This month, Fuller Center’s East Campus had the pleasure of being joined by children’s book author and entertainer, Suzie Sunshine. Suzie returned not just as a guest, but as a parent whose life was forever touched by the goals and mission that catalyze everything done at the Fuller Center. 

More than 30 years ago, Suzie was introduced to the Fuller Center by her sister as a single mom to two young boys. As the sole provider for her household, Suzie faced the daily challenge of balancing work and caregiving. After leaving a career in banking to create a more flexible schedule, she needed a place where her children would be safe, supported, and nurtured throughout the day. At the Fuller Center, she found more than just reliable childcare—she found community.

“It made such a big difference in my life,” Suzie shared. “I wouldn’t have had the flexibility to raise my children the way that I did without that support.”

Beyond affordability, the Fuller Center provides resources that extend far beyond the classroom. Families were encouraged through guest speakers and programming designed to inspire growth and resilience, while children were nurtured with healthy meals and enriching daily experiences. Suzie recalls how those lessons carried over into her home life, shaping her children’s habits and values from an early age, and being the force behind their choosing broccoli over a cookie at meals. 

While her children were cared for, Suzie was able to dive headfirst into making a career out of her first love: music. With the stability and support at Fuller Center, she built a path forward. After getting married and moving to Canada, Suzie has developed her own music program for children six and under across Canada and parts of the United States, with the goal of teaching them everything she can about music.

Today, that legacy continues through her family. All three of her sons have gone on to become entrepreneurs, building successful careers while carrying forward the principles they learned as children—confidence, creativity, and what Suzie describes as a “spirit of winning.” 

Her story is a powerful reminder that the Fuller Center’s impact extends far beyond a single moment in time. By supporting families with the resources they need today, the organization helps create opportunities that last for generations. Suzie was gracious enough to give back to the Fuller Center by coming in to play music with some of the children, reading her books to them, and engaging in hands-on activities that taught them about beats and rhythm.