Leaders in the field of Substance Abuse & Violence Prevention Since 1992
Working Together to Build Drug-free & Violence-free Communities on Long Island
The Sunshine Mission:
- Offering Hope & Inspiration to all families
- Providing Support & Education through Prevention
- Reducing the effects of substance abuse and violence
- Connecting families, schools & communities
The Sunshine Philosophy:
Brightening the future – One family at a time
S – Safe environment
U – Understanding
N – Nurturing Social Skills
S – Solutions
H – HOPE for a Brighter Future
I – Inspiration
N – Non-judgmental
E – Enrich Creative Expression & Enhance Self-esteem
“The thought that our children were being faced with so many more challenges (Violence, Substance Abuse, Peer Pressures, Divorce, Bullying & Teasing…) was the motivation behind the founding of Sunshine in 1992.” – (Co-founders: Carol Carter, Tamara Pelosi, Patti Kelly/Barker)
Today Sunshine is a respected leader in the field of prevention (substance abuse and violence prevention) and is concerned about the social/emotional needs of all children and families. Sunshine provides a family-centered approach to prevention. All programs are designed to build on healthy social skills, each with a focus on specific needs. Support Groups normalize our struggles, helping us see that we are NOT alone, that others have gone through the same or similar things and that others DO understand.
Today Sunshine Is
- An Approved Absolute Charter through NYS Education Department & Board of Regents
- An Education Corporation – not-for-profit organization
- An approved Town of Brookhaven Youth Agency
- An approved Suffolk County Youth Agency
- A BOCES Arts-in-Education Member
- A New York State Licensed day camp
Prevention Professionals (CPP) – Recognized through OASAS (NYS Office of Alcohol & Substance). (just bullet this one) - Certified as an OASAS Education & Training Provider
SUNSHINE’s Improvement Project
Our Improvement Project began in 2016 after our 10-year lease with the Town of Brookhaven was finalized and the Town of Brookhaven has extended our lease for $1 per year to 2056! In return for $1.00 per year, Sunshine was responsible to complete over $150,000 worth of renovations to the property.
And what started 30 years ago as a dream of 3 friends, support from the Town of Brookhaven, the belief of so many supporters, and funding from Senator John Flanagan, Sunshine has turned into a place that has become a beacon of light for so many children and families!