest. We accept both private pay and fees for services through the Regional Centers . If the potential client is not yet a client of the regional center, it is a good idea to start the process because it can take up to 120 days. Along with a completed application, the center requires attachments of copies of medical reports regarding the applicant’s disability or information from school records. Once approved, a case manager will be assigned to the new client to help develop a personal plan and recommend services. If services are approved, the Regional Center will pay for them. Lifehouse is happy to assist with the application process.