Home is where the Heart is with Life Services Alternatives

Non-Profit Stories: Inspiring Tales from Silicon Valley

Dana Hooper is a social entrepreneur, the Executive Director of Life Services Alternatives of Silicon Valley, and a committed advocate for the rights of the developmentally disabled to live their best possible life in the community. Dana continues to move the needle in residential living for the developmentally disabled in the South Bay as he works tirelessly with state and local governments on affordable housing, quality services, and human rights. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and he is a former board member for the Santa Clara Chorale. And he was also a past president of the San Andreas Regional Center where his son is a client in supported living.

Life Services Alternations is a non-profit organization which was founded with a mission of providing exceptional community living and programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Despite the many challenges, LSA has been able to expand their organization to fifteen homes throughout Santa Clara County over the last fifteen years.

Listen in to learn about LSA's mission, growth, and the challenges faced along the way, including the uphill task of recruiting and training quality staff and raising funds for acquiring homes. Plus advice for anyone passionate about running such organizations, and how volunteers and board members play a significant role in shaping the organization.

"We create a home, and we create an environment where people can grow, and i often wondered how to measure the impact, and we ended up deciding that it's really about the smiles." - Dana Hooper

Show Notes:

• The origin story of Life Services Alternatives
• Dana's experience having a son who has developmental disabilities
• Why Dana started LSA.org
• How Dana sees immense personal growth in LSA's residents
• What community living for adults gives to their residents
• The difficulties LSA faces, and how they overcome them
• LSA's goals for growth in the future
• Advice for anyone wanting to run a non-profit organization
• What is it like to live in an LSA home
• Advice for parents with children who have developmental disabilities
• How you can contribute and make a difference
• The importance of volunteering and donating your time

LSA’s Mission: Is to provide exceptional community living and programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Links Mentioned:

• Donate to LSA.org
• Connect with Dana and LSA:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | YouTube | LSA

Contact LSA: Address: 260 Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008 Phone: [phone]Email: [e-mail]