202 Magazine September 2013 Edition September 2013 | Page 37

community service / 202 PAY IT FORWARD /
the public. A volunteer staff of 400, along with house parents, some of which have children here as well, oversee daily operations such as chores and pet care. The idea is to provide a family environment full of stability, safety and nourishment—an environment where a child not only grows, but thrives.
Founders of Mesa’s Sunshine Acres, Rev. Jim Dingman and wife Vera.

Vera Dingman’s Mesa non-profit thrives today without grants, solicitations or government support.

Acres, and are welcomed to stay as long as needed. Currently, 10 of the approximately 60 residents are college students. A point of pride for Sunshine Acres—they boast a 100 percent high school graduation rate. The community at Sunshine Acres is complete with separate housing, a barn and horse stables, swimming pool, baseball diamond, skate park, dining hall, boutique, school and chapel with weekly services open to

Sunshine Acres also provides these children with a few entitlements, to make each child feel special and deserving. For instance, every child receives a bicycle. Vans are also provided for each home so children don’t miss doctor’s appointments, or can be driven to after-school sports leagues and activities. This attention to detail helps show these children that they are special and worthy members of society. “This isn’t a job,” says Rev. Sean Sloan, executive director of Sunshine Acres. “It is a lifestyle.” And that is

especially true for Jim and Vera’s daughter Carol and her husband Jack who moved to Sunshine Acres in the 60s to lend a helping hand for one week. They’ve never left, and they’ve never looked back—that is the magic of Sunshine Acres, a testament of the power of this special place. 202
ABOUT THE WRITER – JeriJane Robertson is a freelance writer and Valley resident. To volunteer, offer support or inquire about services, call 480.832.2540 or visit SunshineAcres.org.

202magazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2013 / 202 MAGAZINE

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