Search this site

Get started Let us help guide you New Residents More Information Coming Soon Housing Options What do you need to put in place to be ready for the future for your family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Explore various housing options for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Washington State. There may be more options than you think! Housing Checklist View this handy webpage that outlines all the things to consider when placing your family member. Resources and Links This list of websites will help point you to other resources in the area, namely in King County and the State of Washington. Donate Make a one-time or recurring donation through our website. Donate Get In Touch Let us know how you'd like to help First name Last name Email Write a message SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!

Leo Finnegan < Back Leo Finnegan Past President / LEO Board Emeritus Resides in Issaquah BS in Mechanical Engineering, Gonzaga Univ. MS in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Notre Dame Parent of five children, one with developmental disabilities Retired from Puget Sound Energy –Director of the Power Plant Engineering & Construction Department Founder of the Challenge Series Races in 1980 Special Olympic coach – basketball (35 years) & softball (27 years) Chair of King County Board for Developmental Disabilities Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Jay Hirst < Back Jay Hirst Board Member Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Rose Finnegan < Back Rose Finnegan LEO Founder (1937-2018) Rose Finnegan (1937 – 2018) Resided in Issaquah BSN Carroll College in Helena, Montana Parent of five children, one with developmental disabilities Retired nursing supervisor Co-Founder of Life Enrichment Options Organization (LEO) in 9/1988 Member of LEO Board of Directors for 30 years 35 Years of Challenge Day races in Cities across Washington State 40 Years of Advocating for those with Developmental Disabilities Participant in nearly every LEO Event or Work Project for Decades Guiding Light in the Creation of LEO Adult Family Homes The first LEO Adult Family Home (AFH) is named “The Rose Finnegan House” Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Laura Maloney < Back Laura Maloney Secretary Resides in Sammamish AA degree in Court Reporting from Minnesota School of Business Parent of two children, one with developmental disabilities Past Events coordinator for City of Issaquah Has served as Board President in the past Board member since 1/2009 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Peter Walters < Back Peter Walters Grant & Administrative Manager Peter Walters (Grant & Administrative Manager) – He is passionate about work that gives back and strengthens communities where he lives, works, and plays. Peter has worked for the government at local, County, and State levels, managing contract services and grants and as an acting liaison for community stakeholders. His connection with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) started in Issaquah, where he managed recreation registration and respite programs for adults with IDD and coached Special Olympics basketball. He is excited about the opportunities LEO provides for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping people live independent and enriching lives in a vibrant community.

Nancy Whitaker < Back Nancy Whitaker LEO Board Emeritus Resides in Snoqualmie Valley BA in Sociology from Seattle University Parent of four children, one with developmental disabilities Retired Executive Director of Encompass Northwest Member of the Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club LEO Board member from 6/1996 to 2/2018 The fourth LEO Adult Family Home (AFH) is named “The Nancy Whitaker House” Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Francis Cheung < Back Francis Cheung Past Board Member Grew up in Renton Washington BA Computer Science from Seattle Pacific University Currently Software Development Engineer at Microsoft Has a passion for working with non-profit organizations Has a son with Down Syndrome Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

David Zeitlin < Back David Zeitlin Board Member Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Advocacy Creating connection through the workplace Employment Advocacy and Support Advocacy for employment was the foundation of the LEO organization. The "founding mothers" identified a significant gap in employment services and job coaching for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over time, this need has been addressed by various private and non-profit organizations through employment vendors. Today, we encourage families to collaborate with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and existing employment vendors to access these essential services. We also urge families and friends to support individuals with developmental disabilities by engaging in community activities such as volunteering at Salmon Days , participating in community cleanup days , or joining the Aktion Club supported by AtWork! and the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah. LEO proudly recognizes businesses in our community that go above and beyond in hiring people with disabilities. These employers are committed to: Adapting hiring procedures Offering flexible job descriptions Allowing on-site employment specialists for job coaching Providing a supportive network for employees Actively recruiting individuals with disabilities Your support and involvement help create a more inclusive and empowered community for everyone. Employers We've Recognized Albertsons, Eastgate Adventure Bowl AMC, Factoria Applebees, Renton Arena Sports AtWork! Bellevue Community College Burger King, Issaquah City of Issaquah Costco Headquarters Costco Warehouse, Issaquah Earth Pet Eastridge Christian Assembly Encompass Eurest Dining Services Evergreen Ford Fairwood Golf and Country Club Fischer Meats Foryu Furnishings Fred Meyer, Issaquah Gilman Auto Body Girl Scouts of Western Washington Hilton Garden Inn Home Depot, Issaquah Home Goods, Issaquah Issaquah Brew Pub Issaquah Kiwanis Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Issaquah Press Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Issaquah School District Jubilee Farms Kids Country Day Care, Issaquah KinderCare, W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy Lakeside Montessori Lowe’s, Issaquah Matthews Thriftway McDonalds, Gilman Meadowbrook Urgent Care Clinic Michael’s Toyota of Bellevue Microsoft Mt. Si Sports and Fitness NAES (formerly North American Energy Service) National Etching North Bend Theater Old Country Buffet, Factoria Panera Bread PCC Natural Markets Pediatric Associates Petco, Issaquah PetSmart, Issaquah Pine Lake Club Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company Pitney Bowes Services Providence Marianwood QFC, Gilman Blvd, Pine Lake, Klahanie, Newcastle Red Robin, Bellevue Square Regal Cinemas, Issaquah Ridge Fitness, Snoqualmie Rite Aid, Factoria River Dog Round Table Pizza, Issaquah Safeway, Issaquah, North Bend, Sammamish, Renton Highlands San Mar Snoqualmie Casino Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course Snoqualmie Police Department Snoqualmie Valley YMCA Squak Mountain Greenhouse and Nursery Starbucks, Gilman, E. Lake Sammamish, Pine Lake, Klahanie Village, Renton Highlands Swedish Medical Center Issaquah Swedish, Pine Lake Clinic Target, Issaquah Tavon Center The Golf Club at Newcastle The Grange Supply The Rotary Club of Issaquah Trader Joe’s, Issaquah True Martial Arts Tutta Bella, Issaquah Twedes Cafe University House, Issaquah US Archives Walgreens, Issaquah, Bellevue Whole Foods, Bellevue WildFin, Issaquah, Renton York Building Services, Bellevue Zeek’s Pizza, Issaquah Highlands Learn About Our Other Initiatives Housing family home with large veranda Education adult with disabilities using a computer at a desk, a thoughtful expression on his face Recreation Two sets of gravity cars with excited children in them.

Jim Wright < Back Jim Wright Board Member Resides in Issaquah Former High School Physics/Math Teacher; Vietnam Veteran (USAF) BS in Physics, MA in Educational Administration from California State University Long Beach Retired from City of Bellevue and Puget Sound Energy; GIS/GeoSpatial Applications Developer Parent of a son with autism Long time LEO supporter and volunteer Board Member since 9/2015 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Kiwina Wijaya < Back Kiwina Wijaya Past Board Member Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved