Who We Are
A Legacy of Care. A Future Full of Possibility.
For over 30 years, Sunshine Residential Homes has been more than a place to live, it has been a source of stability, belonging, and hope for children and youth across Arizona. Founded by Simon and Elizabeth Kottoor, Sunshine has grown from a heartfelt vision into a lasting community of care where every young person is welcomed, valued, and given opportunities to heal, grow, and build a brighter future.
A Legacy of Leadership: Simon and Elizabeth Kottoor
Simon Kottoor, MSW, and Elizabeth Kottoor founded Sunshine Residential Homes in 1996 with a shared commitment to serving children experiencing difficult and uncertain circumstances. Guided by faith, compassion, and service, they created an organization centered on kindness, responsibility, and respect for every young person.
Over the past three decades, Sunshine has cared for tens of thousands of children and youth. The Kottoors’ vision continues to shape the organization’s programs, leadership, and commitment to children throughout Arizona.
Creating Connection and Belonging
Sunshine’s work extends beyond providing a safe place to live. Our homes are designed to offer structure, consistency, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during an important time in each child’s life.
House managers, direct-care staff, program leaders, and administrative teams work together to support each child’s approved plan. This includes encouraging educational progress, supporting important family and sibling relationships, providing meaningful childhood experiences, and helping young people prepare for their next chapter.
Whenever reunification is part of a child’s plan, Sunshine supports that goal in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, families, and other authorized members of the child’s team.
A Team Built on Commitment
Sunshine’s strength comes from the people who carry out its mission every day. Many employees have dedicated years—and in some cases decades—to supporting children and strengthening our residential programs.
This experience provides continuity, institutional knowledge, and dependable leadership throughout the organization. From direct-care employees to administrative staff, each team member plays an important role in creating safe, respectful, and welcoming homes.
We are proud to provide opportunities for employees to grow professionally, develop new skills, complete educational goals, and advance into leadership positions within Sunshine.
A Comprehensive Approach to Residential Care
Sunshine provides more than one type of residential program. Our network includes homes serving sibling groups, girls, boys, pregnant and parenting teens, and young people preparing for adulthood.
Across our programs, children and youth receive support with education, daily routines, life skills, recreation, community participation, and future planning. Our approach emphasizes relationship-building, prevention, positive guidance, and minimizing the use of restrictive interventions whenever possible.
We recognize that every child has different strengths, experiences, and goals. Our responsibility is to provide consistent care while responding thoughtfully to each young person’s individual needs and approved plan.
Education, Advocacy, and Community Partnership
Sunshine works collaboratively with schools, child-welfare professionals, community organizations, mentors, and other partners who share our commitment to children and families.
Education remains a central priority throughout our homes. Children receive support with attendance, homework, tutoring, graduation planning, and college or career exploration. We also create opportunities for young people to participate in community events, enrichment activities, mentorship, and experiences that help build confidence and connection.
Through these partnerships, Sunshine works to strengthen opportunities for children both inside and outside our homes.
Building Brighter Futures
As Sunshine celebrates 30 years of service, our commitment to children and families remains as strong as ever. Every graduation, successful transition, family connection, personal achievement, and step toward independence is meaningful to the entire Sunshine community.
Our history is built on service, but our focus remains on the future—helping each young person feel supported today while preparing for the possibilities ahead.
Interested in making a difference during the summer, school breaks, holidays, or special events? Join our opportunities list to receive occasional updates about seasonal employment, temporary paid positions, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to support Sunshine’s children and programs.
Opportunities are offered based on current program needs, availability, qualifications, and applicable screening requirements.
