Sunflower Hill creates places and spaces where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, learn, and thrive as part of the greater community. The nonprofit co-develops affordable housing communities, like Irby Ranch in Pleasanton, and offers virtual and in-person programs in Pleasanton, Livermore, and around the Bay Area. These programs and residential communities give participants the opportunity to live independently and build life skills.

"We also offer programming in Livermore at the Sunflower Hill Garden, an instructional outdoor space for educational, therapeutic, and life skills training," says new Executive Director Jen Lenard-Benson, who brings 25 years of nonprofit experience to the organization. "More than ninety percent of the produce grown at the garden is donated to local nonprofits dedicated to helping those who are experiencing food insecurity or people who have been diagnosed with cancer."

On any given day, Sunflower Hill residents at Irby Ranch may participate in a cooking class, experience an escape room, join in a special fitness program put on by Puzzle Piece Athletics, or go to the Pleasanton Farmers' Market together, notes Lenard-Benson. "Sunflower Hill provides weekly enhanced programming to build a sense of community among our residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities; these activities provide opportunities to build social connections and develop life skills."

One resident, Kyle, moved into Irby Ranch in February 2021. He has been working at a local middle school as a noontime supervisor for nearly nine years. For Kyle, independent living means being able to do certain things by himself such as making his own transportation appointments and doing laundry. He likes being able to invite friends to his own place. Most importantly, he enjoys "being treated like everyone else."

Community support is a vital ingredient in the success of Sunflower Hill. Last year more than 200 volunteers assisted with the nonprofit's programming. Individuals and groups can help in a variety of ways. They can volunteer to work at the garden, help with fundraising events, or, if qualified, provide assistance as an American Sign Language interpreter. Other ways to help include buying produce, flower bouquets, and other goods online; making a direct donation; or providing an in-kind gift by purchasing something from the nonprofit's wish list.

Sunflower Hill is also seeking business sponsors for its annual fundraiser, the Sunflower Soiree, which will be held on Friday, October 21, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at McGrail Vineyards and Winery in Livermore. The evening includes hors d'oeuvres, dinner, beverages, dessert, and entertainment such as an art show by local adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, live music, games, raffles, a live auction, engaging speakers, and more. Each sponsor package provides various promotional benefits.

For more information about Sunflower Hill, please visit sunflowerhill.org, www.facebook.com/sunflowerhillorg, or www.instagram.com/sunflowerhill_org.

For more information about the Sunflower Soiree, please visit sunflowerhill.org/get-involved/events/sunflower-soiree.