Giving Back Magazine January 2019 | Page 78

Community Home of Guiding Hands Improving the Lives of Those We Serve Randy Jones, Kaye Kelley and Mark Klaus H ome of Guiding Hands (HGH) is one of the largest providers of support and services in San Diego and Imperial Counties, serving more than 3,200 children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities each year. HGH Clients with Mark Klaus CEO HGH is best known for its premier residential services but they also manage the following programs: Independent Living, Adult Foster Matching Services, Early Childhood Development, Transportation, In-Home Respite Care, Life Planning and free Counseling & Family Support Services. HGH believes that individuals thrive when they can direct their own lives in a setting that offers a more fulfilling lifestyle, provides individualized attention, increased opportunities for self-sufficiency, and encourages greater community integration and access. The 9th Annual Randy Jones Run/Walk for Independence 5K will take place on February 23, 2019 in Crown Point Park. Participants can run, walk or roll along the bay with picturesque views of San Diego’s skyline and Mission Bay. The event begins at 8:00 am with popular KSON radio hosts John and Tammy as the event’s emcees. In 1976 Randy Jones was named the National League Cy Young Award winner for his pitching abilities and has become a beloved San Diegan ever since. Jones came to be involved with HGH soon after, when he was shopping for plants for his new home. At that time HGH had a campus in Lakeside and operated a nursery onsite. Jones purchased his plants and has been an advocate ever since, working with HGH as a member of the HGH Board of Governors as well as a community partner and spokesman for HGH. In 2009, Jones and HGH came together with a new idea; create a family friendly, community based event to raise funds and make independence more achievable for people living with a disability. Onsite Randy Jones will host a meet and greet, and participants can take photos with the Friar and Padres PAD Squad. All funds raised directly benefit the programs and services at Home of Guiding Hands. Thanks to Jones and his leadership, this event has raised over $250,000 since this event began eight years ago. For more info and registration: www.guidinghands.org. 78 GBSAN.COM | JANUARY 2019