Dear Friends of Sunnybrook,
We’re writing to share some important news regarding a leadership transition at Sunnybrook. After more than six years of dedicated and effective service as Executive Director, Dr. Myrle Grate has accepted a new opportunity and will be stepping down from his role, effective Friday, July 18.
During his tenure, Dr. Grate has led Sunnybrook with compassion, vision, and strength helping expand our programs, deepen our impact, and strengthen our mission to serve vulnerable youth with excellence and grace.
A formal search for Sunnybrook’s next Executive Director will begin promptly, with a commitment to identifying a leader who will continue building on the strong foundation Dr. Grate helped shape.
Above all, we want to assure you that Sunnybrook’s mission remains as strong and focused as ever. For over 60 years, Sunnybrook has been a place of hope, healing, and opportunity and we are confident the best is yet to come.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and partnership as we move forward with faith and purpose.
With gratitude,
Sunnybrook Board of Directors
Key Information & FAQs
After more than six years of dedicated service, Myrle Grate will be stepping down as Executive Director of Sunnybrook. His final day will be Friday, July 18, 2025.
Myrle has accepted a new leadership opportunity and leaves on strong terms. His decision was made thoughtfully, with full transparency to the Board. There are no organizational or financial concerns prompting this change.
A national search for Sunnybrook’s next Executive Director will begin immediately, with support from the Board and outside advisors. The search process will prioritize mission alignment, leadership capacity, and a commitment to serving vulnerable youth.
No. All programs, services, and support for youth will continue without interruption. The staff remains committed, and the Board is actively guiding this transition.
We’re grateful for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support during this time of transition. If you have questions or would like to offer input, please contact our Administrative Office at (601) 856-6555.
The Legacy of Sunnybrook Lives On
“Sunnybrook was founded in 1963 to serve the greatest needs of the foster care community,” Grate said. “After 60 years of impact and evolution, we still embrace solving the complex challenges of the moment and we’re very proud of the stable, Christian, family environment we’ve built to uplift society’s most vulnerable members.”
Dr. Myrle Grate
Sunnybrook Receives Top Honor as 2024 Best Non-Profit
Since refocusing its mission in 2019, Sunnybrook has been a leader in helping transitional-age youth thrive—surpassing state and national benchmarks as we prepare young adults for life beyond foster care.
Honoring a Legacy, Embracing What’s Next.
As the search for Sunnybrook’s next Executive Director moves forward, we invite you to stay connected. Updates will be shared here on our website, across social media, and directly with our email subscribers.
Your prayers, encouragement, and input mean the world to us! Please don’t hesitate to contact us, and check back often as this exciting new chapter in Sunnybrook’s storied ministry unfolds.
Latest Posts
- Fostering Hope 5K Unites Community to Support Mississippi’s Foster Youth
- Sunnybrook Announces Leadership Transition
- Why Foster Youth Age Out, Not Up
- Planting a ‘Garden of Hope’: How One Eagle Scout Candidate is Helping Residents See Their Worth
- How one Sunnybrook Alum Stayed Close to the Organization