SonShine Club to launch second location at Lake Bowen Baptist Church
March 25, 2026
SonShine Club, a local nonprofit ministry serving adults with special needs and their families, will open a second location at Lake Bowen Baptist Church in Inman beginning April 18, 2026.
For 15 years, SonShine Club has provided a welcoming space for adults with special needs, lovingly called “Friends,” and support for their caregivers. What began as a small gathering has grown into a ministry now serving more than 100 adults with special needs across the Upstate.
SonShine Club hosts gatherings twice a month known as “Super Saturdays,” where participants enjoy Bible lessons, lunch, music, games, crafts, and fellowship with their peers at no cost. The program also offers caregivers valuable respite time, helpful resources, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges.
“As we have grown, we’ve seen how great the need is in our community,” said Shannon Batson, Executive Director. “Many families want to participate, but distance and limited space have made it difficult. Opening a second location allows us to reach more families while also improving the experience for those we already serve.”
The new Inman location will allow SonShine Club to divide attendance between its current home at First Baptist Spartanburg and Lake Bowen Baptist Church. Both locations will operate simultaneously with the same schedule and program structure, helping to ease crowding and create environments that allow for more personal connections, calmer spaces, and more meaningful ministry.
“Our heart has always been to ensure that every Friend feels seen, accepted, and loved — and that caregivers feel supported and confident while their loved ones are with us,” Batson added. “The expansion will also create additional volunteer opportunities for churches and community members who have a heart for disability ministry.”
For many families, SonShine Club provides one of the few spiritual and social opportunities available after individuals age out of school-based programs.
Community members interested in volunteering or learning more about the ministry are encouraged to get involved.
About SonShine Club
SonShine Club is a faith-based ministry dedicated to serving adults with special needs and supporting their caregivers by providing spiritual growth, fellowship, resources, activities, and a welcoming place where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and love.
