Big Wave Group

MORE THAN JUST HOUSING

Big Wave is building a place to belong for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Construction is underway! The project will provide a sense of community, a hub for continuing education programs and opportunities, and access to housing. A Culinary Academy and Day Program run by the nonprofit One Step Beyond (OSB) will teach life skills and train adults with IDD to gain employment in the hospitality industry. The Day Program will provide education, skills development, recreation, exercise, and friendship.

For the many Bay Area individuals with IDD, such as autism, Down syndrome, developmental delay, brain injury, and cerebral palsy, a routine of school and support programs halts when they age out of high school. Their community goes away. They become isolated and lonely. Most of them live at home and rely on their parents as caregivers, creating a crisis as they age and can no longer care for them. The Big Wave project is creating a place to build friendships, to learn, and to thrive.  A place to belong.

Although we have begun construction, our fundraising needs remain critical. Donations will help with construction costs to finish portions of the Center, build apartments for needs-based families who can’t otherwise participate, support enrichment activities for our vulnerable community, and support our all-volunteer farm. We need your help now more than ever.

We appreciate your support!

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 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, is 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 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