For 30 years, Sunshine Residential Homes has stood beside children and youth during some of the most uncertain and vulnerable moments of their lives. Since 1996, tens of thousands of young people have passed through our homes, each becoming part of the Sunshine story. Although numbers help demonstrate the reach of our work, our greatest measure of success is found in the former residents who return years later as confident adults, mentors, employees, supervisors, and leaders. Their journeys are powerful reminders that stability, opportunity, and the presence of caring, dependable adults can leave an impact that lasts a lifetime.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that residential care should help children move forward toward greater stability, connection, and belonging. Each year, approximately 80–90% of the children and youth leaving Sunshine transition to family-like settings, including reunification, kinship care, foster homes, and other home-based placements. We are especially proud of our ability to serve sibling groups, including larger groups that can be difficult to place together, helping brothers and sisters preserve one of the most meaningful relationships in their lives whenever appropriate and consistent with their individual needs and approved plans.

Education has remained one of Sunshine’s highest priorities throughout our three decades of service. For five consecutive years, every eligible Sunshine middle- and high-school student expected to graduate or promote has done so, including 81 students during the 2025–2026 school year. Young people who once lived in our homes have continued to universities, community colleges, trade programs, and meaningful careers, with some earning full scholarships. These accomplishments reflect the determination of our students and the daily commitment of staff, tutors, educators, and mentors who believe that a temporary placement should never be allowed to limit a child’s future.

Our work is strengthened by lasting relationships throughout the community. Sunshine collaborates with schools, universities, cities, law-enforcement agencies, employers, mentors, and community organizations to create educational, career, recreational, and leadership opportunities for our youth. Guided by the legacy of our founders, Simon and Elizabeth Kottoor, we continue with the same purpose that began 30 years ago: to help children remain connected, recognize their worth, discover their potential, and move toward a safer and more promising future. After three decades, Sunshine’s greatest legacy is reflected in young people who leave our care prepared to build stable lives, strengthen their families, and contribute with purpose to the communities they call home.