Author: adminsunrise

Categories
Donor Generosity Residential Treatment

Not an Ordinary Day: When Presence Becomes a Gift

There are people who support ministry from a distance and then there are people who show up.

Jeff and Zuzu Grounds are the kind of people who show up.

For the last two years, they have poured themselves into the lives of girls at Sunrise Children’s Services, particularly through the Glen Dale girls’ program in Elizabethtown. Their investment hasn’t been flashy or transactional. It’s been relational. Faithful. The kind of presence that tells a child, “You matter, and you are worth my time.”

Zuzu, who is from Japan, is a chef and has shared her culture with the girls in beautiful and intentional ways by bringing traditional Japanese dresses (kimono), preparing Japanese cuisine, and creating moments of cultural curiosity that many of these girls had never experienced before. These weren’t just activities, but investments into their personal growth.

Together, Jeff and Zuzu plan monthly activities, share testimonies, host devotions, and spend countless hours simply being present. Through Jeff’s leadership with United Servants for Jesus, based out of Severns Valley Baptist Church, they’ve helped lead events like the “Hope Rising” banquet, installed a pickleball court at Glen Dale, and continually bring laughter and structure into the girls’ world.

One recent Sunday captured the heart of their ministry in a way that words almost fail to describe.

There was a young girl named Allison*, who had been in the Glen Dale program for quite some time. Jeff and Zuzu had developed a genuine bond with her. When they learned that she was graduating from the program and that Sunday would be her final day, they didn’t want it to pass like any other day.

With special permission from Sunrise and her state caseworker, Jeff and Zuzu asked if they could spend that Sunday with her, taking her to church, out to lunch, and to see a movie.

When they arrived to pick her up, Allison greeted them with big hugs. It was a surprise for her, and at first, she wasn’t quite sure what was happening. When they asked if she would like to attend church with them, her answer was immediate and enthusiastic: “YES!” She proudly showed them the sweater she had received at the Sunrise Christmas party (hosted by USFJ) and smiled as she talked about the plans for the day.

At church, something beautiful unfolded.

Allison greeted volunteers she recognized with smiles and hugs. She comfortably and confidently held conversations with them and even introduced herself to people she was meeting for the first time, offering special handshakes, including one to the lead pastor. Fortunately, Matt Beasley, the lead pastor learned the handshake just in time to deliver his message. One church member, who had previously met Allison at Sunrise, gifted her a coat, which made her feel incredibly special.

During the worship service, Allison was attentive and well-behaved, fully engaged in the moment.

After church, she chose Dairy Queen for lunch and enjoyed the Blizzard she had been craving. She invited the May family to join them, and the group shared laughter and fun conversations around the table.

Later, at the movie theater, Allison demonstrated generosity in the smallest of ways dividing her large popcorn into smaller bags so everyone could share. She thanked people. She smiled. She even said, “God bless you,” to several people she encountered, including strangers.

What struck Jeff and Zuzu most wasn’t just her joy, it was her kindness, her confidence, and her care for others.

Before returning her to Sunrise, they prayed with Allison, asking God to guide her steps and bless her future. It wasn’t a grand moment. It was quiet, but full of hope.

This was not an ordinary day. It was a reminder that when adults choose to be fully present without agenda, without hurry, without condition, presence itself becomes a gift. 

Through the consistency of Sunrise Children’s Services and the partnership of Jeff and Zuzu Grounds, we are reminded that ministry doesn’t always look like a stage or a spotlight. Sometimes it looks like a special handshake and a bag of popcorn divided so others can have some too.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual.

Article written by Jake Pelfrey, Sunrise Vice President for Marketing and Advancement.

Categories
Foster Care Foster to Adopt

From Fostering to Adoption

Kaylee's Adoption

The Pierce foster family connected with Sunrise after meeting our Vice President for Community Based Services Valerie Crume and me at their local county fair. They were already foster parents with the Department of Community Based Services, and when they learned about the additional support we provide to our foster families, the foster mom exclaimed, “More support? That’s all you had to say. Where do we sign up?”

Since joining Sunrise in 2023, the Pierce family has accepted 21 teenagers into their home. That certainly deserves recognition! Their goal is to have 100 foster children come through their home.

They are open to pretty much anyone who needs a home. Foster mom says, “Well, everyone needs someone!” When a child arrives, they work diligently to ensure that the child feels safe and welcomed. They hold on tight to every child, trying their best not to ever let go. Sometimes, it happens, but not often at the Pierce home. While they have had to let a few children go, it was always done with great effort to keep them.

And just recently the Pierce family celebrated an adoption! And Kaylee Ann Pierce now celebrates her forever home!

Written by Foster Care Program Director Kathy Castle

Categories
Donor Generosity

Abundantly More: A Year of God’s Faithfulness

Each year, I sit down to reflect on all that God has done through Sunrise, and I always find myself in awe. However, this year feels different. It feels deeper. We have seen firsthand that He is able to  do far more than we ask or imagine. This year, we saw young lives transformed, families restored, and new families created. Kids who once flinched at a kind word due to years of feeling unsafe now smile as they build trust. The thread running through it all is you. God does not need us to move, but He delights in working through faithful people (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Your faithful giving, your prayers, and your belief in the mission of Sunrise has been the fuel behind every story. I do not say that lightly. In a world that is noisy with broken promises, your steady support, often without worldly applause or recognition, is a rare thing.

In Fiscal Year 2024 we paved the way to open new doors, both literally and spiritually. We faced our share of challenges, just as every ministry does. Inflation did not skip us. Regulations did not get easier. The needs of Kentucky’s most vulnerable children did not slow down. In fact, this year we have seen an increase in the level of trauma among many of the youth entering our care.

However, you did not slow down, and neither did God. We are taking some big next steps: expanding our services, launching new programs, and opening up more beds. We do this because we believe in finishing well, not just starting strong.

As I write this, I think about a boy named Tyler (name changed), who recently told me during a tour, “I think I’m safe now.” That is what your support does. It creates a space where kids do not just survive, they begin to believe that healing is possible.

Thank you for believing that the most vulnerable children in Kentucky are worth investing in.

Thank you for showing up when others walked away. Thank you for making room in your hearts and budgets to say, “You matter”

He is able to do far more. He is doing it through you.

Download the Sunrise Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report, Here.

Written by Jake Pelfrey, Vice President for Marketing and Advancement

Categories
Donor Generosity Foster Care Foster to Adopt

A ‘least of these’ culture at Mercy Hill

When Nate Young felt a calling to start a church 12 years ago in Bullitt County, he never could have imagined the journey ahead for Mercy Hill Church — from battling floods to birthing new ministries. And with a county population of around 82,000, only about 24,500 attend church — a striking reminder that over 57,500 people in Bullitt County remain unreached by the gospel.

“From day one, we said we’re not just here to preach about Christ, we want to live in light of what we are preaching,” Young said. “We want to have the heart of Christ. We want to be a church who, like Christ, loves the least of these.”

Mark 12 Ministries emerged from that vision, a ministry helping those dealing with homelessness and extreme poverty. But Young’s heart for orphans and vulnerable children became central to what Mercy Hill has come to represent.

The Young family modeled this personally — adopting three children themselves, one who was fostered and adopted through Sunrise Children’s Services. Pastor Nate had previously served on the board of Sunrise Children’s Services as well.

Growing a Family of Families

Mercy Hill currently has seven families caring for kids who are not their biological children. One of these families is the Broughtons. Mike and Penny Broughton have fostered over 200 children and currently have five in care.

“We also adopted eight — that’s just our family,” shared Penny. “I always wanted the children to have a wonderful Christmas and a loving home. I felt God sent me a message when I read the ‘needing foster parents’ article in the Pioneer News.”

In total, Mercy Hill has over 25 kids fostered or adopted currently within the church community.

“It’s amazing to see these children come to know the Father. This isn’t an add-on — it’s life,” Young said. “Caring for orphans is not simply something we do, it’s part of our culture.”

Designed for understanding

Recognizing unique needs, Mercy Hill built a sensory room and supports children with special needs.

As pastor of family ministries Perry Cooke — himself adopted — explains: “My story shaped me. I recently preached through James, focusing on ‘pure religion’ — caring for orphans, this is the heart of the gospel. Mercy Hill’s culture breathes the values of Matthew 25, making ‘least of these’ a lived identity. We have a special focus on our special needs children. We have a heart for them.”

A culture rooted in mercy, not perfection

“We call ourselves a beautiful mess,” Young laughs. “When a meltdown happens, there’s no shame — just grace. We have all been there.” Foster and adoptive parents added: “We lean on each other — this is more than support; it’s family. At Mercy Hill, you’re never alone.”

“I don’t know how to word it, but for me, it’s always been the saddest thing to see a child going through life, never being loved, never being wanted, and that’s what makes me wanna do it,” explained Mike Broughton. “I want every child that comes around me, no matter the good or the bad that they have been through, know they’re loved and they are wanted.

When it comes to loving the orphan, mercy isn’t just in the church name — it’s who they are.

Categories
Donor Generosity Solid Rock Childrens Ranch

Baptist Bikers of Kentucky raise money for Solid Rock Children’s Ranch

Baptist Bikers of Kentucky

On May 10, the Baptist Bikers of Kentucky rode from the Rockcastle Baptist Association building in Mt. Vernon to Ephesus Baptist Church in Winchester for their annual Ride to the Ranch to raise money for Sunrise Children’s Services’ Solid Rock Children’s Ranch. Located in Winchester, the ranch will consist of two homes that will care for large sibling groups in foster care. Approximately 120 bikers attended, along with representatives of Sunrise and members of Ephesus Baptist Church.

Solid Rock Children's Ranch

It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon, and the only thing brighter were the smiles on the faces of the bikers. They all gathered in the church parking lot to enjoy the sunshine and the fellowship, while guests from the church and Sunrise joined them. Randy McPheron, president and founder of Baptist Bikers of Kentucky, welcomed the crowd. “We are just so happy to be here,” said McPheron. “First of all, I want to thank my Lord for getting us here safe.”

The big announcement, though, was how much money was collected for Solid Rock. McPheron proudly announced the total: $8,714. Immediately, Baptist bikers and others in attendance came forward to give more. “The offering is swelling!” exclaimed McPheron. There was now a new total: $8,944. Not quite $9,000. Again, people came forward to give even more.

While the donations were still coming in, Sunrise President Dale Suttles stepped up to address the crowd. “We don’t know what kids we’re going to get up there (at Solid Rock), but I will tell you, and I can promise you this – because God’s been with us and taken us through this process – we’re going to change lives,” stated Suttles. “This is what we’re looking for, and you can pray for this: We’re looking for some special people that will give a two-year mission commitment to keep sibling groups together and take care of kids up on the hill. Once we get these houses done, then we’ve got to find the right people. So that will be the prayer.”

Suttles went on to share that One Bridge to Hope (OBTH), Sunrise’s newest residential facility will open soon in Springfield on the old St. Catherine College campus. OBTH will care for girls who have been sex trafficked. “We’re going to get them out of that life because sometimes they get used to that life and they think that’s the only life there is,” said Suttles. “God is acting and showing these young girls a better way. We’re going to get that done.”

Next, Suttles talked about Sunrise’s plans to renovate an old building on its Woodlawn Center campus in Danville and add nine more beds there. “That doesn’t sound like a lot,” he said, “but that is nine more kids that will be served.”

Suttles concluded by announcing that Sunrise had recently celebrated 702 adoptions since the beginning of its foster-to-adopt program in 2006. The crowd erupted in applause.

Up next was Clark County resident and former educator Judy Singleton, who had the vision for Solid Rock and who donated her land for this project. “It’s been a long journey because I gave the land in 2016 but (the dream) started way back before I retired in 2011. It’s been a long time coming,” explained Singleton. “I know God has great plans for every child that’s going to be there at the home. He wouldn’t have brought this to my vision if He didn’t have great plans.”

After Judy, Dr. Todd Rader, pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, addressed the crowd: “When we first heard what was happening down the road from us, it was almost too good to be true. Sometimes we feel like we’re kind of stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, and to see that God was bringing Sunrise Children’s Services down the road from us, it was just a privilege and an honor for us to be on board and to help out over the last several years, doing whatever we could do.” Rader continued by saying: “This dream is about to become a reality, and the Baptist Bikers of Kentucky are a major reason why God is bringing this to fruition.”

Sunrise Director of Communications Stacie McLaughlin echoed Rader’s words, saying, “We found a great group of people in the Baptist Bikers who stepped up and said, ‘We will help you.’ That’s pretty amazing.”

McPheron had one last announcement to share. “We’re going to present this money to Dale and Ms. Judy,” McPheron said, as he handed off the donation. “We got $9,265!” His pronouncement was followed by tremendous cheering, celebrating, and applause.

But as one might expect with this group, there was more money to come. Additional donations totaling $40 were received from those in attendance that day, and a check for $200 that was mailed a month earlier was also brought to the event. In addition, the Baptist Bikers of Western Kentucky held a ride a week later, raising $1,420 for Solid Rock. So, all total, The Baptist Bikers of Kentucky brought in $10,925 for Sunrise’s Solid Rock Children’s Ranch. Randy McPheron said it accurately: “The offering is swelling!”

Once the speeches and announcements had concluded, Dr. Rader led a prayer of blessing for the food and a prayer of thanks to God for Judy Singleton’s dream of Solid Rock. His prayer included these words: “You have called us for this task, and You have equipped us for this. It is much bigger than any one of us. It is much bigger than any group. Bigger than any church. It’s God-sized, and we recognize that.”

Many people echoed Rader’s “amen,” and slowly, steadily, everyone worked their way into the church, grabbing a T-shirt and materials supplied by Sunrise before enjoying a delicious meal provided by Ephesus Baptist Church, Church of the Living God, Spears Mill Baptist Church, and Boones Creek Baptist Association. After the meal, many bikers rode down the street to see for themselves the progress made on the two houses being built on Solid Rock.

At the end of the day, the bikers roared their engines and rolled out, even as donations continued to roll in. This day was a reminder that God’s blessings are still pouring into the Sunrise ministry and into the children and families they serve and even into the children they are not yet serving, but one day soon will. This is the hope and dream of Solid Rock Children’s Ranch. As Dr. Rader said earlier, “This dream is about to become a reality.” Because of the Baptist Bikers of Kentucky, Ephesus Baptist Church, Judy Singleton, and the staff and friends of Sunrise, dreams are coming true. All of them helped make a bright Saturday afternoon just a little bit brighter.

Article written by David Lyninger, director of communications at Sunrise Children’s Services.

Categories
Our Agency Residential Treatment

Sunrise offers new hope to hurting Ky. children

One Bridge to Hope

What do our Sunrise kids desire most? In a word: hope. Hope for a loving family. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for a home free of abuse and neglect.

Sunrise is committed to providing hope to Kentucky children by creating new programs and expanding existing ones.

We believe there is hope for large sibling groups. For these kids in foster care, being separated from parents and home is unthinkable; being torn away from their siblings is unimaginable. They need new hope.

That is what Solid Rock Children’s Ranch will provide. Last year, we broke ground on the Winchester property donated to Sunrise by Clark County resident Judy Singleton. Today, drywall has been completed on the two houses on this land as we move even closer to providing two homes that will allow two different sibling groups to stay together with loving and caring foster parents.

We believe there is hope for boys experiencing severe emotional and behavioral problems. These young men need new hope, and that is what Sunrise’s Woodlawn campus in Danville has been providing for years for boys ages six to 18. Because Woodlawn is always at capacity, we decided last year to expand our beds from 27 to 36. And just like Solid Rock, Woodlawn is getting closer to seeing this expansion become reality. As new boys enter our program, we are providing new hope.

We believe there is hope for girls who are victims of human trafficking. According to the Department of Education, human trafficking affects all communities in all areas across the country, including Kentucky. That is why we will soon be opening Sunrise’s One Bridge to Hope on the former St. Catharine College in Springfield, Ky. This program will care for female adolescents who are referred by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice which will include young females who are victims of human trafficking. We will offer new hope to young ladies who desperately need it.

Sunrise can’t stay the same. We must change to meet the needs of hurting children in Kentucky. Our kids deserve it.

New needs. New programs. New hope.

Every child deserves a home.

Categories
Foster to Adopt

From foster care to forever family: the Beasley family journey

In February 2022, Taylor and Austin Beasley — then 23 and 24 years old — took a leap of faith that would forever change their lives. Unable to have biological children, the young couple decided to open their hearts and home through fostering. “I had a dream, and I was like, you need to foster,” Taylor recalled. “I felt like that was God telling me.”

That calling led them to Sunrise Children’s Services, where a reassuring conversation with staff member Terry Frazier set the course for their journey.

After several placements that ultimately fell through, the Beasley’s received a life-changing referral: two little boys, Leo — almost 2 years old — and Oliver, just 9 1/2 months old. “They looked so much like us that people couldn’t believe they weren’t our biological children,” Taylor remembered, a sentiment that captured the instant connection the family felt upon their arrival.

The road to adoption was anything but easy. Over the course of 895 days in the foster system—with 859 of those days spent in the Beasleys’ care — the couple navigated unpredictable weekly visits and the constant uncertainty of whether the boys would ever be theirs. Amid the heartache and anxiety, Taylor’s belief in God’s calling and the support of Sunrise Children’s Services kept them going. “If not us, then who would care for these boys?” she reflected.

Thinking back on their difficult yet rewarding experience, Taylor offers advice to anyone considering fostering: “These children deserve love. I mean, literally, Christ died for us because of that love. If we can go through all the struggles we did, imagine what these kids have endured.”

With the support of Sunrise Children’s Services, who helped secure the adoption, the Beasleys finally brought Leo and Oliver home for good.

“These are our boys,” Taylor said. “Their story is far from over, but opening our home and hearts to Leo and Oliver truly saved them and completed our family.”

Written by Jake Pelfrey, vice president for marketing and advancement at Sunrise Children’s Services.

Categories
Children's Champion Business Impact Donor Generosity Foster Care

Sunrise Children’s Services Receives $10,000 Grant from Park Community Foundation

Park Community Foundation

Today, we were honored to welcome representatives from Park Community Foundation to our campus for a tour and their presentation of a $10,000 Pathways to Prosperity grant! This generous funding will directly support our efforts to recruit and train foster families who can provide safe, loving homes for children in need.

At Sunrise Children’s Services, we believe that every child deserves a place to belong. Many of the children who come into our care have experienced trauma, and some require therapeutic foster care to support their medical or behavioral needs. Others arrive as part of a large sibling group that need to stay together. Through specialized training and support, we ensure that our foster families are fully prepared for this life-changing responsibility.

With more than 8,000 children in Kentucky’s out-of-home care system, the need for dedicated foster families is urgent. Thanks to the Pathways to Prosperity grant, more children will have the chance to experience stability, healing, and hope in a nurturing foster home.

We are incredibly grateful to Park Community Foundation for investing in the future of Kentucky’s children and for believing in our mission to provide hope and healing to those who need it most.

Photo credit: Samuel Cardine

Categories
Independent Living Success Story

Some Success Stories Get Even Better

Independent Living Success

In the summer of 2023, Sunrise celebrated three high school graduates in its independent living program. Austin Burnes was one of those graduates. Austin completed his high school credits in December 2022 and officially graduated and walked in May 2023. He was the first to graduate from high school and the first to attend college. At the time, Austin had recently entered the Sunrise independent living program in Paducah and had just enrolled in West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC).

This was just the beginning for Austin. Sort of. Austin’s time with Sunrise actually began when he was placed in Sunrise foster care at age 14. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have parents to teach me. I needed to find a way and support. But I didn’t have anybody to give me that,” said Austin. “Sunrise gave me support. They helped find a way.”

Austin also found support from another source. “My past life was rough, having to survive on my own – I even had to teach my sister – but God always supplied a way.”

By following God, trusting in Sunrise, and believing in himself, Austin made a major life decision. “It wasn’t in my heart to get adopted. I was very independent,” he explained. Instead, he chose to enter Sunrise’s independent living program. Over the two years that he was in the program, he graduated from college, earning a construction degree from WKCTC; obtained and maintained full time employment for more than a year at Plaza Tires in Paducah; purchased a truck and maintained auto insurance; and opened a savings account.

Austin has recently moved into his own apartment outside of independent living and has bigger dreams. “I want to buy my own home eventually,” he said. “Also, I’m remaining in college to start my own tinting business and clothing brand.”

Austin recognizes that he couldn’t have accomplished all of this without Sunrise. “Sunrise is a good program. Without Sunrise, I wouldn’t have changed,” he stated. “They have opened those doors for me.”

Two things that Austin enjoyed most from being a part of Sunrise’s independent living program were attending the life skills classes and attending an independent living event in Louisville. The life skills classes were especially significant because that is where he learned, and is still learning, money management skills. At the Louisville event, he was able to hear exceptional motivational speakers. “I love hearing how God has worked in peoples’ lives,” said Austin.

Austin wants what he learned to benefit others. For anyone interested in Sunrise independent living, he has this to say: “Allow Sunrise to help you. Take advantage of independent living as much as you can. They are there to help you, not break you.”

Through his faith and persistence, and through help he found at Sunrise, Austin is determined that life will not break him. And now he, like the people he heard speak in Louisville, is an example of how God can work in peoples’ lives. For Austin, one success has led, and is leading, to many more.

 

 

Categories
Residential Treatment

Sunrise Residential Facility Helps Mother and Daughter find reunification

Glen Dale Success Story
A woman and a girl representing a happy mother and daughter. (blue screen)

At 13 years old, Sarah’s* journey took a remarkable turn. Her early years were marked by instability as her mother struggled with addiction. During that time, Sarah lived with extended family, but eventually, she entered the foster care system. Despite the challenges, Sarah always longed for a stable home and a relationship with her mother.

While Sarah was at Sunrise’s Glen Dale Center in Elizabethtown, her mother made significant strides. After a difficult battle, she recovered from her addiction and maintained her sobriety. Sarah, too, was responses, learning healthier ways to cope with the emotional scars left by years of uncertainty.

As Sarah progressed, the possibility of reunification became more than just a dream. Both Sarah and her mother participated in family therapy, which proved to be a pivotal moment in their relationship. Sarah’s mother learned essential parenting skills, and together, they began to rebuild the bond that had been fractured by years of separation. Therapy sessions not only helped them grow individually but also taught them to communicate and understand each other better.

When the time came for Sarah to transition back home, it was a moment of both joy and nervous anticipation. But with the support of the Glen Dale Center and their family therapy sessions, they navigated the process smoothly. Today, Sarah and her mother are thriving. Their home is filled with love, understanding, and the promise of a bright future—a true testament to the power of healing, recovery, and resilience.

Sarah’s story is one of hope and transformation, showing that, with the right support, families can overcome even the most difficult obstacles and rebuild their lives stronger than before.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual.

Article written by Rachel White, Sunrise program director at Glen Dale Center.