Our Story

www.sunflowerhill.org

Our history…

• Created in 2012 by local parents and community leaders concerned about long-term residential options for adults with special needs

• IRS recognized 501c3 Tax ID#80-0897595

Vision/Mission

Mission

To develop a community for individuals with special needs that provides for life-long residency options and quality activities/programming – akin to ‘senior living.’

Vision

Sunflower Hill will become a model for special needs living and vocational options in the Bay Area – ensuring quality of life, individual choice, and an ‘intentional/affinity community’ embraced by the larger neighborhood/city/region.

Sunflower Hill Board of Directors

Susan Houghton Lynn Monica Dave MullerChris Bogert Tanya Ludden Kathy LaymanDebi Zentner Janeen Rubino Brumm

Advisors

John Sensiba Sblend Sblendorio Alan CerroDr. Lynne Mielke Dr. Glen Petersen Matt RuscaJulie Borg Rosemary Kirbach Jon Elfin

About us…

• One in 68 children nationwide (one in 48 boys in California)is the new statistic for autism

• There are 5 million individuals with special needs across the nation

• 500,000 will become adults in the next decade

• 17K individuals in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

• 900 in Livermore, 700 in Pleasanton, & 600 in Dublin alone who need housing

• 80% currently live with their aging parents – who won’t be able to care for them their entire lives

Why Sunflower Hill is needed…

What is Autism? • A developmental disability that by definition begins

before the age of three and most often lasts throughout a person’s lifetime

• Includes a group of complex disorders, characterized in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors

• Individuals with autism are unique. Each person has strengths and areas of need. But there are a few common characteristics that can be considered challenges or strengths depending on their severity

(Autism Speaks)

Our vision…

• Similar to ‘senior living’ - residents have ability to engage with friends with a sense of ‘belonging’

• Regular onsite activities (dances/bingo, shared meals)

• Access to off-site work and day programs, vocational and volunteer opportunities, academics

• Regular interaction with greater community

• Would serve individuals with all developmental disabilities

• Supportive and Independent Living Services through the Regional Center of the East Bay and provided as needed

What is an intentional community?

• A planned residential community designed from the start to have a high degree of social cohesion and teamwork.

• 79 Nationwide

• 12 in California

ExampleGlenwood Gardens – Laguna Beach

•Converted assisted living facility

•Private Pay/On the Beach

ExampleSweetwater Spectrum – Sonoma

•Private pay/Substantial buy in

•In a residential neighborhood

•LEED certified design/Garden operations

Example

San Juan Capistrano

•35 residents + long waiting list

•$45K a year

“Living, Learning, Belonging”

Example

• Private Pay• Windsor, CA

SFH Livermore –

Existing Home

13

SFH Livermore –

Current Property

SFH Livermore -View From First Street

Sunflower Hill Livermore - Aerial View

Courtyard at Community Building

Pool and Center Game Area

SFH Pleasanton -Irby Ranch Project

SFH Pleasanton -Irby Ranch Project

Irby Ranch Street View

Community Options

• Livermore Community

– Partnership with MidPen Housing

– 44 units (studios/1 bedrooms/co-op living)

• Pleasanton community

– Partnership with SAHA Housing

– 30 (1 bedroom/2 bedroom) units – also affords opportunity to purchase private homes in subdivision.

– Community Center open to extended Irby ranch residents

• Meal Service will be available and/or Cook in Unit (all units will have kitchens)

Schedule

City Council Review Earlier This YearPleasanton in February 2017

Livermore in March 2017

_________________________________________________

Both Communities will apply for

Alameda County A-1 Bond Funds in Fall 2017.

Both will apply for State Tax Credits in Spring 2018.

If awarded, groundbreaking in six months.

12 months- 18 months construction

Move in targeted early 2020

Process for Applicants

• Link to form to complete to get on Interest List on SFH website (www.sunflowerhill.org)

• Will adhere to Fair Housing Guidelines (public $)

• Each resident will utilize their own Supportive Living Services (SLS)

• Must be able to ‘live in community’

• Must be developmentally disabled

• Not designed for medically fragile

• Alice Waters’ Edible Schoolyard

• City of Livermore HUD Contract

• Various Programs

• SN High School & Adult Transition (18-21yrs), Adult SN Day Programs (22+), Internship Program for higher functioning individuals

• Family and Community Work Days

• Non-credit certificate course in development with Las Positas College

• Corporate Volunteer opportunities

www.sunflowerhill.org

Adult Transition & Day ProgramsLivermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Danville…

Internship Program Vocational Training for Higher functioning Special Needs Individuals

>9500 lbs harvested in 2016

70 % donated to agencies assisting low-income individuals

Our Garden ProduceTomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Winter Squash, Summer Squash, Cucumbers, Chard, Kale, Greens, Lettuce, Chives, Basil, Berries, Grapes, Melons … and of course SUNFLOWERS!!

Family/Community Workdays

Tremendous Local Community Support

www.sunflowerhill.org

Tremendous Local Community Support

www.sunflowerhill.org

Sunflower HillP.O. Box 11436Pleasanton, CA 94566www.sunflowerhill.orgTax ID# 80-0897595

It’s up to us…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed, citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”Margaret Mead