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  • Linda Lentgis | LEO

    Linda Lentgis < Back Linda Lentgis Events & Outreach Resides in North Bend Retired Oncology Registered Nurse Sibling of sister with developmental disabilities (deceased) Past board member of Encompass Northwest Grandparent to 4 active boys Enjoys outdoor activities Board member since 5/2010 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

  • Staff & Volunteers | LEO

    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 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. Molly Simpson Program Director Jin Lee Business Operations Alyssa Midgley Housing Director Peter Walters Grants Administrator 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. Mike Ernst President Becky Kitz Vice President Kiwina Wijaya Treasurer Janet Rumer Secretary Francis Cheung Tech Advisor Karl Pauly Housing Committee Member Jim Wright Marketing & Public Relations Laura Maloney Past President and current Executive Board Member Jiff Searing Past President and current Housing Committee Member Jonathan Clark Advocacy / Housing & Development Angie Holmstrom Community Outreach / Housing & Development Past Board Members Rose Finnegan LEO Founder (1937-2018) Leo Finnegan Past President Jane Searing Board Advisor Angela Dews LEO Founder, LEO Board Emeritus Nancy Whitaker LEO Board Emeritus Ann Dennis Linda Lentgis Events & Outreach Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

  • Kiwina Wijaya | LEO

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

  • Thank You Page | LEO

    Thank you, Customer Name Thank you for pledging a {~DonationFrequency} donation of {~DonationAmount}. Your donation number is {~DonationNumber}. You’ll receive a confirmation email at {~EmailAddress}.

  • Mike Ernst | LEO

    Mike Ernst < Back Mike Ernst President Resides in Issaquah Has a daughter with developmental disabilities Long time supporter of the LEO mission Has served on the Housing and Fundraising Committees, and the Executive Board Long time LEO Board Member Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

  • Employment | LEO

    Employment 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.

  • What We Do | LEO

    What We Do Housing, Recreation, Employment Opportunities, and Community Education for the DD community Life Enrichment Options (LEO ) is a community based non-profit organization active in the Issaquah , and Snoqualmie School Districts and supports individuals with developmental disabilities through: Housing Recreation Employment Opportunities Community Education 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 Employment Opportunities Discover how LEO advocates for employment opportunities and supports individuals in finding meaningful work. About Employment Community Education Explore LEO’s initiatives in community education, providing essential resources and knowledge to empower individuals and their families. About Education Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference. Get Involved

  • Our Homes | LEO

    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 | LEO

    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 developmental disabilities to achieve their life vision and goals through supportive housing , recreation , employment opportunities , and community education . Our Area Our service area includes the Issaquah and Snoqualmie Valley school districts , 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

  • Jonathan Clark | LEO

    Jonathan Clark < Back Jonathan Clark Advocacy / Housing & Development Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

  • Jim Wright | LEO

    Jim Wright < Back Jim Wright Marketing & Public Relations 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

  • Becky Kitz | LEO

    Becky Kitz < Back Becky Kitz Vice President 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 Board member since 1/2003 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

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