On the right track Sunnyhill focuses on its mission to tackle COVID’s challenges
Staff members at Sunnyhill Inc. have found that sticking to the organization’s mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams provides a great roadmap in navigating the COVID-19 landscape.
“Our main goal is that the people we support are healthy and safe,” said Kevin Wendel, Sunnyhill marketing and events manager. “As long as we keep our mission in mind, we are on the right track.”
Sunnyhill, a not-for-profit organization established in 1978, provides residential support, recreation and educational opportunities for children and adults with developmental and other disabilities throughout the Greater St. Louis Area, including Jefferson County.
A key component of Sunnyhill’s programming is a 65-acre adventure camp in Dittmer.
Sunnyhill started as the dream of 18 families of children with disabilities. At that time, not many camps accommodated children with disabilities.
In 1986, the organization added residential homes to its offering. Today, there are 40 homes providing 24-hour care. Another 200 individuals receive supportive care in their own homes.
“We always have to be ready to evolve,” Wendel said. “The more open-minded we can be, the better we can serve the people we support.”
For example, Wendel said, since in-person events aren’t being held, Sunnyhill is holding online activities like virtual bingo and virtual yoga.
“We have been utilizing Zoom and Microsoft Teams to help people connect with their families,” he said. “We’ve gotten really good at finding parks and places to go out to take walks.”
Staff also offer games and even home gardening tips.
Sunnyhill has just over 200 employees and is hiring.
Wendel said it’s important to keep the staff healthy.
“We are taking it week by week,” he said. “We are checking every box to make sure we are being as safe as possible. We are sanitizing, wearing masks, and focusing on trying to do the best for the people we support.”
