2025 Lifehouse Annual Awards Banquet

Celebrating Community, Compassion, and Achievement

On October 10, 2025, we hosted our Annual Awards Banquet, an inspiring evening filled with connection, gratitude, and celebration. Hosted in Marin County, the event brought together staff, community partners, families, and individuals supported by Lifehouse to honor the people who embody our mission of inclusion, compassion, and lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“This event is one of our most meaningful traditions,” said Nancy Dow Moody, CEO of Lifehouse. “It’s a time to celebrate the people who embody our mission, our staff, the individuals we support, and our community partners who make inclusion possible every day.”

The evening was hosted by Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools Emerita and longtime friend of Lifehouse. Guests enjoyed a touching short film by Human Beings Media and the inspiring story of Lifehouse participant Teodros Gad, whose journey toward independence beautifully reflects the heart of the Lifehouse mission.

Honoring Excellence and Inclusion

The banquet celebrated outstanding achievements across the Lifehouse community, recognizing staff, volunteers, and community partners whose dedication strengthens the organization year after year.

Outstanding Staff Awards were presented to Sarah Lindquist, Mario Newton, Vanny Seang, Andrew Tomforde, and Nayiree Roubinian for their extraordinary commitment to the people they support. Longtime team member Kate O’Connor was honored for an incredible 30 years of service.

Community and partner awards highlighted the power of collaboration and generosity:

  • Open Arms Award – Tara-Caprice Broadwater of Love2Dance for her creativity and commitment to inclusion through dance.

  • Pat Kendall Spirit of Lifehouse Award – Joe and Mary Anne Cresalia and Cresalia Jewelers, honoring their decades of joyful generosity.

  • Volunteer of the Year Award – Bob Karfiol, recognizing nearly three decades of dedicated service.

  • Winery of the Year Award – Jessica Link and Linked Vineyards for their steadfast partnership and support.

  • Restaurant of the Year Award – Yoshi Tome and Sushi Ran for 23 years of culinary excellence and generosity.

  • Extraordinary Individual Service Award – John Newman, for two decades of creative and generous contributions to Lifehouse.

  • Charles L. Martin Award – Erin Uesugi and Uesugi & Associates Architects for visionary design leadership and the renovation of the Lifehouse headquarters.

  • Employer of the Year Award – Safeway on Nave Drive in Novato and Justin Stuart for their inclusive employment practices and support of Lifehouse employee Sallie Harrison.

  • Individual Achievement Awards – Randall Martin and Sallie Harrison, honoring their personal growth, independence, and leadership within the Lifehouse community.

Family and Community Support

This year’s banquet was made possible through the generous support of sponsors. Inspiration Sponsors included Doug Clough and Erin Uesugi, recognized for their commitment to Lifehouse and for Uesugi’s design of the organization’s new headquarters. Community Sponsors included Marin Sanitary Service, Bank of Marin, John Morre and Jane Ferrante, and Love2Dance.

Family Sponsors included Joshua and Yoshika Adler; Cheryl and Steve Caletti; Doug Carlston and Kathy Williams; Connie and Yves DeBalmann; Chrissy and Terry DeVoto; Glenn and Susan Dizon; Ann and Marc Elias; Archie and Janet Held; Casey and John Leones; Andrew and Kate Lesher; Vic and Mary Magnotti; the Robert Martin Family; the McKeever Family; Kathleen and Stephen Meeker; Nancy Dow Moody and Sam Kornhauser; Chuck and Ginny Quick; David Schanaker; Sally Spencer; Deidre and Martin Weil; Michael Weil and Janice Lee Baker; and Sid Sall and Michael Dooher of Equitable Advisors, all of whom make Lifehouse’s mission possible through their generosity and commitment.

A Night to Remember

The celebration culminated in a heartfelt performance of “Shine Your Light,” an original song written and performed by Tara-Caprice Broadwater alongside Lifehouse performers—a joyful tribute to inclusion, creativity, and the power of community. Guests then danced the night away to music mixed by DJ Mike Keating of Grand Slam DJs.

The Annual Awards Banquet stands as a testament to our mission, celebrating not only the achievements of the year but also the relationships, creativity, and love that make Lifehouse a true community.

Photos by Peter Merts

Photos by Brigid Flagerman

Lifehouse Summer Picnic: A community favorite is back!

After a several-year break, our Annual Summer Picnic made a joyful return, and what a day it was! From the moment guests arrived at Stafford Lake Park, the air was filled with laughter, live music, and the aroma of Lombardi’s Gourmet BBQ.

Friends, families, and the people we support came together to enjoy lively games, great food, and music from Zack and the Chromo-Tones. Our amazing volunteers helped create a warm, and welcoming atmosphere that truly reflected the spirit of Lifehouse.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so special — we can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!

Photos by Peter Merts

Photos by Callie Zimmerman

Photos by Vicki Peet

Standing Strong

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to the Lifehouse mission. As a caregiving organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we believe true inclusion means creating a community where everyone—those we serve, our staff, and our partners—feels valued, respected, and empowered.

At Lifehouse, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) make our workplace stronger and more supportive for everyone:

  • Diversity includes everyone from all backgrounds

  • Equity ensures that everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed

  • Inclusion helps everyone feel like they belong

We draw strength from the incredible diversity of our team. Every day, our staff brings a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to their work. Maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment is essential to delivering the high-quality, person-centered care that defines Lifehouse.

While national conversations around DEI continue to shift, our commitment remains unwavering. We know that a strong culture of inclusion directly enhances the care we provide and strengthens the communities we serve.

As part of this commitment, we’re proud to launch a new DEI training program for all employees. Held monthly via Zoom, each session features interactive activities and breakout groups designed to foster meaningful dialogue and support inclusive practices across our organization.

This training is especially meaningful because it was custom-designed for Lifehouse. Developed by David Escobar, Director of Training & Quality Assurance, in collaboration with the Lifehouse DEI Workgroup, it reflects the real-world experiences and challenges of caregiving in the I/DD community.

Our DEI Workgroup, which meets monthly, plays a vital role in advancing inclusion throughout Lifehouse. This dedicated team helps guide initiatives and ensures DEI remains woven into our daily practices and long-term strategy.

Thank you to our community and donors for supporting this work. Together, we are making inclusion not just a value, but a reality we live, for every person we are privileged to support.

Check out the full edition

of our Spring Newsletter!

SPRING 2025 NEWLETTER

A Night to Remember: Great Chefs & Wineries 2025

We are still beaming from the incredible energy of Great Chefs and Wineries 2025, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this unforgettable evening possible. It was truly an honor to celebrate Lifehouse’s mission alongside such a compassionate and generous community.

This year’s event was more than a gathering—it was a powerful testament to what we can achieve together. With your support, Lifehouse can continue to provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live full, independent lives right here in our community.

We are especially grateful to the outstanding chefs, wineries, and businesses who lent their talent and heart to this celebration. A special thank you to the participating partners below who made the evening shine.

Each bite, sip, and smile shared at the event was a reflection of your commitment to inclusion, compassion, and community. From start to finish, the night was an overwhelming success.

Mark your calendars: Great Chefs and Wineries 2026 will take place on April 25, 2026. We can’t wait to celebrate with you once again!

Wineries

Restaurants

Beverage Partners

Dessert Bar

Upholding the Promise: Community Unites for Disability Rights and Funding

On Friday, April 11th in Novato, community advocates, public officials, and passionate families came together for a powerful meeting centered on one urgent message: Keep the promise of quality services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Our community gathered to stand up for the rights and futures of people with I/DD, and keep the important principles of the Lanterman Act intact. The message was clear: California must honor its promise to this community, and it starts with quality care, adequate funding, and the continued commitment of our elected leaders.

Quality Care Starts with Investment

Advocates emphasized the vital need for adequate funding to ensure a skilled and consistent workforce that can provide the support individuals with I/DD need to live independently and have the opportunity to lead full lives. When we invest in quality care, we’re not just meeting a legal obligation, we are upholding human dignity.

Upholding California’s Promise

The Lanterman Act guarantees access to essential services and supports for Californians with I/DD, but as funding uncertainty looms, so does the potential rollback of hard-won rights. One of the greatest shared sentiments of parents with a child with I/DD can be quoted by Lifehouse parent, Martin Weil, “Who will care when we are gone?” This is not just about budgets, it’s about people, families, and futures.

Investing in Our Shared Future

Supporting service providers doesn’t just benefit those directly receiving care, it strengthens the very fabric of our communities. Families can thrive. Individuals can work, live, and contribute more fully. A well-supported disability services system uplifts everyone.

A Strong Showing of Support from Elected Officials

We were honored by the presence of committed leaders, including:

  • Congress Member Jared Huffman

  • Assembly Member Damon Connolly

  • Novato Mayor Tim O'Connor

  • Novato Council Members Mark Milberg and Kevin Jacobs

  • San Rafael Council Member Rachel Kertz

Congressman Huffman offered a transparent and detailed update on the federal budget and the looming challenges around Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). He didn’t shy away from the tough news, highlighting that there are Republican holdouts ignoring pleas from constituents worried about the future of Medi-Cal. His advice? Keep speaking out. Share your stories. Encourage friends and family in those districts to contact their representatives.

Assemblymember Connolly, alongside Huffman, showed genuine care and dedication to the I/DD community. Their presence—and their candor—was deeply appreciated. They reminded us that disability rights are not a partisan issue. This is about dignity, access, and equality. Values we all share.

The Path Forward

This meeting was more than a discussion—it was a call to action. If we want California to fulfill its promises, we must:

  • Contact our representatives and make our voices heard.

  • Share real-life stories of how funding and services impact daily lives

  • Encourage others in our networks to get involved

  • Demand transparency and accountability as budget decisions unfold

Together, We Make the Difference

Every voice counts. Every story matters. With our collective strength and the support of leaders who truly care, we can ensure California delivers on its promise to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Because your decision matters—and so does theirs.

 

Happy Holidays

On December 9th, we hosted our holiday party at the San Rafael Community Center, bringing together the people we support, their dedicated staff, board members, and volunteers. This festive occasion marked the first in-person holiday gathering since 2019, making it all the more special.

The event is a favorite for many, with a palpable sense of joy and excitement filling the room. One of the highlights was the unforgettable Santa rap performance, which had everyone laughing and clapping along. Guests also enjoyed a delicious meal from ‘The Pasta King,’ while the irresistible scent of freshly baked cookies and popcorn filled the air—both were loved by all in attendance!

Volunteer photographers Peter Merts and Janet Franklin captured the night’s joyful moments, while DJ Juice kept the good vibes going with great tunes, inspiring guests to hit the dance floor. Caroling led by Kate O’Connor brought a classic touch of holiday cheer.

This event was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, and we are truly grateful for the warmth and spirit of this amazing community. Here's to many more celebrations to come!

Intermediate Care Facilities

Ensuring a lifetime of compassionate support.

 

Stonehaven House

 

The Lifehouse Intermediate Care Facilities/ Developmentally Disabled Habilitative (ICF/ DDH) offer intensive support to individuals who may need medical, physical, or occupational therapies, ensuring that the most vulnerable people with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD) are cared for and have the opportunity for joy in their daily lives.

Supporting individuals in the ICF program is particularly complex since many of the clients are non-verbal and/or wheelchair bound. Many of the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in our ICF program have been with Lifehouse for 10-20 years. The bond that they have with the people they support is often like that of an extended family. This helps them successfully support their client’s overall mood, well-being, and enables them to provide the very best level of care. This is often difficult to discover from someone who is non-verbal, and possibly the most challenging part of supporting people in the ICF program. Being quick on ones feet, having patience, and understanding what the individual needs can often be lifesaving for these vulnerable individuals.

Anne Aguilar, the Qualified Intellecual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) Administrator of the ICF program says, “Everyone should be treated equally and have access to what they need to lead a life with dignity and opportunity. The best way I can advocate for that is working directly with the people in our community that need our help the most. It is not always easy, but the like-minded and truly dedicated people that I work with keep that inspiration alive.” Everyone in the ICF program continuously works to maintain vibrancy and harmony in their houses. The staff and the individuals supported are learning, growing together, and play an essential role in each other’s lives.

 

Nova House

 
 
#GIVINGTUESDAY :: At Lifehouse we believe that living a full, enriched life with dignity is not only possible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), but also a human right that speaks d,irectly to the values that we hold
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