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

What We Do Housing, Recreation, Community Education and Advocacy for the DD community Life Enrichment Options (LEO ) is a community based non-profit organization active in Issaquah , Snoqualmie Valley , and Rural East King County and supports individuals with developmental disabilities through: Housing Recreation Community Education Advocacy Housing Learn about LEO’s housing initiatives that provide safe, supportive, and family-style homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. About Housing Recreation Learn about LEO's inclusive recreational programs, including our popular gravity car races. About Recreation Community Education Explore LEO’s initiatives in community education, providing essential resources and knowledge to empower individuals and their families. About Education Advocacy Discover how LEO advocates for employment opportunities and supports individuals in finding meaningful work. About Advocacy Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference. Get Involved

Who We Are A community working to improve lives Life Enrichment Options (LEO) is a community based non-profit organization that works to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their life vision and goals through supportive housing , recreation , community education and advocacy . Our Area Our service area includes Issaquah, Snoqualmie Valley and Rural East King County , located on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. See Who Makes This Possible Care Providers LEO care providers Mary Pam and Evelyn at summer picnic - medium Staff LEO staff Molly and Jin at summer picnic - horizontal medium Board Members LEO board members Angie and Janet at summer picnic - medium History LEO was born in 1988 out of the need of mothers of young adults with developmental disabilities. As their children were leaving the safety net of the Issaquah schools, there was very little to look forward to in the way of activities and services in the community. These women were determined that their children would lead fulfilling lives on their own terms. Over the years LEO has made significant progress in developing housing, programs and activities. Accomplishments Partnered with Polygon Northwest to build the Rose House (2003), Ann House (2006), and Angela House (2012) in Issaquah, providing homes for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Built the Nancy House (2020) in the Snoqualmie Valley and the Mike House (2022) with help from the Kuni Foundation and Taylor Morrison Construction. Sponsored educational forums on housing, interactions with law enforcement, healthy lifestyles, and technology for independent living. Represented on local parks and recreation committees and initiated our own recreational programs in 2014. Partnered with local Rotary clubs and Kiwanis to host the Challenge Series Races for children with special needs. Recognized and encouraged employers who hire individuals with developmental disabilities. LEO continues to grow, staying connected with the community and working with governmental agencies to provide innovative solutions to complex challenges. Our Groundbreaking Shovel June 5, 2002 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference. Get Involved

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

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

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!

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

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