Accomplishments     Core Values      Board Members       Advisory Board Members       Needs


Our History

Life Enrichment Options (LEO), a community based non-profit organization, advocates and works to support individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities and community education. In 1988, because people with developmental disabilities were facing long waiting lists for services from governmental agencies, this parent based all volunteer organization came together to find innovative solutions. One of our goals has been to increase community awareness of people who have developmental disabilities by having them included in all aspects of community (i.e. education, employment, recreation, and housing).

Our organization continues to grow as we have regular community meetings for all parents of persons with special needs. And we continue to work with governmental agencies to provide innovative solutions to complex problems.

Life Enrichment Options(LEO)
Registered Non-profit Corporation, UBI #601-199-914
Federal ID #91-1458330
State Charities Program #9040
For verification of this registration, call (360) 753-0863

Our Accomplishments

During the past 19 years are accomplishments are:

  • Partnership with Polygon Northwest Company to build the first Adult family home for people with developmental disabilities in Issaquah—Opened the Rose House in February 2003 for 5 individuals and a full time provider to call home.
  • Annually sponsor speakers to inform parents how to seek creative solutions to problems facing people with developmental disabilities.
  • Representation on the local special population's recreation committee.
  • Sponsor annual community forums to explore the needs of those with developmental disabilities in the areas of education, recreation, employment, and housing. 
  • Annual partnership with the Issaquah and Sammamish Rotary’s, to provide two days of fun gravity car racing for 50 children with special needs
  • Involvement in the planning and presentation of two county wide housing conferences sponsored by King County Division of Developmental Disabilities to find creative soulutions for persons with special needs for housing.
  • Annual recognition of 3 employers each year for the Employer of the Year Award, for employing persons with developmental disabilities in the greater Issaquah area.
  • Purchased a home from King County, and opened the Ann Dennis Adult Family Home for five individuals with developmental disabilities in Dec.2006. All this with private funding.
 Our Core Values

Community Centered: We are grounded in our community.

Integrity: We conduct ourselves honestly and ethically.

Passion: We are deeply committed to our purpose.

Respect: We value and honor all of our relation ships.

Caring: We are particularly mindful of those with special needs.

Visionary: We lead with strategic thinking and innovative practices.
Board Members

Mary Cline-Stively, President
Rose Finnegan, Past President
Larry Kimble, Past President
Dennis Wajda, Vice President
Angela Dews, Secretary
Becky Kitz, Treasurer
Ann Dennis
Mike Ernst
Jiff Searling
Nancy Whitaker
Cathy Lamb

Advisory Board Members

Kathryn Stueckle
Molly Jeste
Linda Couser
Barbara Boss
Ann Meisner
Chris Weber
Carol Weisbecker
Jane Searing

Our Needs

Population Needs
Washington State ranks in the lower 20% in the nation in providing services for the developmentally disabled population.

Today’s state funded housing supply does not meet the current or future needs of people with developmental disabilities in the Greater Issaquah area.

Until 1986, the State built group homes for individuals with disabilities. Residence East in Issaquah was the last of these homes built.

Currently, the State provides funding for only those people with disabilities who are in a crisis situation.

Issaquah Needs
Today in our Greater Issaquah area there are:

58 adults with developmental disabilities over age 21, living with their parents.

Approximately 170 students in the Issaquah School District Special Education program, who in the future, will need assistance with independent living.

Approximately 30 students in the Snoqualmie Valley School District Special Education program, who in the future, will need assistance with independent living.


Return to Top of Page.