The Lifehouse Effect

Q&A with Andrew & Kate Lesher: Lifehouse’s impact in the community and the

people we support

Q: Can you tell us a little about Eliza and what makes her special?

Kate: Eliza is 25, the oldest of our three children, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at nine months old. Though nonverbal, she communicates through warmth, expressions, and affection. She loves horseback riding, swim therapy, movies, animals, and especially monkeys. Eliza’s joyful spirit is contagious and reminds everyone around her to appreciate life’s simple, beautiful moments.

Q: How did having a child with a disability shape your perspective as a parent?

Kate: Having Eliza as our first child reshaped our understanding of what truly matters: happiness, health, connection, and dignity. She helped our family become more compassionate, resilient, and open-hearted. Her siblings grew into empathetic and independent individuals who value people for who they are. Eliza has taught us to find joy and gratitude in every circumstance.

Q: How did you first hear about Lifehouse and what initially stood out to you about the organization?

Kate: We were introduced to Lifehouse through the Golden Gate Regional Center as Eliza transitioned into adulthood. After exploring several agencies, Lifehouse stood out for its commitment to independence, dignity, and individualized support. Their vision went beyond care, they created opportunities for belonging and meaningful living. Their professionalism, flexibility, and strong reputation gave us confidence that Eliza would be truly valued and understood.

Q: How has Eliza grown since becoming part of Lifehouse?

Andrew: One of my greatest fears was that Eliza would feel lonely or unhappy after moving out, but she adapted far better than we imagined. Today, she is happy and thriving in her home. Her staff member, Bianca Ramirez, has been an incredible blessing, supporting Eliza with compassion and care for the past five years. Their relationship has meant everything to our family.

Q: How has Lifehouse impacted you personally as a parent?

Kate: I’ve been able to be more present for my other children and give them the time and attention they deserve. It has made a profound difference for our entire family.

Andrew: Seeing the longevity of the individuals supported by Lifehouse and witnessing the quality of care and community they provide has been incredibly reassuring. Through serving on the Great Chefs & Wineries Steering Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other parents who understand this journey firsthand. Lifehouse doesn’t just support the individual; they embrace the entire family and create a community where everyone feels welcome and connected.

Q: What does Lifehouse mean to your family in one word or phrase?

Andrew: Peace of mind. Because of Lifehouse, we know Eliza will continue to live a life filled with dignity, joy, connection, and care, both now and in the future.

Kate: Peace of mind resonates for me as well. Lifehouse understands what matters most to us as parents and work thoughtfully to surround Eliza with caregivers who treat her with genuine love, dignity, and respect.

A Holiday Celebration to Remember at the San Rafael Community Center

Lifehouse kicked off the holiday season with a festive community party at the San Rafael Community Center, bringing together the people we support, staff, families, and volunteers for an afternoon of connection and cheer.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by The Pasta King, danced along to live music from Zack and the Cromotones, and shared smiles with a visit from Sonoma Santa. Community volunteers added an extra touch of warmth by baking homemade cookies for everyone to enjoy.

We’re especially grateful to Janet Franklin, our volunteer photographer, for beautifully capturing the joy, laughter, and meaningful moments that made the day so special.

This celebration was a reminder of what the holidays, and Lifehouse, are all about: community, inclusion, and shared joy.

Photos by Janet Franklin

RECREATION EXPANDS AT LIFEHOUSE

Social isolation is one of the most pressing challenges faced by individuals with I/DD. Many teens and young adults with I/DD struggle to form friendships due to limited inclusive opportunities, lack of accessible programming, and societal barriers. Unlike their neurotypical peers, individuals with I/DD often do not have access to after-school hangouts, recreational sports, or informal peer gatherings. Parents also face social isolation, often navigating the challenges of advocacy and care alone. RecLife, an inclusive recreation and volunteer program addresses both of these issues: providing an inclusive, safe, and fun environment for young people to build friendships, while also creating a space for families to connect and find mutual support.

RecLife Recreation & Volunteer Programs

RecLife teens and young adults participate in scheduling of events each month. The activities include bowling, hiking, SMART train trips, movie nights, music, arts and crafts. Participants who engage in RecLife build friendships, confidence, and life skills that carry into adulthood. These experiences can reduce dependency, support job readiness, and increase long-term quality of life. They foster a more inclusive community that values diversity and connection.

The RecLife volunteer program creates structured, supported volunteer roles for young people with I/DD, giving them the chance to participate, give back, and feel a true sense of belonging. Through this program, participants build life skills, make social connections, and take pride in their ability to contribute to the world around them.

We are deeply grateful to the Lindskog Foundation for their generous support of our recreation program for teens and young adults with I/DD. For a second year, their grant is helping us not only sustain but expand opportunities for connection, growth, and joy among the young people we serve.

Their commitment to inclusion and enrichment is making a profound difference in the lives of all the participants of RecLife, and we are honored to partner with the Lindskog Foundation in this important work. Thank you for believing in our mission, and investing in a brighter, more fulfilling future for all.

For more information:

De’Shane Johnson, Recreation Manager

(628) 667-2902

[email protected]

Pioneers of Independence

HOW LIFEHOUSE LAUNCHED CALIFORNIA’S FIRST SLS

In the early 2000s, the landscape for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in California looked very different than it does today. Most people with I/DD lived in group homes, settings that, while often providing necessary care, offered limited opportunities for autonomy and personal decision-making. At that time, group homes were viewed as a transitional step, not a permanent solution, and there were few alternatives. However, thanks to the vision and leadership of Lifehouse, that began to change.

Robin Lollick, Tanya Noske, Gail Williams

In 2004, Lifehouse launched the first Supported Living Services (SLS) program in Northern California, a transformative initiative that gave people with I/DD the chance to live independently in their own homes with customized support. The spark behind this innovation was Nancy Dow Moody, who was then the Vice President at Lifehouse, and had joined the organization in 1992.

Nancy brought with her a unique perspective. Prior to her work in California, she had been involved in the very first SLS program in Massachusetts. She recognized that while California had a strong service network, it lacked a crucial piece, support that allowed people with I/DD to move beyond institutional or group living and into fully integrated community life. Seeing the need and the potential, Nancy authored a Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2003 to the Golden Gate Regional Center to launch a supported living model through Lifehouse. The proposal was approved, and with it, a movement was born.

Lifehouse began its Supported Living Services program with just eight individuals, each eager to take steps toward greater independence. The program was led by Dori McDonnell, a dedicated and compassionate manager who worked closely with the individuals and their families to ensure smooth transitions and meaningful support. One of those first participants was Patricia Drake, who is pictured alongside Dori in an early snapshot of the program’s success.

Dori McDonnell and Patricia Drake

From modest beginnings, the impact of Lifehouse’s SLS program has been profound. Today, Lifehouse supports more than 200 individuals through its SLS program, making it the largest of its kind in California. More importantly, the model Lifehouse pioneered has inspired countless others across California. Supported Living Services have now become an essential part of the service spectrum across the state, offering thousands of people with I/DD the chance to live in homes of their own choosing, with dignity, purpose, and freedom.

Stephanie Caires, Allison Jones, Nancy Dow Moody, Katie Buster

Lifehouse’s pioneering efforts didn’t just create a program, they helped shift the paradigm of care in California.

Thank you to visionary leaders like Dori, former Lifehouse Manager, and Nancy, who has served as President and CEO of Lifehouse since 2008, and the brave individuals who took that first step toward independence. Supported Living Services are now a cornerstone of disability support statewide.

A Parent’s Gratitude: How Lifehouse Changed Our Son’s Life

To the Lifehouse community,

Our son Michael is a sweet, happy, social, and childlike 36-year-old young man. He loves going for walks with his Lifehouse staff, and is well known in the small community he lives in. But, life has not been easy for Michael. Following a medical accident at birth we didn’t know what to expect for his future. Now, at 6’4” and 250 lbs., Michael has the mind of a 2-year-old with a low threshold for frustration. Like many people in Michael’s situation he has challenging behaviors, frequently triggered by dealing with people who don’t understand him.

As Michael completed his school years, we were also facing other medical issues in our family and it was apparent we needed to plan for his future independent from us. It was difficult to imagine and understand how it would be possible for Michael to thrive outside of our family environment.

Our desire was to support Michael’s future happiness in a lively, social environment with people that would understand him and his needs, and help him to achieve a happy and fulfilling life. But who could possibly step in to support this role? This was our greatest fear - who would be patient with him, take the time to learn his unique communication, understand his language, his wants and desires, and care for him? Who would love our son?

Finding Lifehouse 8 years ago was a revelation. The team has been incredibly dedicated and caring, supporting Michael through good times and difficult ones over these years. This amazing team, from the managers to the direct support staff, has added so much to his life and Michael is thriving in a lovely home with two roommates. As a group the Lifehouse staff works together to support each other with the same care and understanding, leading to improved stability, cohesiveness, and continuity. We all benefit!

The peace of mind we have today is profound, in knowing that Michael is appreciated for who he is, and that he is loved and cared for. Lifehouse has added stability not only to Michael’s life, but to our entire family as well. We feel such joy in seeing that his life can be happy and fulfilling even when we are not here to share his laughter and smiling face.

There are many families with hopes, dreams, challenges and fears like ours. Lifehouse and its future is critical to ensure this invaluable resource remains strong and solid. Please join us in supporting this amazing organization!

With profound gratitude,

DONATE

Diana & Sean McDonough

2025 Lifehouse Annual Awards Banquet

Celebrating Community, Compassion, and Achievement

On October 10, 2025, we hosted our Annual Awards Banquet, an inspiring evening filled with connection, gratitude, and celebration. Hosted in Marin County, the event brought together staff, community partners, families, and individuals supported by Lifehouse to honor the people who embody our mission of inclusion, compassion, and lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“This event is one of our most meaningful traditions,” said Nancy Dow Moody, CEO of Lifehouse. “It’s a time to celebrate the people who embody our mission, our staff, the individuals we support, and our community partners who make inclusion possible every day.”

The evening was hosted by Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools Emerita and longtime friend of Lifehouse. Guests enjoyed a touching short film by Human Beings Media and the inspiring story of Lifehouse participant Teodros Gad, whose journey toward independence beautifully reflects the heart of the Lifehouse mission.

Honoring Excellence and Inclusion

The banquet celebrated outstanding achievements across the Lifehouse community, recognizing staff, volunteers, and community partners whose dedication strengthens the organization year after year.

Outstanding Staff Awards were presented to Sarah Lindquist, Mario Newton, Vanny Seang, Andrew Tomforde, and Nayiree Roubinian for their extraordinary commitment to the people they support. Longtime team member Kate O’Connor was honored for an incredible 30 years of service.

Community and partner awards highlighted the power of collaboration and generosity:

  • Open Arms Award – Tara-Caprice Broadwater of Love2Dance for her creativity and commitment to inclusion through dance.

  • Pat Kendall Spirit of Lifehouse Award – Joe and Mary Anne Cresalia and Cresalia Jewelers, honoring their decades of joyful generosity.

  • Volunteer of the Year Award – Bob Karfiol, recognizing nearly three decades of dedicated service.

  • Winery of the Year Award – Jessica Link and Linked Vineyards for their steadfast partnership and support.

  • Restaurant of the Year Award – Yoshi Tome and Sushi Ran for 23 years of culinary excellence and generosity.

  • Extraordinary Individual Service Award – John Newman, for two decades of creative and generous contributions to Lifehouse.

  • Charles L. Martin Award – Erin Uesugi and Uesugi & Associates Architects for visionary design leadership and the renovation of the Lifehouse headquarters.

  • Employer of the Year Award – Safeway on Nave Drive in Novato and Justin Stuart for their inclusive employment practices and support of Lifehouse employee Sallie Harrison.

  • Individual Achievement Awards – Randall Martin and Sallie Harrison, honoring their personal growth, independence, and leadership within the Lifehouse community.

Family and Community Support

This year’s banquet was made possible through the generous support of sponsors. Inspiration Sponsors included Doug Clough and Erin Uesugi, recognized for their commitment to Lifehouse and for Uesugi’s design of the organization’s new headquarters. Community Sponsors included Marin Sanitary Service, Bank of Marin, John Morre and Jane Ferrante, and Love2Dance.

Family Sponsors included Joshua and Yoshika Adler; Cheryl and Steve Caletti; Doug Carlston and Kathy Williams; Connie and Yves DeBalmann; Chrissy and Terry DeVoto; Glenn and Susan Dizon; Ann and Marc Elias; Archie and Janet Held; Casey and John Leones; Andrew and Kate Lesher; Vic and Mary Magnotti; the Robert Martin Family; the McKeever Family; Kathleen and Stephen Meeker; Nancy Dow Moody and Sam Kornhauser; Chuck and Ginny Quick; David Schanaker; Sally Spencer; Deidre and Martin Weil; Michael Weil and Janice Lee Baker; and Sid Sall and Michael Dooher of Equitable Advisors, all of whom make Lifehouse’s mission possible through their generosity and commitment.

A Night to Remember

The celebration culminated in a heartfelt performance of “Shine Your Light,” an original song written and performed by Tara-Caprice Broadwater alongside Lifehouse performers—a joyful tribute to inclusion, creativity, and the power of community. Guests then danced the night away to music mixed by DJ Mike Keating of Grand Slam DJs.

The Annual Awards Banquet stands as a testament to our mission, celebrating not only the achievements of the year but also the relationships, creativity, and love that make Lifehouse a true community.

Photos by Peter Merts

Photos by Brigid Flagerman

Lifehouse Summer Picnic: A community favorite is back!

After a several-year break, our Annual Summer Picnic made a joyful return, and what a day it was! From the moment guests arrived at Stafford Lake Park, the air was filled with laughter, live music, and the aroma of Lombardi’s Gourmet BBQ.

Friends, families, and the people we support came together to enjoy lively games, great food, and music from Zack and the Chromo-Tones. Our amazing volunteers helped create a warm, and welcoming atmosphere that truly reflected the spirit of Lifehouse.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so special — we can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!

Photos by Peter Merts

Photos by Callie Zimmerman

Photos by Vicki Peet

Standing Strong

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to the Lifehouse mission. As a caregiving organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we believe true inclusion means creating a community where everyone—those we serve, our staff, and our partners—feels valued, respected, and empowered.

At Lifehouse, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) make our workplace stronger and more supportive for everyone:

  • Diversity includes everyone from all backgrounds

  • Equity ensures that everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed

  • Inclusion helps everyone feel like they belong

We draw strength from the incredible diversity of our team. Every day, our staff brings a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to their work. Maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment is essential to delivering the high-quality, person-centered care that defines Lifehouse.

While national conversations around DEI continue to shift, our commitment remains unwavering. We know that a strong culture of inclusion directly enhances the care we provide and strengthens the communities we serve.

As part of this commitment, we’re proud to launch a new DEI training program for all employees. Held monthly via Zoom, each session features interactive activities and breakout groups designed to foster meaningful dialogue and support inclusive practices across our organization.

This training is especially meaningful because it was custom-designed for Lifehouse. Developed by David Escobar, Director of Training & Quality Assurance, in collaboration with the Lifehouse DEI Workgroup, it reflects the real-world experiences and challenges of caregiving in the I/DD community.

Our DEI Workgroup, which meets monthly, plays a vital role in advancing inclusion throughout Lifehouse. This dedicated team helps guide initiatives and ensures DEI remains woven into our daily practices and long-term strategy.

Thank you to our community and donors for supporting this work. Together, we are making inclusion not just a value, but a reality we live, for every person we are privileged to support.

Check out the full edition

of our Spring Newsletter!

SPRING 2025 NEWLETTER
#GIVINGTUESDAY :: At Lifehouse we believe that living a full, enriched life with dignity is not only possible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), but also a human right that speaks d,irectly to the values that we hold
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate 70 years of excellence in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are so grateful to this remarkable community that lifts us up! @marinmagazine shares all the details of th
#THANKFUL for HOME :: A place where your feet may leave but your heart will always be. #bestnonprofit #marinnonprofit #lifehouse #afulllifelived
#THANKFUL for FAMILY :: The link to our past, and the bridge to our future. #bestnonprofit #marinnonprofit #lifehouse #afulllifelived
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday filled with joy and love from all of us here at Lifehouse. #thanksgiving2024 #bestnonprofit #marinnonprofit #lifehouse #afulllifelived
#THANKFUL for FRIENDS :: There’s only one this more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on. #bestnonprofit #marinnonprofit #lifehouse #afulllifelived
#THANKFUL for HEALTH :: There is no greater form of wealth then our health. #bestnonprofit #marinnonprofit #lifehouse #afulllifelived
#THANKFUL :: There is so much to be Thankful for so, please join us for ‘A Week of Thanks’. Today we are thankful for INDEPENDENCE :: The opportunity to live a full life on your own terms. #bestnonprofit #marinnonprofit #lifehouse #aful