Empowered Living

At Sunnyhill, we embark on a transformative journey guided by our unwavering vision.

Our unwavering commitment to lighting the path to empowered living for those diagnosed with developmental disabilities is embodied in “The Sunlit Way.” Our vision is to create a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive. We believe this path to empowerment starts with providing a supportive environment fostering growth, independence, and achievement.

We strive to fulfill our mission by providing person-centered services, including family navigation, behavior supports, independent living assistance, life skills development, housing opportunities, and socialization. We illuminate pathways for our community through education, expert environment cultivation, illumination of success, and advocacy to represent its needs.

We are dedicated to helping individuals find their unique pathway to success. Through our efforts, we hope to inspire others to join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Sunlit Way

Our Sunlit Journey

Our inclusive community values are deeply rooted in our history. In 1978, a group of eighteen families, united by their children's diagnoses, came together to start Sunnyhill. Their goal was to provide an accessible camp experience for their children. Under Monsignor Behrmann's guidance, these founding families worked tirelessly to secure funding, housing, and activities for future generations. Today, Sunnyhill relies on our community’s support, including in-kind contributions, fundraising, grants, and government subsidies, to operate and transform lives.

Our original location in Dittmer, Missouri, is now the fully inclusive accredited Adventures Camp, where we offer enriching summer programs that welcome campers during 6 to 8 weeks of summer programming. During the off-season, the campgrounds are a versatile venue for school field trips, retreats, family reunions, and community events. Our Adventures team also organizes weekend excursions for the individuals we serve, adding to our transformative offerings.

  • Sunnyhill was founded by eighteen Missouri families determined to offer their children with developmental disabilities new opportunities.

  • Sunnyhill Adventures was opened in Dittmer, Missouri, becoming one of the country's first all-inclusive recreational camps for adults and children with developmental disabilities.

  • Sunnyhill established its first residential home in the St. Louis Area, providing individualized, supported living for individuals with developmental disabilities.

  • Sunnyhill University launched a program to equip children and adults diagnosed with disabilities with valuable life skills and foster independence, confidence, and community integration.

  • Sunnyhill introduced Behavioral Support Services to teach adaptive skills to replace previously learned unsafe behaviors.

  • The Independence Center was opened in DeSoto on 18 acres of beautiful land. It houses the Family Resource and Advocacy Center—the first of its kind in the state, providing families with support and resources in one convenient location.

  • Family Navigation services began to assist natural supports and guardians in creating a path for success.

  • Sunnyhill serves over 1,000 individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities annually, offering comprehensive services, including family navigation, behavior supports, independent living assistance, life skills development, housing opportunities, and socialization.

Find out more information about Sunnyhill.