Independence House

Pros

• HGH offers many services for people with special needs.
• HGH staff are consistently kind and caring.
• HGH provides invaluable services to individuals with disabilities.
• HGH helps families find support at home or in the community, with high-quality care.
• HGH is an incredible organization with caring and engaged staff.
• HGH provides many activities and opportunities for people with special needs.
• HGH is a wonderful resource and incredibly helpful for families.
• HGH does a lot to help those who need an extra hand.
• The staff at HGH are loving and supportive, making participants feel happy and valued.

Cons

• The reviewer criticized the front desk staff member Jenna for answering calls and then leaving the line unattended, calling the behavior "stupid."
• The reviewer described the organization as a joke, reporting that staff hung up when asked for help, callbacks went to voicemail, and no one answered.
• The reviewer claimed that they and their husband were treated poorly in the Independent Living Program, being made to feel as if they were stupid (1997?2005).
• The reviewer alleged that management had gone downhill and that favorites were shown.
• The reviewer stated that the management is seriously flawed.

Review

Home of Guiding Hands is described by many as a beacon of support for people with disabilities, offering a broad spectrum of services that touch families in meaningful ways. Reviewers repeatedly praise the organization for its compassionate staff, welcoming atmosphere, and the extensive range of programs designed to help individuals stay connected to their communities. From the moment people step into the doors, the sentiment is that HGH provides more than services - it creates a positive environment where clients and families alike feel seen, valued, and supported.

A unifying thread across many accounts is the breadth of HGH's offerings. The organization is recognized for housing-related services, independent living support, respite care, and living options that aim to keep people connected to their homes and communities. In particular, HGH is noted for serving a sizable population - over 1,600 developmentally disabled individuals in San Diego and Imperial Counties - through a nonprofit model that is described as well run and professionally managed. Reviewers consistently laud HGH for having "amazing staff" who deliver high-quality care and for helping families navigate a wide array of services designed to meet evolving needs.

People who have engaged with HGH through events, volunteering, or ongoing programs speak to the warmth and engagement of the staff. A holiday-season volunteering experience is highlighted for its caring and engaged volunteers, and multiple voices emphasize that the staff are genuinely kind, loving, and supportive. One reviewer notes that the organization has become a part of their family, with staff who possess deep knowledge about special needs and a commitment to helping families' loved ones stay independent and active with a little help from HGH. The sentiment is that HGH isn't merely a service provider but a community that fosters connection, friendship, and personal growth.

Several stories showcase the tangible positive impact HGH has had on individuals and families. For some, HGH has been instrumental in achieving goals such as independence or access to essential health services, including vaccinations. A reviewer recounts gratitude for assistance in obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination for a family member, describing the process as easy and worry-free. Another person shares how a staff member named Wendy dedicated substantial time - two and a half hours - at a home visit to interview and understand a family's needs, underscoring the possibility of highly personalized, attentive care. The tone across these accounts is one of trust, respect, and a belief that HGH provides meaningful opportunities for people with special needs.

There are also candid, critical notes that acknowledge room for improvement, reflecting a balanced view. One account describes a frustrating experience with a front desk staff member during a Liv scan appointment. The staff member, Jenna, allegedly did not consistently stay on the line with the caller and left the phone unattended, leading to disappointment and questions about professionalism. Another review conveys a sense of frustration with attempted contact by phone - reports of being hung up on and, at times, reaching voicemail with no follow-up. These pieces of feedback highlight that, like many large organizations, HGH's customer-service experiences can vary and may depend on individual staff interactions.

Past experiences are also acknowledged, with some reviewers recounting negative memories from earlier years. One former client recalls feeling disrespected in the Independent Living Program, describing treatment as demeaning from 1997 to 2005. Another writes that, while the organization has moments of care and concern, the management has at times "gone downhill" and that favorites could influence how clients were treated, hinting at challenges in governance and consistency. These reflections remind readers that HGH's history includes periods of difficulty, even as many current experiences center on gratitude and admiration for the organization's mission and service.

Taken together, the reviews paint a nuanced portrait of Home of Guiding Hands. On balance, HGH is celebrated for its mission, its comprehensive service array, and its devoted staff who strive to create opportunities, empower independence, and foster a sense of belonging for people with disabilities and their families. The organization is described as one of the most professionally managed nonprofits in Southern California by some reviewers, and as a place where people can find meaningful work and personal fulfillment. Yet the feedback also underscores the importance of consistent follow-through, respectful customer service, and ongoing attention to management practices to ensure every caller and client experiences the same level of care and reliability.

Ultimately, HGH emerges as a multifaceted institution that many rely on for support, community, and empowerment. It is praised for its inclusive environment, its capacity to serve a large and diverse population, and the genuine care shown by many staff members. While some voices point to past challenges and isolated incidents that warrant attention, the prevailing narrative centers on hope, appreciation, and the belief that Home of Guiding Hands continues to be a valuable resource - one that helps families navigate complex needs and supports individuals in leading fuller, more independent lives.

Located in El Cajon, California, this area offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable lifestyle. With several cafes like Starbucks and CroBean, as well as restaurants like Jack In The Box and Saray Restaurant nearby, there are plenty of options for dining out. Places of worship such as Foothills Christian Church and El Camino Grace Church provide spiritual support, while pharmacies like Walmart Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy offer easy access to medication. Physicians like Dr. Pushpanjalie Wijeratne and Dr. Elahe Toulouie are available for medical care, and hospitals such as Sharp Grossmont Hospital provide healthcare services in the vicinity. Additionally, parks like Shadow Hill Park and Mount Helix Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, while transportation options like Grossmont Transit Center make it easy to get around. Overall, this area provides a mix of services and amenities that cater to the needs of older adults seeking a vibrant community for senior living.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• CroBean (6.9 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.7 miles)
• The Simple Coffee House (10.5 miles)
• Starbucks (11.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Jack In The Box (0.7 miles)
• Sycuan Casino Resort (4.9 miles)
• Jack In The Box (5 miles)
• Saray Restaurant (5.2 miles)
• Jack In The Box (5.5 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (5.7 miles)
• Mal Al Sham (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Cathollc Church (2.3 miles)
• Foothills Christian Church (5.8 miles)
• El Camino Grace Church (6.8 miles)
• Skyline Church (8.6 miles)
• Saint Gregory The Great Catholic Church (13.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.3 miles)

Physicians

• Pushpanjalie Wijeratne, MD (4 miles)
• Elahe Toulouie, MD (4.3 miles)
• West Coast Eye Care & Acuity Eye Group - Alpine (5.3 miles)
• Dr Dominguez And Dr Ancona-Young Office (5.6 miles)
• Fereshteh Jahanpanah Medical Clinic (6.2 miles)
• Southern Indian Health Council (8.5 miles)
• Dr Susan Homesley's Office (13.1 miles)

Parks

• Shadow Hill Park (4.9 miles)
• Town Center Community Park (6.3 miles)
• Mount Helix Park (8.5 miles)
• Iron Mountain Trailhead (10.8 miles)
• Semillon Boulevard. Mini Park (12.6 miles)
• Old Poway Park (12.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Stanford Court Nursing (6.7 miles)
• Sharp Grossmont Hospital Brier Patch (8.9 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center/Kaiser Foundation Hospital (13.6 miles)

Transportation

• Grossmont Transit Center (9.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Poway 1 (12.3 miles)