Estimated number of adults living in the US with autism.
Estimated number of autistic individuals who also have at least one anxiety disorder.
Of autistic teens and adults do not spend time with friends.
Of autistic children in the usa who also experience sleep disturbances.
Estimated costs of programs & services for autism by 2025.
Mary Sunshine House (MSH) was established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2017 by a group of visionaries working to make a difference for their autistic adult children. In the following years, a board was formed with a plan to model the program after a similar successful one in the California East Bay Area.
Seed money from Doris Buffett’s Sunshine Lady Foundation pushed the project forward, putting shape to a vision. The campus adjacent to Southern Wesleyan University was identified, and through the generosity of the Sunshine Lady Foundation and the University, Mary Sunshine House had a home.
COVID-19 put the growth of the project on hold; the uncertainty of the economy and supply chain problems made construction nearly impossible.
In August of 2022, renovations on our administrative building were completed. In April of 2023, renovations on our ten apartment units were completed. We had our first resident move in on September 1, 2023.
In October 2025, Mary Sunshine House is embracing a new mission— providing affordable housing for adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. This change expands our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive community where residents can rent their home and grow their independence.
Acknowledging that good luck does not shine equally on everyone, the Sunshine Lady Foundation invests in organizations and programs dedicated to providing opportunities for the advancement of education, well being
and new life choices for disadvantaged people with special empathy for the working poor and families in crisis.
Doris Buffett was known as the Sunshine Lady, a generous and empathetic philanthropist. Her childhood nickname was “Mary Sunshine,” after which our organization is named.
Nearby churches, universities, restaurants and shops with public transportation for easy access.
Evidence based curriculum and employment supports available with collaborative partners.
Encouragement to participate with local counselors for social skill development and relationship navigation.
Support staff to assist with recreational activities, self-advocacy, and emergencies.
Mailing Address:
402 Wesleyan Dr.
Central, SC 29630
Phone: (864) 865-4952
Email: info@marysunshinehouse.org