Sunshine Place Overview

    Sunshine Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Sun Prairie, WI, that serves Dane County and surrounding areas. With over 3600 volunteers helping staff to support and run our programs, our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. We provide community members with a one-stop shop for support through our programs focused on food, housing, and basic needs, and through our co-located partner agencies that provide additional wraparound services. This unique model fosters collaboration and service efficiency that leads to improved outcomes for those seeking help.

    Stay current on what’s happening at Sunshine Place by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

     

    Logo Guidelines

    Community partners and media can use this approved logo for Sunshine Place and related programs. Please use on a white or pale background. In some cases it may make sense to use a specific program logo alongside the Sunshine Place logo. Reach out to Sunshine Place staff for clarification of use in these instances.

    Mission: Sunshine Place provides comprehensive services that support essential needs through community engagement and partnerships.

    Vision: A community where everyone has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

    Values: Compassionate, Welcoming, Respectful, Collaborative, Accountable

    Sunshine Place Programs

    Sun Prairie Food Pantry: As our largest program, the pantry is open six days per week and serves households across Dane County and beyond. This is a full-choice pantry offering a variety of food and self-care products, including diapers and period supplies. Learn more.

    Food for Kids: This program provides community-based food distribution to children in Sun Prairie and nearby communities through neighborhood and school partnerships. Learn more.

    Sunshine Supper: Every Monday from 5 pm – 6 pm a community group sponsors the core components of a free, hot meal for those in need. Volunteers prepare and serve the meal to clients, who drive through or walk up for meals. Learn more.

    The Bed Lady Program: This program delivers new beds and bedding to school-aged Sun Prairie and Marshall children in need. Learn more.

    C.A.R.D.S. Closet: This is a free clothing resource for Sun Prairie and Marshall families with school-aged children. Referred families can “shop” for kids’ clothing in a private, 30-minute appointment. Learn more.

    Spirit of Giving: This program matches families in the Sun Prairie Area School District who are in need of gifts for their children during the December holiday season with community members who want to help. Learn more.

    Stuff the Bus: This annual program provides backpacks and school supplies to Sun Prairie students in need. Learn more.

    Sunshine Legal Clinic: This program provides free, over-the-phone legal consultation and/or referral services to neighbors facing hardship. Learn more.

    Housing Support Services: Our housing programs assist community members through housing case management, housing navigation, and utility assistance. Learn more.

    Annual Sunshine Place Events

    Purse Bingo: All proceeds benefit Sunshine Place programs. Set for January 7th at The Round Table in Sun Prairie, details TBD.

    School’s Out Summer Food Fight

    Infopalooza: An information resource fair targeted to Sunshine Place clients.

    Sunshine Celebration: An evening of games, music, food, and sharing about our programs to benefit Sunshine Place.

    Sunshine Place Fast Facts 2024-2025:

    Last year, Sunshine Place provided over 131,000 service touchpoints through all of our programs. These numbers tell a story, and that story is one of people in need. Whether it is a need for food, housing, clothing, or other essentials, demand for Sunshine Place services continues to increase. We need our supporters more than ever to meet this demand, so that everyone in our community has the chance to survive and thrive. 

    Food Assistance Programs:

    • Our food pantry program visits are projected to increase by over 175% in 2025, and based on the current trajectory, we will spend more than 5X the amount spent in 2022 to stock our pantry shelves. That’s just over a 520% increase, due to increased demand, inflation, and fewer free/reduced-price sourcing options.
    • Last year we provided over 22,500 warm meals through Sunshine Supper, and that number is on track to increase in 2025.
    • Almost 1,800 senior boxes will be distributed this year, an increase of approximately 300 since last year.
    • The number of children helped through the school pantries we stock, more than doubled from last year.
    • Last year we provided over 16,000 food bags for kids through our Food for Kids program.

    Housing & Other Programming (2024):

    • Over 1,800 holiday gifts for kids were provided
    •  A total of 500 school-age children received clean, seasonally appropriate clothing 
    • Over 100 community members were provided free legal advice
    • There were 620 instances of housing assistance
    • 130 local children received beds and bedding

    Media Contact:

    Kelly McClurg
    Development & Communications Assistant
     608-292-9918
    kelly@sunshineplace.org