A Farewell Message from our CEO
After nearly 35 remarkable years with Sunshine Village, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has filled my life with profound joy and purpose. It has been my greatest honor to serve this organization and to witness the dedication, passion and generosity of the extraordinary community that surrounds us.
To our clients—the heart of our work—and the families who place their trust in us; to our dedicated employees, who are truly our greatest asset; to our board members, who give so selflessly of their time and heart; to our donors, whose generosity makes our mission possible; and to our business, municipal, and civic partners, who help us create meaningful impact – THANK YOU!
Your trust, commitment, and belief in our mission have made all that we have achieved possible. Together, we have opened doors of opportunity, strengthened communities and improved countless lives.
When I look back, I don’t just see milestones—I see people. I see faces, moments, and memories that will stay with me always. I see challenges we overcame together, celebrations of hard-earned successes and the quiet, everyday acts of dedication – and kindness – that define who Sunshine Village is at its core.
Our new President/CEO will be starting on March 30, 2026 – and as I step away, I do so with deep confidence in the future. Sunshine Village is in capable hands – both new and familiar – and I know the days ahead will be bright. The opportunities before this organization are tremendous and the journey forward is filled with promise.
I leave with a full heart – confident that Sunshine Village will continue to deliver on the promise of a GREAT day – and knowing that that – long after I’m gone – it will remain a place where everyone shines.
Gina Kos
Retiring President/CEO
April 29, 1991 – April 29, 2026
Programs & Services
Life Engagement Services
Sunshine Village offers four MassHealth-funded day programs in Agawam, Chicopee, and Palmer for individuals 18+. These programs focus on building life skills, independence, and social abilities through personalized plans, supported by on-site nursing, master’s level clinicians, and access to therapy services.
Community Based Services
The CBDS career track supports adults 18+ with complex needs build skills for future employment. Through volunteering and community experiences, clients develop professionalism, teamwork, communication, and self-advocacy while engaging in fitness, arts, culture, and technology, both on campus and in the community.
Employment Services
Sunshine Village’s Employment Services Division, including Westover Maintenance Systems – our commercial cleaning company – offers adults 18+ opportunities to earn wages in diverse settings. We provide clients with on-the-job training and additional supports to help each person continually develop and grow their skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Sunshine Village offers an innovative curriculum empowering young adults on the autism spectrum to engage in community life, build autonomy, and grow through supportive, multidisciplinary programs. Activities include book clubs, culinary arts, and financial literacy, supported by clinical services like speech and occupational therapy.
What clients and their families are saying
“I love coming to Sunshine Village because I get to meet new people, make friends and I get to go out more in the community.”
Louis
CBDS Client
“I am eternally grateful for the opportunity for my son, Elvin, to belong to the best day habilitation program. The staff at Sunshine Village are very empathetic, professional — they make my son feel valued, loved and above all respected.”
Claribel
Parent
“My daughter, Sarah, has had wonderful fun and learning experiences over the last 12+ years at Sunshine Village! The staff, friendships and activities have helped her SHINE—not just at Sunshine Village, but at home, too!”
Lynn
Parent
See What’s Happening at Sunshine Village
Follow along on social media to see our clients SHINE, celebrate community moments, and stay connected in real time.
No tricks here - just appreciation!
At Sunshine Village, our staff truly SHINE, and today Michelle helped celebrate that by giving out SHINE Time - an extra 30 minutes of paid time off to recognize the hard work and dedication our team brings every single day.
It's the big things and the little things that make a difference, and it's all part of what makes Sunshine Village an Employer of Choice.
Thank you to our incredible team for all that you do!
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A SHINING moment for Casey CBDS Client Jonathan and his staff member Joyce!
Last night, Jonathan and Joyce were honored as Champions of Inclusion by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Holyoke/Chicopee Citizens Advisory Board for their incredible work with the Be A Friend Project.
They were also recognized with special citations from The City of Chicopee - Mayor's Office, Carlos Gonzalez State Representative, Senator Adam Gomez, Shirley for Chicopee, State Senator Jacob Oliveira, and Senator John Velis. Their dedication to building meaningful connections and creating a more inclusive community truly inspires us all.
Congratulations, Jonathan and Joyce—we’re so proud of you!
A special shoutout to our talented Casey CBDS clients who created the beautiful centerpieces for the event - making the night even more memorable!
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April is Autism Appreciation Month... and we're SHINING a light on the incredible first responders and community partners who build meaningful connections with our clients.
From monthly visits and joining in on our events, to thoughtful gestures like bringing Valentine's treats, they show up in ways that truly make a difference.
We are grateful for their compassion and commitment to understanding our community. Follow along on social media and help us celebrate our first responders and community partners who SHINE!
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1 CommentsComment on Facebook