March 24, 2022 Jen Lenard-Benson brings 25 years of non-profit management experience to organization The Sunflower Hill Board of Directors announced today that Jen Lenard-Benson has joined the organization as its permanent Executive Director, taking over the role from interim Executive Director, Janet Cohen. Lenard-Benson brings more than 25 years of non-profit experience to […]
January 11, 2022 Grant will be used for operational support of programs at Sunflower Hill Garden and produce donations Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Clif Family Foundation, which supports organizations working to strengthen the food system and communities, enhance public health, and safeguard the environment and its […]
September 27, 2021 Janet Cohen to Start in October – Edie Nehls to step down as Executive Director Sunflower Hill Board of Directors announced today that Janet Cohen will join the organization as interim Executive Director. Edie Nehls, the organization’s current Executive Director announced in early September that she would be resigning, effective at the […]
Monday, July 5, 2021 Sunflower Hill Board President, Kathy Layman, and Board Vice President, Janeen Rubino-Brumm chat with Stephen Beard on his Accessible Housing Matters Podcast.
June 21, 2021 A visual and performing arts fundraising event showcasing and supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Sunflower Hill will host its annual fundraising gala, the Sunflower Showcase, a visual and performing arts event showcasing and supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on July 23, 2021 at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, CA. The […]
May 20, 2021 Organization will use grant to support the Sunflower Hill Garden Program Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation. The grant, totaling $1,000 will be used to support the Sunflower Hill Garden Program. The Sunflower Hill Garden, located in Livermore, California is […]
May 4, 2021 Grant will support residential and non-residential cooking programs Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from East Bay Community Energy (EBCE). The grant, totaling $1,250 will be used to help support Sunflower Hill residential and non-residential cooking programs. “We’re thankful to East Bay Community Energy for this grant,” […]
April 19, 2021 Organization will use grant to support Sunflower Hill Garden efforts and spring planting project Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore. The grant, totaling $3,850, will be used to support the Sunflower Hill Garden and the annual spring planting project. The Sunflower […]
April 14, 2021 Organization will use grant to support programming at Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Pleasanton Rotary Club Foundation. The grant, totaling $2,500, will be used to purchase supplies for programs at Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch, which provide opportunities for […]
March 1, 2021 Kathy Layman, Sunflower Hill Board President spoke with KKIQ’s Mel McKay for her Conversations with Mel McKay series. The two spoke about the Ms. Layman’s Threads of Hope Award, our expanded partnership with Culinary Angels, and our new programs.
February 22, 2021 New residential community in Lafayette, CA will include affordable rental units for people with developmental disabilities In partnership with Pacific West Communities, Inc., Miramar Capital, and Novin Development Corporation, Sunflower Hill announced today that a new residential development in Lafayette, CA, with affordable rental units for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, […]
January 13, 2021 Organization will use grant for general operational support of its programs at the Sunflower Hill Garden and to support its produce donations Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Clif Family Foundation, which supports organizations working to strengthen the food system and communities, enhance public health, […]
January 7, 2021 Edie Nehls, Executive Director of Sunflower Hill spoke with KKIQ’s Mel McKay for her Philanthropy Thursday podcast series. The two spoke about the organization’s free Popcorn Chat program, virtual Cooking Classes, and Monthly Giving program. Listen Here (the interview begins around the 3:40 mark)
December 14, 2020 Organization will use grant to purchase supplies for programs at the Sunflower Hill Garden Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from Robert Half, a global staffing firm with offices in the Tri-Valley. The grant, totaling $3,500, will be used to enable the organization to meet the diverse […]
December 11, 2020 Culinary Angels Head Chef and volunteers will create meals for Culinary Angels recipients going through a serious health challenge and for Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch residents Sunflower Hill and Culinary Angels jointly announced today that they have expanded their partnership to utilize the commercial kitchen at Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch […]
November 16, 2020 Organization will use funds to provide in-person and virtual programming Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded an Enhancing Vision 2026 Fund allocation from Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley. The funds, totaling $60,000, will be used for individual and small-group virtual programming for residents of Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch […]
September 14, 2020 Executive Director, Edie Nehls and Board Vice President, Janeen Rubino-Brumm showcased Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch during the Pleasanton Chamber Virtual Mixer in September 2020. The virtual tour begins at the 10:27 mark.
August 4, 2020 Collaboration with Robert Half results in video highlighting how to overcome objections to wearing a face mask Sunflower Hill released a new, short educational video created for adults with developmental disabilities detailing why it’s important to wear a face mask and how to overcome objections to wearing one. The video, titled “Join […]
June 21, 2020 Juliette Goodrich, KPIX Anchor, reports on her segment, Better Together the Alameda County Fair Sun’s OUT Fun’s OUT Virtual Fun Run, benefiting Sunflower Hill. Watch the report here.
June 11, 2020 Virtual 5K or 1-Mile event for all abilities runs June 19 through June 28 and benefits Sunflower Hill Sunflower Hill announced today that Huff Construction Company, Inc. has signed on as the Run for the Sun sponsor for the Sun’s OUT Fun’s OUT Virtual Fun Run. As part of its sponsorship, the […]
May 29, 2020 Edie Nehls, Executive Director at Sunflower Hill was featured on both KKIQ and KKDV Radio, highlighting the Alameda County Fair’s Sun’s OUT Fun’s OUT Virtual Fun Run, benefiting Sunflower Hill.
May 20, 2020 Organization donates nearly 400 pounds of produce to nonprofits during Shelter-at-Home Sunflower Hill announced today that it has donated nearly 400 pounds of fresh, organic produce to local nonprofits since the Shelter-at-Home order took effect in mid-March, 2020. As a result of the Covid-19 Shelter-at-Home Order, the organization has temporarily closed its […]
May 7, 2020 Edie Nehls, Executive Director of Sunflower Hill spoke with KKIQ’s Mel McKay for her Philanthropy Thursday podcast series. The two spoke about the organization’s Online Activities programming as well as the need for donations during these challenging times.
May 6, 2020 Organization will use grant to support produce donations & fund Online Activities programming Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from East Bay Community Energy (EBCE). The grant, totaling $10,000, will be used to support Sunflower Hill Garden produce donations, as well as fund programming for its Online […]
April 22, 2020 Organization will use grant to fund Online Activities programming Sunflower Hill announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore. The grant, totaling $5,000, will be used to continue to create programming for its Online Activities, which provide learning, enrichment, and opportunities for adults with developmental […]
April 9, 2020 The Livermore Independent Reports on Sunflower Hill Creating Online Activities Programming for adults with developmental disabilities and the greater community.
April 13, 2020 Edie Nehls, Executive Director of Sunflower Hill spoke with Mel McKay of TV30‘s Conversations with Mel McKay, about the organization’s Online Activities programming being created for adults with developmental disabilities and the greater community.
March 23, 2020 Activities Designed for Sunflower Hill Program Participants and Community Sunflower Hill announced today that it has launched free, online activities designed for its program participants and the community. Each activity is created to get people moving, learning, or just stepping outside for some fresh air. In response to the current Covid-19 Shelter-at-Home […]
December 16, 2019 Organization will use grant to enrich its Stable Cafe program Sunflower Hill announced today that it has won a grant from Robert Half, a global human resource consulting firm based in Menlo Park, California with offices in the Tri-Valley. The grant, totaling $5,000, will be used to enrich its vocational program, Sunflower […]
Sunflower Hill making future brighter for autistic adults
Susan Houghton Named as Sunflower Hill’s 2019 Rainmaker
Sunflower Hill has awarded its second Rainmaker award to the city of Pleasanton – including all city staff, elected officials and commissioners who supported the development of Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch, a proposed residential community for individuals with special needs. The award was handed out on Saturday July 28 at Moonlight in the Vines, […]
Your strong support for our vision of an intentional community for individuals with developmental disabilities is exactly why Pleasanton is a community of character. We’re grateful to all city and community leaders, our families, partners and vendors, staff and volunteers, employees, advisors and donors who’ve joined us on this incredible journey. Thank you for helping […]
Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Pleasanton City Councilmember Kathy Narum and the city of Livermore were all recently named the inaugural winners of the Rainmaker Awards by Sunflower Hill. The new awards acknowledge the partnership and support Sunflower Hill has received from key community leaders and organizations to realize their vision. “We are very fortunate […]
We are proud to announce our newest video, ‘Sunflower Hill’s Fields of Dreams’. In this video you will hear a bit about how our dreams are now becoming realities with our thriving SFH Gardens, and the future Livermore SFH Community and Pleasanton Irby Ranch SFH Community, and you will hear directly from some of the […]
Assemblywoman Baker honors Tri-Valley organization at State Capitol by Jeremy Walsh / Pleasanton Weekly Tri-Valley nonprofit Sunflower Hill has been recognized at the state level for its efforts to provide vocational, educational and residential opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the region. Local Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon) singled out Sunflower Hill as her […]
State Capitol event set for June 28 Posted: Thursday, June 22, 2017 in The Independent View photos from the ceremony and event here. Sunflower Hill will be honored as Nonprofit of the Year for the 16th Assembly District at a special celebration at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday June 28. The selection was […]
With one of California’s newest brew trails, the East Bay’s Tri-Valley region is earning a reputation as a craft beer destination. The Tri-Valley Beer Trail set out to “Spread Cheer with Beer” by donating $20 to Sunflower Hill, a sustainable special needs community in Pleasanton, for every beer passport with five stamps. With a growing […]
For his Boy Scout Troup 945 Eagle project, Pleasanton resident and Hart Middle School student Max McGee knew he had to create something unique and special. Brainstorming with his parents and Sunflower Hill board members, they came up with a perfect project – a 3’ x 6’ x 7’ produce stand for Sunflower Hill Gardens […]
The Pleasanton City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday February 7 to approve the new Irby Ranch subdivision and Sunflower Hill’s concept of a residential community for individuals with special needs. Councilmembers Karla Brown and Kathy Narum initiated the two-step motion- which included an exclusive negotiating rights agreement between Sunflower Hill and the city of Pleasanton […]
BIG thanks to Rimini Street Foundation for donating TEN gently used laptops to Sunflower Hill! We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and will put these to good use! We appreciate your support for our work to create a sustainable residential community for special needs adults! Pictured in this photo are Rimini Street employees, Michelle Loera, Angie […]
Sunflower Hill receives $500,000 donation
A very familiar face from television will be hosting the 2016 Moonlight in the Vines celebration on July 30 at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore. KTVU’s longtime “Mornings on Two” anchor, Dave Clark, will serve as the celebrity emcee. Clark, a respected journalist with more than 40 years of national experience, works with a number of […]
Special thanks to Senator Steve Glazer for hosting Patrick Kirbach of Lafayette and Blake Muller of Pleasanton as “Senators for a Day” in Sacramento on Thursday, April 21, 2016. Both Patrick and Blake and their families participated in Senator floor activities, tours of the Capital and learned about the district and pressing legislative issues. The […]
Livermore Independent Editorial on Special Needs
Sunflower Hill Has Plans for Two Developments in the Works!
Congratulations to Andrew Brumm and his mom, Janeen Rubino Brumm, for creating a new Letterman Jacket program for Special Olympics athletes in Pleasanton. We are so proud to have you in the Sunflower Hill family! Foothill High School’s Andrew Brumm is blazing a path as the first Special Olympics athlete in Alameda County to earn […]
Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC has awarded an $1,800 grant to Sunflower Hill Gardens at Hagemann Ranch for special needs curriculum and program development. We appreciate the support! https://www.llnl.gov/news/llns-announces-recipients-100000-community-gift-program-2015
With the help of the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce and numerous elected officials, Sunflower Hill Gardens at Hagemann Ranch was officially opened in a special ceremony on July 1, 2015. The one-acre garden is situated on a five acre historic parcel, which is owned by the city of Livermore. It represents one of the […]
Thank you so very much to the Pleasanton North Rotary for their generous grant to help fund our Sunflower Hill Gardens at Hagemann Ranch! Lynn Monica, VP and Project Manager, and Angi Queenan, Board Member, attended PNR’s lunch meeting yesterday to give an update on our gardens. We appreciate this grant from the Pleasanton North […]
Last night at the Warriors’ game, PG&E honored Local Warriors who serve their community, one of which was Livermore resident Bob Coomber at their home game. Bob is an amazing wheelchair hiker and motivational speaker. Bob was asked to select a charity of his choice and he chose Sunflower Hill to receive a $1,000 donation! Honoring Bob, as well as […]
Our own Lynn Monica (VP/Board Member) made this documentary about two siblings, one with special needs, one without, both of which are very special people. The film is call ‘Special Siblings’ and is about her step-children, but also in appreciation of all ‘special siblings’. We wanted to share it with you and hope you enjoy […]
Glen Peterson, Sunflower Hill Board Advisor and father to a son with special needs, spoke at the July Orinda City Council meeting. Read more about it in an article in the LaMorinda Weekly, which included comments by Tobin Travarthen, Sunflower Hill Board Member: Safe, Affordable, Accepting – The Definition of ‘Home’
Sunflower Hill is proud to announce our new video! Please take a look, and share with others! Help us create our sustainable, intentional community! Our 2014 Video: Why We Need Sunflower Hill Directed/Edited by Graham Richards Produced by Graham Richards & Lynn Monica Original Score by Graham Richards A big THANK YOU to our Sunflower Hill […]
We are thrilled to announce that six community leaders and industry experts are joining Sunflower Hill as members of our first Community Advisory Group! Thanks to John Sensiba of Sensiba San Filippo, Sblend Sblendorio of Hoge Fenton, Jones and Appel, Alan Cerro of Dutra Cerro Graden, Vicki Obee of Bittersweet Farms, Dr. Lynne Mielke of […]
Our November 2, 2013 “Starry Night” Painting & Wine Fundraiser was a GREAT success! OUR THANKS for helping us with our vision for a sustainable special needs community! Event Sponsor Tri-Valley Solar Universe Dessert Sponsor Lynn & Joan Seppala Benefactors Dutra Cerro Graden Patricia Mickens Stephanie Peek Stars Rodman Elfin Doug & Nadine Horner Pleasanton First […]
Sunflower Hill was recently in The Independent newspaper on October 24, 2013!! “Organization Plans to Build Community For Adults with Special Needs” Click on the link below to read the article: Sunflower HIll Independent Article
Pleasanton residents Ryan Berry, a fifth grader at Lydiksen Elementary, Jack Berry a fourth grader at Vintage Hills and Evan Berry, a second grader at Vintage Hills created a neighborhood Halloween Haunted House on Sunday October 27 to raise money for charity. The house featured swirling ghosts, screaming witches and lots of skeletons. More than […]
A big THANK YOU to our new Fundraiser Benefactor Sponsor: Alan Cerro of Dutra Cerro Graden (DCG) Real Estate (http://dcgrealestate.com/) and Star Sponsors: Sharon Sisler and Pleasanton Branch of First Republic Bank at 249 Main Street in Pleasanton, CA. We are SO grateful for your generosity!
A great time was had by all at the Camp Arroyo Pool Event on Sunday, August 11th. It was a perfect day and a beautiful location! We had ~40 people attend, many of which quickly jumped in to enjoy the water games and swimming! Susan Houghton also gave an update on the progress made since our last […]
Sunflower Hill was just featured on the SF Chronicle blog about our efforts to build a community for special needs adults.
THANK YOU!! We raised over $2K towards our Capital Campaign Fund in our first fund raising event!! We still have a long way to go towards our $1M goal, but this is a great start for a first event!! Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the Canvas and Cabernet event! If you missed […]
