Programs Director Taina Sanon spoke with Tim Lemberger of Project Sunshine, a member organization of Nonprofit New York. We will continue to highlight the work of our members because we believe when your nonprofit is stronger, all of us are stronger.
Tell me about the organization and what you do.
Project Sunshine is an international nonprofit that brings play and joy to pediatric patients. We serve patients facing any medical challenge – mental or physical, chronic or acute. We work with a corps of over 20,000 community, college and corporate volunteers. Project Sunshine supports children across the United States, and in Canada, Israel, Kenya and China. In the U.S, we partner with over 425 hospitals and medical centers.
How many are on your team?
25
Servicing how many of the nonprofit population?
200,000+ patients and families each year.
Where do you see your organization in the next five years or ten years?
Project Sunshine, like many nonprofits, has had to be innovative in how we deliver services to pediatric patients and their families during the pandemic. In 2020 we developed a new program, TelePlay, that provides play and activities, as well as human connection, through Zoom. We will continue to assess, develop and implement services to pediatric patients in the best ways possible.
How has partnering with Nonprofit New York helped you succeed?
Nonprofit New York has provided information and resources to support continuous improvement and best practices. Our staff has attended the annual conference and workshops for continuing education in key areas. We have also participated in networking opportunities with Nonprofit New York. Personally, I have served the past year on the Selection Committee of the Nonprofit Excellence Awards, which provided me the opportunity to learn how other nonprofits are implementing best practices, as well as connect with a number of amazing nonprofit leaders.
What are you currently working on that you want us to mention to our membership?
Project Sunshine's TelePlay program was created in response to the pandemic. For other organizations that work with pediatric patients, please do reach out to us. We would love to partner to bring our new TelePlay program to as many children as possible. Learn more at ProjectSunshine.org.