SUNSHINE GOSPEL MINISTRIES CELEBRATES 120 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE WITH HOLIDAY EVENTS & ANNIVERSARY GALA
November 19, 2025
Chicago, IL – Sunshine Gospel Ministries is joyfully celebrating 120 years of faithful, community-centered service, and we’re inviting our neighbors, partners, and supporters to join us for events designed to strengthen and uplift families across Woodlawn, Washington Park, and surrounding communities. This milestone year features a series of holiday events designed to uplift families, culminating in our 120th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Thanksgiving Food Pantry Distribution – Saturday, November 22, 2025
Sunshine wants to help prepare families for a warm and abundant holiday season by hosting a special Thanksgiving Food Pantry Distribution on Saturday, November 21. Households will receive fresh produce, pantry staples, and holiday meal essentials, all provided with dignity, care, and the spirit of love that has guided our mission since 1905.
Sunshine Christmas Store—Saturday, December 6, 2025
Celebrate the joy of giving at our 23rd annual Sunshine Christmas Store on Saturday, December 6! Families can shop for brand-new, high-quality gifts at affordable, reduced prices, reinforcing dignity, empowerment, and choice during the holiday season. This empowering model allows parents to choose meaningful gifts for their children while easing the financial burden and spreading joy throughout the community.
Join Us & Be Part of the Celebration!
Sunshine invites community members, supporters, partners and our faith-based community to join us for our 120th Year Legacy of Light Gala, at the Historical South Shore Cultural Center on Saturday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are going fast. For event details, sponsorships and ways to give, please visit www.sunshinegospel.org and click on the Gala link.
Thanksgiving Food Pantry Distribution – Saturday, November 22, 2025
Sunshine wants to help prepare families for a warm and abundant holiday season by hosting a special Thanksgiving Food Pantry Distribution on Saturday, November 21. Households will receive fresh produce, pantry staples, and holiday meal essentials, all provided with dignity, care, and the spirit of love that has guided our mission since 1905.
Sunshine Christmas Store—Saturday, December 6, 2025
Celebrate the joy of giving at our 23rd annual Sunshine Christmas Store on Saturday, December 6! Families can shop for brand-new, high-quality gifts at affordable, reduced prices, reinforcing dignity, empowerment, and choice during the holiday season. This empowering model allows parents to choose meaningful gifts for their children while easing the financial burden and spreading joy throughout the community.
Join Us & Be Part of the Celebration!
Sunshine invites community members, supporters, partners and our faith-based community to join us for our 120th Year Legacy of Light Gala, at the Historical South Shore Cultural Center on Saturday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are going fast. For event details, sponsorships and ways to give, please visit www.sunshinegospel.org and click on the Gala link.
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About Sunshine Gospel Ministries
Sunshine Gospel Ministries - 120 Years of faithful service and a future filled with promise for more information or to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries, visit www.sunshinegospel.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Salley
(773) 904-9800, ext. 102 or info@sunshinegospel.org
Sunshine Gospel Ministries - 120 Years of faithful service and a future filled with promise for more information or to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries, visit www.sunshinegospel.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Salley
(773) 904-9800, ext. 102 or info@sunshinegospel.org
Sunshine Gospel Ministries Returns to Kids Across America Summer Camp and Reignites a Beloved Tradition
June 18, 2025
CHICAGO, IL — Sunshine Gospel Ministries (SGM) is excited to announce the successful return of its youth and staff to Kids Across America (KAA), a residential Christian summer camp located in Branson, Missouri,. This marks a tradition of nearly 15 years of partnership between SGM and KAA.
From June 15 to June 20, 2025, more than 24 young people participated in a week of outdoor adventure, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and fun-filled activities. Thanks to the generous support of Sunshine staff and community partners, five students received full sponsorships to attend the camp, while others participated through family contributions or regular registration.
For SGM, KAA was more than a trip. It was a moment of renewal for our students, our staff, and our broader mission. Camping has been a part of our ministry since the 1930s, and this experience reaffirms our commitment to creating spaces where young people can have a change of scenery and connect with nature, make new friends from other parts of the country, experience new adventures, have fun, be enriched spiritually and grow.
Sunshine Gospel Ministries is deeply grateful to all who made this trip possible. The organization remains committed to investing in the next generation through experiences that support personal development and discipleship and mentoring.
From June 15 to June 20, 2025, more than 24 young people participated in a week of outdoor adventure, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and fun-filled activities. Thanks to the generous support of Sunshine staff and community partners, five students received full sponsorships to attend the camp, while others participated through family contributions or regular registration.
For SGM, KAA was more than a trip. It was a moment of renewal for our students, our staff, and our broader mission. Camping has been a part of our ministry since the 1930s, and this experience reaffirms our commitment to creating spaces where young people can have a change of scenery and connect with nature, make new friends from other parts of the country, experience new adventures, have fun, be enriched spiritually and grow.
Sunshine Gospel Ministries is deeply grateful to all who made this trip possible. The organization remains committed to investing in the next generation through experiences that support personal development and discipleship and mentoring.
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About Sunshine Gospel Ministries
Sunshine Gospel Ministries - 120 Years of faithful service and a future filled with promise for more information or to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries, visit www.sunshinegospel.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Salley
(773) 904-9800, ext. 102 or info@sunshinegospel.org
Sunshine Gospel Ministries - 120 Years of faithful service and a future filled with promise for more information or to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries, visit www.sunshinegospel.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Salley
(773) 904-9800, ext. 102 or info@sunshinegospel.org
City of Chicago Awards $5 Million Grant to Sunshine Gospel Ministries for Development of Sunshine Community Center in Washington Park
January 22, 2025
Chicago, IL – Sunshine Gospel Ministries is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $5 million grant from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. This grant will support the development and construction of the Sunshine Community Center, a transformative project set to serve as a cornerstone for empowerment and opportunity in the Washington Park community.
The Sunshine Community Center will address critical needs by offering programs and services focused on education, workforce development, youth engagement, and holistic family support. The new facility will foster community growth and provide a safe, inclusive space for residents to access resources and build connections.
“We are deeply honored and grateful for this significant investment from the City of Chicago,” said Kimberly Salley, Executive Director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries. “This grant will help bring our vision for the Sunshine Community Center to life, enabling us to expand our impact and provide vital opportunities for the residents of Washington Park. Together, we are building a brighter future.”
The $5 million grant reflects the City of Chicago’s commitment to equitable community development and enhancing quality of life in underserved neighborhoods. The Sunshine Community Center project aligns with this vision, promoting sustainable change and economic growth in the Washington Park area.
Key Features of the Sunshine Community Center:
• Dedicated spaces for after-school and summer programs, empowering youth with educational and recreational opportunities.
• Workforce training facilities to support career advancement and entrepreneurship.
• Community meeting rooms and shared spaces for collaboration and engagement.
• Access to mental health, wellness, and family support services.
[City Official’s Name], [City Official’s Title], emphasized the importance of the project, stating: “The Sunshine Community Center will be a catalyst for positive change in Washington Park. The City of Chicago is proud to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries in their efforts to provide critical resources and inspire hope in this vibrant community.”
The Sunshine Community Center is slated to break ground in July 2025 and is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 87 permanent positions upon completion.
Sunshine Gospel Ministries has been a trusted partner throughout many Chicago communities for 120 years, working tirelessly to inspire hope, create opportunities, and empower individuals and families. This grant represents a milestone in their ongoing mission to drive sustainable and impactful change.
The Sunshine Community Center will address critical needs by offering programs and services focused on education, workforce development, youth engagement, and holistic family support. The new facility will foster community growth and provide a safe, inclusive space for residents to access resources and build connections.
“We are deeply honored and grateful for this significant investment from the City of Chicago,” said Kimberly Salley, Executive Director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries. “This grant will help bring our vision for the Sunshine Community Center to life, enabling us to expand our impact and provide vital opportunities for the residents of Washington Park. Together, we are building a brighter future.”
The $5 million grant reflects the City of Chicago’s commitment to equitable community development and enhancing quality of life in underserved neighborhoods. The Sunshine Community Center project aligns with this vision, promoting sustainable change and economic growth in the Washington Park area.
Key Features of the Sunshine Community Center:
• Dedicated spaces for after-school and summer programs, empowering youth with educational and recreational opportunities.
• Workforce training facilities to support career advancement and entrepreneurship.
• Community meeting rooms and shared spaces for collaboration and engagement.
• Access to mental health, wellness, and family support services.
[City Official’s Name], [City Official’s Title], emphasized the importance of the project, stating: “The Sunshine Community Center will be a catalyst for positive change in Washington Park. The City of Chicago is proud to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries in their efforts to provide critical resources and inspire hope in this vibrant community.”
The Sunshine Community Center is slated to break ground in July 2025 and is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 87 permanent positions upon completion.
Sunshine Gospel Ministries has been a trusted partner throughout many Chicago communities for 120 years, working tirelessly to inspire hope, create opportunities, and empower individuals and families. This grant represents a milestone in their ongoing mission to drive sustainable and impactful change.
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About Sunshine Gospel Ministries
Sunshine Gospel Ministries - 120 Years of faithful service and a future filled with promise for more information or to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries, visit www.sunshinegospel.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Salley
(773) 904-9800, ext. 102 or info@sunshinegospel.org
Sunshine Gospel Ministries - 120 Years of faithful service and a future filled with promise for more information or to support Sunshine Gospel Ministries, visit www.sunshinegospel.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Salley
(773) 904-9800, ext. 102 or info@sunshinegospel.org