Hillside House

Empowerment through Inclusion

By Erica Rascón on Nov 4, 2016 in Giving, People

Since 1945, Hillside House has edified Santa Barbara’s residents living with disabilities. The organization continues its mission into a new era that will expand services and build a stronger sense of inclusion in the community.

The organization began as a care center for 15 young adults with cerebral palsy. Over time, it acquired the resources to care for people living with a variety of developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Today, Hillside House is a therapeutic learning community comprised of 59 residents. Residents receive meals, medical care, and 24-hour assistance in the care of 90 staff.

Executive Director Craig Olson joined the team at Hillside House 12 years ago. The non-profit has become a second home.

“I just have a love for our residents and I want to help,” says Olson.

Olson’s passion for building community began with his interest in the art of wine making. “[Wine culture] has taught me a lot about hospitality and being upbeat about life. You have to have that vibrancy. Wine brings people together and creates a sense of community. I aim to replicate that sense of inclusion and community here.”

The first lesson of inclusion, Olson learned, was to interact with people with disabilities in the same way that he would interact with anyone else.

“One common misconception is that they’re different than anyone else,” chuckles Olson. “I remember the first time that I came to work and I was supposed to do an activity with the residents. It was a softball game. I said, ‘I don’t know how to do that.’ My coworker said, ‘Well…just go play softball. Just treat them like you would anybody else and it’s going to go fabulously.’”

That brief exchange highlights the methodology of Hillside House in Santa Barbara:  the organization promotes inclusion and personal development through creative enrichment activities.

The Wellness Program, proudly sponsored by Yardi, is one such opportunity for residents to learn the essentials of self-care. The cooking class is one of the most popular activities on campus.

Nikki Ramirez, Director of Development, explains, “Cooking class is always a favorite for residents—there is a reward at the end! We have a great program director that is big on wellness and is part of the wellness committee here. She is helping our residents to understand that you can eat things that are delicious and have nutritional value, too.”

The aquatic therapy program has also won the hearts of residents.  The Assistance League, a nearby nonprofit, helped to install the heated pool.

Ramirez continues, “If you can imagine being in a wheelchair for the majority of your day, it may feel constricting. Being in a pool, you can experience weightlessness, stretching, relaxation, and interaction with our staff.”

“The wellness program is a big umbrella that covers a lot of things that we and the residents feel are important to their lives,” says Ramirez. “We couldn’t continue these terrific programs without the generous support of companies like Yardi.”

To further develop a sense of inclusion, Hillside House encourages family and community members to get involved in events on site. Family & Friends parties offer updates on developments at the center to residents and their guests . Following the informative sessions, attendees enjoy a festive gathering with games, music, and desserts.

It is at one such event that Olson announced plans for a new campus. The community plan encompasses a 24-acre site that will consist of ten, single family-style homes each with six private bedrooms. This model allows residents to enjoy increased autonomy without feeling isolated.

Olson says, “It goes back to Brown v Board of Education: when you separate people, they know that someone thinks they’re ‘less than’ somehow. Integration back into the community gives them a sense of self-worth and encourages positive behaviors, interactions with people, and all the things that we’re trying to achieve with them.”

Though the fully integrated community will promote self-sufficiency, each home will have access to 24-hour care services.

Hillside House relies on the support of the community to expand its services for residents. The organization makes fundraising fun for all parties involved. One such fundraiser is the upcoming Holiday Extravaganza, taking place on December 3, 2016.

Ramirez beams as she describes the event, “It’s a Christmas wonderland.  A local philanthropist is opening up her home for the first time for a fundraiser for a nonprofit. She chose us. She decorates every nook of cranny of her house with things that have to do with the holidays. We will be serving appetizers and Christmas drinks. The house has a 180 degree unobstructed view of the islands and the sunset over the ocean. It will be really beautiful.”

Guests are also encouraged to look out for the annual Sunset Soiree fundraiser, an equally stunning event featuring wine expert John Pilson. Guests savor a three-course, al fresco meal. Each course is paired with hand-selected wines from California and France.

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