Updates
For more information please call (785) 232-0315 or (785) 271-7112.

Vision & Mission
The Sunshine Connection is dedicated to serving consumers with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) who are in recovery, during times when professional services are not available (evenings, weekends, holidays). To empower consumers with the resources, skills and training necessary to achieve a productive role within the community. To provide community education regarding SPMI for the purpose of reducing the stigma attached to our consumers. The Sunshine Connection provides a safe environment for consumers to socialize, receive skill-focused training, and participate in opportunities to develop leadership, education, training and research skills that are designed to impact program development.

Primary Programs and Activities
The population of Shawnee County is 165,976. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 homeless persons and that there are between 700 and 1,300 with a SPMI diagnosis. Topeka State Hospital closed in May of 1997 and now the Menninger Foundation in Topeka has closed. With these hospital closures there has been an increased need for consumers in the community to have support in order to remain outside of Osawatomie State Hospital. The Sunshine Connection is unique in Shawnee County in that it is run by consumers, for consumers. Consumers are very helpful to one another. The Sunshine Connection tries to be open during times when people are more likely to be isolated and traditional mental health services are not available. Contributing to this isolation is a lack of transportation, with which the "Connection" is able to help.

The Sunshine Connection has helped with the reintegration of consumers from Osawatomie State Hospital into the community. Many consumers feel “stuck” in the role of patient, lacking the opportunity to assume new roles as volunteers, leaders, or employees. The Sunshine Connection is aware of these problems and tries to address these needs.

The Sunshine Connection will be open every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., every Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Connection will also be open for special events and selected holidays.

Contact Information
Judy Thompson, Executive Director
1023 SW 8th Street
Topeka, KS 66606
(785) 232-0315 or (785) 271-7112
sunshineconnection@yahoo.com