Our INDEPENDENT SUPPORTED LIVING ASSISTANCE (ISLA AND PRE-ISLA) PROGRAMS provide personalized one-on-one support tailored to the unique needs of individuals aged 18 and over with goals to live independently. We help them identify, develop, and improve living skills to maintain independence goals through non-24-hour assistance.

Sunnyhill Independent living (ISLA and Pre-ISLA) Areas of Support:

  • Budgeting

  • Cooking/Meal Planning - Visit Sunnyhill’s Sunlit Kitchen

  • Safety Needs

  • Grooming/Hygiene/Dental

  • Housework/Cleaning

  • Medical

  • Housing Needs

  • Laundry

  • Personal Aspirations

  • Shopping

  • Socialization

  • Transportation

  • Written Correspondence

How Do I receive Services?

  • ISLA Qualifications:

    Developmental Disability (DD) diagnosis prior to the age of 22.

    Capacity to live independently.

    Reside in a funding county.

    Pre-Isla Qualifications:

    Developmental Disability (DD) diagnosis prior to the age of 22.

    Individuals are at least 18 years old and reside with inherent support systems, fostering the objective of achieving self-sufficiency and independent living.

    Reside in a funding county.

  • ISLA & Pre-Isla Funding:

    DDA, DDR, DHSS, Productive Living Board, SB40 Boards

  • Missouri Counties Serviced:

    ISLA Qualifications:

    Jefferson County, St. Louis City, St. Louis County

    Pre-Isla Qualifications:

    St. Louis County

  • With a flexible service structure, people can receive up to 50 hours of support each month in their homes.

Misty’s Culinary Journey

Misty is a single mother living independently with her three school-aged children. To improve her health and provide her and her children the best quality of life, she decided to pursue services through Sunnyhill’s Independent Support Living Assistance program.

At first, Misty was apprehensive about cooking and planning meals for her family, often relying on frozen dinners. However, with the support of dedicated staff, she embarked on a culinary adventure. Misty learned to follow recipes, starting with boxed meals, guided by verbal prompts and modeling from her support staff.

As Misty gained confidence, she progressed to more complex recipes, culminating in successfully preparing a homemade chicken alfredo dish. With the new skills she gained, Misty can now incorporate healthy meals into her family’s diet. Her passion for cooking has become a source of joy for her children.

Thanks to Sunnyhill’s ISLA program’s continuous support, Misty has honed her cooking and meal planning skills and developed other essential daily living skills, fostering self-reliance. 38% of individuals diagnosed with disabilities are affected by obesity, a rate over 10% higher than those without diagnoses. Programs like ISLA and Pre-ISLA are instrumental in promoting healthy habits such as cooking to mitigate this health risk.

Meet the Team

  • Amanda Kehoe

    Director of ISLA

  • Kayla Schmelzle

    Asst Director of ISLA

  • Sara Fulk

    ISLA Quality Assurance

  • Kayli Hawes

    ISLA Program Generalist

Find out more information about Sunnyhill’s ISLA & Pre-ISLA programs.

Sunnyhill Programs & Services

  • Sunnyhill Adventures

    Jayne Grisham, Director

    Sunnyhill offers a one-of-a-kind Adventure Camp and On the Road programs that aim to improve socialization skills. Our 65-acre campground provides a beautiful backdrop, and our activity programming activates sensory points. We also organize weekend getaways to expand cultural knowledge.

    Learn More

  • Megan Shoults, Director - Jefferson County

    Sunnyhill’s ALF and Waiver programs provide a range of residential options for individuals needing supportive living arrangements. These services offer individualized, and group supports, depending on the needs. Sunnyhill strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all people.

    Learn More

  • Amanda Kehoe, Director

    Sunnyhill's ISLA and Pre-ISLA programs are designed to assist individuals in living independently and safely in their own homes. Sunnyhill offers various connection points to ensure people can continue to reside in their preferred environment. Each person is eligible for up to 10 hours of support services per week.

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  • Amy Guignon, Director

    Sunnyhill’s Behavior Supports service is an essential tool in helping individuals to address and manage a range of behavioral issues. Our service is designed to teach daily living skills, create a plan, and decrease problem behaviors. Our service is available for individuals aged from childhood through adulthood.

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  • Becky Mullins, Director - Greater St. Louis

    Sunnyhill’s ALF and Waiver programs provide a range of residential options for individuals needing supportive living arrangements. These services offer individualized, and group supports, depending on the needs. Sunnyhill strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all people.

    Learn More

  • Tamico Jones, Director

    Sunnyhill's Advocacy service offers tailored support to families navigating housing, healthcare, and education. Our team provides person-centered solutions and connects families with alliance agencies for enhanced community outreach. We empower families to thrive by ensuring they have access to the support they need.

    Learn More