Sunflower Hill is a Pleasanton-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating places and spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live, learn, work, and thrive. Irby Ranch, the nonprofit’s flagship residential community, provides affordable living for 30 individuals. Sunflower Hill is expanding residences in the East Bay with three new communities for individuals with I/DD now under development. Moreover, the group’s one-acre organic garden at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore provides immersive vocational experiences for adult day programs and high school transition classes, along with approximately 4,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and fruit donated annually to local nonprofits addressing food security.

There are more than 26,000 individuals with I/DD in the greater East Bay region, according to Susan Houghton, President of the nonprofit’s Board of Directors. More than 80% of these individuals live with parents or a family member their entire lives. The regular activities and programming at the Irby Ranch residential community is not just for the residents who live there, for example, but also for anyone with I/DD in the region. Activities include cooking, karaoke, arts and crafts, fitness, and the popular Friday Night Live and Learning with Olivia series of events. All of these provide opportunities for individuals with special needs to socialize and engage.

“The Sunflower Hill residential community model is akin to senior living, with a myriad of activities that can be enjoyed by residents in a safe and secure but independent environment,” Houghton notes. “Our new residential community in Lafayette is now in active development. When fully funded and constructed, it will offer forty-eight one- and two-bedroom units. Grace Pointe in Dublin is envisioned as sixty units, and will also feature The Grace Gallery, a nod to Dublin's strong arts community.”

Last year, the Lafayette project received a $19.5 million award in California Multi-Family Housing Funding. The nonprofit is working to secure the rest of the public financing needed for this project, which has an estimated price tag of roughly $54 million. The Lafayette and Grace Pointe communities are being developed with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates. Rents will be set at 30% to 60% of the average median income. The third community is being created with Eden Housing. Located at Frances Ranch in Dublin, it will consist of 22 units set aside for individuals with I/DD.

With March designated as Developmental Disabilities Month and April as Autism Awareness Month, there is no better time than now to get involved, according to Houghton. Company executives who want to incorporate volunteer experiences for their employees should consider Sunflower Hill's garden. The nonprofit’s staff can set up immersive horticulture experiences for corporate groups from now through October 2026.

“We would love for companies in Hacienda to set up a workday in our garden,” says Houghton. “Come get dirty with us in the best possible way.” Sunflower Hill will hold a free and public Spring Planting Day at the garden on April 11 from 10 am to 2 pm. This summer, the nonprofit will be hosting two special day camps at the garden for anyone 13 years old and older who has I/DD. Registration for the day camps has opened. On April 14, the group’s annual Tips for Change fundraiser will be held at the SideTrack Bar + Grill in Pleasanton. Reservations are required. On October 3, 2026 the annual Sunflower Hill Gala will be held at The Club at Castlewood in Pleasanton. “Sunflower Hill does not receive regular government funding,” Houghton adds. “Our successful programs and partnerships are a direct result of grants, individual gifts, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Our events–including Spring Planting day, volunteer opportunities at our garden, the SideTrack fundraiser, and Roll out the Red Carpet Gala–offer a myriad of opportunities to get involved.”

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