welcome to lifehouse

Introducing Katie Petcavich, Vice President of Human Resources

We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Katie Petcavich as the new Vice President of Human Resources as of May 9, 2022. Katie has over 20 years of experience in building successful HR infrastructures that support the organization and its employees.

Katie brings a depth of experience in HR from her 10 years as Vice President of Human Resources at Guide Dogs for the Blind and her 9 years as Human Resources Director at the Dominicans in San Rafael. Throughout her career, Katie has leveraged her long-term strategic hands-on approach and relationship-building skills to implement a successful framework of support.

Katie is a graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA achieving a B.F.A. in Commercial Art, with a Graphic Design Emphasis. She holds certifications in SPHR, SHRM-SCP, HRCI and OSHA, distinguishing her as an expert in the HR field, with proven levels of skills and knowledge in all HR disciplines, and for understanding business issues beyond the HR function.

“Katie is a proven leader who is ready to make an immediate impact at Lifehouse. She has a history of excellence in multiple human resources leadership roles in which she has created fundamental policies, developed training programs in leadership and workforce management, and brought stability and structure to organizations, making them both inclusive and supportive,” said Nancy Dow Moody, Lifehouse President & CEO. "Her vast experience and proven success in Human Resources will enable us to continue to expand our team as we increase our footprint in the Bay Area.”

Community at It's Best

Our Platinum and Music Sponsors for Great Chefs and Wineries are truly a part of the Lifehouse family. There support and commitment to the individuals we serve is emblematic of our mission- To improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities in our community by providing a lifetime of compassionate support in an atmosphere of respect, inspiration, and purpose. Please join us in honoring them for their excellence as community partners!

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Doug Clough and Erin Uesugi are parents to Sophia who has been supported by Lifehouse since 2017. Doug currently serves on the Lifehouse Board of Directors and Erin is the incredible architect behind making our new headquarters a reality. Their generosity and dedication has had a profound impact on the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

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MUSIC SPONSORS

Allan and Nancy Herzog have been faithful supporters of Great Chefs and Wineries since 1991. They are our pioneering sponsors for the music and entertainment that we’ve now incorporated into our annual event and were awarded the Lifehouse Philanthropists of the Year award in 2014.

Steve and Chris Wilsey have been part of the Lifehouse family for twenty-eight years. This will be their eleventh year as a major sponsor at Great Chefs and Wineries. We are very thankful for their active participation in all Lifehouse activities and events.

Sponsoring Acceptance and Diversity in Our Community

Please join us in honoring some of our Major Sponsors this year.
Great Chefs and Wineries would not be possible without their support!

DECOR SPONSOR

Bright Event Rentals is a full service event rental company that puts together the tiny details to make your event memorable. This will be Bright Event Rentals’ seventh year in helping us create a beautiful and successful event.

PRESCHOOL SPONSORS

In 2019, Helen Brame was looking to make an impact in her community and her heart led her to Lifehouse. With family friends supported by Lifehouse, Helen deeply understands the need to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are able to lead healthy, full and safe lives. We are so grateful that Helen has chosen to make Lifehouse a part of her family legacy and for her generous support over the last few years!

Michele DeLosada & Helen Brame, Great Chefs and Wineries 2019

Bank of Marin has been a generous supporter of Lifehouse since 1994. An integral part of the philanthropic landscape, Bank of Marin employees are involved in more than 85 non-profit boards throughout the Bay Area, providing leadership and financial support. We are grateful for their dedication to helping us ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accepted and have a place in our community.

BID PADDLE SPONSOR

HUB International has been a proud supporter of Lifehouse for almost 15 years. Their mission is to protect and support the aspirations of individuals, families and businesses. They are constantly working to make a positive impact in our community. Lifehouse thanks HUB International for their generous support!

PRINT SPONSOR

All-American Printing has been a major supporter since 2012 and is Lifehouse's top choice when it comes to printing needs. From our letters to our invitations, All American Printing has been a huge help in getting the word out for our Great Chefs and Wineries event. They’re not just enthusiastic printers; they’re also dedicated graphics arts professionals who use their creative skills to enhance the results of every project that comes their way.

A FULL LIFE

Meet Rita- She has been with Lifehouse since she was 18 years old. Through the Community Living Program (CLP) she has been living independently in her own apartment in Mill Valley for almost 25 years.

Rita comes from humble beginnings. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she and her sister were in the foster care system for most of their young lives but were lucky enough to stay together. Despite these challenges, Rita talks fondly of her childhood, was very dedicated to sports, and recalls being well supported by those around her.

Rita enjoys being active, and out and about in her community. She has been an exemplary employee at the Rite Aide in Milly Valley since 1994, and loves walking or biking to work every day. She is the Price Accuracy Coordinator at the store and enjoys her daily interactions with the regular locals and co-workers. When Rita isn’t working, she loves to hang out with her cuddly feline friend, Latte that she adopted three years ago on Valentine’s Day.

Rita’s passion for sports has continued into her adult life. Her apartment boasts a mix of over 50 gold and silver metals from the Special Olympics, which range in sports from, tennis, softball, track & field to volleyball. It’s here that she met Lifehouse Board Member Dan Engle who has been an advocate and coach for various Special Olympics sports throughout the last 31 years.

Dan can recall that Rita has always been a great athlete and an even better teammate. She can always be seen pumping up morale and cheering on the other athletes. Dan says, “Rita has always spoken her mind, be it with me as her coach, or her bosses at Rite Aid where she has worked for decades. I felt she could add an informed voice from the community we serve along with Justin Treadwell, who is also supported by Lifehouse. Rita’s demeanor and commitment to whatever she takes on will serve all of us on the Lifehouse Board of Directors well.”

Rita has been on the Lifehouse Board since November of last year and looks forward to making a positive impact on her community.

Major Sponsor Spotlight

GREAT CHEFS & WINERIES 2022

We are delighted to have Al and Lisa Brayton of Thirty-Seven Wines and Brayton Purcell LLP as Diamond Sponsors for this year’s Great Chefs and Wineries. Al has served on the Lifehouse Board of Directors for over12 years. The Brayton’s generosity and dedication has had a profound impact on the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

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Thirty-Seven Wines debuted as a wine participant at our 2011 Great Chefs and Wineries.

Thirty-Seven interlocking circles create the Flower of Life, an ancient representation of the interconnectivity between all living things and the inherent balance of nature – inexorably linking all that surrounds us, including the wine. With a deep love for winemaking Al & Lisa Brayton launched the winery in 2007. Nestled in the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area, these estate vines have some of the best views in our glorious bay area.

Their Winemaker, Shane Finley took an indirect route to winemaking ~ earning a BA in English from the Virginia Military Institute, then working for an insurance agency in New York City where he fell in love with wine during business dinners. He left that job to explore his new passion, and spent a few years interning at some of the world’s most respected wineries ~ Copain in the Russian River Valley, Torbreck Vintners in Australia’s Barossa Valley and Domaine Pierre Gaillard in the Northern Rhône. Since joining the Thirty-Seven Wines team in 2012 he has consistently crafted high-scoring and award-winning wines from their estate vineyards.

We are happy to be collaborating once again with a company whose philosophy is focused on community involvement and harmonious relationships.

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Brayton Purcell LLP has supported Lifehouse and Great Chefs and Wineries since 1994.

Founding partner Al Brayton and senior partner and lead trial counsel Gilbert Purcell are part of a 29-member legal team dedicated to protecting the rights of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma victims and their family members as well as other victims of personal injury and wrongful death. They enjoy a nationwide client base with many of mesothelioma attorneys admitted in multiple states.

With the help of a 190-member support staff, their asbestos lawyers are committed to ongoing communication and availability, excellent advocacy and effective handling of complex and emotionally charged cases.

As active community members in Marin for the past thirty years, Brayton Purcell works ceaselessly to support their clients, consumers, staff, and families. Their compassion for and dedication to the community is apparent both in and out of the courtroom.

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, [email protected].

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, [email protected].

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