Sparkle Sponsor

Joe Cresalia is the third generation of the San Francisco based jewelry dynasty, Cresalia’s. His path to taking over the family business was not direct. He graduated from the University of Denver where he met his wife, Maryanne. Their mutual passion for the great outdoors brought them to Alaska where Joe fished king crab commercially and Maryanne started a preschool and fished salmon. It was after starting a family of their own that Joe and Maryanne decided that Joe would join the family business. Joe attended the Gemological Institute of America and then joined his dad full time in 1979.

The family business occupies a small, old-fashioned niche in jewelry retailing and has specialized in custom engagement rings and family heirloom redesign since 1912. The majority of Cresalia’s business comes through referrals. While Cresalia's merchandise is of high quality, its prices do not include the hefty premiums of some name-brand merchants.

Joe is no stranger to commitment in his community and has a huge heart when it comes to giving back. He has been on the Roots of Peace Board of Directors since December 2014, and he was on the Board of San Francisco Family Enrichment for 15 years. He has also been active with the YMCA Youth Program for 20 years.

Lifehouse is proud to have Cresalia’s as the Sparkle Sponsor for Great Chefs and Wineries for the second year running. Sticking true to the history of the business, Joe has re-designed a stunning bracelet from the 1920’s. It is a yellow gold & diamond open bangle secured by a push clasp & safety. Diamonds are old round & brilliant-faceted, with a G in color & clarity of VS2. A total weight of 1.10 carats of antique diamonds, from the 1900s, is set in white gold leaf and is valued at $7,500. This one-of-a-kind piece can be yours if you purchase a $100 raffle ticket!

Click below if you’re feeling lucky...

Lifehouse Resident Spotlight

Meet Zachary Weil and Stacey Bowen

by Matthew Tarver-Wahlquist, VP/COO

Zach Weil and Stacey Bowen are longtime Lifehouse residents, participating in our
Supported Living Program living in their own apartment, with Lifehouse providing staff
support in areas such as domestic skills, financial management, social skills, health and
hygiene, community integration, and personal growth. In addition to receiving these
services from Lifehouse, both Zach and Stacey attend Alchemia Day Program, where they partake in activities such as art, outdoor activities, games, musical theatre, health nutrition classes, and comedy.

It is at Lifehouse and Alchemia where Zach and Stacey met, and now they are engaged.
Their engagement story began on New Year’s Eve of 2017. Stacey had always loved the Ball Drop in New York City. It also has an added significance; her mother’s birthday happens to be on New Year’s Day. Therefore, Zach knew that was the perfect time to pop the question. The moment 2017 became 2018, Zach and Stacey were engaged to be married.

This didn’t come completely out of the blue for Stacey, who had picked out an engagement ring on a trip to Disneyland earlier in the year. She has been dating Zach for the past six years, but she had no idea it would happen at such a perfect moment. “Stacey’s mom is friends with me, and I knew it was her birthday. I thought that would make it extra special,” says Zach, who was interested in Stacey “from the first time I laid eyes on her” when they started attending the Alchemia Day Program together. It began as a friendship, but soon after Stacey became newly single, and with some encouragement from her friends, it blossomed into a romance. “What’s inside of him is very sensitive”, Stacey says of Zach. “I’m ready to settle down and spend my life with somebody.” For Zach’s part, he is a great admirer of Stacey’s musical abilities. “I love the way she sings. It’s out of this world. She has the best voice.”

Zach and Stacey are both individuals who have been able to live independently with
Lifehouse staff support and became more and more confident in their abilities. Under the
Supported Living Program, they both were able to expand their horizons, learn about
what works for them in their daily routines, and most importantly learn how to advocate
for themselves in the community. For Zach, his eight years at Lifehouse enabled him to
mature into a responsible adult, and for Stacey, her seven years at Lifehouse helped her
gain a better understanding of her health issues and how to live better with these issues.

We are very excited for Zach and Stacey. As for their plans for the near future, the
couple plans to enjoy their engagement for a while without rushing to plan a wedding.
Valentine’s Day was celebrated by watching the film “50 Shades Freed” together. They also planned to watch the box office hit “Black Panther”. Congratulations and best wishes to Stacey and Zach, Lifehouse’s current Power Couple!

Respecting the Bean

At Red Whale Coffee, coffee is serious business.  They seek to create high quality coffee beans for all to enjoy. Relationships with communities from Indonesia, Mexico, South America, and Africa allow them to develop a uniquely diverse cup of coffee. Although their network is vast, their roots originate in California.

Owner and Chief Coffee Geek, Sean Boyd, comes from a long line of Boyds that have been at the forefront of premium and specialty commodities. At a young age, he spent time growing and distributing exceptional produce to restaurants across Southern California. Sean’s relationship with cuisine evolved throughout the multitude of successful bistros and bars that were founded by his father.

Sean has been working with coffee since 2003. After being captivated by his first taste of premium coffee, he has become an expert. From master courses in roasting to honing his palate as a licensed Q Grader, Sean quickly accumulated copious accolades and certifications form the Specialty Coffee Association of America and now shares his expertise here in San Rafael.

At Great Chefs and Wineries you can enjoy, and maybe even learn something new, at Red Whale Coffee’s full espresso and coffee bar.

Click below to enjoy a ‘Cup of Joe.’

AUTISM AWARENESS

Understanding & Acceptance 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a pervasive early developmental disorder that strongly impacts how an individual socially engages with his or her world. Autism is a spectrum, so there is a range in social abilities within ASD. 

What are some Symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder?

#LightItUpBlue

• Blunted reaction to emotional events

• Difficulty understanding the intentions of others

• Poor eye contact 

• Anxiety

• Developmental delay in speech and language understanding 

•  Persistent repetition of words or actions

• Intense interest in a limited number of things or problems paying attention

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Did you know...

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), almost half (about 44%) of children identified with ASD  has an above average intellectual ability.

Economic Costs of Autism on Families

The financial costs per year in 2011for children with ASD in the Untied States were estimated to be between $11.5 billion - $60.9 billion. In addition to medical costs, intensive behavioral interventions for children with ASD can cost in the upwards of  $40,000 to $60,000 per child per year.  

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Seven Ways to Help Your Nonverbal Child Speak

by Autism Speaks

1. Encourage play and social interaction
2. Imitate your child
3. Focus on nonverbal communication
4. Leave “space” for your child to talk
5. Simplify your language
6. Follow your child’s interests
7. Consider assistive devices and visual supports

Do you need to find a service provider for someone with ASD? 

The Marin Autism Collaborative can help! The Marin Autism Collaborative (MAC) aims to identify the current services in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) in Marin County and the current gaps in services to families, professionals and consumers with ASD. 

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today you can help bring understanding and acceptance to autism
by wearing blue #lighitupblue

CELEBRATE GREAT CHEFS & WINERIES' 28TH YEAR

One of the San Francisco Bay Area's most anticipated events is fast approaching. We'd love to invite you to join us for Lifehouse's 28th Annual Great Chefs and Wineries on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Join us for another unforgettable evening of great food and fine wine, and come together to help us raise critical funds to enable Lifehouse to continue to provide support services for people with developmental disabilities. The support that we receive from the community is what makes this evening a huge success. 

We will be returning to The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap Golf Club in San Rafael, California. Along with Bright Event Rentals, they help us create the perfect place for us to host this fabulous evening.  

Heidi Insalata Krahling, our Culinary Host, will bring together a feast of small plates that have been expertly prepared by twenty-three Bay Area restaurants. Our Wine Committee, led by Sid Sall, handpicked an impressive lineup of elite wineries to be paired with the evening's delectable spread. 

We will also be featuring attractive and exciting auction items through our new mobile bidding system! With the help of Gesture, enjoy all aspects of the auction in the palm of your hand. From check-in to check-out, Gesture is available to help you have a memorable and remarkable experience. 

We cannot wait for you to join us this year! Purchase your tickets now by clicking below.  

For purchasing tables, please email us at mail@lifehouseagency.org
or call the Lifehouse office at 415.586.5300

MEET BETTY YU

Master of Cerimonies 

Great Chefs and Wineries 2018

LIfehouse is proud to introduce, KPIX reporter, Betty Yu, as this year’s Master of Ceremonies for Great Chefs and Wineries. A Bay Area native, Betty graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with degrees in Political Science and Rhetoric. Betty also has a Masters of Science degree in Journalism from Columbia University. After spending two years at WTVJ, the NBC-owned station in Miami, she joined KPIX 5 as a General Assignment Reporter. Betty has expressed her excitement about this year’s event. “Great Chefs & Wineries is a spectacular evening that features exquisite foods and fine wines, but more importantly, it is a reflection of the generous and compassionate spirit of the Lifehouse community.” As a reporter, Betty works with and highlights the lives many people with developmental disabilities. She continues to say, “I've seen them blossom because of the kind of support that Lifehouse offers.”

Click on the button below to join Betty Yu and the Lifehouse community at Great Chefs and Wineries on April 21, 2018.