Two Door County non-profits, Sunshine Resources and P.A.T.H. held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate their exciting new partnership. Together, they will unite services to support those with special needs in the community and help to facilitate a seamless transition for them for every stage of life.

Families from both organizations and members of the community gathered to mark the occasion. Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Josh VanLieshout expressed his appreciation of the hard work organizers put into the plans and the crowd cheered as the ribbon was cut.

“I am so grateful, so blessed, to have the opportunity to bring two organizations together that have such similar missions and what it does, it gives us the ability to be more present - fully present - to families, especially in those moments of transition,” said Barry Metzentine, CEO of Sunshine Resources.

Attendees were given light blue commemorative t-shirts and treated to tours of the facility and refreshments. Throughout the event, everyone was buzzing with excitement, including Deb Doyle of P.A.T.H, who was touched to see the amount of community support. 

“I think it’s a great day; the kids really connected and I’m just thrilled and pleased that we are going to take it to another level,” said Doyle, “I’m just excited for our families and I know my families are excited because many of them are in that transition age where the kids are 13-14 and are wondering what’s coming next; now it’s the planning phase.” 

Sunshine Resource’s Director of Business Development, Jeremy Paszczak agreed, saying the joining of forces will be beneficial for everyone who utilizes their services.

“This is such a great moment for both organizations,” Paszczak added, “both the youth program and adult program coming together just opens up the door for so many possibilities for individuals with disabilities but we look at the mentorship that our adult clients can do for the younger generation and help them learn how to be supportive and understand what they’re capable of doing as they grow up into those adult years.”

Through their merger, both organizations will assist individuals age 3 throughout adulthood to focus on youth services, transition services for high school graduates, adult services for vocational training and job placement, as well as family support and advocacy for self-sufficiency.