Our INDEPENDENT SUPPORTED LIVING ASSISTANCE (ISLA AND PRE-ISLA) PROGRAMS provide personalized one-on-one support tailored to the unique needs of individuals aged 18 and over with goals to live independently. We help them identify, develop, and improve living skills to maintain independence goals through non-24-hour assistance.

Amanda’s Holiday Greeting

Warren’s Holiday Wish List

Messages of Hope.

Messages from those we support, our Sunnyhill team, and directors reflect the heart of our mission. The voices of those in our community inspire us, while our dedicated staff and leadership drive meaningful change. Together, we’re creating a brighter future, filled with hope and empowerment.

Sunnyhill HOliday Giving Options

  • Let It Snow

    This holiday season, support Sunnyhill’s vital programs and services through the Let It Snow Annual Appeal. Help us continue to make a difference—donate today and spread holiday cheer!

    Donate Today
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Sunnyhill Independent living (ISLA and Pre-ISLA) Areas of Support:

  • Budgeting

  • Cooking/Meal Planning - Visit Sunnyhill’s Sunlit Kitchen

  • Safety Needs

  • Grooming/Hygiene/Dental

  • Housework/Cleaning

  • Medical

  • Housing Needs

  • Laundry

  • Personal Aspirations

  • Shopping

  • Socialization

  • Transportation

  • Written Correspondence

How Do I receive Services?

  • ISLA Qualifications:

    Developmental Disability (DD) diagnosis prior to the age of 22.

    Capacity to live independently.

    Reside in a funding county.

    Pre-Isla Qualifications:

    Developmental Disability (DD) diagnosis prior to the age of 22.

    Individuals are at least 18 years old and reside with inherent support systems, fostering the objective of achieving self-sufficiency and independent living.

    Reside in a funding county.

  • ISLA & Pre-Isla Funding:

    DDA, DDR, DHSS, Productive Living Board, SB40 Boards

  • Missouri Counties Serviced:

    ISLA Qualifications:

    Jefferson County, St. Louis City, St. Louis County

    Pre-Isla Qualifications:

    St. Louis County

  • With a flexible service structure, people can receive up to 50 hours of support each month in their homes.

Misty’s Culinary Journey

Misty is a single mother living independently with her three school-aged children. To improve her health and provide her and her children the best quality of life, she decided to pursue services through Sunnyhill’s Independent Support Living Assistance program.

At first, Misty was apprehensive about cooking and planning meals for her family, often relying on frozen dinners. However, with the support of dedicated staff, she embarked on a culinary adventure. Misty learned to follow recipes, starting with boxed meals, guided by verbal prompts and modeling from her support staff.

As Misty gained confidence, she progressed to more complex recipes, culminating in successfully preparing a homemade chicken alfredo dish. With the new skills she gained, Misty can now incorporate healthy meals into her family’s diet. Her passion for cooking has become a source of joy for her children.

Thanks to Sunnyhill’s ISLA program’s continuous support, Misty has honed her cooking and meal planning skills and developed other essential daily living skills, fostering self-reliance. 38% of individuals diagnosed with disabilities are affected by obesity, a rate over 10% higher than those without diagnoses. Programs like ISLA and Pre-ISLA are instrumental in promoting healthy habits such as cooking to mitigate this health risk.

Meet the Team

  • Amanda Kehoe

    Director of ISLA

  • Kayla Schmelzle

    Asst Director of ISLA

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Find out more information about Sunnyhill’s ISLA & Pre-ISLA programs.

Sunnyhill Programs & Services

  • Sunnyhill Adventures

    Jayne Grisham, Director

    Sunnyhill offers a one-of-a-kind Adventure Camp and On the Road programs that aim to improve socialization skills. Our 65-acre campground provides a beautiful backdrop, and our activity programming activates sensory points. We also organize weekend getaways to expand cultural knowledge.

    Learn More
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