The Sunshine Project was initiated in 1997 by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, Catherine “Kitty" Kimball. While visiting with some elementary school teachers, Justice Kimball was told by one teacher that she tried to say a kind word to every student each day because, for some, it was the only kind word the child would hear. Touched by the thought of these children, Justice Kimball called on two friends for help, Dr. Sally Clausen, then President of Southeastern University, and Shirley Porter, a psychotherapist, and former kindergarten teacher. After consulting with early childhood education experts, they decided that a book was the best avenue to reach the most children. Shirley Porter wrote and donated the book, You Are Sunshine, which addresses issues that affect a child's self-esteem, mental and physical health, and also offers information for parents and caregivers on ways to build a positive self-concept in young children. The illustrations were created and donated by a professional artist, Lisa Homan-Conger. Louisiana's First Lady Alice Foster consulted on the book and adopted the "Sunshine Project” as one of her major statewide initiatives. 

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Through corporate and individual donations, a copy of You Are Sunshine has been given to kindergarten children in public, private, and parochial schools in Louisiana each year beginning with the 1998-1999 school year. With the help of the Bell South Pioneers Organization for the first two years, You Are Sunshine was distributed. Since then the Louisiana National Guard handled distribution, and now the Louisana Sherriff's association.

 

A non-profit public Foundation has been formed to ensure that the distribution continues. It is The Sunshine Foundation's goal to produce and distribute other specially written books addressing issues of older children. 

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In 2003, with the help of CAFA- Confederation of Association of Families Acadian Inc., You Are Sunshine was translated into French and 5,000 copies were printed for use of our French immersion students. More recently, You Are Sunshine was translated into Spanish for use in immersion programs.