The Story of Sunnyside Village
For more than five decades, Sunnyside Village has been a place where faith, care, and connection come together to create a truly special home for older adults. What began as a humble vision has grown into a vibrant, full-service senior living campus, offering comfort, purpose, and belonging at every stage of life.
A Vision Born of Faith
The Sunnyside story began over 50 years ago with Will Overholt, a man with a heart for service and a deep Christian faith. He envisioned a place where older adults could live with dignity while experiencing Christ’s love firsthand. Guided by prayer and supported by the Sunnyside Beachy-Amish Mennonite Church, Mr. Overholt purchased thirty-one and a half acres in the heart of Florida. In 1968, Sunnyside Rest Home opened as a 49-bed facility, providing compassionate care in a warm, Christian environment. After nearly a decade of successful operation, the founding board ensured the mission of “Christian care for the aged” would continue. The facility was entrusted to a nonprofit, Mennonite church-related organization — the same guiding force behind Sunnyside Village today.
Growing with Purpose
Over the years, Sunnyside Village has expanded thoughtfully to meet the diverse needs of seniors at every stage of life. From our early beginnings as a 49-bed rest home, we now offer a full continuum of care, ensuring residents can remain in a familiar, nurturing environment as their needs change.
Residential Living in the Village
Our Residential Living apartments, villas, and duplexes provide seniors with freedom, comfort, and a vibrant lifestyle in a charming neighborhood setting. Residents enjoy the convenience of maintenance-free living while staying active, engaged, and socially connected.
Assisted Living at The Manor
Assisted Living offers additional support for those who need help with daily activities, while maintaining independence and dignity. Residents receive personalized care plans in a warm, welcoming environment designed to foster confidence and security.
Memory Care at Shepherd’s Landing
Memory Care at Shepherd’s Landing, guided by the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® program, empowers residents living with memory impairment to thrive with purpose and confidence. Our approach emphasizes meaningful activities, independence, and connection in a supportive, respectful environment.
Health & Rehabilitation
Our Health & Rehabilitation Center provides expert short-term rehabilitation and therapy to restore strength, mobility, and independence. Residents receive personalized, person-centered care in a modern, home-like setting that encourages comfort and healing.
Skilled Nursing
For those needing longer-term care, our Skilled Nursing services provide comprehensive support with compassion and dignity. Our highly trained team delivers attentive care while promoting resident well-being and quality of life.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care ensures comfort, dignity, and compassionate support at every stage of life. Our team works closely with residents and families to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, providing peace of mind and reassurance.
Excellence Recognized
Sunnyside Village is proud to be consistently recognized as an award-winning senior living community, a distinction that reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence at every level of care. From Residential Living to Assisted Living, Memory Support, Health & Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, and Palliative Care, our focus is on delivering compassionate, personalized care that honors the dignity, independence, and well-being of every resident.
Our dedication to high standards has earned us the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Skilled Nursing, as well as repeated honors in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Community Choice Awards, Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes, U.S. News and World Reports Best Nursing Homes, and SRQ Magazine Best of Sarasota Awards, among others. These accolades are a testament not only to our beautiful campus but, more importantly, to the talented and caring staff who provide expert, heartfelt support each and every day. At Sunnyside, award-winning care isn’t just recognition, it’s our daily standard, lived through compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
A Place to Call Home
Residents enjoy a serene, tropical Florida setting on our 35-acre campus, with spaces for social engagement, creative activities, faith-based programs, and wellness opportunities.
Continuing the Legacy
The heart of Sunnyside Village has always been, and will always be, its people. From its founding over 50 years ago to today, our story is one of faith, dedication, and love for those we serve. Each day, residents, staff, and families contribute to a legacy of care that continues to grow, evolve, and inspire. At Sunnyside Village, everyone finds more than a place to live — they find a place to belong, to thrive, and to experience life to its fullest.
Our Mission
The Mission of Sunnyside Village is to honor God by enriching the lives of residents, staff and the community by providing homes, services and programs in a Christian environment.
Our Core Values
At Sunnyside Village, we strive to reflect Christ’s love in all we do — serving others with:
- Honesty
- Kindness
- Humility
- Joyfulness
- Gratefulness
Together, we carry forward a mission that began with faith and continues with purpose — creating a place where everyone feels valued, cared for, and truly at home.
Our Core Values
Sharing God’s love by serving others with honesty, kindness, humility, joyfulness, and gratefulness.
Lives Touched. Stories Shared.
Resident’s Words
“The special feeling of peace, the caring and the outstanding service makes Sunnyside Village such a great place to live!”
“Beautiful tree-lined streets, staff who go over and above the call of duty and residents are like one big happy family. I love this place.”
Every single person here is consistently kind, respectful, and compassionate. Living in this loving community is truly a glimpse of what heaven will be.
“The care from the Manor team is a blessing. Everyone has been welcoming, friendly, caring, and respectful. It’s such a relief to have the cleaning, dusting, and especially the vacuuming done. I don’t have to take out the trash anymore!“
“I am so blessed! My needs are beautifully met, and I am wonderfully cared for.”
“Sunnyside is above and beyond any other facility. The staff genuinely care and I’m totally at peace knowing that my mother is at Sunnyside.”
“Sunnyside exceeded everything I’ve known about nursing homes. The nursing team cared for my husband as though they were related to him – the staff is the reason I can sleep at night.”
My rehab care was terrific! The therapists were friendly with a positive attitude and gave wonderful encouragement with their thorough exercise plan. Leigh found ways to get the desired results in a wonderful way.”
“After multiple back surgeries with complications, the compassionate and dedicated therapy team created the best course of action for me. Through encouragement, they gave me the confidence not to give up. Sunnyside was the right choice, and I am happy with my results!”
“The hydro aqua therapy was amazing! I am looking forward to a complete recovery thanks to Tom and the team of physical therapists.”