Our community is both safe and supportive, with knowledgeable partners who will help adults with special needs nurture connections with their families, the larger community, and our precious land.

Big Wave was founded by four local residents and parents of adults with special needs.

The Big Wave Project is a local, parent driven nonprofit organization founded in 2000 that helps adults with special needs maximize their full potential by providing services in an environment where they can thrive.

Founders Steve and Jamie Barber and Jeff and Valerie Peck each have a family member with special needs. They have accomplished two important goals: first, to provide a place for adults with special needs to reach their full potential, and second, to support Coastside businesses by creating local jobs and resources so that Big Wave can be completely self-sustaining.

Our Mission

By contracting with the best innovative organizations that provide programs and tools to teach critical life skills, Big Wave helps adults with special needs learn job skills, discover their self-worth and achieve an independent lifestyle so they can create a future for themselves while contributing to our community.

Mission Statement

The Big Wave Project is dedicated to creating an inclusive and interactive community of people and businesses to provide a purposeful and independent life for individuals with developmental disabilities through affordable housing, meaningful employment, and a supportive community.

Working with adults with special needs on our baseball team, I learned how important this population is to our community. Each of them have added meaning to our lives. Big Wave is a wonderful asset to our community — a place adults with special needs can call home.

Working with adults with special needs on our baseball team, I learned how important this population is to our community. Each of them have added meaning to our lives. Big Wave will be a wonderful asset to our community — a place adults with special needs can call home.

Big Wave works closely with community leaders.

Our comprehensive project includes a community center designed to support and enrich adults with special needs, including many nature-based activities and venues that our larger community can enjoy.

Big Wave is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are financially self-sustaining and privately funded. We accept private donations and grants from foundations, corporations, and public agencies.*

Jeff Peck

Big Wave CEO and Founder Jeffrey Peck has been the founder and CEO of Big Wave, as well as its manager, for over 20 years. His

Kim Gainza

Big Wave Board Member Kim Gainza has been involved in the Special Olympics since 2007 as a team parent and fundraiser for the Coastside Special Olympics

Mary Ellen Berzin

Big Wave Board Member Mary Ellen Berzin is a Doctor of Optometry and the chairperson of the Big Wave Annual Harvest Festival auction. As an executive

Scott Holmes

Big Wave Board Member Scott M. Holmes has consulted as a Civil and Environmental Engineer all around the world, and we are lucky to have him

Steve St. Marie

Big Wave Board Member Steve St. Marie, on our Board of Directors, is an Economist, Regulatory Analyst, and Policy Advisor at the California Public Utilities Commission.

Terry McKinney

Big Wave Board Member Terry McKinney is on the Big Wave Board of Directors. He is a Superintendent of Water Treatment and Production for the City

*All donations are tax-deductible, as Big Wave Group is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, number 20-5666260.

With 1 in 54 children now estimated to have autism spectrum disorder, community support is critical.

Respecting the land.

Big Wave is home to a farm with precious wildlife and the land in mind. For that reason, we never use pesticides or herbicides. Using the highest possible environmental standards, we are working to keep our community clean.

Working on the land will provide special insight into our community’s natural wonders.

Safeguarding the environment.

We believe that adults with special needs thrive in the outdoors. Big Wave is committed to teaching them how to preserve and protect our land. Our parents and volunteers collaborate with experts, while our pesticide-free farm and gardens incorporate an appreciation for nature and the study of sustainable practices.

My son is my total heart. Knowing he has a place where he can be safe and thrive when I am gone… is everything.

My son is my total heart. Knowing he has a place where he can be safe and thrive when I am gone… is everything.

Reaching out to families with special needs who need us.

Big Wave works with organizations who provide comprehensive support services to adults with special needs and their families, including those in crisis, within San Mateo County.

An array of programs that promote positive development and behavior, healthy choices, and effective family communications are available through our partners. These programs also provide social support and service coordination for our residents, at every level.

We will serve adults with special needs, way beyond any one diagnosis.

Supporting the community.

We invite you to visit the Big Wave Farm along with our partner, One Step Beyond, Inc., who will provide the programs for our residents with special needs.

Big Wave
Farm

One Step
Beyond

Big Wave
Programs

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