founded in 1954

Lifehouse was incorporated in Marin County by a group of parents who wanted an educational program for their children with developmental disabilities. At that time, there were no special education programs and children with special needs were at a loss for receiving educational services that met their unique requirements. With the help of visionary leaders at Dominican University and the Marin County Office of Education, the parents created a preschool, and later a kindergarten that eventually grew into an excellent special education program managed by the Marin County Office of Education. As long-time Lifehouse clients began to reach adulthood, our programs evolved to serve the needs of adults with developmental disabilities. Some of our clients have been with us since pre-school!

Read more about one of Lifehouse’s founders, Dr. Daniel Collins, who also played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and establishing the Lanterman’s Act.

1950s

1954

Lifehouse (formerly MARC) is founded

1956

First special education program in Marin is opened

1960s

1968

Employment Programs gains independence from Lifehouse to become Marin Community Workshop, now known as NBI North Bay Industries

1970s

1972

Lifehouse hires first Executive Director

1975

First group home for severely disabled adults opens

1980s

1981

Community Living Program is initiated

First independent living home opens in San Anselmo

12 residents move to Del Ganado apartment complex built especially for individuals with developmental disabilities

1990s

1990

First Great Chefs of Marin fundraiser is held

1992

Hamilton & Nova Houses open

1994

Supported Living Program opens at Lark Circle in Novato 

1999

Community Living Services starts in Sonoma

2000s

2003

New Supported Living Program opens for seniors 

2004

Supported Living Program opens in Hamilton Fields in Novato

Organization name changes from MARC to Lifehouse

2006

On-site Supported Living Program with affordable housing opens at Hamilton Fields

2007

Lifehouse organizes Marin Autism Collaborative 

Lifehouse & the Marin Coalition develop Teen Recreation Integration Program (TRIP) 

2010s

2010

Great Chefs of Marin renamed to great Chefs & Wineries

2011

Montecillo Program restructured to meeting changing needs  

2012

Corte Madera program restructured to meet increasing need for autism spectrum services

Began serving individuals with autism at Sweetwater Spectrum

2013

Fairfax House renamed to Comito House in honor of Miriam Comito

2014

Lifehouse Film premieres held in Bay Area

2016

Restructure of Sunrise I ICF to meet the changing needs for our community

RecLife: New recreation program for people with developmental
disabilities in the North Bay

2017

Assistive Technology Program launched.

2018

Lifehouse opens Great Expectations Inclusive Preschool