#USA #San Mateo #Intellectual Disabilities #Half Moon Bay #Big Wave Center

Big Wave Center Opens: A New Home and Opportunity for Adults with Disabilities

In a landmark development for San Mateo County, the Big Wave Center has officially opened its doors to the community. Located in scenic Half Moon Bay, this innovative facility is dedicated to providing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a supportive environment where they can thrive, learn, and engage meaningfully in the community.

The story of the Big Wave Center begins over 25 years ago with Jeff Peck, who, driven by love and concern for his daughter, Elizabeth, envisioned a brighter future for individuals with disabilities. Peck's journey symbolizes the struggles many families face when planning for their loved ones' future—a future that often feels uncertain after the school years come to an end. Recognizing the lack of opportunities for adults with IDD, especially after they turn 22, Peck sought to create a nurturing community where individuals could enjoy continued growth and inclusivity.

On June 27, 2026, the ribbon was ceremonially cut, marking the culmination of years of effort and collaboration among families, nonprofit organizations, and local agencies to bring this vision to life. The Big Wave Center sits on a 12-acre campus in Princeton Harbor and boasts a substantial investment of $37 million for its state-of-the-art facilities covering around 50,000 square feet. This large campus is designed to meet the diverse needs of its residents, offering not only housing but also a comprehensive suite of programs aimed at enhancing independence, wellness, and community engagement.

Currently accommodating up to 40 adults with IDD, the Big Wave Center offers apartments, including options for low-income residents. A significant element of the Center's mission is maintaining partnerships with leading nonprofit organizations to deliver vital services rather than running all programs in-house. One of the critical programs is managed by One Step Beyond, Inc., which operates both the Adult Day Program and Culinary Catering Academy, focusing on life skills development, continuing education, and job training.

Furthermore, the Center enhances the living experience of its residents with diverse recreational and educational opportunities. It features wellness spaces, a spacious courtyard for community events, and direct access to the adjacent Big Wave Farm. This farm provides agricultural education and nutrition programming, serving as a vital resource for social engagement and skill-building for adults with IDD.

John Hinton, a retired CFO and volunteer project executive for Big Wave, encapsulated this shared experience of love and commitment among those involved, stating that the project resonated with him personally because of his daughter, Jane, who is among the first future residents. His sentiments reflect an overarching commitment shared by many who participated in the project: to create a space that embodies community, belonging, and opportunity for individuals who often face significant challenges in life.

This new center stands as a beacon of hope in San Mateo County, representing not just physical infrastructure but a robust community ethos focused on lifelong learning, health, and social inclusion. As the Big Wave Center embarks on its journey, it aims to serve hundreds of adults each year, offering a chance for them to build friendships, acquire new skills, and engage in meaningful activities within a vibrant community.

In conclusion, the opening of the Big Wave Center marks a pivotal moment for adults with disabilities and their families, as it creates a nurturing environment where they can continue to grow, learn, and most importantly, belong. The initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and a supportive community, paving the way for a future filled with opportunities for numerous families in San Mateo County and beyond.