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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? Housing Options in Washington State Visit the DDA website for additional information This page contains links to third party links including PDFs located on Washington's DSHS website, and videos on Youtube. If any links are no longer working, please contact us and we will remove or update them as quickly as possible. Thank you! Alternative Living Housing Model – Individual Person 40 hours per month of support while you live independently. Training Independent Skills Create many goals and work on skills to meet those goals from your person-centered service plan with an Alternative Living provider. You are responsible for your living expenses while living in a home or apartment you rent or lease. If living with a parent, you may receive service from an Alternative Living provider for up to six months. Alternative Living is not personal care. In addition to working with an Alternative Living provider, you may work with an Individual Provider to receive person care if you need it. Alternative Living Fact Sheet.pdf Alternative Living Video - YouTube Companion Homes – Individual Person Receive one-on-one habilitation services, including: assistance with daily care, medication management, medical appointment scheduling (and more) while living in your Companion Home provider’s family home. You agree on how much money you pay your Companion Home provider for room and board, and you may keep some spending money for yourself. You get to choose at least one goal to work on with your provider from your Person-Centered Service Plan. Note: A Companion Home provider is not the same as an Individual Provider. Companion Home Services.pdf Companion Homes Video - YouTube Group Training Homes or Group Homes Receive habilitation services, assistance with community activities, menu planning and cooking, medication management, medical appointment scheduling (and more) from provider who leases or rents a home you share with others (five-12 people total). You pay room and board through a cost-of-care fee that’s based on your income. Receive a monthly allowance to pay for personal items and activities in your community. Group Training Homes are non-licensed facilities, operated by a non-profit provider. Group Homes are licensed facilities operated by either a for-profit or non-profit provider. Both settings have specific requirements related to the layout and safety of the home Group Training Homes Fact Sheet.pdf Group Homes Fact Sheet.pdf Group Training Homes Video - YouTube Supported Living – Individual or Group Receive habilitation services, assistance with community activities, menu planning and cooking, medication management, medical appointment scheduling (and more) in a home you own, rent or lease with up to three other people. You pay for your food, utilities and personal expenses with your own income. Supported Living services are provided by either contracted community agencies or State-Operated Living Alternatives. You choose your home, roommates and provider. Supported Living Fact Sheet.pdf Residential Care Settings: Adult Family Home – Licensed Residential Care Setting (24/7 supports) Receive assistance with daily activities in a licensed provider-owned home that supports two to eight adults. Caregivers provide assistance with individualized care tasks included in your Person-Centered Service Plan. You pay room and board through a cost-of-care fee that’s based on your income. Receive a monthly allowance to pay for personal items. Specialty training is required for providers who support clients of the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Services may also include Meaningful Day activities. Adult Family Home Fact Sheet.pdf Adult Family Home Video - YouTube Assisted Living / Adult Residential Care / Enhanced Adult Residential Care (24/7 supports) Receive personal care, housing, housekeeping services, meals, snacks, laundry and activities in a facility licensed by DSHS’ Aging and Long-Term Supports Administration. You pay room and board through a cost-of-care fee that’s based on your income. Receive a monthly allowance to pay for personal items. Specialty training is required for providers who support clients of the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Assisted Living, Adult Residential Care and Enhanced Residential Care Facilities Fact Sheet.pdf 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!

Staff & Volunteers Care Providers Care providers are the cornerstone of LEO. They manage our homes for adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. Their dedication and compassion empower our residents to lead fulfilling lives with dignity and independence. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and the positive impact they make every day. Chona Gascon Rose Finnegan House Claire Mmbone Nancy Whitaker House Evelyn Galasso Angela Dews House Mary Njuguna Ann Dennis House Pam Stefansky Mike Ernst House Anne Galasso Searing House Staff Our staff expertly manage and organize programs, maintain our homes, coordinate fundraising efforts, plan events, and handle essential administrative tasks. Their dedication and hard work ensure that we can continuously support and enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. We are proud of our team's unwavering commitment and the invaluable contributions they make every day. Alyssa Midgley Executive Director Jin Lee Operations Manager Peter Walters Grant & Administrative Manager Molly Simpson Project & Event Support Specialist Board Members LEO board members are dedicated volunteers who provide leadership and guidance. They make the decisions that shape our organization, including purchasing or building new homes and hiring staff and care providers. Their strategic vision and commitment ensure that LEO continues to grow and effectively support individuals with developmental disabilities. We deeply appreciate their expertise and the significant impact they make on our community. Jonathan Clark Board President Mike Ernst Board Member & Past President Laura Maloney Secretary Becky Kitz Treasurer Jiff Searing Board Member & Past President Jim Wright Board Member Janet Rumer Board Member Adam Fuchs Board Member David Zeitlin Board Member Jay Hirst Board Member Jeff Avansino Board Member Past Board Members Rose Finnegan LEO Founder (1937-2018) Leo Finnegan Past President / LEO Board Emeritus Jane Searing Board Advisor Angela Dews LEO Founder, LEO Board Emeritus Nancy Whitaker LEO Board Emeritus Ann Dennis Linda Lentgis Past Board Member Karl Pauly Past Board Member Kiwina Wijaya Past Board Member Angie Holmstrom Past Board Member Francis Cheung Past Board Member Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Molly Simpson < Back Molly Simpson Project & Event Support Specialist Molly Simpson (Program Director) – Since joining Life Enrichment Options, Molly has been dedicated to spreading the word about LEO’s mission while streamlining and managing our daily operations. Her passion for public speaking, hosting community events, adaptive recreation and quick tech skills have contributed to LEO’s growth. Molly’s commitment to individuals with IDD and their quality of life drives her in this role.

Our Homes Adult Family Homes for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities The Adult Family Home (AFH) model is a home in a typical neighborhood where five or six individuals with disabilities can live as independently as possible in a family-like atmosphere with their live-in care provider. A Shared Living Home is a similar arrangement where residents live with a care provider in a home-like setting. Thanks to the many generous donations, five AFHs & a Shared Living Home now exist—five in Issaquah and one in the Snoqualmie Valley. Learn More Trailhead Apartments Care Provider: Not yet determined Groundbreaking took place in July 2026. Read about the project here. Opening 2028 Searing House Care Provider: Anne Galasso Located near the Issaquah Senior Center, the Searing House is our first home that operates as a Shared Living Home. Opened 2025 Mike Ernst House Care Provider: Pam Stefansky Located in the West Issaquah Highlands, the Mike House is our first home built in partnership with Taylor Morrison home builders. Opened 2022 Nancy Whitaker House Care Provider: Claire Mmbone We opened the Nancy Whitaker House in 2020 in the Snoqualmie Valley. It's the first house opened outside of Issaquah. See the photos taken during construction . Opened 2020 Angela Dews House Care Provider: Evelyn Galasso We again teamed up with Polygon Homes (after successfully building the Rose House) to build the Angela Home, this time in the Issaquah Highlands community. Opened 2012 Ann Dennis House Care Provider: Mary Njuguna The Ann House is located in a beautiful park-like setting right along the border of Issaquah and Sammamish. Opened 2006 Rose Finnegan House Care Provider: Chona Gascon Located in the Olde Town neighborhood of Issaquah, the Rose House was LEO's first home and was named after one of our founders, Rose Finnegan. It continues to set a great example of how to operate an Adult Family Home, not just in the LEO organization, but in the community as well. Opened 2003 Life Enrichment Options and Adult Family Homes (AFH) Life Enrichment Options (LEO) owns and maintains Adult Family Homes (AFH) in Issaquah and the Snoqualmie Valley, providing supportive, family-style housing for adults with developmental disabilities. We are committed to expanding our housing options and ensuring a high standard of care. What Are AFHs? AFHs are unique homes in typical neighborhoods, designed to offer a family-like atmosphere where five or six individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible with their live-in Care Provider (CP) . These homes are licensed and regulated by the State of Washington, with each home accommodating up to six adults and a full-time CP. Note that Adult Family Homes are sometimes confused with “Shared Living Homes” or “Supported Living Homes”, or the generic term “Group Homes”. Both the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services , and the Arc of King County are great resources for more information. Care Providers Our Care Providers are independent contractors vetted by LEO and licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). They operate their own business from the home and receive Medicaid reimbursement for providing personal care. LEO leases the homes to the CPs at below-market rates, covering some utilities, maintenance, and insurance. While CPs manage their businesses independently, they adhere to LEO’s standards of care and lease agreements. Self-Sustaining Model Thanks to generous donations and prudent financial management, each home is debt-free and self-sustaining . This model ensures that residents receive comprehensive care, housing, and social interaction under one roof. Residency Application If you are interested in applying for residency, please reach out to us directly to do an initial screening. When a vacancy occurs, the Care Provider reviews applications, conducts interviews, and ensures compatibility among residents. New residents can engage in community integration and participate in employment or day programs if possible. To help you prepare for your child’s transition to independent living, you can download LEO’s “Guidelines for Educating Your Child Toward Independent Living.” Care Provider Opportunities To apply as a Care Provider, please send a cover letter and resume to info@lifeenrichmentoptions.org . Learn About Our Other Initiatives Recreation Two sets of gravity cars with excited children in them. Education A thoughtful-looking man looking a computer screen. Employment Man smiling with a broom as he sweeps leaves

Get Involved You can make a difference LEO welcomes supporters to volunteer at events or join a committee (Housing, Events, Fundraising, Finance). Let us know how you’d like to help by calling, emailing, or using the form below . LEO Committees Our committees play a crucial role in planning activities and events, including: Educational presentations The Annual Salmon Days and Festival at Mt. Si parades Fenders on Front Street The Challenge Race Series Annual Picnic Committees also make recommendations to the LEO Board, ensuring we stay connected to the community's needs. Challenge Series Races Held in July, August, or September in partnership with Rotary Clubs, these gravity car races offer a fun day for participants and their families across the state, from Oak Harbor to Snoqualmie. Volunteer Roles Assist at race events Recommend responsible students (between 4’8” and 5’2” tall and up to 130 pounds) to be gravity race car drivers Identify individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities who would enjoy being co-drivers Sponsorship Opportunities Promote your company or product by sponsoring our race cars. Your name will be displayed on our cars, providing a unique way to advertise in your community. 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!

Becky Kitz < Back Becky Kitz Treasurer Resides in North Bend BA in Business Management from Eastern Washington University Mother of two children, one with developmental disabilities Self-employed as Becky Kitz, CPA PLLC Snoqualmie Valley Special Olympics organizer Currently serving on the Executive, Finance (Chair) & Fundraising Committees Has served as Board Vice President in the past Board member since 1/2003 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

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

Events No events at the moment Past Events 2025 Annual LEO Picnic Aug 11, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Confluence Park Issaquah, 595 Rainier Blvd N, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA Details Snoqualmie Challenge Race 2025 - Co-Driver May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Near Safeway, SE Douglas St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley! CO-DRIVER: Person with Disability or enrolled in ECEAP. No taller than 5'2'' and under 130 pounds. The Gravity Cars allow those with developmental disabilities to experience the thrill of riding a gravity car race car. Details Snoqualmie Challenge Race 2025 - Driver May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Near Safeway, SE Douglas St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley! 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 who is 10 years old or older. Details 2024 Award Recipients – LEO Caring Community Awards May 21, 2024, 7:00 PM Issaquah, Issaquah, WA, USA A celebration of the 44th annual Community Awards in Issaquah Details Keep Up to Date Subscribe to LEO newsletters and learn about upcoming events Email SIGN UP Thanks for your interest!

2025 Annual LEO Picnic

Future Planning Housing Checklist What do you need to put in place to be ready for the future for your family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Services & Care ☐ Developmental Disabilities Administration Client (DDA) ☐ Individual and Family Services (IFS) ☐ Children’s Intensive in home Behavior Support (CIIBS) ☐ Basic Plus Waiver ☐ Core Waiver ☐ Community Protection ☐ Home & Community Services Client (HCS) Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) ☐ Community First Choice (CFC) - # of Personal Care Hours ______ Income Sources ☐ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Monthly Amount $ _______ ☐ Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) Monthly Amount $ _______ ☐ Employment – Monthly Earned Income Amount $________ ☐ Other Monthly Benefits - Monthly Amount $ _______ Benefits & Assistance Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Application ☐ General Lottery ☐ Housing Access and Services Program (HASP) ☐ Applied for Food Assistance (SNAP) ☐ Applied for Energy Assistance ☐ Applied for phone communications assistance ☐ Applied for Metro Reduced Fare Transportation Bus Pass Legal & Financial Legal Guardianship: ☐ Person ☐ Estate ☐ Both ☐ Power of Attorney ☐ Supported Decision Making Plan ☐ Healthcare Advance Directives ☐ Update Will ☐ Special Needs Trust ☐ Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Account 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!

Smart Giving Every little bit helps. Here are some ways you can contribute. Online Whether you'd like to donate one time, or every month, our online Donation Page makes that easy. We accept all major credit cards. Employer Gift Matching Some employers offer corporate gift-matching (for example, through a platform like Benevity). Contact us to help you get that setup with your employer. Venmo You may send us donations through Venmo using @Life-Enrichment Check You may mail a check to our mailing address, Life Enrichment Options PO Box 117 Issaquah, WA 98027 Stocks We can now accept stocks! Contact us if you are interested in donating stocks. There are certain tax benefits to doing so and we'd be happy to discuss with you. PayPal You may send us donations through PayPal using info@lifeenrichmentoptions.org

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