Author: adminsunrise

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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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Independent Living

Sunrise Independent Living Participant Drives To Success

Peyton Adamic stands with her two children after being awarded a Sunrise scholarship check.

When Peyton Adamic entered the Sunrise independent living program, she was a teenage mom to a one-year-old, had not yet graduated from high school, and was pregnant. Not the road many would choose for a successful future. But Peyton is an overcomer, and all she needed was some guidance and support. So, she turned to Sunrise Children’s Services for help, and they responded quickly.

Sunrise found an apartment for Peyton close to her high school. She soon finished school and graduated with the class of 2022.

At this point, Peyton’s life journey was already filled with twists and turns beginning with a challenging childhood that at times even included trips to the courthouse. Not wanting to continue on this path, Peyton did the only thing she could think of – take the exit ramp. “She ran away from her toxic situation and hung out with the wrong crowd,” said Sunrise Independent Living Specialist Jodi McCarty. “She was placed in foster care after missing so much school and refusing to return to her home. She was placed in emergency shelters, residential programs and foster homes. But her last foster home became a large part of her success story.”

By the time she entered Sunrise independent living, Peyton was able to look in the rearview mirror and leave the past behind her, focusing on the road ahead. She began to set goals and achieve them. She found a job working full-time as staff at St. Joseph Peace Mission – a place that she had also been a client. She placed her focus on being an advocate for others and always wanting to better the lives of anyone with whom she came in contact.

The only thing missing on her highway of success was, well, an actual car! And Sunrise was there for her again.

Just recently, Sunrise introduced a new scholarship initiative aimed at providing single mothers within the program with a reliable used car. “This matching scholarship, made possible through the generosity of a dedicated donor, secures vital transportation to help these young women further their education and secure a brighter future for themselves and their children,” explained Sunrise Vice President for Advancement Jake Pelfrey. “This scholarship is not just a financial boost; it’s a lifeline that empowers single mothers to achieve their goals and break the cycle of poverty.”

It was great timing for Peyton. She met the criteria for the scholarship and was soon driving her own car. Now, she is not only figuratively, but literally, driving her way to success. And Sunrise has been a wonderful witness to it.

“I am often amazed by her selfless acts and how kind she is to all she encounters,” stated McCarty. “Peyton is a great mom. I see her practicing gentle parenting, allowing limited screen time for her children, and playing with dinosaurs with her boys – always dinosaurs! Peyton has a desire to see the lives of others change for the better.”

Peyton began college in the fall where she plans to get her degree in social work. She is currently interning with Sunrise through the AmeriCorps iFoster program.

Peyton is just one example of a successful Sunrise independent living participant. This success is due to the determination and commitment of the independent living clients, but also the program itself. “This program provides crucial support in areas such as education, employment, and life skills, equipping participants with the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency and success,” explained Pelfrey. “Through personalized guidance and resources, the Sunrise independent living program helps individuals navigate the challenges of adulthood while fostering resilience and independence.”

If you would like to learn more about Sunrise’s independent living program or about how you can help sustain our new scholarship initiative, please reach out to us at info@sunrise.org.

Article written by David Lyninger, Sunrise director of communications.

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Foster Care Foster to Adopt Our Agency

Our True Home

Our True Home

There is no greater feeling than the feeling of home. Oh, how I long for home after a long day’s work. To walk through those doors and be greeted by my children as I wrap them in my arms—there truly is no greater feeling. Yet, at Sunrise, we understand that this feeling of home is a foreign concept for many Kentucky kids, which is why we work tirelessly to ensure every child in Kentucky can experience the feeling of home. They deserve it. Why? The Prophet Isaiah states that the concept of home is important to God: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

In FY 2023, Sunrise helped many children find their way home, whether through reunification, foster care, or adoption. However, these acts did not occur in isolation. They were made possible by our generous donors, like you. When you give to Sunrise, you invest in a child’s future. Your gifts help bring them to a place of peace—a place they can call home. Whether it’s through in-kind gifts to reduce costs, memorial giving to honor a loved one, mentoring a youth, or becoming a monthly Children’s Champion, your contributions fuel our beautiful mission of providing care and healing to children and families through Christ-centered ministries. Your generosity works in tandem with our loving and experienced staff, many of whom have been with Sunrise for decades. Your giving, volunteering, and praying all contribute to bringing healing and hope to children. We are so grateful for your support!

Home is important to Sunrise because it is important to our Heavenly Father. He desires everyone to find Home, and we know that in Him, we find our true home. And in this secure dwelling, we are empowered to be His hands and feet, extending our care to these precious children so that they might know the feeling of home.

To learn more about the impact made by Sunrise Children’s Services in Fiscal Year 2023, click here to download our Annual Report.

Written by Jake Pelfrey Vice President for Marketing and Advancement

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Children's Champion Business Impact Donor Generosity

Peoples Bank Foundation Invests In Children . . . and Sunrise

On June 26, 2024, representatives from Peoples Bank stopped by the Sunrise Ministry Support Center (MSC) in Mt. Washington to present a donation from Peoples Bank Foundation to Sunrise President Dale Suttles. Usually, it’s the other way around – representatives from Sunrise Children’s Services often visit the bank to make deposits. But the relationship Sunrise has with Peoples Bank is special. And this was a special day.

All the Sunrise staff working at the MSC that day gathered in the lobby to witness Peoples Bank Senior Vice President Joseph Seiler and Commercial Banking Portfolio Officer Zack Owen generously give $10,000 to Sunrise’s ministry, with the promise of two more $10,000 checks coming in the next two years.

“We view it as an investment,” said Seiler. “Peoples Bank has a philosophy that we want to be a part of the community; we want to serve the community; we want to help the community grow. We want to support the people and the institutions that are going to make our communities better.”

This special relationship with Sunrise began in 2019 with Limestone Bank (before it merged with Peoples Bank). “The former president of Limestone and I came out to meet with Dale, and we had a really open and honest conversation about how we might be able to work together,” explained Seiler. “We refinanced their previous lender, and we provided a lot of necessary capital for Sunrise to grow its mission and get over the hump.”

And then came COVID. “That was kind of a bump in the road,” Seiler said. “But we all stayed steady and, as good partners do, we locked arms and kept moving forward. It’s been a good relationship for both, and we just look forward to continuing it.”

And it was that relationship that led Seiler and Owen to walk through the MSC doors with their generous gift. It is a gift that Peoples Bank Foundation is trusting Sunrise to use how they feel is best. “I think that Sunrise knows best what they do and what they need to do, and we want them to continue their mission to serve at-risk children and give these children opportunity and more hope.”

Sunrise also trusts Peoples Bank and values their partnership. “They understand the problem in the Commonwealth. They understand what it takes so they are investing in a vision; but they are investing in a vision that they think is on the right path,” Suttles said. “And I think that means more to me and more to Sunrise than anything because they’ve seen us in our darkest times, when we had to fight for our very existence. They were investing in us then and continue to invest in us now.”

All of us at Sunrise appreciate Peoples Bank and Peoples Bank Foundation for their partnership; but more importantly, we value and appreciate the investment they are making in the lives of hurting children throughout this state.

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Donor Generosity Solid Rock Childrens Ranch

Ephesus Baptist Church Hosts Baptist Bikers as They Ride to the Ranch in Winchester

On Saturday May 18, Ephesus Baptist Church in Winchester once again hosted the Baptist Bikers of Kentucky for their annual Ride or Drive to the Ranch to benefit Sunrise Children’s Services’ Solid Rock Children’s Ranch.

Twenty-two motorcycles, several trucks and cars (or “cages” as the Baptist Bikers call them!), and two church vans made the trip from the Rockcastle Baptist Association office in Rockcastle County to Liberty Avenue Baptist Church in Berea to pick up more riders, and then finally to Ephesus Baptist Church in Winchester, where they celebrated with a lunch. Churches who participated in the drive were Fairview Baptist Church and Freedom Baptist Church, both in Mt. Vernon.

Dr. Todd Rader, Pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, welcomed participants in their parking lot. Randy McPheron, Founder and President of Baptist Bikers of Kentucky, received $9,1000 from bikers and churches that will benefit Sunrise’s Solid Rock Children’s Ranch. McPheron, who is also the current Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC) President and Associational Mission Strategist for the Rockcastle Association of Kentucky Baptists, handed the money over to Judy Singleton who accepted on behalf of Solid Rock.

(It has been Singleton’s dream for many years for the creation of Solid Rock Children’s Ranch. In 2016, the former teacher from Clark County, generously donated her land of 130 acres in Winchester to Sunrise to be used to establish a new community of care for sibling groups in foster care. Sunrise is excited to share that Singleton’s dream is now becoming reality. Thanks to the generous gifts from community leaders and faithful supporters like Baptist Bikers of Kentucky, the first two Solid Rock houses will be constructed this summer).

As everyone made it into the church building from the parking lot, lunch was served. While they were enjoying their meal, Bob Jeffries, a special guest of McPheron, was invited to speak. Jeffries shared his own foster kid story. As a young boy and part of a large sibling group, he was cared for by Sunrise (known then as Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children). He was eventually adopted and throughout his life encountered several positive role models from the KBC. Jeffries shared his support of Solid Rock, and after lunch, all riders and drivers were invited to visit the land where Solid Rock will be constructed.

Sunrise wishes to thank everyone who made this Ride or Drive to the Ranch such a success, including: Liberty Avenue Baptist Church for providing snacks, Church of the Living God in Winchester for providing lunch, Dr. Todd Rader and Ephesus Baptist Church for hosting, Randy McPheron and the Baptist Bikers of Kentucky for their continued support of Sunrise, and of course to Ms. Judy Singleton for her dream of Solid Rock.

To be a part of this dream, you can sign up to help construct the two houses on the property in Winchester this June. All ages and all skill levels are welcome to participate. Even if you can volunteer one day or a part of a day, it would be greatly appreciated. Go to the following link to sign up to volunteer: Mississippi Nailbenders & Friends: Solid Rock Children’s Ranch Build Winchester, Kentucky (signupgenius.com)

Article written by David Lyninger, Sunrise director of communications.

Categories
Donor Generosity

Giving with an Eternal Mindset

How to Give with an Eternal Mindset

An eternal mindset is a mind focused on the unseen realm, on things above rather than on the temporary things of life. The act of giving with an eternal mindset is the recognition that our gifts have the power to impact not just the here and now, but the things of eternity. When we give to a cause greater than ourselves, we are participating in an act that has the potential to outlive us. Jesus told the disciples that when they give to the needy they will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. Somehow, we are eternally intertwined with our giving and the people we give to. In The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn wrote, “Giving is a giant lever positioned on the fulcrum of this world allowing us to move mountains in the next world. Because we give, eternity will be different – for others and for us.” God uses our giving for His eternal work. When we give we set a trajectory of impact that only God fully knows.

Giving with an Eternal Mindset is Giving to Advance the Kingdom of God

The story of Sunrise Children’s Services is a vivid example of how God can use the act of giving to shape eternity. A few women from Walnut Street Baptist Church in downtown Louisville gave their lives to care for orphans in 1869. I am sure these women could never imagine how their gift of service would outlive them, saving thousands of children over the course of 155 years. Not only did their generosity outlive them, it multiplied. Many were then inspired to also give of themselves. Through the selfless generosity of individuals, God has used Sunrise to rescue boys and girls from desperate situations and redeem them to the hope found in Him. Giving with an eternal mindset is trusting that God will use the tangible to further His kingdom work.

Giving with an Eternal Mindset is Giving with the End in Mind

Having an eternal mindset means wisely planning the best course for your contributions. This is often achieved by what is known as legacy giving. A legacy gift is a gift that can continue to make an influence even after your time on earth has passed. Through legacy giving, your memory, influence, and testimony will live on. This will make an impact for generations to come and potentially have an even greater eternal impact. Legacy giving does not have to involve a large amount; rather, giving with an eternal mindset means strategically planning one’s contributions with the end goal of maximizing impact. This type of giving can change countless lives and create a lasting legacy. Legacy giving does not have to wait until one passes away. To serve you in this important area, Sunrise has entered into a partnership with PhilanthroCorp. They are a national will and estate planning firm and provide Sunrise supporters with free confidential estate planning services. To learn more about how you can take advantage of this important opportunity, go to sunrise.org/legacy-gifts-and-estate-planning.

Giving with an Eternal Mindset is Modeling the Love of Jesus

The life of Jesus was characterized by generosity. Whether through His teachings or miracles, He gave freely. Even in death, Jesus gave and thus fulfilled the ultimate purpose of eternity. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His life as a ransom for many, so that we might be made righteous. There is no greater gift than to give one’s life for another. God gave his only son so that we may have eternal life. Giving with an eternal mindset is participating in the divine narrative of love and redemption. This echoes Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Giving with an eternal mindset acknowledges that giving is a spiritual act that has the transformative power to change lives for eternity. Sunrise Children’s Services is a perfect example of this, demonstrating how generosity can perpetuate a cycle of hope and redemption that impacts countless lives. By supporting Sunrise, you align with a mission that is deeply rooted in the principle of eternal generosity. This concept goes beyond philanthropy; it’s about participating in a divine story that is still being written.

“IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE A MISSION CLOSER TO THE HEART OF JESUS THAN ONE SERVING THE MOST VULNERABLE OF CHILDREN. AS A FRIEND AND SUPPORTER OF SUNRISE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, IT WOULD BE OUR HONOR TO HELP YOU CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN THAT REFLECTS NOT JUST YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR LOVED ONES, BUT THAT ALSO CAN HELP PERPETUATE THIS IMPORTANT MINISTRY FAR INTO THE FUTURE.” David Keesling Founder, PhilanthroCorp

Written by Jake Pelfrey, Vice President of Marketing and Advancement. To learn more about maximizing your contribution to Sunrise, contact Jake Pelfrey at jpelfrey@sunrise.org.

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Our Agency

Help Sunrise Comfort Children this Mother’s Day

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you . . . .” – Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

Sunrise wishes all mothers a very happy Mother’s Day and recognizes the important roles mothers fulfill. One such role is providing love and comfort to their children. In doing so, they are modeling true love and comfort that comes from God Himself.

All children deserve a loving home where they can find comfort and protection. Sadly, this isn’t the case for thousands of children in Kentucky who have been removed from their homes. That is why the work of Sunrise foster parents is so important. They need your prayers. They need your support.

Will you remember our faithful and committed foster parents this Mother’s Day? We first ask for your prayers. Please pray that they will receive wisdom, strength, and patience to carry out God’s calling to provide comfort for the children in their care.

Consider also giving a Mother’s Day gift to Sunrise in May to help our Sunrise foster families. By simply giving a gift today, you are helping bring comfort to our Sunrise kids by letting them know they are valuable, cared for, and loved, in tangible ways. A gift to Sunrise will help our kids acquire emergency placement supplies, sports uniforms, equipment, musical instruments, and so much more.

Giving to Sunrise is easy. To make a Mother’s Day gift, go to sunrise.org/mothersfathersday. There you can also make your gift in honor or in memory of your mother, a special lady in your life, or any loved one.

Your gift this season to Sunrise can help bring smiles and comfort to families. It may even help our children find their forever homes!

Article written by David Lyninger, Sunrise director of Communications.

 

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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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Our Agency

The Sunrise Name Means Everything

Sunrise Children’s Services began in 1869 when ladies from Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville formed the Louisville Baptist Orphans Home to care for orphans of the Civil War. Later, it would expand and be named the Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children. Today, Sunrise remains the child welfare arm of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, providing residential, foster care, foster-to-adopt, independent living, and family services programs across this state.

But why “Sunrise?” Is there any significance in that name? Quite a lot, actually. And an interesting parallel.

The Walnut Street ladies looked across the streets of downtown Louisville and saw hurting children, broken families, and unending despair. Eventually, somehow, they found a ray of hope. They discovered a new purpose for their lives and a way they could share their purpose and hope with those who needed it most. That was nearly 155 years ago.

More than 1,000 years before the ladies from Louisville began their hope-filled journey, another group of women began theirs. But honestly, it didn’t begin very hopeful. They were headed to the tomb of their dear friend, starting their walk early that morning. The sun was just beginning to rise.

The women who went to see Jesus’ crucified body at sunrise probably thought the morning would bring nothing new. Like the ladies from Louisville, they were dealing with despair and heartache. They weren’t yet able to see any hope. They were missing their friend, their Lord – their purpose in life. Why would they think this morning would be any different than the last? Why would they even venture the thought that on this day, hopelessness could be replaced with joy? But to their surprise, this sunrise brought unimagined hope and healing to anyone who would receive it.

Every sunrise brings the promise of a new beginning, new possibilities, and new hope. That’s what Sunrise Children’s Services’ name conveys, and that’s what this ministry has shared with hurting children and families in crisis since 1869.

Please pray that Sunrise’s name will continue to convey a new start to children and families throughout Kentucky, while its mission never waivers from the One whose “name is above every name.”

Article written by David Lyninger, Sunrise director of communications.

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Uncategorized

November is National Adoption Month!

There are approximately 117,000 children in the U.S. currently waiting to be adopted. The need in Kentucky is also great, with more than 8,000 children in out-of-home care. It is fitting then, during National Adoption Month, that we highlight one of our former Sunrise foster parents who found great joy in adopting her two children.

Jen Potts, from Lexington, adopted Walker and Alonna in 2009. Back then, Sunrise was known as the Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children. At the time, Potts was a special ed teacher and Walker (known then as Geraldo) was her student. He was six, and his sister was five.

“I called several different agencies, and they (Sunrise) got back with me first, and I really liked the person that I talked to,” said Potts. “And I thought, ‘Okay!’ It was so convenient to do the classes and get going, and so I just started.”

There were special moments in her foster care and adoption journey that convinced her she made the right decision in pursuing her children. The first “God moment” came shortly before her father died. “His last words were to my son were, ‘I love you, Geraldo.’ It was just like a light beaming down there!” stated Potts.

The second moment also involved her son. As a child, Potts had picked out a name for her future son. The name was Walker Bennett. When she adopted her two children as an adult, she was told she could change Geraldo’s name if she wanted to because he seemed to have no connection to his current name. He was almost 10 years old, so Potts asked him what he wanted his name to be. He said Sky, for Luke Skywalker. “If you know my son, he is not a Sky. And so, I said, ‘What about Walker?’ And he said, ‘That is perfect!’” she shared. “The plan was to keep Geraldo as his middle name, but he wanted a family name. So, I said, ‘What about Bennett?’ which was my grandmother’s maiden name, and he said, ‘Yes!’ And I was like, how in the world did I get a child that was okay with a name I picked out as a kid?!’”

Potts said that there were many other moments like these that happened along the way that encouraged her on her decision to foster and eventually adopt. “It’s a sad story how they got here,” she shared. “But this is definitely where they’re supposed to be.”

And the journey was worth it. “It was hard, but by far, the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Potts said. “These are my kids! I cannot imagine life without them. They are the best things ever to happen to me.”

So how are her kids doing now? “Both of them are very successful in their lives. They are doing what they want to do,” Potts stated. “They are doing great, within their limitations of what they’ve been dealt. “

Potts can’t say enough about the support she received from Sunrise while she was a foster parent. “My worker was Kathy Castle. I could call (any of the workers) at any time, and they would get back to me. Even if it was after hours, they were always there,” she said. “I just feel like the support that is there (at Sunrise) is huge.”

Through her fostering and adoption experience, Potts has learned some important lessons that she would like to share with others. “My children still need that reassurance that they are wanted and loved even into their adulthood years,” she said. “(They need to know that) nothing’s going to change that.”

The second thing Potts want others to know is that fostering may not be easy, but the reward is great. “Basically, it’s hard. But if you can get through the hard, there is no doubt in my mind that it is worth it,” she stated. “You can’t gloss over how hard it is because you are dealing with kids with trauma. Even if they’ve come from the very best situation, they still have trauma. But if you continue to work with it, the good so much outweighs the bad.”

Jen Potts remains grateful for her family and the decision she made to choose fostering and adoption – and her decision to choose Sunrise. She encourages others to pursue Sunrise if they are considering foster care.

Today, Potts’ Sunrise worker Kathy Castle is now the foster care program director in Lexington, Elizabethtown, Mt. Washington, and Danville. If you are interested in fostering, and live in these areas, you can call Castle directly at 502-538-1039 or email her at kcastle@sunrise.org. All others can contact Sunrise at 502-538-1000 or email info@sunrise.org.