A New Chapter Begins: Meet LEO’s Executive Director Alyssa Midgley We’re excited to share an important leadership update from Life Enrichment Options (LEO). As of April 1, 2025, Alyssa Midgley has been appointed Executive Director of LEO! Alyssa first joined LEO nearly a year ago, and from day one, her dedication and insight have made a lasting impression. Her strong leadership and deep commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) make her the right person to guide LEO into our next chapter. This transition marks a significant milestone for LEO. With Alyssa at the helm, we are evolving from a hands-on volunteer board to a professionally managed organization—supported by a committed governance board. This shift is a key step in ensuring LEO’s long-term sustainability and in growing our impact in the community. Alyssa brings both personal and professional experience to this role. As a former Adult Family Home care provider and nonprofit administrator, she understands the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community and the power of compassionate, creative solutions. Under her leadership, LEO is already exploring new programs and expanding housing opportunities—projects we look forward to sharing with you soon. Many of you have already had the chance to meet Alyssa and experience her thoughtful approach firsthand. We’re confident that under her guidance, LEO will continue to be a strong and reliable partner in this important work. Please join us in congratulating Alyssa Midgley on her new role as Executive Director. We look forward to the future with great optimism and gratitude for your continued support. Warm regards, Mike Ernst President, Board of Directors

Life Enrichment Options Board and Staff are heartbroken by the passing of State Senator Bill Ramos. He was a remarkable public servant and an excellent advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senator Ramos’ dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable community was evident in everything he did for this community, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. State Senator Ramos was a strong supporter of our nonprofit and the work we do. We could count on him attending our events, spending time with our community, and he made it clear that he truly cared. His support meant the world to us. We’re so grateful for everything he did and for the kindness and dedication he brought to every conversation. He’ll be deeply missed by all of us. Our hearts are with his wife King County Councilmember Sarah Perry & family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of working alongside him. We will deeply miss him but his legacy will live on for decades to come.

The Snoqualmie Challenge Race is now open for registration! When is the Event? The 2025 race is on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Who Runs the Event? This family fun event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie . How Do I Register? If you would like to register as a co-driver, visit our Eventbrite page at the following link; Challenge Race CO-DRIVER (Participant w/ Disability) Snoqualmie Tickets, Sat, May 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite If you would like to register as a driver, visit our Eventbrite page here; Challenge Race DRIVER - Snoqualmie Tickets, Sat, May 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite Best of all, it's free! What Can I Expect? Watch this video from Evening Magazine featuring Zachary Hochman, which shows the Lynnwood Challenge Race and some of what goes on behind the scenes and on the day of the race. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Our 2024 Annual Report is now available. View it above or download it by clicking here . Thank you!

If you're looking for something fun to do with your adaptive rec friends, or want to make new friends, check out some of the programs we offer in partnership with the City of Issaquah's Parks and Community Services department. Social Booking Page - Social Club is an opportunity to participate in new and different activities each week! Get on stage and perform your favorite song, play bingo, or try new video games on the Nintendo Switch. There are also other classes offered through the same link, including Art, Cheer, Chorus, Drama, Sports, Technology, Dance and Special Olympics. Events take place at locations around Issaquah, including at the Community Center, Senior Center, or outdoors at various parks.

Here are the scheduled Gravity Car events for the 2025 season. May 31, 2025 - Saturday - Snoqualmie - Challenge Race - Sponsored by the Snoqualmie Rotary - Register here! - Events | LEO June 14, 2025 - Saturday - Lynnwood - Challenge Race – Sponsored by Rotary Club of Lynnwood June 15, 2025 - Sunday - Issaquah - More information coming soon! August 23, 2025 - Saturday - Oak Harbor - More information coming soon!

As we close out our 2024 Annual Fall Fundraiser, we are overwhelmed with gratitude and joy! Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve surpassed our goal by over $40K by raising an amazing $140,398! We’re truly speechless and deeply thankful for the generosity that everyone has shown towards Life Enrichment Options this year. Your support makes it possible for us to continue creating lasting change for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Together, we’re building a brighter future!

Life Enrichment Options Receives Generous Donation from BMW Car Club of America Puget Sound Chapter Life Enrichment Options (LEO) is thrilled to announce that we were selected as the beneficiary of a generous donation from the BMW Car Club of America Puget Sound Chapter. On December 20th, Dan and Greg from the BMW Car Club presented the donation, and we are beyond grateful for their support. This contribution will go a long way in helping us continue our mission to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, offering them opportunities for independence, community involvement, and personal growth. We are deeply appreciative of the car club's commitment to making a positive impact in our community. With this generous gift, we look forward to fulfilling our mission and improving the lives of those who depend on us. Thank you again to the BMW Car Club Puget Sound and its members for making a lasting impact in the LEO community! Visit BMW CCA PSR Website for more details about the local BMW Car Club chapter!

Inclusive Technology of Washington has added more classes to their Fall 2024 schedule. This time, they have added cooking classes on Sundays. See their schedule below! Visit http://www.inclusivetechwa.org/ and click on Explore and Register for their full list of workshops, camps and classes. Saturdays in Issaquah 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM - Game Development and Coding 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM - Moviemaking 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM - Fun with Computer Tools Sundays in Issaquah 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Advanced Graphic Design 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM - Graphic Design 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Cooking Amazing Food (starting November 17) 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM - Arts and Crafts (starting November 17)

At Life Enrichment Options, our mission is to create a world where adults with developmental disabilities can live fulfilling and enriched lives, achieving their goals through supportive housing, meaningful employment, recreation and community involvement. We are incredibly proud of the work we have done and are deeply grateful for the trust and support you have shown us. The homes we build are more than just buildings; they are places where dreams are realized, friendships are forged, and independence is nurtured. The demand for supportive housing continues to grow, and we are committed to meeting this need. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to accomplishing LEO's mission. Your support means the world to us and, most importantly, to the individuals who benefit from your generosity. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference.

Join us October 24, 2024 for a special event. Get your tickets at EventBrite! SafeInHome and Inclusive Technology of Washington will be giving presentations, along with our very own Alyssa Midgley, on how to use DDA services. Preparing Your Family Member With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities For Their Future Location : Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, 36017 SE Fish Hatchery Road, Fall City Date : October 24, 2024 (Thursday) Time : 6 to 8 PM Event Details : 6:00 to 7:00 PM - LEO Presentation by Alyssa Midgley Learn about the different components to prepare your family for life beyond the family home. Review Checklist DDA Services Needed Setting up Benefits Housing Options Learning new skills 7:00 to 7:30 PM - Additional vendor presentations SafeInHome (Peggy DiSalle) – SafeinHome empowers people to live independently in their own homes, with their families, and in their communities using a remote supports staff and assistive technologies available 24/7. Making daily living safer while respecting the dignity of choice. Inclusive Technology of Washington (Ruth Bacha) – Learn about weekly classes that are available for your family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend. See how you can use your DDA respite hours to attend. 7:30 to 8:00 PM - Q&A Session View the PDF by clicking below. ** This event is for parents, guardians and caregivers. Tickets are available now at EventBrite.

Saturday, September 21, 10am-12:30pm. Snoqualmie Update 9/18/2024 - Unfortunately, due to a low number of registrations, this event has been cancelled. Douglas Ave near the Snoqualmie Police Station and Safeway. Look for signs at the Parkway/Douglas intersection. Map link The Gravity Cars allow those with developmental disabilities to experience the thrill of riding a soap box derby-type race car while piloted by a trained volunteer. Driver volunteer 10 years old or older. Volunteers will be trained in the morning of the event. Register today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challenge-race-driver-snoqualmie-tickets-929276159007 Co-Driver Person with Disability. No taller than 5'2'' and under 130 pounds. Register today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challenge-race-co-driver-participant-with-disability-snoqualmie-tickets-929281494967