Big Wave Group

OPPORTUNITIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY for adults with special needs

For over 20 years, our focus has been to create a residential and community hub where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can live, learn, and thrive.  A place to belong. 

As we prepare to open the Big Wave Center in Princeton Harbor this summer, we are closer than ever to making that vision real.  But there is still so much work to do. Your support can help fund scholarship apartments, complete construction of the Big Wave Center, cover operational costs, and ensure that adults with IDD live lives of purpose and connection.

If you'd like to be part of this moment, we invite you to help us finish this vital project.

Thank you for your support of the Big Wave community.

ABOUT BIG WAVE

Over 90,000 Bay Area individuals have IDD, such as autism, Down syndrome, developmental delay, brain injury, and cerebral palsy. When they age out of high school, their routine of education and support programs halts. Their community goes away. They become isolated and lonely. Most live at home, with parents as caregivers, creating a crisis as their parents age and can no longer care for them.

The mission of the Big Wave project is to provide access to opportunity, lifelong housing, and a strong sense of community for adults with IDD. 

The Big Wave Center is a purpose-built, 50,000 square-foot campus designed for the greater IDD community. In addition to individual apartments for up to 40 adults with IDD, the Center includes a commercial kitchen and a Culinary Academy to train adults with IDD for employment in the hospitality industry. A Day Program will provide education, skills development, recreation, exercise, and friendship. A Fitness and Recreation Club, Game Room, and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor events courtyard will foster connection and community. Activities at the Center will emphasize inclusion, community connection, and opportunities for residents to pursue social, recreational, and vocational interests. 

Testimonials

"It breaks my heart to watch my 26-year-old son sit at home on the couch all day while I go to work.  He has so much potential, but I feel helpless.  I wish there were more opportunities and support for him. He is lost and lonely."

Parent of a special needs adult

“I am so excited to see much-needed housing options like Big Wave for our community’s diverse population coming to fruition on the Coastside.  All Coastsiders should be able to live in housing that supports their needs, keeps them safe, and brings them happiness. Housing developments that meet the needs of our vulnerable populations while providing access to all of the resources and splendor the Coastside provides are a beautiful thing.”

Krystlyn Giedt, President and CEO, Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber

“The number one worry of every special needs parent is…what happens to my child when I’m gone?  We are building Big Wave to give our son a place to live out his life, to be with his friends, to have purpose and be part of a community.”

Julie Shenkman, local business owner, and most importantly, mom of Sam

“As a business owner and longtime member of this community, I’m thrilled to welcome these residents to the coast!  My family has been in this community for over 100 years…it’s time to build housing designed for this special and vulnerable group of adults.”

Joe Angelini, Owner/Broker, Farmers Insurance, Half Moon Bay

"The intention is to provide a home for adults with special needs, but also to provide a place where the community can engage with them, something I believe will be wonderful."

Naomi Patridge, Former Mayor of Half Moon Bay

"Big Wave is a huge bonus for our community. We are one giant family on the coast and need a home for these important people; it gives them a place and a purpose."

Kelly Hoffman Davis, PTO President, Farallone View School, Montara resident and small business owner