Paul: I am a Stargazer
Paul lives at Sunnyhill’s community campus where he receives 24/7 Residential Supports designed to promote independence, connection, and personal growth. Through Sunnyhill’s ARTventure annual art gallery, Paul shared a meaningful painting inspired by his journey and his love of the night sky. His artwork reflects hope, resilience, and a desire to bring light to others, and it was later transformed into wearable art in recognition of his creativity. Paul’s story highlights how person-centered supports and community connection help individuals thrive and express who they are.
Matt: I am a Cardinal’s Fan
Matt came to Sunnyhill hoping for a fresh start, but early challenges kept him isolated—until the right support helped change everything. With guidance from Sunnyhill’s ABA Behavior Supports team, he began working toward a bold goal: attending a St. Louis Cardinals game and enjoying his favorite ballpark foods. Step by step, Matt built confidence, and after months of determination, he achieved that dream—cheering in the stands, surrounded by community, and experiencing the joy of belonging in a way that once felt out of reach.
Mary Ellen: I am Home
Missouri is facing a serious crisis in access to services for people with developmental disabilities, where delays, errors, and funding gaps can interrupt independence and stability. Mary Ellen’s story reflects these challenges—after a health crisis, a Medicaid classification error delayed access to essential supports, leading to unnecessary institutionalization far from her family. With persistent advocacy from her family and Sunnyhill’s Advocacy and Family Navigation team, she was eventually able to move to a community-based home and reconnect with her supports. Her journey highlights the impact of system barriers—and the importance of strong advocacy in helping people access their rights, regain independence, and live with dignity in their communities.
Dallin: I Am A Mechanic
Since joining Sunnyhill’s ISLA program in 2021, Dallin has shown incredible determination and growth, building a strong foundation of independence through daily routines, life skills, and personal wellness. His passion for hands-on problem-solving stands out, especially in a major project where he rebuilt a non-running truck into a fully road-ready, upgraded vehicle through patience, creativity, and technical skill. Dallin’s journey reflects resilience, focus, and the power of learning by doing as he continues building a more independent future.
Megan: I Am A Cook
Since joining the Sunnyhill ISLA program in 2016, Megan has grown into a confident and engaged individual who enjoys learning new skills and exploring her interests. Recently, she set a personal goal focused on health and cooking, taking on the challenge of preparing a detailed low-carb meal. With support from staff, Megan learned kitchen safety skills, followed a multi-step recipe, and spent over two hours preparing a fresh, nutritious dish from start to finish. Her experience reflects growing independence, confidence, and pride in learning through doing.
Darryl: I am A Traveler
In December, Darryl set off on a holiday trip to Branson, Missouri with Sunnyhill Adventures Travel and what started as a simple getaway quickly became his favorite vacation ever, filled with music, laughter, new experiences, and a confidence that truly shined.
Richter Brothers: We Are Social
At Sunnyhill, creating opportunities for connection is at the heart of everything we do. For the Richters, social adventures like concerts, sporting events, museums, and community outings bring joy, laughter, and meaningful connection. Through careful planning, creative problem-solving, and strong community partnerships, Sunnyhill helps turn barriers into possibilities—ensuring every outing is safe, accessible, and full of memorable experiences that build belonging and community.
Richter Brothers: We Are Social
At Sunnyhill, creating opportunities for connection is at the heart of everything we do. For the Richters, social adventures like concerts, sporting events, museums, and community outings bring joy, laughter, and meaningful connection. Through careful planning, creative problem-solving, and strong community partnerships, Sunnyhill helps turn barriers into possibilities—ensuring every outing is safe, accessible, and full of memorable experiences that build belonging and community.
Isaiah: I am Independent
Isaiah is a high school senior who was connected to Sunnyhill’s Advocacy Services to help him and his family navigate supports like Medicaid, Social Security benefits, and in-home services after the loss of his natural support system. With advocacy support, he secured an apartment and connected to supported living services, where he is building skills in budgeting, cooking, and community living. Isaiah also secured a nearby job, strengthening his independence. His journey reflects the power of collaboration and person-centered support in helping individuals thrive.