A Legacy of Lights Gala
It's Coming....
120 Years of Perseverance
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WorkLife: A New Season of Hope for Young Adults
August 30, 2025 | Rita Abiodun
This summer we launched our very first WorkLife cohort for youths age 18 - 24. Through structured training, soft-skills development, and one-on-one coaching, participants gain the confidence and tools they need for long-term employment and stability.
For young Maliyah Carson, the change is personal:
“I have come to realize that I’m the only one who can stand in the way, whether it’s fear of failing, trying new things, or change. This program helped me rebuild my mindset, knowing I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
Because of your continued support, young people like Maliya and Dante are changing their mindsets, and their futures.
For young Maliyah Carson, the change is personal:
“I have come to realize that I’m the only one who can stand in the way, whether it’s fear of failing, trying new things, or change. This program helped me rebuild my mindset, knowing I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
Because of your continued support, young people like Maliya and Dante are changing their mindsets, and their futures.
Through Yassmen’s Eyes: A Summer Camp of Hope and Renewal
August 30, 2025 | Rita Abiodun
On Friday, August 8, 2025, the final day of our Summer Camp for Youth Outreach, we organized a block party for the kids and the community we serve. It was a day filled with music, laughter, and pride.
The kids, from elementary through high school, performed dances and showcased their artwork, while families gathered to eat, connect, and celebrate. Our volunteers from BridgeBuilders walked alongside us, and partners offered free health checks, nutrition tips, and back-to-school supplies. It was a day that reflected the heartbeat of our mission: renewal through joy, connection, and care.
In the crowd that day was Yassmen Dickerson, a single mother raising nine-year-old twin girls, Heaven and Hope. For her, this summer was more than activities; it was a lifeline.
“My twins have been attending the camp, and they’ve been so excited about everything,” Yassmen told us. “One thing they couldn’t stop talking about was today’s showcase. They were so proud to have me here watching them perform. Usually, I’m working the morning shift and can’t be there. This means so much to them.”
For Yassmen, summers bring both joy and challenge, especially as a single mother working hard for her family. Work leaves little time to keep her daughters engaged and safe. But at our camp, Hany and Fany spent their days learning, exploring, laughing, reading, doing math, field trips, swimming, skating, playing sports, and much more.
“I’m so grateful,” she said. “As single mommies, we work a lot and there isn’t much we can do with our children. But to know they have a camp where they can learn, play, and experience new things; it’s been a blessing. We really appreciate it.”
When we hear words like Yassmen’s, we’re reminded why we do this work and why your support matters. Every field trip, every mentorship hour, every smile you helped make possible carries forward the renewal we seek together.
The kids, from elementary through high school, performed dances and showcased their artwork, while families gathered to eat, connect, and celebrate. Our volunteers from BridgeBuilders walked alongside us, and partners offered free health checks, nutrition tips, and back-to-school supplies. It was a day that reflected the heartbeat of our mission: renewal through joy, connection, and care.
In the crowd that day was Yassmen Dickerson, a single mother raising nine-year-old twin girls, Heaven and Hope. For her, this summer was more than activities; it was a lifeline.
“My twins have been attending the camp, and they’ve been so excited about everything,” Yassmen told us. “One thing they couldn’t stop talking about was today’s showcase. They were so proud to have me here watching them perform. Usually, I’m working the morning shift and can’t be there. This means so much to them.”
For Yassmen, summers bring both joy and challenge, especially as a single mother working hard for her family. Work leaves little time to keep her daughters engaged and safe. But at our camp, Hany and Fany spent their days learning, exploring, laughing, reading, doing math, field trips, swimming, skating, playing sports, and much more.
“I’m so grateful,” she said. “As single mommies, we work a lot and there isn’t much we can do with our children. But to know they have a camp where they can learn, play, and experience new things; it’s been a blessing. We really appreciate it.”
When we hear words like Yassmen’s, we’re reminded why we do this work and why your support matters. Every field trip, every mentorship hour, every smile you helped make possible carries forward the renewal we seek together.
Yassmen's twins Hany and Fany.
This Summer with BridgeBuilders: A Week that Changes Hearts
August 30, 2025 | Rita Abiodun
At Sunshine Gospel Ministries, we believe that transformation happens when people step outside of their comfort zone and listen, serve, and learn together. That’s the heart of our BridgeBuilders program.
This summer, we hosted several weeklong immersive programs for different cohorts from across the country in our Woodlawn campus. For many, it was their first time in Chicago. For all, it was an experience that left a lasting mark on their hearts.
This summer, we hosted several weeklong immersive programs for different cohorts from across the country in our Woodlawn campus. For many, it was their first time in Chicago. For all, it was an experience that left a lasting mark on their hearts.
BridgeBuilders connects individuals from diverse backgrounds with the realities of life in under-resourced communities like Woodlawn. Through service projects, theological lessons, and immersive experiences like our Poverty Simulation, participants are challenged to see poverty, justice, and shalom with new eyes. It’s more than volunteering, it’s a journey of empathy, reflection, and solidarity.
Edwin, visiting from San Francisco, expressed initial nervousness as he felt unsure of what to expect from the Chicago trip. By the end of the week, he shared: “Thank you for welcoming us with open arms. The kindness in helping us understand the importance of community through food and the teachings on Shalom is something I will forever hold in high regard.”
Others reflected on the powerful lessons that went beyond Chicago. Kate B stated, “We will be much more aware of the many ways we can help our own community and how to address systemic issues thanks to the amazing lessons and the Poverty Simulation.”
For Issac, the highlights were hands-on: “My personal favorites were the garden, Poverty Simulations, and CW’s concert (+ David’s rhymes).” Pastor Katie from Ohio summed it up simply: “This experience will stick with our students for years to come.”
Each story carries the same thread of hospitality, humility, and hope. Strangers became neighbors, and neighbors became friends.
At its core, BridgeBuilders is our way of living out the words of Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Every lesson, every act of service, every shared meal is a step toward justice, mercy, and humility in action.
That is why we run BridgeBuilders: to cultivate understanding, break down barriers, and remind us all that the pursuit of Shalom, wholeness and flourishing is something that becomes possible when we walk together.
Edwin, visiting from San Francisco, expressed initial nervousness as he felt unsure of what to expect from the Chicago trip. By the end of the week, he shared: “Thank you for welcoming us with open arms. The kindness in helping us understand the importance of community through food and the teachings on Shalom is something I will forever hold in high regard.”
Others reflected on the powerful lessons that went beyond Chicago. Kate B stated, “We will be much more aware of the many ways we can help our own community and how to address systemic issues thanks to the amazing lessons and the Poverty Simulation.”
For Issac, the highlights were hands-on: “My personal favorites were the garden, Poverty Simulations, and CW’s concert (+ David’s rhymes).” Pastor Katie from Ohio summed it up simply: “This experience will stick with our students for years to come.”
Each story carries the same thread of hospitality, humility, and hope. Strangers became neighbors, and neighbors became friends.
At its core, BridgeBuilders is our way of living out the words of Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Every lesson, every act of service, every shared meal is a step toward justice, mercy, and humility in action.
That is why we run BridgeBuilders: to cultivate understanding, break down barriers, and remind us all that the pursuit of Shalom, wholeness and flourishing is something that becomes possible when we walk together.