Lifehouse Agency

Lifehouse in Action

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.

Find this story, community updates, and more information about Lifehouse in our Annual Report. You can sign up to receive our mailings by emailing our Office Manager Erin Loftus, mail@lifehouseagency.org.

A TRUE “JOY RIDE”

Prior to finding Lifehouse, Roger had challenges with his living situation, often having no place to live. Through support from childhood friends Russell & Sarah Ponsford and the North Bay Regional Center, Roger found his way to Lifehouse. With help from his support team at Lifehouse, Roger was able to secure and move into his own apartment in Santa Rosa.

In the midst of the pandemic, Roger was isolated with no transportation and had difficulty managing everyday tasks. A bicycle was donated to Lifehouse and Roger was the perfect recipient.

Now, with the help of Lifehouse staff, his friends, and his new bike, Roger is more successful and more independent than ever. He loves to hop on his bike to buy groceries, go to the bank, meet people for lunch, and all of the other things his new transportation has afforded him. Roger’s future is brighter than ever, and it shows on his almost always smiling face.

Thank you to Casey & John Leones for donating the Raleigh Upright Hand Cycle to Lifehouse!

 

Find this story, community updates, and more information about Lifehouse in our Annual Report. You can sign up to receive our mailings by emailing our Office Manager Erin Loftus, mail@lifehouseagency.org.

10 Great Chef and Winery Gift Ideas

These gift ideas won’t hold you up with supply chain problems and will support our Great Chefs and Wineries community partners!

Alley & Vine

New Years Eve: Glitz & Glamour Gala

Alley & Vine is a warm, welcoming place to enjoy yourself and the company of those you love. Their team is a family and look forward to caring for you & yours.

Two seatings available starting at 5pm December 31, 2021. See website for reservation details. $95-$240 per person.

www.alleyandvine.com

1332 Park St STE D, Alameda, CA 94501

510.227.5006

 

Brooks Note Winery & Tasting Room

Pinot lovers dream

Brooks Note is a small, family winery focused on making balanced, elegant wines from the hidden corners of California Wine Country.

Their Marin Pinot displays notes of bing cherry, leather, tea, floral notes and subtle hints of baking spice. 200 Cases Produced $38

www.brooksnotewinery.com

426 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma, CA 94952

707.981.8470

 

il davide

Il Davide has been serving fine Italian cuisine in San Rafael for 27 years. They offer warm, welcoming service and always give back to the community. Grab your loved ones and enjoy a meal that will not disappoint this holiday season.

Gift cards are available via their website or at the restaurant.

www.ildavide.net

901 A St, San Rafael, CA 94901

415.454.8080

 


Keenan Winery

Wine that’s a family affair

The Keenan Family offers ultra-premium wines produced from this historic Spring Mountain vineyard estate, which has been planted in grapevines since the late 19th century.

Their 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scored 90 points in Wine & Spirits Magazine. “With its sweet cherry spice and supple espresso-roast tannins, this is a rich, round cabernet with density and length. Pour it while grilling a sirloin steak.” $60 per bottle

www.keenanwinery.com

3660 Spring Mountain Rd #9677, St Helena, CA 94574

707.963.9177

 

Red Whale coffee

the kick we all need for the holidays

Sourcing and selling the highest quality coffee masterfully roasted in Marin County, California.

The Red Whale Coffee 2021 Holiday Blend is sweet, spicy and chocolatey with hints of red fruit. This is a delicious must have for your holiday season! Starting at $19.50 (12oz)

www.redwhalecoffee.com

169 Paul Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903

855.906.6277

 

piazza D'Angelo

a taste of southern Italy

This lovely family-owned trattoria is a familiar home away from home for so many Mill Valley residents. Enjoy an elegant meal this holiday season with the ones you love most.

Gift cards available online or at the restaurant.

www.piazzadangelo.com

22 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

415.388.2000

 

merry edwards winery

Terroir-Driven Winemaking

The Terroir Tasting illustrates the broad range of terroir found in the Russian River Valley. During this approximately hour-long tasting, you will enjoy several single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from across the Russian River Valley. These wines speak to the diversity of the region and the commitment to creating exceptional wines of depth, evoking a true sense of place. In addition, you will sample the Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Cost: $45 per person / one fee waived with 3-bottle purchase

www.merryedwards.com

2959 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA 95472

888.388.9050

 

Insalata's

Christmas eve dinner 2021

Since 1996, Insalata’s has brought the warm spirit of the Mediterranean to Marin County. As an integral part of the community, their Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant has become a place for every occasion, including once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. Gather with the family this Christmas Eve for their superb special menu. Cost: $68 per person

www.insalatas.com

120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, CA 94960

415.457.7700

 

Thirty-Seven Winery

wine collector’s dream

The Thirty-Seven Wines top scores reserve pack is the perfect addition to any wine collector’s cellar. The pack includes two bottles each of their top scoring wines, 90 points 2015 Reserve Merlot 90 points 2015 Reserve "The Hermit". Cost: $164

www.thirty-sevenwines.com

3000 Sears Point Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476

707.939.8648

 

left bank brasserie

Bonne Année-New Year's Eve 2021

Make the last meal of the year your best! Say au revoir to 2021 and ring in the New Year with a festive 4 Course Prix Fixe meal for 92.00 per person, including a glass of Champagne to start.

www.leftbank.com

507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA 94939

415.927.3331

A Full-Life

Dear Friends of Lifehouse,

It’s hard to know where to begin in our praise of Lifehouse. There’s much good to share.

Our 33-year-old daughter Tamsin has been supported by Lifehouse for 8 years. After false starts at a Supported Living Services (SLS) program in Napa and a return home for a year, Tamsin became a resident at Sweetwater Spectrum, a community in Sonoma for young adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Tamsin was one of the first of sixteen residents. Our family was lucky that Tamsin’s house was managed by Lifehouse from the start. On seeing the extraordinary care Tamsin was receiving, Lifehouse soon became the sole service provider for all residents at Sweetwater.

Living in a house with three roommates, Tamsin thrived at Sweetwater. Though there were certainly tough times, Lifehouse was always there to support Tamsin, and us. After five years at Sweetwater, Tamsin sought more independence and moved to her own apartment nearby and she continues to receive SLS through Lifehouse. Some of her same Lifehouse staff have been with her since the beginning 8 years ago. They are like a second family. Prior to the pandemic, Tamsin volunteered a day a week in the kindergarten class at Sonoma’s Sassarini Elementary School, and has since been taking online classes in child development at Santa Rosa Junior College. Her goal is to work with children with I/DD.

Tamsin has come a long way and Lifehouse has been an important part of that journey. We can’t imagine life without Lifehouse.

The pandemic has been a challenge for all direct care professionals. More than ever they need our help in these tough times. Please join us in making a gift to Lifehouse so they can continue their exceptional work in supporting those with developmental disabilities.

Thank you,

Bo & Patric Kearns

Parents

Everyone has a story to share. A Full Life is a collection of inspirational videos featuring the individuals supported by Lifehouse telling their own stories and truths as they learn and grow within the community. Hear from Tamsin in her own words here.

Growth in the North Bay

In recent years, Lifehouse has grown significantly as an organization, now supporting over 370 individuals in Marin and Sonoma Counties. In the North Bay, we are now supporting about 117 individuals, compared to just 26 individuals four years ago. Our new expanded office space in Petaluma provides opportunity for collaboration and support for our North Bay staff and community.

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Our growth in the North Bay can be seen in the ILS program, which is designed to provide training and promote independence. The ILS program provides funding for up to 35 hours of staffing support per month and focuses on developing living skills that include budgeting, medical support and medication management. This for some is just enough to keep them living a more independent life. A person is eligible for services regardless of whether he or she is renting their own place or living with family.

We have seen an increase in the need for this type of service in Sonoma County. This program has doubled in size in the past four years.

 
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 One resident who recently joined our ILS program is Sonja. With the help of Lifehouse staff, she has been able to maintain daily routines and activities. Sonja loves the interactions with her staff, who help her with independent living skills and activities such as cooking, making appointments, depositing checks, and taking medication. Her staff also help her with communication and relationship skills. She is grateful to be able to maintain her independence with the assistance of her Lifehouse counselor.

Featuring the Lifehouse Great Chefs and Wineries Community Partners

This year has been tremendously challenging on all of us but more so on small and local businesses. Great Chefs and Wineries is our annual fundraising event to raise funds for services and programs for individuals we support here at Lifehouse. This event (even when it’s virtual) is not possible without the generosity of all our Great Chefs and Wineries Community Partners. So, in an effort to say thanks to these amazing businesses, we have put together the ultimate holiday food and wine gift guide.

Just because you may not be able to relish in a festive meal and fine wine with your loved ones this year doesn’t mean that you can’t gift it or bring home to enjoy yourself! Please join us in supporting these incredible businesses because they need your help now more than ever.  Click through below to find a gift that truly says “I care” this holiday season.

*Click on the photos to take you to these wonderful gift package, gift card, and takeout options for this holiday season.*

Home for Life

Joy | Independence | Connection

The dreams and aspirations of those we serve to live a full life remain front and center to our mission, even now, in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis.

Last year, when Lifehouse celebrated it’s 65th anniversary, we launched the capital campaign, Home for Life: Campaign for a Permanent Home for Lifehouse. Our new headquarters will help control operating costs and provide us with a permanent home from which to offer a lifetime of services. Lifehouse provides an array of services and support that facilitates a full life for over 360 people with developmental disabilities in the Bay Area. We also want to acknowledge our 400+ staff who are working every day to get us through this crisis.

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Lifehouse will rise to this challenge with ingenuity, compassion, and resilience. We are facing challenges to our operations, fundraising, and advocacy for our staff and the people we support. In times like these, Lifehouse and other nonprofit organizations in our community stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and we encourage you to support our efforts. Lifehouse needs you now more than ever.

Warmest regards,

 
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Nancy Dow Moody

President & CEO

Wellness University

Building Better Lives Together

Photo By David Charnack

“The Wellness University” was born out of Margaret Flores’ dream to create a series where Lifehouse Residents can share resources in order to lead healthy lives. The series will share practical easy wellness tips, simple delicious and nutritious recipes, fun exercise tips, latest health discoveries, and any tips that inspire creativity and increase the quality of our lives.

Along with the Lifehouse Technology Program and the residents at San Anselmo House, Margaret has facilitated the creation of “The Wellness University’s” first recipe tutorial video. We hope that you will follow along and enjoy as we discover the wealth of resources that exist in the Lifehouse community.

 
 

First up is the wonderfully delicious recipe for Butterfly Pea Flower Tea!