When you work with children who’ve walked through trauma, you learn pretty quickly that it takes a village. And we’re incredibly grateful that La Prada Drive Church of Christ in Mesquite is part of ours.
For the past three years, this congregation has opened their doors and hearts to the kids at Sunny Glen Children’s Home. From summer camp memories to ongoing support through our truck route, La Prada has become more than just a partner. They’re family. And with Deacon Brad Fisher serving on our Board of Directors, their commitment to our mission runs deep.
This is what it looks like when faith turns into action.
More Than Just a Summer Trip
Summer camp isn’t just a week away from home for our kids. It’s laughter echoing through the trees. It’s new friendships. It’s a chance to just be a kid, without the weight of everything they’ve carried.
La Prada’s summer camp has given our children exactly that for three straight years. And this year? We’re hoping to go back again.
These experiences matter. They create space for healing. They plant seeds of joy that sometimes take months to bloom. And when a church opens their camp to children who’ve known instability, they’re saying something powerful without words: you belong here.
Supporting Through the Truck Route
The Sunny Glen truck route is one of those behind-the-scenes ministries that keeps everything running. Churches and community members donate goods, and our truck picks them up. It’s practical. It’s tangible. It’s love showing up in cardboard boxes and grocery bags.
La Prada Drive Church of Christ contributes to this route regularly. They understand that caring for children means meeting real needs, day after day. Sometimes it’s even household items. Always, it’s a reminder that we’re not doing this work alone.
This kind of partnership reflects the heart of what it means to serve together. No fanfare. Just faithfulness.
Leadership That Lives the Mission
Brad Fisher isn’t just a deacon at La Prada. He’s also on our Board of Directors here at Sunny Glen. That kind of dual commitment doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when someone sees the mission and decides they’re all in.
Having Brad’s leadership and perspective at the table makes us better. He brings wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of both congregational life and the needs of vulnerable children. That bridge between church and ministry strengthens everything we do.
When board members come from congregations that actively support our work, it creates alignment. Vision becomes shared. Goals become collective. And the children benefit from that unity in ways both seen and unseen.
What We Believe About Partnership
At Sunny Glen, we know we can’t do this work in isolation. Our ministries and services exist because of a network of churches, individuals, and organizations who believe what we believe: that every child deserves healing, hope, and a future.
For more than 90 years, we’ve been grounded in Christian faith. That foundation shapes how we care for the 25,000-plus children who’ve come through our doors since 1936. It shapes how we approach trauma. It shapes how we talk about God’s love with kids who’ve wondered if anyone sees them.
Partnerships like the one we have with La Prada remind us that the body of Christ is bigger than any single ministry. We each play a part. And when we do it together, something beautiful happens.
The Ripple Effect of Faithful Support
Here’s what we’ve learned: when a church invests in children, the impact doesn’t stop at childhood. It ripples out into families, communities, and generations.
The kids who attend camp at La Prada don’t just have fun for a week. They experience what it feels like to be welcomed. They see faith lived out in real time. They encounter adults who show up, who care, who stick around.
Those moments become anchors. When life gets hard again—and it will—they remember. They remember the people who believed in them. They remember the church that said yes when they needed a place to belong.
Why This Kind of Support Matters
Residential care is complex. Our children come to us carrying stories we wish they didn’t have to tell. Through counseling, consistent care, weekly Bible studies, and programs like the Poenisch Counseling Center and Allen House Supervised Independent Living, we walk with them toward healing.
But we can’t do it alone. We need churches like La Prada who understand that caring for “the least of these” isn’t optional. It’s central to what it means to follow Jesus.
When congregations support ministries like ours, they extend their reach beyond their own walls. They become part of a larger story of redemption. They invest in futures they may never see fully realized this side of heaven. And that’s exactly the kind of faith that changes lives.
A Relationship Built to Last
Three years of summer camp. Ongoing truck route support. Board leadership. This isn’t a one-time partnership. It’s a commitment. And we’re deeply grateful.
Who We Are at Sunny Glen is shaped by relationships like this one. We’re a children’s home, yes. But we’re also a community of people who believe that every child can heal, that hope is real, and that God’s love reaches into the darkest places.
La Prada Drive Church of Christ embodies that belief through action. They show up. They give. They serve. And in doing so, they remind our kids that they’re not alone.
Conclusion: Gratitude and an Invitation
We’re thankful for La Prada Drive Church of Christ and the many ways they’ve partnered with Sunny Glen Children’s Home. From summer camp memories to steady support and faithful leadership, they’ve shown what it means to love children well.
If you’re part of a congregation or community wondering how to make a difference, consider this your invitation. Get involved with our mission. Contact the team to learn more about how you can partner with us. We can build a village that surrounds hurting children with the love and care they deserve.
How long has Sunny Glen Children’s Home been serving children?
Sunny Glen was founded in 1936, which means we’ve been caring for children for more than 90 years. Over that time, we’ve served more than 25,000 children who’ve come to us from difficult situations. Our mission has remained consistent: to provide healing and hope through God’s love, while helping children overcome trauma and build new futures. Every decade has brought changes, but our commitment to each child has never wavered.
What programs does Sunny Glen offer beyond residential care?
We offer a range of programs designed to meet different needs. Our residential program provides long-term care in a safe, structured environment. The Poenisch Counseling Center offers professional therapy services. Allen House provides supervised independent living for older youth preparing for adulthood. We also work with refugee children and families. Each program is designed to address trauma, build resilience, and point children toward hope through consistent care and faith-based support.
How can churches partner with Sunny Glen Children’s Home?
Churches can partner with us in several meaningful ways. Many congregations participate in our truck route by donating goods and supplies. Others offer summer camp experiences for our children, host groups for visits, or provide volunteer support. Financial contributions help sustain our programs and services. Some churches have members who serve on our board or volunteer regularly. Every form of partnership matters, and we welcome conversations about how your congregation can get involved in supporting vulnerable children.
What role does faith play in Sunny Glen’s approach to care?
Faith is central to everything we do at Sunny Glen. We hold weekly church services and Bible studies, giving children opportunities to learn about God’s love in age-appropriate ways. Our staff approaches each child with the belief that healing is possible and that every person has inherent worth. We integrate biblical principles into daily life, not as rules to follow, but as a foundation for understanding identity, worth, and hope. Faith gives context to the healing process and reminds children they’re never alone.
How can I support the children at Sunny Glen if I’m not part of a church?
You don’t have to be part of a congregation to make a difference. Individual volunteers are always welcome, and we offer various opportunities to serve based on your skills and availability. Financial donations directly support the care and programs we provide. You can also participate in fundraising events, donate items through our wish list, or simply spread the word about our mission. Every act of support helps create stability and hope for children who desperately need both.