Intermediate Care Facilities

Ensuring a lifetime of compassionate support.

Stonehaven House

The Lifehouse Intermediate Care Facilities/ Developmentally Disabled Habilitative (ICF/ DDH) offer intensive support to individuals who may need medical, physical, or occupational therapies, ensuring that the most vulnerable people with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD) are cared for and have the opportunity for joy in their daily lives.

Supporting individuals in the ICF program is particularly complex since many of the clients are non-verbal and/or wheelchair bound. Many of the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in our ICF program have been with Lifehouse for 10-20 years. The bond that they have with the people they support is often like that of an extended family. This helps them successfully support their client’s overall mood, well-being, and enables them to provide the very best level of care. This is often difficult to discover from someone who is non-verbal, and possibly the most challenging part of supporting people in the ICF program. Being quick on ones feet, having patience, and understanding what the individual needs can often be lifesaving for these vulnerable individuals.

Anne Aguilar, the Qualified Intellecual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) Administrator of the ICF program says, “Everyone should be treated equally and have access to what they need to lead a life with dignity and opportunity. The best way I can advocate for that is working directly with the people in our community that need our help the most. It is not always easy, but the like-minded and truly dedicated people that I work with keep that inspiration alive.” Everyone in the ICF program continuously works to maintain vibrancy and harmony in their houses. The staff and the individuals supported are learning, growing together, and play an essential role in each other’s lives.

Nova House

Then & Now: 70 Years of Lifehouse

Celebrating the legacy of Lifehouse and the people we support.

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Danny Holderman

36 years at Lifehouse

Danny is known for his good sense of humor, passion for fitness, and the outdoors. He lives independently in a cottage in Point Reyes, where he loves to take in the coastal breeze, tend to his garden, and take care of his two hens. With the help of his direct support staff, Danny is able to manage his finances, and take weekly grocery trips. Danny is currently recovering from a successful hip surgery, and is more eager than ever to hit the trails and get back on his bike. At 64 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down!

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Greg Gazzano

48 years at Lifehouse

Greg has a charismatic smile and is very social. He and his girlfriend Cathy have lived at the Del Ganado apartments together for 36 years. Greg loves a word search and is a true sports fan. He is always listening to games on the radio and keeps up on the latest stats of his favorite Bay Area teams. Greg also enjoys participating in local sports programs through the San Rafael Lions Club and the Special Olympics. To further his independence, Greg is working on becoming more assertive, and advocating for himself with the help of his direct support staff.

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Johnny Wall

39 years at Lifehouse

Johnny is one of those people that gets recognized just about anywhere he goes. He has a great sense of humor, and is a social butterfly, making him a prominent figure in his community. He has several hobbies that include painting, swimming, yoga, and going to the movies or dinner outings with friends. Johnny is honest and outspoken, which makes him a great self-advocate. With a sharp memory and empathetic nature, he is beloved by his friends and family.

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Julie Burnett

40 years at Lifehouse

Julie is in the Lifehouse Supported Living Program and has been living at the Del Ganado apartments independently for more than two decades. She seems reserved at first, but likes to joke around, and laugh with her friends and support staff. Julie has a creative streak, and likes to spend much of her time weaving. Her handwoven placemats are available for purchase at the Artist Within Gallery in San Anselmo. With the help of her support staff, Julie set a goal to start learning how to bake this summer.

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Doreen Ramirez

36 years at Lifehouse

Doreen is very proud of her independence. She is currently focused on her fitness and is proud of the improvement she has made on her overall health. Her direct support staff help her stay on track by going on daily walks together which she always looks forward to. Doreen enjoys working on art projects and being creative. On occasion she loves to attend social engagements at her local church.

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Meredith Lloyd

46 years at Lifehouse

Meredith’s family history with Lifehouse dates back to 1978 when the Lloyd’s helped establish the ‘Little Schoolhouse’ as one of the first special education programs in Marin County. Fast-forward to 2024, Meredith has lived independently in her own apartment for three years with the help of her direct support staff. She takes great pride in having a place of her own. Her hobbies include drawing, listening to music and dancing. Meredith and her friends love celebrating life events like birthdays, and make plans to get together when they can. Meredith also loves getting out and about in her community, and regularly trying new restaurants with friends.

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Legilative Breakfast

Advocating for the vitality of the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the people who support them.

The Legislative Breakfast was held on April 19th in collaboration with the Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC), the Service Provider Advisory Committee (SPAC), and the AdvoCats. Over 100 people attended and notable figures included, Assemblyman Damon Connolly, Board Supervisor Katie Rice, Aide Zach Koblick de Leon, and San Rafael Council Member, Rachel Kertz. Lifehouse’s very own Director of Operations, Kate O’Connor headed up the coordination of the event, is the Facilitator to SPAC and a member of the GGRC Board-Liaison for SPAC.

The purpose of the Legislative Breakfast was to educate legislators and local officials about the Governor’s budget proposal to delay the much-needed rate increase by a year for intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) providers. The morning was full of inspired speeches from people receiving support services, direct support professionals (DSP), service providers and family members. Each one calling out the glaring disparity between the wage DSPs receive, and the complex work that they do.

Jessica Perez, a Lifehouse DSP gave a stand-out speech touching on the myriad of ways that she supports the people that she works with, the importance of supporting people with I/DD, and the stress and hard work that all too often interferes with continued employment for most DSPs. Despite all of this she shared, “I love my job! How many of us can say that? I say it again, I LOVE MY JOB! I find purpose in the work I do; this work challenges me and allows me to learn something new every day. I know my work is important and that it helps the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.”

In the State of California, the turnover rate for DSPs is around 50% with some agencies having as many as 1 in 8 DSP roles consistently vacant. Current wages do not keep up with the rising cost of living. If the State of California continues to delay the new rate model implementation will hurt not only to people with I/DD but the people who support them.

Strengthening Our Executive Team

Please welcome our new Chief Financial Officer, Brian Morrow!

Brian joined the Lifehouse leadership team earlier this month as the new CFO. He is a licensed CPA in the state of California and brings 10 years of experience in public accounting as an auditor specializing in the governmental and not-for-profit sector with expertise in servicing a wide range of clients from small rural federally qualified health clinics to large state level entities.

After gaining a breadth of knowledge for understanding control structures during his time in public accounting, he moved into the private industry starting out as the CFO & Treasurer at The Reutlinger Community, a Bay Area eldercare facility. In this role Brian worked to bring the accounting and finance process in house and helped to build control structures. After the Reutlinger, Brian found a new challenge in joining the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano as their VP of Finance. In this role he worked to enhance their internal reporting model across departments company wide.

Brian holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Accounting from the University of Arizona. He also sits on the board of directors of Kokoro Assisted Living, a San Francisco elder care facility, and chairs the finance committee.

Brian lives in Castro Valley with his multi-generational family which includes his wife, two young boys and mother-in-law. Brian’s interests include writing, woodworking, and riding his motorcycle.

Human Race

Supporting our North Bay Programs

On Saturday May 4th, Team Lifehouse braved the rain for the Human Race in Santa Rosa to raise funds to support our Sonoma County support services. The team was a combination of Lifehouse leaders, management staff, direct support professionals, and a few people we support. Thank you Lisa, Alisha, Claudia, Euna, John, Leanne, Linda, Matthew, Nick, Peter, Sethi, Tim, and William for showing great spirt and commitment to Lifehouse!

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.

"Your Mama Don't Dance"

In an interview with Chuck Hansen, we’re given the behind the scenes look on the re-recording of famous 50-year-old track “Your Mama Don’t Dance” by Loggins & Messina. Hansen has been rubbing elbows and jamming out with music legends like Tower of Power and Huey Lewis, and the News and now Lifehouse will come to benefit from it all.

Chuck Hansen’s passion for music was first sparked by his brother teaching him how to play the clarinet in the 2nd grade. His exploration as a musician soon led him to the baritone sax which would later spark the nickname Chuck “Bari” with close friends and fellow musicians. Although Chuck’s studies took him to UC Berkeley for his BS and UCLA for his MBA, he continued to play brass at night clubs for fun.

While Chuck continued on to a career as an environmental entrepreneur and private impact investor and has founded several successful companies in these fields, he spent all his spare time playing sax for various artists and bands, both live and as a studio musician at his studio, called The Track Shack Studios, in Sacramento.

Fast forward to 2005—Chuck’s relationship with Tower of Power lead guitarist and executive producer, Jeff Tamelier, leads to an introduction to Huey Lewis in NYC. This soon led to Chuck “standing-in” the horn section at several performances from Squaw Creek Olympic Village, to the coveted AT&T Pro Am Band, and parties at Clint Eastwood’s Tehama Golf Club. Chuck was in with the Rock and Hollywood royalty gang, but with a laugh he says, “he was hanging on by a thread.” 

The conversation around a collaboration on “Your Mama Don’t Dance” started in 2008. Despite their friendship that had grown around playing music and golf, Chuck admits that he was hesitant to ask Huey to sing on the track with him and The Shackers. A deal was then brokered with the encouragement of mutual friend Jeff Tamelier. Soon thereafter, Huey flew out from Montana to start recording at The Track Shack Studios. There was not an exchange of funds to make the track happen, so it was decided that a charity should benefit from the sales of the new interpretation of “You’re Mama Don’t Dance”. This is when Huey introduced Chuck to Lifehouse and his work as the Honorary Chair of the annual fundraising gala, Great Chefs and Wineries.

It’s been in the making for 10 years, but the track is now available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds going to support Lifehouse programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The big hearts of these musicians can truly be felt throughout the track! We hope that you will purchase, download, and enjoy this very special version of “Your Mama Don’t Dance” by Chuck Bari & The Shackers featuring Huey Lewis. The track is available on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Beatport, and Spotify.