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 needs of the individuals participating in its Hands-On Garden programs, as well as adults with developmental disabilities who generously volunteer their time to assist with maintenance tasks in the Sunflower Hill Garden.
With this grant, Sunflower Hill will purchase Hands-On Garden program supplies such as assisted kneelers, adaptive tools, harvest equipment and supplies, soil amendments, and other materials for its programs in 2021.
“We are proud to support Sunflower Hill and their focus on assisting people with diverse abilities,” said Roy Cook, Senior Human Resources Program Manager at Robert Half. “As an organization, we are committed to community outreach and philanthropy programs that positively impact the places where we live and work.”
As an instructional outdoor space, the Sunflower Hill Garden is a medium for educational, therapeutic, and life skills training for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization’s in-person, Hands-On Garden cohorts meet weekly at the Sunflower Hill Garden. Each cohort consists of three participants and their respective caregiver who follow Covid safety procedures and maintain social distancing, ensuring the safety of both staff and participants. The program offers person-centered instruction for adults with developmental disabilities, providing opportunities to learn, explore, and engage in new and supportive ways. Led by knowledgeable staff with a passion for both people and plants, curriculum addresses educational, therapeutic, and life-skill topics to grow important independent living skills.
In addition to this most recent grant, Robert Half previously awarded Sunflower Hill with a grant in 2019, and volunteered to help create a short educational video titled, Join the Team – Wear Your Face Mask, created for adults with developmental disabilities detailing why it’s important to wear a face mask and how to overcome objections to wearing one. As part of the Robert Half’s annual Week of Service, volunteers provided a professional script review as well as full production and post-production for the video.
“We’re very thankful to Robert Half for this grant and for their continued support of Sunflower Hill and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Edie Nehls, Sunflower Hill Executive Director. “Their ongoing generosity enables us to provide the tools and supplies needed to help our program participants engage, learn, and thrive.”