Celebrating Developmental Disability Awareness Month

ISLAPre-ISLAResidential SupportsSunnyhill AdvocacyFamily Navigation
Written By Sunnyhill

A Month to Shine

March ushers in more than spring—it’s Developmental Disability Awareness Month, a time to honor resilience, advocate for inclusion, and celebrate the journeys of people diagnosed with developmental disabilities. At Sunnyhill, a St. Louis-based nonprofit, we’re proud to lead this effort locally, serving Missouri with a clear mission: empowering individuals to live independent, connected, and purposeful lives. Unlike national organizations with wide reach, we’re rooted in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, providing over 1 million hours of support each year. Every resource, partnership, and moment of care we offer lights a unique path for the people we serve to thrive as individuals first.

A developmental disability diagnosis like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, emerges before age 22 and continues throughout life, influencing communication, mobility, learning, or self-care in personal ways. But the diagnosis doesn’t define the person; their story does. Children often access school-based support, yet at 21, many adults face a sudden drop in resources, relying on aging family members or systems like Medicaid and Social Security. Sunnyhill steps in to bridge these gaps, offering innovative, person-centered programs that turn challenges into opportunities for growth, autonomy, and joy.

Sunnyhill’s Impact: Light the Path to Empowered Living

Sunnyhill isn’t just a service provider—we’re a partner in empowering people to shape their own lives. Our programs meet individuals where they are, fostering independence and connection:

  • Residential Support Services: Managing over 45 properties, we’re a Missouri leader in residential care. Our Individualized Supported Living (ISL) homes and Waiver residences are small, shared spaces, often three or four people, where 24/7 tailored support honors personal goals. The Sunnyhill Independence Center in Desoto offers a campus-style community where people build social bonds and self-advocacy skills.

  • Advocacy & Family Navigation: Caregivers often face a maze of resources. We guide families to funding and services while educating communities—schools, employers, neighbors—to foster inclusion. In 2024, our workshops reached public servents, sparking meaningful dialogue and crisis training.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Through personalized plans, we help individuals strengthen communication, social skills, and independence. One person moved from being isolated from public to attending a athletic event after 16 months of supports, unlocking community integration and socialization.

  • Independent Supported Living Assistance (ISLA & Pre-ISLA): Coaching in budgeting, cooking, or transit builds confidence for solo living. Over 200 people thrive in their own, a victory forged through monthly Sunnyhill sessions.

  • Adventures Camp & Travel: Summer camps and weekend trips bring adaptive fun, ziplining with harnesses, fishing from accessible docks, sparking teamwork, self-esteem, and memories. Over 500 campers connected in 2024 and 1000 adventurers on school programming visited, proving adventure belongs to everyone.

Since 1978, our 65-acre Sunnyhill Adventures site has hosted over 1,000 adventurers yearly. With trails of in Missouri rural countryside and cabins alive with laughs, it’s a sanctuary of growth and every local donation and volunteer hour keeps it thriving.

Sunnyhill Sunburst: A Rebrand Radiating Inclusion

We’re excited to unveil our new brand—Sunnyhill Sunburst—reflecting our mission with a fresh, vibrant identity. Inspired by The Sunlit Way (the road into Sunnyhill Adventures), our rebranding symbolizes light, growth, and inclusion.

  • New Logo: A stylized sun with beams forming a path symbolizes guidance and hope for each individual’s journey.

  • Color Palette: Six vibrant hues highlight our diverse programs, doubling as a tool for nonverbal communication and recognition.

  • Tagline: “Lighting the path to empowered living” captures our dedication to autonomy, connection, and fulfillment.

Launching in 2025 across signage, digital platforms, and events, Sunnyhill Sunburst celebrates our 47-year legacy while paving a brighter, more inclusive future. It’s more than a new look—it’s a renewed promise to prioritize people over diagnoses.

The New Sunburst Logo: Accessibility at Its Core

Our logo isn’t just striking—it’s purposeful, designed to ensure every person can connect with Sunnyhill’s mission:

  1. Color-Coded Services: Six distinct colors help individuals quickly identify specific Sunnyhill programs.

  2. Identifying Symbols: Visual symbols accompany each color, aiding those with literacy challenges, non-readers, and visual learners.

  3. Readable Typography: Block text in a clear, easy-to-read font ensures accessibility for individuals with visual or processing challenges.

  4. High-Contrast Design: Vibrant and contrasting colors are used to make the logo easily distinguishable for those with color vision issues.

  5. Simplified Design: The clean, minimalist design helps reduce cognitive load and is more accessible for those with sensory sensitivities or cognitive challenges.

  6. Central Focal Point: The yellow sun at the center is a simple and engaging focal point, uniting the logo and ensuring it is easy to process.

  7. Sensory-Friendly Colors: The palette balances vibrancy with visual calmness to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities.

How This Rebranding Reflects Our Commitment to Accessibility

  • Inclusive and Empowering: The new design demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where individuals with developmental disabilities are seen, understood, and empowered.

  • Focused on Accessibility: Every aspect of the new logo, from color-coding to typography, was designed to make our services more understandable and accessible to all individuals, regardless of ability.

Honoring Our Growth

  • Expansion of Services: While Adventures Camp remains a key program, our rebranding reflects a broader scope of services that empower individuals in various aspects of life, including supported living, behavioral assistance, and advocacy.

  • Legacy and Progress: This new branding honors our roots while emphasizing the expanded, inclusive nature of our work today.

Conclusion: A Future of Empowerment and Accessibility

  • Accessibility at the Core: Our new visual identity is more than a fresh look—it's a reflection of our ongoing commitment to accessible, empowering services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

  • A Unified Brand: This rebranding unites our programs under a single, clear, and accessible visual language, making it easier for the community to engage with and understand the services we offer.

Self-Advocates Corner: Meet the Ritcher Brothers

The Ritcher brothers showcase the heart of Sunnyhill’s work. For them, connection isn’t just enjoyment; it’s a source of joy and growth. They beam at concerts, cheer at wrestling matches, and savor Cardinals games, supported by staff who secure tickets, arrange accessible parking, and navigate crowds with their wheelchairs. When the Forest Park Hot Air Balloon Race proved out of reach, their team found a local balloon event instead—now a cherished annual tradition born from ingenuity.

Getting ready takes time: two-and-a-half hours for breakfast, meds, and packing. But their caregiver says it’s all worth it when their smiles wide, unguarded, radiant light up the day. These outings aren’t just trips; they’re celebrations of who the Richter brothers are, proof that connection matters. Their story drives us to protect every moment of happiness and underscores why losing even one would dim their vibrant spirits.

The Impact of Government Funding Cuts on Sunnyhill’s Ability to Provide Critical Supports to People Diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities

Government funding cuts to Medicaid and Social Security threaten Sunnyhill’s ability to support people diagnosed with developmental disabilities. As a local nonprofit, we rely on these resources to deliver over 1 million hours of care. Here’s how reductions could impact individuals:

  • Medicaid’s Role: This funds residential homes, staff wages, and ABA specialists. A proposed $880 billion federal cut over a decade could shrink Missouri’s 70% Medicaid share, forcing hard choices. Staffing in our 45+ properties might drop from one-to-two to one-to-four ratios, or some homes could close, moving residents to less personal settings. ABA sessions might fall from five to three weekly, slowing skill growth. ISLA coaching could shift to monthly, delaying independence.

  • Social Security’s Impact: SSI and SSDI provide income for housing, transport, and extras like camp fees. A $100 monthly cut might mean the Ritcher brothers miss a game or concert—small losses with big emotional weight. Families might delay residential transitions, overwhelming our Advocacy team.

  • Real Numbers: A 10% Medicaid cut could mean 100,000 fewer support hours yearly, affecting 50-75 people. Waitlists could grow here.

We’re resilient—tapping the Sunny Day Fund (launched October 2024, aiming for $250,000 yearly) and rallying donors—but without strong government support, the burden mounts. The Richter brothers’ joy hangs in the balance, a vivid reminder of what we stand to lose.

A Future of Empowerment: Our Commitment

Sunnyhill Sunburst is more than a logo - it’s a vow. Every color, symbol, and beam reflects our focus on accessibility and empowerment for people, not their diagnoses. We’re adapting to funding threats, prioritizing residential care, boosting fundraising, but our vision endures: no one’s path should fade. From the Ritcher brothers’ adventures to a camper’s first zipline, these stories propel us. With your help, we’ll keep the light burning bright.

In conclusion, funding cuts to Medicaid and Social Security would strain Sunnyhill’s ability to provide residential stability, skill-building, and social opportunities - core pillars of its mission. Individuals like the Ritcher brothers could lose access to the experiences that define their quality of life, while Sunnyhill faces tough choices about resource allocation. Sustaining this lifeline requires advocacy, community support, and a commitment to ensuring that no one’s path to empowerment is left in the dark.

Call to Action: Join Us in Fostering Inclusion

Upcoming Events:

Battlehawks + Sunnyhill: Game Day for a Ka-Kawuse

This fundraiser is for Sunnyhill Inc, who will be on the field pregame at the Battlehawks High Five Tunnel. You can choose to attend any of our 6 games game through this link, and $5 from each ticket purchased goes back to Sunnyhill! Come out and support the Battlehawks while also contributing to an amazing organization. If you are looking for ADA seating please contact Zac Husman (zac.husman@theufl.com) and I will get you seated!

Make April 13th Your Game Day with Sunnyhill

That’s our official Sunnyhill Game Day, and here’s what makes it unforgettable: Sunnyhill community members will form the High Five Tunnel in celebration of the life of Jackie Bush on the field; Join our pre-game tailgate celebration; Sit together with us in or near Section 335 and show your Sunnyhill spirit

Can’t make April 13th?
No problem - tickets for any Battlehawks game still benefit Sunnyhill when purchased through our link.

Need ADA seating?
Email Zac at zac.husman@theufl.com for accommodations.
More Information & Buy Tickets: https://fevo-enterprise.com/group/Sunnyhill

  • Battlehawks 2025 Home Games: April 6, April 13, April 26, May 2, May 17, May 23. Buy Tickets to any game: https://fevo-enterprise.com/group/Sunnyhill

  • April 13, 2025: Register to join Sunnyhill during the Tailgate

  • May 8, 2025: Give STL Day: Mark your calendar for a celebration of generosity.

  • Support the Sunny Day Fund! 🌞

    • Launched in October 2024, the Sunny Day Fund provides crucial support for Sunnyhill individuals facing challenges like health expenses, utility bills, food insecurity, and housing instability. This fund removes barriers, allowing individuals to focus on their goals and well-being.

    • How It Works:
      10% of all donations and fundraising proceeds go directly to the Sunny Day Fund. You can also contribute fully to the fund to maximize its impact. We aim to raise $250,000 annually to provide ongoing support.

      How You Can Help:

      • Donate: Your gift helps cover urgent needs like health, housing, and daily essentials.

      • Spread the Word: Share the Sunny Day Fund with friends and family.

      • Get Involved: Join volunteer opportunities and events to strengthen the fund’s impact.

    • Together, we can make life’s challenges a little easier, one sunny day at a time! 🌞

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Wellness Focus: Caregivers Corner: Navigating the System to Get Your Loved One Help

Caring for a loved one with a developmental disability is a journey filled with love, resilience, and challenges. Navigating government programs, funding, and service providers can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Sunnyhill’s Advocacy & Family Navigation program is here to help.

Step 1: Understand the System

Key programs include:

  • Medicaid & HCBS Waivers – Covers healthcare, residential support, and therapies.

  • Social Security (SSI/SSDI) – Provides financial assistance based on eligibility.

  • Department of Mental Health (DMH) – Connects individuals to state-funded services.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) – Offers job training and employment support.

Each program has eligibility rules, paperwork, and waitlists. Identifying the right fit is the first step.

Step 2: Gather Key Documents

Having the right paperwork can speed up the process:

  • Medical records, diagnostic reports, IEPs/504 Plans, and proof of income.

  • Contact information for caseworkers, doctors, and advocates.

  • A record of all communications, including names, dates, and responses.

Step 3: Apply with Strategy

  • Medicaid Waivers – Apply through DMH. Programs like the Comprehensive Waiver cover 24/7 care, while the Partnership for Hope Waiver supports community living.

  • SSI/SSDI – Strong medical documentation improves approval chances.

  • Sunnyhill Support – Our team helps families with applications and appeals.

Step 4: Bridge the Gaps

Approval doesn’t always mean immediate support. While waiting:

  • Seek temporary assistance from nonprofits or Sunnyhill’s Sunny Day Fund.

  • Use school transition planning and free community programs.

  • Contact Sunnyhill for advocacy and referrals.

Step 5: Advocate Effectively

  • Appeal denials – Request a hearing within 30 days and provide supporting evidence.

  • Track communications – Keep records of calls and emails to push for faster action.

  • Connect with others – Caregiver groups and community resources offer guidance and support.

You’re Not Alone

Navigating the system is tough, but every step moves your loved one forward. Sunnyhill’s Advocacy & Family Navigation team is here to help. Contact us for guidance—your loved one’s future starts with you, and we’re honored to support you on this journey.

Community spotlight: ST. Louis Professional Sports Teams: St. Louis Battlehawks, St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis City SC

St. Louis Battlehawks, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis City SC

Sunnyhill celebrates the incredible support from St. Louis’ professional sports teams! Their generosity is making a lasting impact on the individuals we serve, creating unforgettable experiences and strengthening our community connections.

St. Louis Battlehawks: More Than Just a Game

Thanks to the leadership of Mary Beth Sales, Marketing Director for the St. Louis Battlehawks, a powerful partnership between the Battlehawks and Sunnyhill was formed. In February, Sunnyhill was featured in a community fireside chat, sparking meaningful conversations and opportunities. Understanding the profound impact of socialization and shared experiences, Mary Beth took action—ensuring that Sunnyhill participants could step onto the field for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But the Battlehawks didn’t stop there. They launched a season-long giveback program where $5 from every ticket purchased through a special Sunnyhill link goes directly to supporting our mission. Buy Tickets to any game: https://fevo-enterprise.com/group/Sunnyhill

St. Louis Cardinals: Bringing Baseball to Everyone

The St. Louis Cardinals made dreams come true by donating 100 game tickets, including 8 accessible seats, for an upcoming August day game. For many in our community, attending a game is simply out of reach until now. This generous gift opens the doors to a major league experience, creating priceless memories for those who may have never had the chance.

St. Louis City SC: Kicking It Forward

St. Louis City SC also stepped up in a big way, donating game tickets as prizes for Sunnyhill’s latest fundraiser. Attending a City SC match is on many people’s bucket lists, and their generosity helped us raise even more support for our programs.

Thank You, St. Louis Sports Teams!

We are beyond grateful for these partnerships and for the St. Louis professional sports community rallying behind a local organization to uplift local people. Your support is changing lives - one game at a time!

Executive Message: Amy Wheeler, CEO

March is a special time at Sunnyhill as we celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month—a month dedicated to honoring the resilience, achievements, and unique voices of individuals with developmental disabilities. At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently, build meaningful relationships, and pursue what ignites their passions. For over four decades, we have dedicated ourselves to turning this belief into reality, providing more than 1 million hours of support each year to individuals in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County.

Our offerings include residential programs that feel like home, advocacy that opens doors, skill-building that fosters confidence, and adventures that spark joy. We are committed to lighting the path to empowerment and inclusion for every person we serve.

This March also marks an exciting milestone: our rebranding to Sunnyhill Sunburst. This change goes beyond a new look; it reflects our vibrant identity and our future direction. Our updated logo, featuring sunlit beams forming a path, symbolizes the guidance and hope we provide. The six bold colors represent our diverse programs, designed with accessibility in mind to reach every individual. Our tagline, “Lighting the Path to Empowered Living,” signifies our commitment to prioritizing people—not diagnoses—in everything we do. As we embrace this new chapter, we carry forward our 47-year legacy with renewed purpose, ensuring that everyone's journey is filled with possibilities.

Our mission is not one that we carry alone—it’s a collective effort. I invite you to join us this month and beyond. Advocate for inclusion in your communities, share the inspiring stories of people like the Ritcher brothers, whose smiles brighten our days, and contribute to the Sunny Day Fund to help ease urgent needs. Come together with us at a Battlehawks game day or on Give STL Day to support our initiatives. Together, we can ensure that no path dims and that every individual in our community has the tools they need to thrive. At Sunnyhill, March is more than just a month—it is a celebration of what’s possible when we uplift one another. Let’s make it shine brighter than ever.

Warmly,

Amy Wheeler

CEO, Sunnyhill

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Director’s Corner:

  • Amy Guignon, Applied Behavioral Services
    No Update for March 2025.

  • Jayne Grisham, Adventures Camp & Travel
    No Update for March 2025.

  • Tamico Jones, Advocacy & Family Navigation Services
    Sunnyhill’s Community Outreach calendar is filling up for the spring. We look forward to continuing to educate communities creating inclusive environments.

  • Becky Mullins, Greater St. Louis ISL & Waiver
    At Sunnyhill, we take pride in creating supportive and personalized living environments through our Individualized Supported Living (ISL) programs. By carefully matching roommates based on preferences, needs, and lifestyles, we ensure each individual feels comfortable, respected, and at home, fostering meaningful connections and a fulfilling life. We also brought 10 people to participate in 2025 March Matchness.

  • Megan Shoults, Jefferson County ISL & Waiver
    Jefferson County has been busy working through the annual paperwork, ensuring everything is in order. At Sunnyhill, we believe every day is a perfect day for a celebration! Recently, we've had a blast with our Valentine’s Party and St. Patrick’s Day event. Our Directors have been out and about, visiting homes, connecting with staff, and engaging with the people we support.

    To keep families in the loop, our teams are now sending monthly emails to ensure loved ones stay informed and involved. While we maintain regular communication with some families, others may not require as much touchpoint. Our goal is to maintain those personal connections while using our monthly emails to keep everyone in the loop.

    Our Jefferson County Directors also attended a highly beneficial Therap Conference, where we gained valuable insights. We’re excited to introduce more efficient ways to complete our required documentation, which will streamline our processes.

    We remain committed to maintaining our annual compliance and continuing to provide the highest level of care to those we support. We also brought 20 people to participate in 2025 March Matchness.

  • Amanda Kehoe, Individualized Supporting Living Assistance (ISLA) and Pre-ISLA
    We were excited that people who learned how to make chili during February’s Sunlit Kitchen participated in the Chili Cook Off in March held for Sunnyhill. ISLA attended DLRD day in Jefferson City to amplify our voice to advocate for continued funding to support our community. We also brought 10 people to participate in 2025 March Matchness.

  • Jennifer Gibbs, Nursing
    No Update for March 2025.

  • Kathleen Branson, CFO
    Sunnyhill’s audited financials for FY2024 and 990 are now available and published.

  • Kelly Scarcliff, Human Resources
    Sunnyhill is excited to launch our SEED program to amplify the voices of our workforce.

  • Interested in learning about employment opportunities at Sunnyhill? Visit our career listings on Indeed.

  • Jim Schmitt, Information Technology & Security Services
    No Update for March 2025.

  • Chris Shoults, Facility & Maintenance
    No Update for March 2025.

🎁 SPECIAL GIFT: With every snowflake purchase over $250, you’ll receive a stunning handmade snowflake crafted by our talented artist community! This unique piece symbolizes the difference you're making in their lives and serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy of giving. Shine your light of generosity and warmth this holiday season.



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Socialization: Breaking the Barriers of Isolation