A room built with dignity: How Sunshine on a Ranney Day transforms homes and lives

For families raising a child with significant disabilities, the places most of us take for granted, like bathrooms and bedrooms, can become daily challenges that require strength, strategy, and constant caution.

But an Atlanta-area nonprofit is changing that equation one space, one family, one transformation at a time.

Sunshine on a Ranney Day is a Roswell-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in renovating homes for children with special needs. The organization creates wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, custom dream bedrooms, and in-home therapy spaces tailored to a child’s mobility and medical needs, all at no cost to families.

The nonprofit was founded in 2012 by Peter Ranney and his wife, Holly, after a sermon inspired them to take action. 

Their first project was for a young boy battling a terminal illness who dreamed of having a military-themed bedroom. That transformation showed the Ranneys how powerful a personalized space could be, not just for comfort, but for dignity and joy.

Since then, the organization has completed dozens of large-scale renovations across Georgia, partnering with donors, contractors, designers, and volunteers to make each project possible.

When the nonprofit recently surprised Adrian with his new accessible bathroom and bedroom, the details reflected exactly who he is.

“Everything. He loves blue, so we have blue in the maps; he loves zebras, so we have zebras everywhere. He loves Puerto Rico. And we have Taylor Swift in the back, he loves Taylor Swift,” said his mom, Cynthia.

For Adrian, who was born extremely premature during Hurricane Katrina and has faced significant medical challenges throughout his life, the renovation means more than décor. It means independence.

For Cynthia, it means safety.

“It’s easier to carry him from one place to another. When I move him, I don’t have to carry him a long distance. When I take him out of the shower, and he’s all wet, I don’t have to worry about dropping him or both of us falling. So the fact that everything is confined within the bathroom and is safe is the best thing ever,” she said. 

The newly renovated space includes a roll-in shower, accessibility features, and a layout designed to reduce physical strain and risk. For the first time, Adrian can enter his bedroom in his wheelchair.

Sunshine on a Ranney Day focuses on families who are already facing overwhelming medical expenses and physical demands. By redesigning the most challenging spaces in a home, the nonprofit eases daily routines that many people never have to think twice about.

For families receiving a makeover, the impact is deeply emotional.

“There’s no word for it. I am just beyond grateful. This is amazing. And I pray every day for everyone who has done everything to make this so gorgeous,” said Cynthia. 

Sunshine on a Ranney Day accepts applications from families across Georgia who have a child with special needs and significant financial hardship. Families must own their homes and be willing to participate in the renovation process. 

The nonprofit also operates a home furnishings store in Roswell called Sunny and Ranney, where proceeds support future makeovers.

Sunshine on a Ranney Day is not just renovating rooms. It is restoring independence and bringing relief to families who need it most.