Our Story

Born From Grief. Built For Healing.

SonShines & Dandelions Foundation was created from a place of deep personal loss, faith, love, and the desire to help other families survive the unimaginable pain of losing a child.

What began as one mother’s grief journey has grown into a mission of hope, healing, support, and community.

Chardnae Cleveland

Founder, SonShines & Dandelions Foundation

From Personal Loss To Purpose

Chardnae’s Story

SonShines & Dandelions Foundation began with a mother’s love and a loss that changed everything.

After losing her son, Chardnae Cleveland experienced the kind of grief that cannot be fully explained in words. In the middle of that pain, she also discovered how many parents and families are left trying to navigate loss without the emotional, spiritual, and practical support they need.

Through faith, prayer, and community, Chardnae began transforming her grief into purpose. SonShines & Dandelions Foundation was created to support other families who are walking through the unimaginable pain of losing a child or loved one.

This organization exists to remind grieving families that they are not forgotten, they are not alone, and their loved one’s light continues to shine.

SonShines & Dandelions Foundation was born from grief, but it is built on faith, compassion, hope, and healing.

Our Mission

Why We Exist

SonShines & Dandelions Foundation exists to provide faith-centered emotional, spiritual, and practical support to parents and families navigating the loss of a child.

Through grief support, ministry outreach, community resources, compassionate advocacy, and healing programs, we help families find hope, encouragement, and connection during life’s most difficult seasons.

Our Vision

What We Hope To Build

We envision a community where no grieving parent walks alone.

Our vision is to surround families impacted by loss with faith, compassion, healing, resources, and support while honoring the light and love of every child whose memory continues to shine.

Latoya Austin

Co-Founder, SonShines & Dandelions Foundation

A Mission Shared By Many

After the loss of my son, I began a personal journey through grief, healing, and faith. Through fellowship, community support, and the symbolism of the dandelion, I found hope during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Inspired by my own experience and the lack of support available during my grief journey, I helped establish SonShines & Dandelions Foundation to ensure that no parent or family has to grieve alone. My mission is to provide comfort, encouragement, resources, and hope while helping families honor the memory of their loved ones and find the strength to move forward one day at a time.

What Guides Us

Our Core Values

Everything we do is rooted in faith, compassion, and the belief that no family should have to face grief alone. These values guide our mission, our outreach, and the support we provide to grieving families.

Faith

We believe healing begins with faith, prayer, and spiritual encouragement that strengthens hearts during life’s most difficult moments.

Compassion

We meet families where they are with empathy, understanding, and genuine care, recognizing that every grief journey is unique.

Hope

Even in loss, hope can be restored. We strive to help families find light, purpose, and encouragement for the road ahead.

Community

Healing is strengthened through connection. We believe families deserve a supportive community that walks alongside them through grief.

Service

We are committed to serving families through practical assistance, outreach, support programs, and acts of compassion.

Remembrance

We honor the lives and legacies of children whose love continues to shine through the families, friends, and communities they touched.

The Meaning Behind The Name

Where Light, Love, And Healing Grow

The name SonShines & Dandelions carries deep meaning.

SonShines represents the light, love, and legacy of every child whose presence continues to shine in the hearts of the families who love them.

Dandelions represent resilience, remembrance, and hope. Even when scattered by the wind, they continue to grow, carrying life and meaning forward.

Together, SonShines & Dandelions reflects the heart of this foundation: helping families honor their loved ones, find strength through faith, and believe that healing can still grow after loss.

Become Part Of The Mission

Healing Happens In Community

SonShines & Dandelions Foundation was created to ensure that no family has to walk through grief alone.

Whether you are seeking support, looking for resources, interested in volunteering, or simply want to help another family find hope and healing, we invite you to connect with our growing community.