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.

2025 Annual LEO Picnic

Education Educational Forums for Parents, Families, Guardians and Others Our Work LEO connects with families, offering vital education on relevant topics through quarterly forums. We empower our community with essential information on housing, guardianships, special needs trusts, and employment. All our events are free and provide networking opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators. Stay updated on upcoming forums and other events. Events & Updates Past Programs Positive interactions with law enforcement officers Healthy lifestyles Technology as a tool for independent living Housing Options Preparing for employment Person Centered Planning Advocacy Recreation opportunities Shirley Paceley, MA from the Blue Tower Training, Decatur, Illinois, speaking on how to stay safe Marsha Quinn, Community Outreach Manager for Encompass (EncompassNW.org) led a discussion on when and what parents or guardians must do. Learn About Our Other Initiatives Housing family home with large veranda Recreation Two sets of gravity cars with excited children in them. Employment Man smiling with a broom as he sweeps leaves

Our Homes Adult Family Homes for people with 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. Thanks to the many generous donations, five AFHs now exist—four in Issaquah and one in the Snoqualmie Valley. Learn More 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

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

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