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Sunshine Village

Everyone Shines

A MESSAGE FROM GINA KOS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(update August 24, 2021)

Sunshine Village is continuing to move forward – implementing our REBUILDING PLAN for Fiscal Year 2022.  The global pandemic that forced the organization to close in March of 2020, change our service provision, reopen in August of 2020 and manage our operations in unprecedented and constantly changing ways – unfortunately – is continuing.

In addition to dealing with the challenges forced upon us by COVID-19, the organization is also grappling with a growing workforce crisis.  Although we are fortunate to have a stable management team and employ committed professionals throughout all positions, it is anticipated that as we grow our way out of the pandemic, we will need to utilize waiting lists for returning and new clients.

We have continuously updated our COVID-19 CONTROL PLAN – to insure the highest levels of safety for both our clients and our employees.  We augmented this plan with criteria for returning and new clients – being REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE RETURN TO SERVICES.  Both documents have been readily accessible on our website.

Nothing has been easy over the course of the past 16 months – but Sunshine Village has worked hard and remained committed to our founders’ dream – of improving the lives of the people we serve.  Our IN-PERSON SERVICES – supplemented by VIRTUAL SERVICES – help us achieve that mission – and we hope as time goes on – and the situation becomes more manageable – we will be able to fully rebuild.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this very difficult time.  We hope you know that Sunshine Village is committed to being a place where EVERYONE SHINES.

Great Days at Sunshine Village

The world of Sunshine Village is so important to the parents who send their adult children off each day. We recognize this, and our continual goal, our unwavering promise and the gold standard we strive for is: Make every day a great day. In all of our programs and at each of our locations, Sunshine Village provides opportunities to live and learn, work and earn, give and grow.

We believe great days are made up of small moments that hold the potential for the largest of triumphs. A great day might take shape at work, at that moment when a co-worker says “thank you” for a job well done. It might happen the moment a ripe carrot is plucked from the ground, after being tended for weeks. It could come at the end of the day, when two friends hug good-bye before exchanging an enthusiastic “See you tomorrow.”

Schedule a tour today by emailing us at: visitus@sunshine.us

Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

Sunshine Village has developed an innovative and inspiring curriculum to help young adults on the autism spectrum express themselves, engage in the community and develop a sense of autonomy. Our supportive, safe environment encourages exploration and growth. We learn about literature and language through book clubs and travel events; develop math and reasoning with culinary arts and financial literacy. These services are augmented with multi-disciplinary clinical supports including speech, occupational & physical therapy, nursing as well as a dedicated team of behavior analysts.

See all programs

Kind Words

“My son’s days are busy and productive. He participates in a variety of volunteer, vocational and community based experiences that are fulfilling to him. After being in the program for over a year, my son still gives me positive feedback daily about what he is doing. He looks forward to going to Sunshine Village every day”.Mindy Brodecki, Parent
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Samantha and Jonathan, two hardworking and dedicated employees. They showed respect to their fellow employees and were an asset to the team. Whenever a project needed to be accomplished, you could count on Samantha and Jonathan to get it done. Their positive attitudes make them a joy to work with. I am sure that they will soar in any future endeavors they chose to follow".Pamela M. Barrett, Manager
“Nathan loves the program! I wish I had gotten him in sooner. We all needed for Nathan to find his spot. He did - it’s amazing!"”Janet Prunier, Parent
"We began having a group of Sunshine Village adults volunteer their time in our food pantry. They help every week to unload deliveries from the Food Bank and organize and shelve our food which feeds 80-120 families every week. In addition, they have been more than willing to help with other projects…they not only help us in our work to serve our neighbors, but also bring so much joy to the House…they make us smile and laugh every time they are here. Their happiness and laughter is contagious and we're so grateful to have them as a part of The Gray House...thank you for the work that you and your team do that extends so far into our community."Teresa Spaziani, Liberti, Executive Director of The Gray House
"I looked at many sites before finding the Autism Program in Springfield. This is a perfect fit for my son. He needs to stay busy, but have choices about what he does during the day. This program offers the right mix of activities, skills, and creativity to keep him interested and active. Both Chris and I are very happy with the program."Anne, Parent
“I feel like a rich man, that I’m sending my son to the best place that money can buy and I’m by no means a wealthy man.”Steve C., Parent