Category: Residential Treatment

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Our Agency Residential Treatment

A Sunday to Remember

A Sunday to Remember

From time to time I am asked about the spiritual impact that Sunrise Children’s Services is making in the lives of the children we serve. Every day we work to meet very real needs. We provide warm meals, a soft bed, counseling, and loving care from our staff. We also celebrate amazing adoptions every year and help young people as they move toward independence. All of these things truly matter!

However, what is even more important is the spiritual impact that takes place in the hearts of the children we serve.

Last Sunday was a special day.

Two boys at Sunrise, whom we will call John and Travis to protect their privacy, made the decision to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Marcus Rogers, who serves in mission outreach at Southeast Christian Church Bullitt County Campus, spends time each week mentoring the boys. Through that relationship and the faithful presence of the church, both boys publicly declared their faith through baptism last Sunday.

What made the moment even more special was that Sunrise was able to reach out to family members. John’s parents came to church, and Travis’s grandparents made the trip to be there as well to witness the baptisms while also hearing the gospel. I have noticed from my time at Sunrise that when God changes a child’s heart, He often begins changing an entire family’s trajectory. It is an incredible thing to be a part of.

On the same day, the girls from our Glen Dale campus in Elizabethtown attended worship at Severns Valley Baptist Church where they heard a powerful message from Pastor Matt Beasley. After the service, one of the girls said, “I really like this church.” Another girl exclaimed, “What! This is their music band? I really like it.”

This is not just a Sunday morning story.

Every week, Sunrise foster children have the opportunity to attend church with their foster families. Churches and volunteers come onto our campuses regularly to bring devotionals. Seeds are planted every week.

It is true that God is working at Sunrise. You see, Sunrise is a different kind of agency. We care deeply about meeting physical and emotional needs, but we also believe the greatest healing moment happens when a child encounters the love of Christ. And in God’s kindness, like last Sunday, we received a glimpse of that eternal impact.

Written by Jake Pelfrey, Sunrise Vice President for Marketing and Advancement

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Foster Care Independent Living Our Agency Residential Treatment Solid Rock Childrens Ranch Uncategorized

Give God All the Glory

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Everything we do at Sunrise is to give God all the glory as we serve Kentucky’s most vulnerable. God’s bright light has shown the way, and He has truly given Sunrise favor. As a faith-based organization, we can make a profound impact in Kentucky by being true to Jesus.

But it hasn’t always been easy. God has rescued this organization time and time again, and He has done so for a reason – that He might shine a light of healing upon children who are hurting and afraid. We are committed to giving everything we have to the children who need it the most.

“Don’t ever leave this world with regrets,” was shared to me by my father-in-law. These words inspire all of us at Sunrise to give everything we’ve got, every day. If we have no regrets, we will serve more kids.

That is our goal in 2026 – serving more kids. This will definitely happen at Solid Rock Children’s Ranch in Winchester. We are so close to seeing the two finished homes that will house two different large sibling groups and their foster parents! We are now praying for faithful and committed parents who will take on this task, knowing that God will send us the right people.

We also know that there are more boys we can serve in our Woodlawn Center, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Danville. That’s why we are adding more beds to care for nine additional boys at Woodlawn. That’s nine boys off our waiting list and enrolled in our PRTF.

There are also girls in our state who are currently in the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, which includes young females who are victims of human trafficking, that need a place of healing. That is why we recently opened One Bridge to Hope on the former St. Catharine College in Springfield, to care for these girls.

Finally, to better serve the boys we currently have at our Cumberland Adventure Program in Bronston, and to make room for even more boys, we have entered into a capital campaign to raise money for important and necessary renovations there.

We are doing all this for the sake of our mission and for the glory of God. No regrets. More kids served. Let us be quiet, listen to God, and rejoice in the journey with Him. Let us embrace the challenge to fulfill James 1:27 and do it with gratitude for the opportunity.

Looking Forward to More in 2026,

Dale Suttles
President

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Our Agency Residential Treatment

Empowering Youth: Sunrise Children’s Services Clients Give Back Through Partnership with Mark12 Ministries

Mark12 Thrift Store

Sunrise Children’s Services and Mark12 Ministries are both located in Bullitt County, and their paths sometimes cross unexpectedly and sometimes not. For example, a teenage boy receiving care at the Spring Meadows Campus in Mt. Washington shared with staff that his father was homeless. It turned out that the boy’s father was being cared for by Mark12 Ministries. When the boy graduated from Spring Meadows, he wanted to give back and began working at Mark12 Ministries. Knowing that Mark12 had helped his family, he wanted to contribute in any way he could to help others in similar situations.

This incident was one of many factors that sparked a conversation between Mark12 and Sunrise Children’s Services about additional ways they could partner. Mark12 operates the Outreach Thrift Store in Shepherdsville, which not only helps cover operational costs for their ministry but also provides much-needed items to those living in Bullitt County. However, the thrift store is always in need of volunteers.

The staff at Sunrise recognized that they could help meet this need while also providing the youth they serve with an opportunity to develop career-related skills and give back to the community.

Mary Edmondson, Sunrise Program Director of Vocational Rehabilitation, was thrilled about the potential partnership. She worked closely with Perry Cooke, Executive Director of Mark12 Ministries, to envision how the teenage boys and girls at Sunrise could volunteer at the thrift store. The youth rotate their volunteer time based on their schedules, and they eagerly look forward to getting away and contributing to something positive. According to Mary, “Mark 12 has been a godsend! The kids love it, and I enjoy watching the Lord work through them. They volunteer their time and the talents the Good Lord has given them, and in return, they have also helped themselves.”

Perry Cooke and his staff share this enthusiasm: “We are excited to partner with a wonderful Christ-centered ministry that shares our mission to care for the least of these. When the boys come in to volunteer, they experience a sense of normalcy, doing what other kids their age are doing after school. Our team looks forward to loving on the boys and making them feel valued and special.”

Many at Sunrise acknowledge the importance of giving back as part of the healing process. “When we give to others, we are actively reflecting on the need to be servants of God through our actions,” said Emmanuel Maize, program director for the Spring Meadows Center. “This is a humbling experience that allows us to connect with others as God would have us to do. Partnerships like these allow our boys to experience the joy and personal growth that come from giving back.”

Written by Jake Pelfrey, Vice President of Marketing and Advancement.

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Donor Generosity Foster Care Foster to Adopt Independent Living Our Agency Residential Treatment

Remember Sunrise Kids on Mother’s and Father’s Day

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Donor Generosity Residential Treatment

Sunrise Spring Meadows Center resident discovers caring people at State Fair

The midway at the Kentucky State Fair. (State Fair photo)

*Originally published in Kentucky Today. 

At Sunrise, we do our very best to let our kids know they are loved and cared for by all of our staff. Recently, however, one of our residential boys discovered that there are many people outside of our agency who also love our kids.

Each year, the boys who live at Sunrise’s Spring Meadows Center in Mt. Washington take a trip to the Kentucky State Fair. Because it is considered a school activity, the boys are assigned to write a paper on something they learned, liked or found interesting during the trip.

One of our boys shared his paper:

THE FAIR

What I found interesting at the fair were the adoption and child welfare stands.

It was interesting ’cause they were there trying to find foster parents for people like us in Sunrise.

They didn’t even know the people that needed homes, but they cared, and they were there for hours. At first, no one in the middle school class wanted to go to this section of the fair, but I kinda made them, and I asked the lady there if she could explain what they’re doing and told the group that there are people that care abut the future and welfare that they don’t even know.

I thought it was cool to go there because it was a good learning experience for me and the group because it was beneficial.

I also liked the fact that at the fair, there were goats. I love goats, and seeing goats made me happy and made me feel like I was home.

I also liked how there were a lot of respectful people there. So, when you treated people with respect, they did the same. And they were helpful.

Also (one of the other Spring Meadows boys) told the cup guy that he only had $20, and if he can get the cup for $15, he can get food. The guy agreed. It was very generous of him even though he didn’t have to. And it shows that people are kind.

This paper basically brings my reason for writing it is ’cause people are kind and caring and want you to know that they want you to be happy and feel welcome.

Your continued support to Sunrise allows all of our boys and girls to have these kinds of experiences. Your support throughout the year truly makes a difference in the lives of our kids.

Written by David Lyninger,  director of communications for Sunrise Children’s Services.

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Donor Generosity Our Agency Residential Treatment

Sunrise Reaches Out to Young People Through New Mentor Program

Two boys currently living at Sunrise’s Spring Meadows Center in Mt. Washington enjoy a painting class with their life coach mentors.

I met Chuck* when he first arrived at Sunrise’s Spring Meadow Center (SMC) in Mt. Washington.  As I began the admission process with him, I noticed he was a friendly, talkative boy who was – as most are at first – anxious about what his new life at SMC would be like.  He seemed determined to get through the treatment program here, and he applied himself to his therapy work for a time.  However, as time went by, he seemed to lose hope and motivation to keep moving in a healthy direction.

As a treatment team, we had considered starting a mentor program to help the boys with their motivation to work hard in the program, especially those that have little to no family involvement and support.   We were able to partner with Orphan Care Alliance’s Life Coaching program in March 2022 to recruit and train several life coaches.

Chuck was the first to receive a life coach.  After he began meeting with his life coach in October of 2022, he got much more serious about finishing his therapy, and he actually graduated the program in January of this year!  He continues to meet with his life coach each week while he waits for a good foster family placement.

His life coach, Wade Pritchard, has this to say about him: “In the few short months I’ve been meeting with Chuck, it has been inspiring to watch him increase in his desire to get well.  Chuck professes faith in Christ.  As he looks to the future and earnestly desires life beyond Sunrise, I have encouraged him to ‘leave behind’ the attitudes and behaviors that have led him to this place in his life.”

Pritchard shared with Chuck a portion of the scripture verse from Philippians 3:13: One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on. “Chuck and I both enjoy getting together and have expressed interest in continuing our relationship beyond his time at Sunrise,” said Pritchard.  “I look forward with great anticipation how God is going to help, guide, and bless this young man as he and I press on together.”

*Name has been changed for privacy.

Written by Suzanne Pritchard, Sunrise senior administrative assistant at Spring Meadows Center

Categories
Independent Living Residential Treatment

Former Glen Dale Resident Finds a New Path, a New Home, and a New Friend!

Today was bittersweet as I moved one of our young ladies from Sunrise’s Glen Dale Center in Elizabethtown to her own place. She has been a very special, sweet, kind soul and has left a lasting impression upon many staff and children during her stay.

She has shown us that no matter what challenges life brings, you get to choose your path. She has reminded me that your family is whoever you choose to be a part of your family.

I’m so proud of this young lady and so happy for her to start her new journey.

In addition to her new home, she adopted a senior dog named King.  This dog has not had an easy life either and doesn’t warm up to people easily at all.  He bonded and took up with his new dog mama so quickly!

I’m so happy for both of them!  Please remember her in your prayers as she gets settled in.

 

Written by Rachel White, program director of Sunrise’s Glen Dale Center, Elizabethtown