News & Events

Check out our enewsletter:  All About Our Great Days – June 2020. To sign up to receive our enewsletter click here

In an effort to keep our participants and staff
safe and healthy during the Covid-19 Emergency,

Sunshine Village will be closed
March 17^th-April 5^th

We will continue to update you on:

Our website: sunshine.us

WWLP – Channel 22

Emails

If you need to pick up medication, program sites
will be open from 8am-12pm on March 17^th and March 18^th.

Please call (413)592-6142 with any questions.

March 11, 2020

Dear Family Members and Guardians,

Governor Baker has called a state of emergency in Massachusetts to help government offices, schools and organizations respond to the growing concerns around the potential spread of Covid-19/Coronavirus. Sunshine Village is keeping up-to-date with all information as the situation unfolds and; most importantly, responding quickly to keep the individuals we serve and our staff as safe and healthy as possible.

No one knows how long or how extensive the spread of the virus will be, but we are closely monitoring the state and federal recommendations. With weather-related emergencies, we have had to close our programs and this current communicable disease creates similar challenges. With the current situation we can only control how we react and meet our responsibilities. We will make important decisions such as the possibility of closing program sites only if absolutely necessary. Below is our plan to respond to what we know now and what we can control to keep communication open and lessen the impact on everyone at Sunshine Village.

To date, we started an even more robust cleaning and disinfecting protocol for all of our sites. We have also begun handwashing and coughing instruction and regular reminders. There will be a fun contest to encourage peer-to-peer education on proper techniques and their importance in fighting the spread of germs. We are also utilizing all available hand sanitizing options and encouraging all who are sick to stay home. We are also restricting visitors to our sites and are assessing community access for the individuals we serve. Sunshine Village is committed to providing you with updates as appropriate and will communicate information to you in three ways:

• The most current information, including potential closings, will be updated on our website’s homepage www.sunshine.us
• Email and letter will be used whenever possible for important, but less time sensitive information
• Personal phone calls for individual specific issues and concernsWe ask that you notify your program site of all planned travel for your loved one, yourself, or for any family or friends that come into contact with your loved one, so that we can give further instructions based on our compliance with state or federal recommendations. We also recommend that you visit the following state website for further information on travel precautions: mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

Please contact your program manager or case manager with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support as we respond to this ongoing situation.

Yours truly,

Gina Kos
Executive Director

CC: Department of Developmental Services

Regrettably, the board of directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the tournament for this year
out of respect and solidarity for the many businesses and partners that support us from the community.

Please save the date for next year – August 4, 2021!

Please contact Amie Miarecki at amie@sunshine.us
for more information or donation questions.

Check out our enewsletter:  Sunshine Village Newsletter – January 2020 To sign up to receive our enewsletter click here

We’ve partnered with two local non-profits to showcase artists with distinct abilities
on this user-friendly website that highlights their talents and entrepreneurial spirit.

Shopping for holidays, birthdays and special events just got a lot easier – and more fun!

You’ll find everything from hand-painted signs to ceramics and textiles all in one spot!

To learn more, visit: https://www.connectedcreators.net/

Our VillageWorks employment services program will host the Baystate Bloodmobile.
Give the gift of life with your blood donation!

Tuesday, January 14th
10am-12pm
102 East First Avenue
Chicopee, MA

All eligible donors will received a Big Y or Dunkin’ gift card.
For more information on donating blood please click here.

We let our creativity shine!

Artists from our programs showcased their unique abilities at the annual art show held
at the Holyoke/Chicopee Offices of the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Thank you to Western Mass Mom Prom​ for surprising our Springfield Program with a generous donation!

As a part of their Hope Project, this program made amazing 80’s- themed centerpieces and other decorations for the event that was held in October.