Independent living community for autistic adults coming to Pickens County
Mary Sunshine House is an organization that provides an independent living program in Central next to Southern Wesleyan University that consists of newly renovated duplexes with units for adults with neurodevelopmental and autism spectrum disorders. The community will open doors to residents in July. Those staying in the community have to participate in the organization’s programming. Provided/Brian Vickers
CENTRAL — A new residential community in Pickens County is giving adults with disabilities a chance to live independently and is planning to grow.
Mary Sunshine House is an organization in Central next to the campus of Southern Wesleyan University and is opening its doors to residents in July. The community on Wesleyan Drive consists of five newly renovated duplexes with 10 units for adults with neurodevelopmental and autism spectrum disorders.
“There’s a lot of people that are, especially with autism, kept in the shadows, and they don’t need to be in the shadows,” said Brian Vickers, executive director of the organization. “They can come out to the light and be who they’re meant to be.” Vickers said the purpose of the specialized community is to be a resource for families and provide them with a place that’ll allow their loved one to live in a safe and productive environment with the oversight and guidance of life coaches.
The organization is currently looking for 10 residents to fill the units, but the community will grow to accommodate 45 people. Each unit has two bedrooms with one bathroom and new appliances, bathroom fixtures, flooring and kitchens. Residents will participate in programming related to job skills, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emotional wellness and community involvement.
Staff will be on-site 24/7 to assist residents. “We want them to realize their individual potential,” Vickers said. Residents will have access to some of the amenities on Southern Wesleyan
University’s campus. They can use the dining hall, coffee shops, chapel, gym, sports fields and golf driving range. Residents can also attend performing arts and sporting events.
For transportation, future residents can use the Clemson Area Transit, a zero-fare service that includes Central. The community is within walking distance to downtown Central, so residents have access to restaurants and stores. Alongside the newly renovated units is the organization’s administration building. Inside, is a community center where residents can come and socialize, play games, get help with certain skills and have access to wireless internet. Mary Sunshine House was established in 2017 when its founder, Lori Pendergraph, wanted to create a place for her autistic child to thrive and be a part of a community. A donation from Doris Buffett’s Sunshine Lady Foundation helped put the organization’s mission into action.
In 2018, Southern Wesleyan University sold the organization the duplexes that’ve been turned into a specialized residential community. Vickers said the duplexes were built in the 1960s and were used as faculty and student housing at various times.
