Talking with Debi Fideli-Robinson,
founder of the Sunshine Center
By Chuck Gibson
LOVELAND, OH (March 31, 2023) – We don’t always get to choose our path in life, but we can choose to let the sun shine on the path we are given.
Debi Fideli-Robinson, Founder of Sunshine Center and mother of Sami Sunshine (Provided)
Debi Fideli-Robinson is a perfect example of that. She chose to become a mother, but her first-born daughter Sami has taken her on a path she could never have chosen. She planned to be a mom, never a writer, but Sami’s story turned her into an author. You may recall her story which first appeared here on Loveland Beacon two years ago in April of 2021: Milford Mom Releases First Book. The book, Stripped, Stretched & Strengthened, tells the story of her daughter Sami Sunshine and the life lessons learned from raising a “special needs” child into a “special needs” adult and all the challenges and blessings that come along with it.
Fast forward these two years from the book release story to 2023 and we find Debi and her daughter Sami Sunshine at the Sunshine Center in Milford, Ohio. The Sunshine Center, located on S.R. 131 near the intersection of Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road serves as a center for special needs adults Monday – Friday. It is not a daycare center.
CLICK HERE NOW to listen in as Debi Fideli-Robinson shares the story of the Sunshine Center and how they serve adults with special needs members. (Runs approx- 21 min)
The Sunshine Center provides opportunities for the adult members to reach for their highest level of functioning. Sure, they play games and go on field trips, but they also grow and harvest a garden; producing products for sale. Along with Debi Fideli-Robinson, mother of Sami, author of Stripped, Stretched & Strengthened, founder of Sami Sunshine Foundation and Sunshine Center, the staff includes two direct support professionals. Haley Powers is a Direct Support Professional and Director of Creativity & Fun while Maddie Mundy, also a Direct Support Professional is their Garden Specialist
Entrance to Sunshine Center on S.R. 131 in Milford, Ohio (Chuck Gibson)
Sami Sunshine with professional support staff member Maddy Mundy (Chuck Gibson)
Sunshine Center Outdoor plant house from which harvested plants create products for sale. (Chuck Gibson)
The Sunshine Center provides opportunities for the adult members to reach for their highest level of functioning. Sure, they play games and go on field trips, but they also grow and harvest a garden; producing products for sale. Along with Debi Fideli-Robinson, mother of Sami, author of Stripped, Stretched & Strengthened, founder of Sami Sunshine Foundation and Sunshine Center, the staff includes two direct support professionals. Haley Powers is a Direct Support Professional and Director of Creativity & Fun while Maddie Mundy, also a Direct Support Professional is their Garden Specialist.
CLICK HERE NOW to listen in as Debi Fideli-Robinson shares the story of the Sunshine Center and how they serve adults with special needs members. (Runtime:Approx 21:00 min)
Sunshine Center
- 1159 State Route 131- Milford, OH 45150
- Open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m.
- More about the Sunshine Center at: https://www.samisunshine.org/
- The book – “Stripped Stretched & Strengthened: All Things Work Together for Good” is available from Amazon.com CLICK HERE to buy the book.
Coming up for Sami Sunshine:
- 3rd Annual Sami Sunshine Fundraiser
- Dinner Banquet – Terrace Park Country Club- 5341 S. Milford Rd – Milford, OH
- Saturday, April 22, 2023 – 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Tickets: $50 per person or $400 for table of 8
- Proceeds support adults with special needs
- Call 513-616-6345 or email: BeLikeSam22@gmail.com
