Lara's House offers a full-time residential setting for 4 young women with various disabilities, and temporary care for others on an as-needed basis. That simple description, however, cannot begin to tell the whole story.

Lara's House provides what every parent wants for their child, disabled or not: a secure and healthy home where each is loved for who she is, cared for with warmth and sensitivity, and encouraged and supported to be all she can be.  

Loving, capable, well-trained staff, including specially trained caregivers, a full time nutritionist and cook, and an educational and activities coordinator, are on site 24 hours a day.  At least two caregivers are in the home at all times, and 3 or 4 are on site during active, waking hours.  Trained volunteers offer added individual attention. Therapists are available, as are volunteer students from teaching and health care universities.  Volunteers offer various spa and beauty salon treatments. Special events with musicians, artists, story-tellers, and other entertainers are scheduled regularly. 

All staff members are provided training in the principles of Real Love, developed by Dr. Greg Baer.  These principles teach people how to be unconditionally loving and find deep personal fulfillment and happiness.   When caregivers use these principles, they are able to provide consistently patient, loving and compassionate care, and avoid their own burnout and fatigue.  

Residents of Lara's House and their families are able to participate in events sponsored by the Lara Foundation, a non-profit organization for special needs individuals, their families and caregivers, which include family events, parent support and social groups, informative meetings and guest speakers.  

Lara's House is located within the boundaries of the Mesa Public Schools, a large school district with outstanding special education programs available for students through age 22. For those residents over the age of 22, an educational day program is provided.

Meals served at Lara's House are healthy and nutritionally sound, tailored to each resident's personal needs.  Organic foods from our own gardens or other local sources are used whenever possible and menus are planned based on strong natural nutritional and medical guidelines. The entire process of planning, preparation, serving and clean-up becomes an enjoyable learning experience for all.

A registered nurse is on-call 24 hours a day for consultation.  Special medical needs are accommodated (see admission information for details.)  Transportation and supervision are provided for medical and therapy appointments. A naturopathic doctor is available for alternative medical evaluations if desired in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. 

Each resident has a large private view room with a sliding glass door, in-room sink, and adjoining half bath.  The "spa" is a spacious bathing room with a large walk- (or wheel-) in shower and step-in whirlpool tub.

A large dining room, outdoor eating patio, spacious family room with fireplace and entertainment center, therapy/massage/meditation room, beauty salon, library, activity area, courtyard with fountain, and grounds with walking paths and a meditation garden all contribute to a comfortable and nurturing environment.

The home has a fully monitored security system, and an interior camera system to allow for full monitoring by staff for safety and supervision.  As an added benefit, parents/guardians have a personalized password which allows them to "visit" their child online. For parents who are traveling or unable to visit, live visual two-way communication is provided. You will never have to feel separated from your child, no matter how far away you are. 

The home has been renovated using eco-friendly and low allergen materials.  The environment is as physically healthy as it is emotionally wholesome for its residents.