This mural features a young Kemp's Ridley Turtle, a few jelly fish, two coconut trees, and some artistic expression.
Galveston's own Gabriel Prusmack is the artist. (
visit link)
The Sunshine Center, Inc.
(
visit link)
Our Mission
Sunshine is a private, non-profit organization and a member agency of the local United Ways, established in 1953 that provides essential services to an often overlooked, but very deserving segment of our community, individuals with developmental disabilities. Sunshine strives to meet the developing needs of our growing client population by providing quality innovative programming with a professional, committed and compassionate staff in a safe and secure environment. Sunshine's programming includes Day Habilitation, Community Support and Supportive Employment.
Sunshine is proud of its 60+ year history in the community and has set a standard for families requiring comprehensive care and quality programming for their loved ones.
Our Services
Sunshine's Staff works with our clients using a horticulture model, a ceramics project, a non-traditional learning center enabling them to master additional skills such as decision-making, punctuality, problem solving, following multiple instructions, and working individually on a project or as part of a team in groups. Sunshine proudly partners with several agencies in our ceramics center to help create beautiful original pieces, which are sold at the Center or during our Spring and Holiday Sales. Additionally, we are thankful for the community support we receive from the sale of our specialty herbs, a delicious byproduct of our greenhouse. Our clients are very eager to learn and are equally proud of their individual progress.
Service Center
Serving adults with developmental disabilities through the following program services:
1. Supportive Employment
2. Day Habilitation
3. Community Support
4. Case Management
5. Family Outreach & Support, which includes a Family Support Group
Adults with developmental disabilities eager to seek employment and access their community are faced with numerous obstacles. It is imperative these individuals have the resources and support made readily available to assist them as they prepare, search and ultimately find community-based employment.
Community Partnership
Sunshine Center partners with The University of Texas Medical Branch through their Occupational Therapy and Psychology Programs, as well as the Community Health Nursing Program. Sunshine's clients receive the benefits of occupational therapy and psychological development onsite while providing training for UTMB students. Student nurses instruct our clients on personal hygiene, nutrition, health and safety.
Sunshine collaborates with the Bay Area Council Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of San Jacinto, with our own Boy Scout Troop 190 and Girl Scout Troop 26997. Our scouts enjoy many scout activities, helping with fundraisers, and interacting with other troops.
Sunshine's Day Habilitation clients look forward each week to each week's art experience in a joint effort with the Galveston Art Center's Arts for All Program. They send a student volunteer to teach different art techniques to our individuals, helping bring out their creative side while improving their fine motor skills.
Sunshine coordinates with Galveston Independent School District to ease student transition from high school. We allow students who are over 18 years old and in Special Education to attend our Day Habilitation Program during part of their school day.