marin legacy — Blog

Ensuring a lifetime of compassionate support.

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.

Celebrating the legacy of Lifehouse and the people we support.

Danny Holderman

36 years at Lifehouse

Danny is known for his good sense of humor, passion for fitness, and the outdoors. He lives independently in a cottage in Point Reyes, where he loves to take in the coastal breeze, tend to his garden, and take care of his two hens. With the help of his direct support staff, Danny is able to manage his finances, and take weekly grocery trips. Danny is currently recovering from a successful hip surgery, and is more eager than ever to hit the trails and get back on his bike. At 64 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down!

Greg Gazzano

48 years at Lifehouse

Greg has a charismatic smile and is very social. He and his girlfriend Cathy have lived at the Del Ganado apartments together for 36 years. Greg loves a word search and is a true sports fan. He is always listening to games on the radio and keeps up on the latest stats of his favorite Bay Area teams. Greg also enjoys participating in local sports programs through the San Rafael Lions Club and the Special Olympics. To further his independence, Greg is working on becoming more assertive, and advocating for himself with the help of his direct support staff.

Johnny Wall

39 years at Lifehouse

Johnny is one of those people that gets recognized just about anywhere he goes. He has a great sense of humor, and is a social butterfly, making him a prominent figure in his community. He has several hobbies that include painting, swimming, yoga, and going to the movies or dinner outings with friends. Johnny is honest and outspoken, which makes him a great self-advocate. With a sharp memory and empathetic nature, he is beloved by his friends and family.

Julie Burnett

40 years at Lifehouse

Julie is in the Lifehouse Supported Living Program and has been living at the Del Ganado apartments independently for more than two decades. She seems reserved at first, but likes to joke around, and laugh with her friends and support staff. Julie has a creative streak, and likes to spend much of her time weaving. Her handwoven placemats are available for purchase at the Artist Within Gallery in San Anselmo. With the help of her support staff, Julie set a goal to start learning how to bake this summer.

Doreen Ramirez

36 years at Lifehouse

Doreen is very proud of her independence. She is currently focused on her fitness and is proud of the improvement she has made on her overall health. Her direct support staff help her stay on track by going on daily walks together which she always looks forward to. Doreen enjoys working on art projects and being creative. On occasion she loves to attend social engagements at her local church.

Meredith Lloyd

46 years at Lifehouse

Meredith’s family history with Lifehouse dates back to 1978 when the Lloyd’s helped establish the ‘Little Schoolhouse’ as one of the first special education programs in Marin County. Fast-forward to 2024, Meredith has lived independently in her own apartment for three years with the help of her direct support staff. She takes great pride in having a place of her own. Her hobbies include drawing, listening to music and dancing. Meredith and her friends love celebrating life events like birthdays, and make plans to get together when they can. Meredith also loves getting out and about in her community, and regularly trying new restaurants with friends.