We began our tour in a meeting room in the Administration Building at Sunshine Acres. Much of the information we heard is available on their website: https://sunshineacres.org/
We were transported to various locations on the campus. We have photos of some of the more interesting sites. Not in the photos is the maintenance garage where care is taken of the vehicles belonging to Sunshine Acres. Occasionally cars are donated. After they are put in good working order, if a teen resident has a part-time job and $1,000 in the bank, one of the donated cars just might become theirs. We saw their solar panels which save utility costs. We saw some of the 4H goats. The residents who participate in 4H get to keep the sales price minus cost of their animal when it is sold. There are horses on the property as well as someone who is qualified to provide equestrian training. There is a very nice swimming pool on the property. There is a small RV parking area. Those who stay there get their space and full hook-up provided at no cost if they volunteer to work 30 hours each week.
The homes are quite nice - a vast improvement over what they started out with in 1953. They have sufficient housing available to provide homes for 70 children. The children have strict expectations about making their beds and helping to keep their homes clean. The house parents are caring roll models whose intent is to form life-long relationships with the residents.
Following the tour, participants enjoyed a delicious meal in the dining hall. Parting gifts were received - brown bags containing produce from the garden, and a booklet telling the story of Sunshine Acres - Miracles In The Desert. Coupons were received for discounts at the Boutique or the Mesa Resale Store. Anyone who missed the tour can take advantage of tours which are offered regularly at 10, 12, or 2 Monday-Friday or 12-2 on Saturday. Please call ahead at 480-832-2540. They are located at 3405 N Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215.