Christine Leider is the Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) / Associate Director of the three Lifehouse Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) homes. These ICF homes are staffed to provide intensive personal care and medical support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On May 6, 2021, Christine received a phone call from John Kalb, a Lifehouse parent whose son, Jaryd lives in the Nova House ICF in Terra Linda. He shared that after an apartment building fire, one of his son’s friends named Carlos had to find a place to live by May 12 or was at risk of being homeless.
Carlos came to Nova House on Tuesday, May 11 for an in-person visit and to complete the required intake assessment. Carlos saw his new bedroom, his friend Jaryd, met the other residents and a few staff and was thrilled at the prospect of a new home. The next day, Wednesday, May 12, Carlos officially moved into Nova House.
Recently, Christine asked Carlos what his favorite part about living at Nova House was. He responded, “My friends.” Carlos is a wonderful young man and has been an amazing addition to Nova House and the Lifehouse family!
Many thanks to Christine Leider, her staff, and the rest of the Lifehouse Team for this undertaking performed with great intention, kindness and love.
It was at this point that the Lifehouse team stepped into action. Christine worked with Carlos‘ family, their family friend Betty, the Marin Community Clinic, Golden Gate Regional Center and Housing Urban Development (HUD). Miracles happened and in less than a week, Carlos had a home.
Prior to moving into a licensed group home, there are many requirements that must be met, for example: a pre-physical exam, lab work, TB tests, lease agreements, consents, intake assessments, etc. We used all of our connections to get Carlos an appointment with his primary care doctor at Marin Community Clinic and to get the required medical records.
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