Help Sunshine Projects Thrive and Expand

Emily Halm is organizing this fundraiser.

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My name is Elma Galimba and I am the founder and Executive Director of Sunshine Projects. We are a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Bethesda, MD. Our mission is to enhance the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through our creative, educational, and life-enriching programs.

History:

My journey began as a house manager for a family with a daughter who has IDD. I became a motherly figure to her, supporting her in most activities and programs. Witnessing her joy and growth inspired me to help more individuals with similar needs.

During this process, I met Jon Yune, who deepened this passion even further. The power of our love, combined with our love for these beautiful individuals, inspired us to establish Sunshine Projects. Together, we built something truly special.

Jon was the visionary behind Sunshine Projects, turning my dreams into reality and achieving more than I ever imagined. His sudden passing in October was a profound loss, and we miss him deeply.

Despite this loss, his spirit lives on in Sunshine Projects. He continues to guide us as we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of adults with IDD, just like Jon and I planned to.

I have been involved with individuals with IDD for 13 years. I started the organization in December 2019, aiming to provide support and programs for young adults with IDD. We initially offered in-person classes in art, music, and dance. The organization quickly after adapted to the challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing live online programming, growing its membership to over 50 families in the Maryland region and expanding nationwide.

As the world reopened, I initiated a summer in-person program along with the Skill Builders Program, focusing on social and vocational experiences. We launched our Work Programs: Sunshine Barkery , a dog biscuit business, and Joy of Petals an online flower shop to provide vocational opportunities for our participants.

Sunshine Projects initiatives reflect the dedication to fostering meaningful opportunities for our members. As they continue to grow and adapt, we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals staying committed to improve, impact, and inspire.

Thanks to our incredible community and support, we have been able to make such a positive impact on many lives the last few years.

Now we need your help even more.

Our Vision:

We envision a future where every adult with IDD has access to a supportive, vibrant community where they can learn, grow, and thrive. To achieve this, we need a new space to expand our programs and provide even more opportunities that we have been dreaming about for a long time!

Why We Need Your Support:

We are raising funds for a down payment and closing costs for a new space where we can:

Run and Expand Our Programs: Increase the capacity of our creative and educational programs to accommodate more participants and reduce our waitlist.
Build on Acres of Land: Develop a stronger and more spacious building for our skills builder program. Also to develop a comprehensive living community that offers a nurturing environment for adults with IDD.
Work Programs: Expand on our work programs that provide job training and employment opportunities.
Skills Builder Programs: Enhance and expand our skills builder programs to empower our participants with essential life skills.

The Impact:

Your generous contribution will directly support:

Securing a New Space: Provide a safe, welcoming environment where our participants can grow and learn.
Developing Infrastructure: Building necessary facilities for living, learning, and working.
Expanding Opportunities: Creating more programs and services that foster independence, creativity, and community.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Any amount, small or big, will bring us closer to our goal.

2. Share: Spread the word about our campaign on social media, with friends, and within your community.

3. Support: Attend our events, volunteer your time, and be an advocate for Sunshine Projects.

Our goal

We aim to raise enough money to cover a down payment and closing costs for our new space. Beyond this, we seek as much additional funding as possible to support our extended building efforts for the living community, job programs, and skills builder program. With your help, we can make this dream a reality and continue to provide life-changing opportunities for adults with IDD.

Thank you!

Your support means the world to us and the individuals we serve. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create a thriving community for adults with IDD.