Sunshine Social Club Receives $8,400 from women of impact
In June 2020, members of the Women of Impact (WoI) philanthropic giving group brought their passion to support local nonprofits together and voted Sunshine Social Club as the 2020 second quarter grantee.
The Sunshine Social Club (SSC) serves adults with intellectual disabilities who have goals for supported and/or independent living. Established in 2014, SSC creates opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities that nurture independence, promote self-confidence, develop skills that aid employment, and teach skills necessary for supported and/or independent living.
Each year, SSC serves approximately 125 adults through various social activities and opportunities, including small group classes, social and educational events, and community service events. Small group sessions are focused on teaching independent living skills, cooking, hygiene and self-care, health and nutrition, music, art, and dance. Other popular events are Sunshine Dances, Karaoke, Bingo night, and the Annual Halloween Party. “We have been blessed in our efforts and our community is very supportive”, shared Lisa Batts, SSC Founder. “We have a working board of six and a wonderful list of volunteers who dedicate much time and talents to keep our organization going.”
As with most nonprofits, the pandemic impacted the organization and their adults greatly. “It has been incredibly difficult for our adults to understand what is going on right now with the pandemic and why so many activities and public places have closed”, said Batts. The SSC board began hosting weekly Zoom calls to continue connecting their adults. The annual Independent Living Retreat was canceled for 2020, where 24 adults with intellectual challenges experience life in a college dorm setting for a weekend. The SSC board continues to work on creative ways to safely connect their members.
This Women of Impact grant will allow SSC to plan day camps and activities in the fall, hoping to help compensate for the inability to have the annual Independent Living Retreat, as well as help take care of overhead costs that still incurred during the pandemic. “Thank you for selecting us as recipients for the Women of Impact grant”, said Lisa. “We are so honored and appreciative.”
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY
Since 1991, the Community Foundation of Boone County has granted over $25 million from its various funds to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation currently holds over $25.5 million in assets and awards an average of $1 million back into the local community each year. In the past 27 years, we have worked with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving. The establishment and growth of permanent endowment funds will strengthen Boone County for generations to come.