About Us

The Sunshine Social Club (SSC) is a welcoming, community-based program in Prior Lake that empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build friendships, develop life skills, and experience a true sense of belonging.

SSC began with one mother’s determination to create something better – not only for her daughter, but for countless families facing the same challenge. When Leslie’s daughter, Abby, aged out of her post-high school transition program at age 22, the structure, friendships, and sense of purpose she had always known disappeared almost overnight. Leslie quickly realized Abby was not alone. Across the community, families were encountering the same painful gap and asking the same question: What comes next?

Rather than accept that reality, Leslie set out to build the place she wished existed for her daughter – a place filled with connection, learning, and joy. That vision became The Sunshine Social Club: an activities-based program where young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can form meaningful friendships, learn and practice new skills, volunteer in the community, and feel valued for who they are.

Everything we do at SSC reflects Leslie’s original hope – that every young adult deserves more than somewhere to go. They deserve a place to belong, to grow, and to shine.