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The thought that our children were being faced with so many more challenges (divorce, violence, substance abuse, peer pressures, bullies, teasing….) was the motivation behind the founding of Sunshine in 1992. 

(Co-founders:  Carol Carter, Tamara Pelosi, Patti Kelly/Barker)

 

Sunshine is concerned about the social/emotional needs of all children and families.  We provide innovative educational services that offer support and guidance.

 

Today Sunshine is a respected leader in the field of prevention. Our services utilize a variety of scientifically-based prevention models and strategies which provide support and education to families, schools and communities. All programs are designed to build self esteem and positive social skills, however each program has a specific focus and goal.

 

Sunshine provides a Family-centered approach to prevention.  We believe it is important to treat the whole family system in the growth and learning process.  A child will thrive much more when the parent/guardians are working along side them to strengthen the family. 

 

Sunshine believes that “the arts” are a form of prevention for the problems our youth face today.  Studies show a child who has the      opportunity to experience dance, music, theater, puppetry and other forms of the arts are more likely to turn to positive forms of recreation than to turn to drugs and violence.

Sunshine continues to develop programs and services based on the needs of the community and the families we service.

Learn about our exciting Collaborative Project with

The Town of Brookhaven

See how YOU can Join our Supporters

Click on Awards and Recognition Link

The Sunshine Philosophy

Brightening the future – One family at a time

 

S   - Safe environment

We believe each child/person deserves acceptance, love and the opportunity to feel safe and trusted.  Our staff is the key element in our success of touching children’s/families lives.  Through positive mentoring and positive role modeling our staff has the ability to provide a safe environment which builds self-esteem, enhances social skills, and enriches creative expression.

 

U  - Understanding

We believe each child/person should be provided with the opportunity to experience other cultures and ways of life.  Sunshine Center aims to enrich understanding of diversity and provide opportunities for individuals to celebrate our similarities and share our differences.

 

N  - Nurture Social Skills

We believe that the development of socials skills for children can lead to academic success and foster the growth of productive members of society.  At Sunshine Center our programs and services aim to develop and nurture socials skills.  We aim to equip children & families with the social and emotional tools necessary to empower self-confidence and self-esteem.

 

S  - Solutions

We believe that a child should be provided the opportunity to learn about unacceptable behaviors and to be offered skills and tools to change that behavior.  At Sunshine Center we provide solutions for the social challenges that children and families are faced with today.  We focus on solutions rather than punishment, positive behavior is reinforced.  We provide an environment which allows the child to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

 

H  - Healthy families make healthy choices and decisions

We believe it is important to treat the whole family system in the growth and learning process.  A child can thrive so much more when the parent/parents are working along side the children to strengthen the family.  Sunshine Center aims to enhance parenting skills, build confidence in relationships and guide, nurture and support all members of the family.  We empower the child/family to make good, healthy choices and decisions for their future.

 

I - Individual

We believe each child/person is a unique individual and has gifts and talents to share with others.

Through the programs and services at Sunshine Center we aim to develop the “whole” child: mind, body and spirit, providing them with opportunities that inspire their uniqueness and the freedom to be themselves.

 

N – Non-judgmental

We believe that a child/person can thrive when provided with non-judgmental support and guidance.  At Sunshine Center we are there to listen.  Listening is the greatest gift we can give anyone.  We do not try to solve anyone’s problems, we provide them with skills and tools to help them make decisions to solve their own problems. 

 

E - Enrich Creative Expression  & Enhance Self-esteem 

We believe the arts are a form of prevention for the challenges our youth face today.  Puppetry, dance, cultural experiences, art, and music enrich creative expression and enhance self-esteem while providing alternatives to alcohol, drugs  and  violence.. 

 

 

When you wonder what we are possibly ever going to give a child/person in one hour, one day or one week – remember we are showing them that there are people who care, safe places to go, healthy ways to express their feelings and that there is hope for a brighter future.