A Full Life: Dana & Cindy

“A Full Life” series is an on-going narrative throughout Lifehouse. The goal is to help the community discover the creativity, expression and confidence within each individual that Lifehouse supports.

Cindy and Dana have both been supported by Lifehouse for over 20 years. Fifteen years ago, their love story began in the hallways of a San Anselmo apartment complex that exclusively provides housing for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Since then one of their greatest bonds has been over their mutual love of art. The walls of Dana’s apartment are an ode to both of their artwork, family, friends and their life together. Many of their photos together include the early days of attending the Lifehouse Annual Awards Banquets, trips and cruises, or their time as dancers for the yearly Great Chefs and Wineries performance. The apartment feels warm, inviting, and full of joy.

Cindy and Dana are like many couples, they enjoy weekly date nights and spend holidays together. Cindy even cooks Thanksgiving dinner every year for them. Date nights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and since Cindy lives in anapartment just the floor below its easy for them to rendevouz. They enjoy playing cards, working on the latest art project set up by their DSP Melissa, or walks around the neighborhood. While Dana is walking a little slower these days, they look for dandelions along the way or count dogs passing by when they take breaks on benches.

Cindy is known for keeping Dana positive. They are playful and tender with one another. Finding true companionship with each other has lead Cindy and Dana to create a quiet but full life together.

Growth in the North Bay

In recent years, Lifehouse has grown significantly as an organization, now supporting over 370 individuals in Marin and Sonoma Counties. In the North Bay, we are now supporting about 117 individuals, compared to just 26 individuals four years ago. Our new expanded office space in Petaluma provides opportunity for collaboration and support for our North Bay staff and community.

Our growth in the North Bay can be seen in the ILS program, which is designed to provide training and promote independence. The ILS program provides funding for up to 35 hours of staffing support per month and focuses on developing living skills that include budgeting, medical support and medication management. This for some is just enough to keep them living a more independent life. A person is eligible for services regardless of whether he or she is renting their own place or living with family.

We have seen an increase in the need for this type of service in Sonoma County. This program has doubled in size in the past four years.

 One resident who recently joined our ILS program is Sonja. With the help of Lifehouse staff, she has been able to maintain daily routines and activities. Sonja loves the interactions with her staff, who help her with independent living skills and activities such as cooking, making appointments, depositing checks, and taking medication. Her staff also help her with communication and relationship skills. She is grateful to be able to maintain her independence with the assistance of her Lifehouse counselor.