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
Registered Non-profit Corporation, UBI #601-199-914
Federal ID #91-1458330
Washington State Charities Program #9040

For verification of this registration, call the Washington State Charites Hotline at
(360) 753-0863 or toll-free 1-800-332-GIVE.

Our Accomplishments

During the past 23 years our accomplishments are:

• Partnership with Polygon Northwest Company to build the first adult family home for people with developmental disabilities in Issaquah. The Rose House opened in February 2003 for five 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 Rotary Clubs of Issaquah and Sammamish 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 housing solutions for persons with special needs.
• Annual recognition of employers with the Employer of the Year Award, acknowledging their employment of 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 December, 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

Nancy Whitaker, President
Laura Maloney, Vice President
Jiff Searing, Vice President - Housing
Linda Lentgis, Secretary
Larry Kimble, Treasurer

Rose Finnegan, Past President
Ann Dennis
Angela Dews
Mike Ernst
Becky Kitz
Don Sellars
Deborah Donohoe
Stan Conrad

Board Member Bios >


Issaquah Outreach Committee Members

Becky Gordon – Chair
Liz Zeitlin
Angela Dews
Becky Gordon
Kathryn Stueckle
Barbara Boss
Rose Finnegan
Chris Weber
Carol Weisbecker
Jane Searing
Kirsten Griffin

Snoqualmie Valley Outreach Committee Members

Becky Kitz - Chair
Nancy Whitaker
Linda Lentgis
Ann Meisner
Tracy Neether
Lynda Oliveres
Janet Pearson
Julie Schumacher
Connie Smithrud
Cathy Stockman
Celina Travis
Wendy Starnes


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.