"I am proud and excited to announce the formation of an initiative to help build our children’s self-esteem," said First Lady of Louisiana Alice Foster in 1997. "What started with the simple desire by three women to give something or do something special for children, has blossomed into a beautifully illustrated book which is designed to build every child’s self esteem, to stress the value of every child, to encourage reading to and by young children, and to strengthen the bonds between adults and children."

About Us

Purpose & Achievements

Purpose of the "Sunshine Project"

	To build every child's self-esteem and therefore build more productive citizens
	To stress the value of every child
	To encourage reading to and by young children
	To strengthen the bonds between adults and young children

Achievements

	Formation of a public, non-profit Foundation
	Distribution of over 500,000 copies of You Are Sunshine to kindergarten children by the end of the 2005 -2006 school year.
	Teacher's Guides prepared and distributed to all kindergarten teachers
	Production of a Parent-Education Video for use by schools, parent groups, organizations
	Printing and distribution of You Are Sunshine in French for the French Immersion Programs in Louisiana schools.
	Dedication of the Sunshine Garden at the Governor’s Mansion to the children of Louisiana.

History

The Sunshine Project was initiated in 1997 by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, Catherine "Kitty" Kimball.  While visiting with some elementary school teachers, Justice Kimball was told by one teacher that she tried to say a kind word to every student each day because it might be the only kind word some children would hear.  Touched by the thought of these children, Justice Kimball called on two friends for help, Dr. Sally Clausen, President, the University of Louisiana System, and Shirley Porter, a former kindergarten teacher and psychotherapist.  After consulting with early childhood education experts, they decided that a book was the best avenue to reach the most children. 

Shirley Porter wrote and donated the book, You Are Sunshine which addresses issues that affect a child's self-esteem and also offers information for care-givers on ways to build a positive self-concept in young children.  The illustrations were created and donated by professional artist, Lisa Homan-Conger.  Louisiana's First Lady Alice Foster consulted on the book and adopted the "Sunshine Project" as one of her major statewide initiatives.

A volunteer committee of teachers and principals prepared a Teacher’s Guide with suggestions for using You Are Sunshine in the classroom. Each kindergarten teacher is given the Teacher’s Guide, a copy of the book and a poster for his or her classroom. A parent-education video based on the book was produced and is available for use by schools or other organizations.

Through corporate and individual donations, a copy of You Are Sunshine has been given to every kindergarten child in public, private and parochial schools in Louisiana each year beginning with the 1998-1999 school year.  With the help of BellSouth Pioneers organization, 120,000 copies were distributed from 1998 to 2000.  Statewide distribution of You Are Sunshine has been handled by the Louisiana National Guard since the 2000 - 2001 school year bringing the total number of copies distributed to more than 550,000 books distributed by the end of 2007 or since distribution began in 1998.

 A non-profit public Foundation has been formed to insure that the distribution continues.  It is the Sunshine Foundation's goal to produce and distribute other specially written books addressing issues of older children.

In 2007, a section of the Mansion garden was designated as the Sunshine Garden for the children of Louisiana. The garden displays a sign that reminds all visitors that “Inside Every Child is a Place Filled with Sunshine.”

The Foundation intends to continue their mission and expanding to help every child possible for many years to come.

 

The Sunshine Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors

Executive Board:

    President - Shirley Porter, MSW, LCSW, BCD – Retired Psychotherapist
    Vice President- Alice Foster, Former First Lady of Louisiana
    Executive Director- Julie Preau

Members:

    Honorable Catherine “Kitty” Kimball – Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court
    Dr. Sally Clausen- President, The University of Louisiana System
    Sally Burdette – Chair of the Fundraising Committee, The Sunshine Foundation
    Gary O’Rielly – Regional Manager for Public Affairs, International Paper Co.
    Randy Haynie – Lobbyist, Attorney, Haynie & Associates
    Liz Hampton – Community Activist
    Tiffany Chase – Attorney, Martzell & Bickford
    Denny Chustz- First American Printing
    Connie Koury- Advisor, Board of Regents
    Lois Saye- Realtor, Coldwell Banker Phelps & McKey
    Rachel Sayes- Community Activist
    Col. JoAnne Sheridan- Louisiana National Guard
    Kirk Soileau- President and Chief Operating Officer, Gulf States Health Services
    Leslie Todd- Clinical Social Worker in private practice
    Karen Futrell- Baton Rouge Area Chamber
    Charles & Frances Bennett- Community Activists

   Lafayette Chapter Chair - Jeannie Rush
   Baton Rouge Chapter Chair – (coming soon…)

 

Contact Us

 Phone Number: 
   1.888.633.1255 (Toll Free in Louisiana)  

 Fax Number:
   1.225.751.2885

Mailing Address:
   Sunshine Foundation
   P.O. Box 84531
   Baton Rouge, LA  70884

E-Mail Address:
info@sunshinefoundationinc.org

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