During today’s all-staff meeting, Gina was surprised with a gift created by clients - a beautiful mirror symbolizing her 35-year journey with Sunshine Village. Jade and coral represented her anniversary, pearls honored her “pearls of wisdom,” and purple added a special “Gina-fied” touch. ...

To end on a celebratory note, Gina spun the giveaway wheel - surprising some lucky staff with full and half-paid days off, as well as Sunshine Village towels - her way of saying thank you to a hardworking team that truly SHINES.

Gina’s leadership has left a lasting impact on everyone and she will be deeply missed. We wish her all the best in this exciting next chapter!

#FondFarewell #SunshineVillage #Retirement #employerofchoice #providerofchoice

Another fun Friday at Sunshine Village!

What’s better than a visit from Boomer? The Springfield Thunderbirds mascot stopped by our Palmer program and brought tons of energy, smiles, and excitement with him! 🏒

Another GREAT way to end the week!

#hockey ...#sunshinevillage #communitypartners

One of our mothers stopped by to wish Gina well and many GREAT days ahead in her retirement.

#sunshinevillage #fondfarewell #retirement

Earlier this week, Peter S. Benton, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sunshine Village hosted a heartfelt farewell dinner in honor of Gina. The evening was filled with warm memories, well-deserved accolades, and reflections on her incredible time at Sunshine Village.
#retirement ...#celebration #greatdays

In our Casey CBDS Program, client Teearra is growing her entrepreneurial business through the Print Shop in Holyoke! She designs and creates sublimated kitchen towels, t-shirts, and hoodies - bringing her ideas to life from start to finish.

Teearra uses the computer to design her images ...and a heat press to professionally adhere them to each product. Her creativity and technical skills are on full display! 👕🖥️

Teearra recently expanded her product line to include essential oil car air freshener diffusers continuing to grow her business and explore new opportunities.

We are so proud of Teearra’s drive, creativity, and commitment to building her brand.

#sunshinevillage #Entrepreneurship #PrintShop #womeninbusiness @print_shop_holyoke Chicopee Register WWLP-22News Western Mass News

Spreading a little extra joy from our Three Rivers (Palmer) Program!

Each month, clients create and deliver “Hope Projects” to share kindness throughout the community. This month’s beautiful handmade Topiary Tree was designed by Erica, Jen, Meghan, Berline and Sammy - what an ...amazing collaboration!

With help from Carrie, Xavier and Javier, these creations were delivered to our friends at Three Rivers Fire Department, Palmer Fire Department , Palmer Police Department , Town of Palmer Manager’s office, Palmer High School Panthers and Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School.

We’re so proud to share a little sunshine and appreciation with our community—one project at a time!

@threeriversfiredeptma

More GREAT days are ahead...

Sunshine Village is looking forward to partnering with @thetechfoundry and @libertybankct!

#partnerships #community #greatday

Olivia SHINES!

In our Agawam Day Hab Program, client Olivia has truly stepped up as an incredible team player. She consistently advocates for her peers and is always her friends’ biggest cheerleader!

Olivia brings positivity, encouragement, and light to Sunshine Village each and... every day. We are so proud of the supportive spirit she shares with everyone around her.

#SunshineVillage #TeamPlayer #PeerAdvocate #positiveenergy #cheerleader
Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Town Of Agawam

Another great day at Sunshine Village! Gina and Colleen welcomed Boomer, Tommy, and Alana from the Springfield Thunderbirds to Litwin Lane as part of our Bringing the Community to Us Inclusion Program.
They spent time visiting both our Davis and Knights Day Hab programs, creating a fun and ...meaningful experience for everyone involved. Thank you for being part of such a special day - the Springfield Thunderbirds SHINE! @thunderbirdsahl

Victor SHINES!

Victor, a client in our Knights Day Hab Program, has overcome so many challenging obstacles throughout his journey with Sunshine Village.

There was a time when Victor was uncomfortable around others quiet, reserved... today, he is confidently using his voice and ...stepping into leadership serving as a Positive Behavior Supports Representative.

And that’s not all — Victor is also the Knights Bowling Champion for the third year in a row! 🎳🏆

We are incredibly proud of Victor’s courage, growth, and determination. He truly inspires us all.

#SunshineVillage #Leadership #Growth #Inspiration #DisabilitySupport
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services @massgovernor Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers

🧦💙 Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day! 💙🧦

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, our Agawam program clients created something truly special for the @agawampubliclibrary - a giant egg with a message straight from the heart: “Thank you for being an EGG-cellent ...community partner and always rocking with us!"

We’re proud to celebrate inclusion, friendship and the AMAZING partnerships that help our community SHINE every day. Keep rocking your socks and spreading awareness with us!

#inclusion #friendshipgoals #community

Back at Litwin Lane, the Casey CBDS Program hosted a Garden Party...

Our Culinary Team prepared a delicious spring-themed spread while guests enjoyed a fun “Paint With Me” class led by our talented client artist, Amanda.

Clients Teearra and Anthony also SHINED as they ...showcased and sold their handmade goods - what a wonderful display of creativity and entrepreneurship!

It was another GREAT Day at Sunshine Village!

#OpenHouse #Spring #Sunshine #GREATDays #gardenparty
@ddsmass