In 1991, the First Lutheran Church saw the need for a quality preschool and daycare center in Floresville. With a vision and a prayer, Sonshine Ark began on January 1, 1992 with an enrollment of 9 children. Russell Boening was President of First Lutheran Church that year, “…admittedly I was apprehensive at first. I believe that whenever a new venture is undertaken, being cautious is important, especially something like a daycare operated by a church. However, after much discussion with council and church members and prayers, it became very obvious that this was a great opportunity for discipleship for our church and community. I'm glad our church had the foresight and willingness to do it!" It ended the first year with a total enrollment of 32 full-time children, 31 drop-in students, and a staff of 10. Landra Haug was the first director of the center and stayed in that position until early 1994. The center began in the old parsonage located next to the church. In late 1992, the old fellowship house was opened to permit more children to attend. In February of 1994, Vickie Rodgers become the director and is still in that position today. “Sonshine Ark is like my extended family; the children, parents, grandparents are so important to me, and I love watching the children grow. I learn so many things from the children and someday I’m going to write a book, entitled, ‘From the Director’s Chair.’ Sonshine Ark has a great legacy to leave to our future generations. We now have children in the center whose parents were in the center as children.” The Preschool and Daycare moved to its current location in July of 1997 and allowed all classes to be under one roof for the first time since Sonshine Ark began. Since the very beginning, the Sonshine Ark director and staff have strived to promote the ministry of First Lutheran Church in our community. The goal is to not only provide a safe haven for children but to provide a nurturing, loving, caring center for the children who have been entrusted to our care. The children and staff participate in fundraisers such as the St. Jude’s Trike-A-Thon and learn the importance of giving back. The children love to walk down to the Floresville Nursing Center and visit the residents especially at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. The children also participate in story time at the Wilson County Library and love when First Lutheran’s Vacation Bible School rolls around every summer. They also enjoy chapel with Pastor John every Thursday. Over the years enrollment has continued to increase and we are blessed to have approximately so many families as part of our family. Our staff has also increased from 10 to 29 with so many wonderful teachers. They truly are what makes Sonshine Ark such a wonderful place. Many of them have been here for over 10 years, some even since the beginning. Sonshine Ark is providing many families in Floresville and Wilson County with a loving, Christian preschool and daycare. We hope to remain an important part of many families in Floresville throughout the coming years.
