News & Updates

Grossmont Healthcare District continues support to Home of Guiding Hands

December 4, 2017 General

GHD Board of Directors present grant check to HGH CEO Mark Klaus and staff

The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is continuing its support of Home of Guiding Hands (HGH), an El Cajon-based non-profit organization that provides services, training and advocacy to infants, adolescents and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The GHD board recently approved a $69,000 grant that will help provide nursing care to HGH clients who live independently in their own homes, as well as about 150 residents of 31 HGH-operated community-based homes in El Cajon, Lakeside, San Carlos and Santee.

“We are proud to support Home of Guiding Hands in their efforts to serve District residents with optimal nursing care throughout their lives,” said Michael Emerson, GHD board president. “We applaud HGH’s expanded scope and breadth of support services and their dedication to maximize the independence, productivity and quality of life for the developmentally disabled population.”

Founded in 1961, HGH provides services to those with developmental and intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and autism. In addition to residential services, HGH operates a Respite Program that gives family members a break when needed, a Life Planning Program that assists families with the process of developing a care plan for the future, and an early childhood program, along with transportation services and counseling with family support services. The nonprofit has expanded its services in recent years and is currently assisting more than 2,500 people in both San Diego and Imperial counties.

“Many of our clients have compounded health issues, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease relating to aging and complications from their developmental disabilities,” said Mark Klaus, CEO of HGH. “Some of our clients are nonverbal and communicate their needs with a modified form of sign languages or sounds, which presents unique challenges to healthcare professionals. This grant from the Grossmont Healthcare District will help our nursing staff provide individualized and direct patient care and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.”

To learn more about HGH programs and services, visit their website.