A Full Life: Meet Maris
Meet Maris: She has been supported by Lifehouse since 2010 and lives in the Sweetwater Spectrum community that focuses on supporting individuals on the autism spectrum that Lifehouse staffs. Living in the heart of Sonoma, Maris has been able to continue her adult life in the area she grew up and holds so dear.
Maris loves birds and has an extensive knowledge of each species, so her go-to icebreaker upon meeting you is a question on your personal favorite. She will likely know all of the details on your particular pick, and list them off to you promptly. Her seemingly encyclopedia-like knowledge spans across several different interests including the weather, astronomy, health, color, cars and the sciences.
Her interests also take her beyond what one might find in a book. Maris plays the flute and the piccolo, and is a member of the Sonoma Home Town Band which practices at the local high school every week. To keep those lungs nice and healthy Maris is also dedicated to a regular workout schedule that includes yoga and hopping on the treadmill a few times throughout her week.
With sensitivity to sounds and being easily excited, having so many interests may take Maris to some uncomfortable places or situations. The answer to that is a unique number system that she has been using for as long as she can remember. The system is categorized by months 1-12 and also rooted in association with color. For example, June is the number six and the color of that month is purple. Along with the help of her direct support professionals, this system provides comfort and protects against any confusion Maris may feel, allowing her to be focused and calm.
When asked about her thoughts on ‘living on the spectrum’ Maris said that she is fond of her autism. It’s a part of what makes her uniquely her.
Behind the Name
How Can You Help Lifehouse Today?
Dear Lifehouse Family,
As 2022 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank you for all your kindness and support. Your donations have helped us maintain support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community.
Lifehouse remains devoted to helping people with I/DD lead healthy, and fulfilled lives each and every day. While I can reflect fondly on the outstanding services that we have carried out this year, I am also focused on the great work ahead of us. The gap between government funding and the cost of maintaining programs and services has widened significantly and continues to grow.
As we approach the joyous celebration of the holidays and New Year, I hope that you will consider a donation to Lifehouse. Your support primes the challenging road ahead for success and honors the commitment and determination that is needed to achieve our vital mission. Every dollar counts and if we all take a moment to give what we can, that can add up to a profound impact for Lifehouse.
I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season from your family here at Lifehouse.
Much love to you and yours,
Nancy Dow Moody, President & CEO
A Full Life
100 Holes for Lifehouse
Lifehouse Fundamentals
Extraordinary performance comes from extraordinary People.
And the foundation for Extraordinary people is an extraordinary culture.
Since the start of the pandemic, our staff have been the foundation of Lifehouse, ensuring the people we support are safe and healthy. We are proud of how the culture of Lifehouse has developed and continues to thrive. We, as an organization, are shining a light on the fundamental behaviors and characteristics that define our culture.
We have assembled these key fundamentals into a wallet-sized deck that lists the behaviors and characteristics that we as an agency value and bring to our day to day responsibilities and activities. The “Fundamentals of Lifehouse” highlight 25 behaviors and characteristics that we all practice to the best of our abilities in order to achieve an enjoyable environment for our staff and the people we support. Teamwork is especially emphasized, creating a positive work environment that we are all contributing. Clear expectations and accountability in teamwork is key to fostering functional and collaborative relationships.
Each Lifehouse staff member has received a copy of the “Fundamentals of Lifehouse” deck that we will all focus on. A new fundamental will be presented twice monthly through our regular video update from CEO Nancy Dow Moody to all staff. We will focus on these together and individually on a weekly basis.
Ultimately, the goal of the “Lifehouse Fundamentals” is to create collaboration and to foster a positive workplace for staff and a supportive environment for the people we support. What matters most is the well-being of the 370+ people we support and the 500+ amazing staff we rely on every day.
If the Need Exists, Lifehouse Responds
Friends of Lifehouse,
If the need exists in our community, Lifehouse responds. That’s how it has always been since Lifehouse was founded 68 years ago by a group of parents of intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD) children who had no educational program for their children in Marin County.
Throughout its history, Lifehouse has provided life-changing services and powerful advocacy in the Bay Area to ensure that adults with I/DD can fully participate in society. This impressive legacy guides us to enhance our impact in responding to the evolving needs of people with I/DD living in our community.
Here we are in 2022 and find ourselves at a critical point in history as the nation recovers from the global pandemic, a crisis which disproportionately impacted the lives of people with I/DD. Thankfully, Lifehouse was there for them throughout the crisis and will continue to be. We are needed now more than ever.
I am grateful to our 500 staff whose unwavering commitment to service continues to ensure that more than 370 people with I/DD receive the services and support that they need to live full lives.
I am equally grateful to the donors, family members, and community partners who support our work. Without your generosity, we could not provide the high level of service to the people we serve each and every day. I look forward to your continued partnership as we carry on the Lifehouse legacy of impact in the lives of people with I/DD in our community.
Warmest wishes,
Nancy Dow Moody, President & CEO
