A Gift From You Will Make a Difference

Hello Friends of Lifehouse,

As 2023 comes to an end, I reflect on how grateful we are for this beautiful community. The challenges of stabilizing our organization to ensure an unambiguous future for Lifehouse and the people we support has not been easy. The continuous shift in the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and the increased necessity for our services is demanding, but we are committed to making certain that the people we support can always count on us.

The core mission of Lifehouse consists of providing quality support services to people with I/DD in our community and doing so with great integrity. This is why Lifehouse is the #1 Bay Area Service Provider where $0.90 of every dollar raised goes directly to support programs.

A gift from you will allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to advance their independence, productivity, and inclusion in every aspect of society. You may not realize how much it means to Lifehouse and the individuals we serve to have your support.

No gift is too big or too small and every dollar is needed. Thank you in advance for your contribution.

I wish you all a joyous and healthy holiday season from all of us at Lifehouse.

Much love to you and yours,

 
 

Nancy Dow Moody

President & CEO

It's An Honor

27th Annual Awards Banquet

2023 marks the 27th year of the Lifehouse Awards Banquet. This event is an annual tradition at Embassy Suites in San Rafael with over 350 guests to celebrate the contributions of the Lifehouse community partners and dedicated staff who are essential to our continued success. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools Emerita. We also honored the personal achievements of the people we support. This event is a favorite among Lifehouse supporters, offering a valuable opportunity to engage with the people Lifehouse serves in an intimate setting. It has become an important tradition in connecting the community with the people who are at the heart of their work.

“As I look forward to the future of Lifehouse, I am confident that Lifehouse will continue to thrive with the support of our staff, volunteers, family, friends, community members and the Board of Directors who guide us.” Said Nancy Dow Moody, Lifehouse President and CEO. “Thank you for joining us as we celebrate with our remarkable community, 69 years of excellence in support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Congratulations to all of the honorees!

Photos by Richard Wheeler

Photos by Peter Merts

Thank you to all of our Sponsors!

'All In' on Lifehouse

Dear Friends of Lifehouse,

My wife Erin and I have an autistic daughter, Sophia, who is 28 years old and has been supported by Lifehouse since 2017. We are incredibly grateful for the peace of mind Lifehouse has given us, knowing that Sophie will be well taken care of when we are gone.

Our son Ryan has been an incredible big brother to Sophie over the years, always sticking up for her and never allowing other kids to tease her; delivering a school assembly speech in the 8th grade about how Sophie is his hero (one of his teachers called us in tears); stepping out of the batter’s box during a high school baseball game to acknowledge her with a smile and a wave; and now enthusiastically serving as our co-conservator. When he moved to New York for work, he felt a lot of guilt over “leaving Sophie”. We told him that Lifehouse is taking care of the day-to-day, that he only needs to make the “big picture” decisions when we are gone. He comes back to visit us and Sophie several times a year and it is so heartwarming for Erin and me to see how much they love each other.

For the profound change that it has made in our lives, Erin and I are “all in” regarding our support for Lifehouse. Erin did the architecture and design for the renovation of Lifehouse’s headquarters building pro bono. I serve on the Board of Directors. We give generously, recognizing what we would have to spend to support Sophie without Lifehouse.

The state funding through the various Regional Centers covers approximately 90% of Lifehouse’s costs. The remaining 10% comes from the generosity of families and friends. As Lifehouse has grown to serve more people, this funding gap has grown to over $2.2m. Lifehouse needs your generous support more than ever in order to maintain a balanced budget.

Please join Erin and me in giving generously to sustain Lifehouse. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Doug Clough

Lifehouse Parent & Board Chair

 

A Full Life: Meet Maris

Meet Maris: She has been supported by Lifehouse since 2010 and lives in the Sweetwater Spectrum community that focuses on supporting individuals on the autism spectrum that Lifehouse staffs. Living in the heart of Sonoma, Maris has been able to continue her adult life in the area she grew up and holds so dear.

Maris loves birds and has an extensive knowledge of each species, so her go-to icebreaker upon meeting you is a question on your personal favorite. She will likely know all of the details on your particular pick, and list them off to you promptly. Her seemingly encyclopedia-like knowledge spans across several different interests including the weather, astronomy, health, color, cars and the sciences.

Her interests also take her beyond what one might find in a book. Maris plays the flute and the piccolo, and is a member of the Sonoma Home Town Band which practices at the local high school every week. To keep those lungs nice and healthy Maris is also dedicated to a regular workout schedule that includes yoga and hopping on the treadmill a few times throughout her week.

With sensitivity to sounds and being easily excited, having so many interests may take Maris to some uncomfortable places or situations. The answer to that is a unique number system that she has been using for as long as she can remember. The system is categorized by months 1-12 and also rooted in association with color. For example, June is the number six and the color of that month is purple. Along with the help of her direct support professionals, this system provides comfort and protects against any confusion Maris may feel, allowing her to be focused and calm.

When asked about her thoughts on ‘living on the spectrum’ Maris said that she is fond of her autism. It’s a part of what makes her uniquely her.

How Can You Help Lifehouse Today?

Dear Lifehouse Family,

As 2022 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank you for all your kindness and support. Your donations have helped us maintain support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community.

Lifehouse remains devoted to helping people with I/DD lead healthy, and fulfilled lives each and every day. While I can reflect fondly on the outstanding services that we have carried out this year, I am also focused on the great work ahead of us. The gap between government funding and the cost of maintaining programs and services has widened significantly and continues to grow.

As we approach the joyous celebration of the holidays and New Year, I hope that you will consider a donation to Lifehouse. Your support primes the challenging road ahead for success and honors the commitment and determination that is needed to achieve our vital mission. Every dollar counts and if we all take a moment to give what we can, that can add up to a profound impact for Lifehouse.

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season from your family here at Lifehouse. 

Much love to you and yours,

 

Nancy Dow Moody, President & CEO

'On the Scene' with @@marinmagazine! Thank you for your continued support and for elevating the voices of Lifehouse and the people we serve. Check it out via the #linkinbio ☝ #MarinMagazine #Marin #Magazine #BestOfCounty #ReadersChoice #magazinespon
It's that time of year! Please choose Lifehouse Agency for 'Best Disability Care' and 'Best Annual Gala' for @marinmagazine's annual 'Best of the County'. With your support we can continue a 3 year winning streak! Vote Now! #linkinbio (https://doc
LAST CALL for the After Party Auction! All proceeds will ensure Lifehouse is able to continue providing high-quality support services for over 375 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Don't miss your chance to make a positi
Help folks like Amy, Zach, Sallie, Kwame, Teodros and Garry have the opportunity to lead full lives. Your support will ensure that Lifehouse is able to continue to provide high quality support services that are focused on respect, inspiration and pur
AFTER PARTY AUCTION IS HERE!� April 18- April 20 The 'After Party' auction has some amazing new luxury trips to offer and some items that you may have missed before. We need your help now more than ever to ensure Lifehouse is able to continue provid
That’s a wrap of Great Chefs and Wineries 2024! Thank you to all of our incredible participants, sponsors and volunteers. Your support, generosity, and dedication to Lfiehouse and the folks we serve means more than you know. We are so humbled t
LAST CALL! Art, Dining, Wine, Golf, Luxury Experiences and so much more. There is something for everyone in the Great Chefs and Wineries Virtual Auction! All proceeds will ensure Lifehouse is able to continue providing high-quality support services