Our Vision

East Pleasanton Specific PlanTask Force Meeting

November 7, 2013

Sunflower Hill Tax ID# 80-0897595

Parents of children with autism and other developmental delays

Community leaders interested in the vision

Varied expertise/background

We are local families concerned about the long-term housing options, lifestyle and activities

available to individuals with special needs

About us…

Vision/Mission

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

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

• One in 50 children –new autism statistic• 500,000 will become adults in next decade• Nationwide – 80,000 are on waiting lists for group

home/assisted living opportunities• 80 percent of adults 18+ still live with parents• Local options exist – but more needed• 759 Regional Center clients (ages 14+) in Dublin,

Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon

The wave is coming…

• Living with parents doesn’t address care after death• Institutions are closing (Agnew/Sonoma) – and were

really only for severely disabled• Group Homes are hard to obtain and cash strapped• Few options exist for those with mild/moderate

developmental delays who want active lives• Parents want assurance, options nearby and a life

with purpose…an intentional community

Housing is not keeping pace…

Our vision of an intentional community…

• Community space plus individual living• Onsite activities available (gardening, arts,

exercise, micro businesses, social activities)• Work options • Freedom of choice - residents can choose onsite

or offsite activities.• Interaction with greater community, families• A sense of ‘belonging’

An idea for Pleasanton…• 6 acres, housing

approx 50 individuals in small-scale buildings spread across site

• A ‘community’ that offers a full, rewarding life

Employment: Olive & sunflower

Harvesting

Employment: Olive & sunflower

Harvesting

Community Center: Computer lab,

cooking/ communal kitchen, art & music,

community living room

Community Center: Computer lab,

cooking/ communal kitchen, art & music,

community living room

Physical Development:

Outdoor recreation & skill-building

Physical Development:

Outdoor recreation & skill-building

Community Gardening

Community Gardening

Housing: 1-, 2-, & 4-bedroom apartments

Housing: 1-, 2-, & 4-bedroom apartments

Example

• Sweetwater Spectrum in Sonoma

Example

• Beverly Farm in Illinois

Example

• Bittersweet Farms in Ohio

A growing trend…• 79 Nationwide• 12 in California

Benefits

• Innovative approach to crisis and need for affordable housing

• Akin to Senior Living – parents spend most of their free time ‘scheduling’ activities for their child.

• Positive impact on typical community/region – interactions with volunteers, school groups

• Sustainable business model – economic/employment opportunities – providing independence

Our name, Sunflower Hill, was specifically chosen for its meaning. Sunflowers originated in the Americas in 1000 B.C. They are considered gifts of radiant warmth and the happiest of flowers. Their meanings include loyalty and longevity, nourishment and vibrancy.

This is the vision we have for the Sunflower Hill community – a place where all individuals can thrive.www.sunflowerhill.org

We believe this can be a new model for special needs living