OUR HISTORY

Sunshine Center, Inc. began in 1953 when a determined group of parents came together to create opportunities for their children with Down syndrome at a time when public schools excluded them. They founded Oleander School, a private elementary program where children with developmental disabilities could learn, grow, and belong.

As advocacy efforts gained momentum and new laws in the 1970s opened public education to students with special needs, Sunshine adapted to meet the changing landscape. We became an off‑campus instructional site for Galveston Independent School District and adopted a new name: Sunshine Training Center.

When legislation in the 1980s mainstreamed students onto traditional campuses, we again looked to the community to understand where support was most needed. Under the name Sunshine Supportive Employment, we transformed into a vocational center offering sheltered workshops and employment services for young adults transitioning out of high school.

Throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, our programs continued to evolve. We expanded beyond vocational training to include therapeutic supports, community access, and life‑enriching experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. This growth led to our current name, Sunshine Center, Inc.

Today, Sunshine Center provides comprehensive programs that help adults develop and maintain educational, vocational, social, and life skills — empowering each person to lead a meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling life. We also offer guidance and support for families, recognizing that strong communities grow when everyone is included.

For more than 70 years, we have been proud to serve Galveston County with compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities.