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THE FIRST BANK DONATES $20,000 TO SUNNYBROOK CHILDREN'S HOME
The First Bank recently donated $20,000 to Sunnybrook Children’s Home in Ridgeland, Mississippi to help provide housing for foster children within the state. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Sunnybrook provides safe and nurturing homes for foster children who have or will soon age out of the foster care system. Through programming, staffing and facilities, the children’s home ministers to transitional-age youth with a goal of providing the tools they need to succeed and thrive as engaged members of their communities.
“Whether they are educating and equipping young adults to achieve independence, providing professional counseling services or simply offering basic amenities like food and shelter, Sunnybrook Children’s Home has done great work for our state’s most vulnerable population for over six decades now,” said Billy Brunt, market president for The First Bank. “The First Bank is committed to helping our communities thrive, and the best way to accomplish this goal is to start with our youngest and most impressionable population.”
Serving youth ages 16 to 20 years of age, the majority of Sunnybrook’s residents come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have varying needs served by high school equivalency educational programs as well as career training programs. In addition, the children’s home collaborates with local churches to form unique resources for caring for children outside of professional counseling offered to support children throughout their foster journey. By offering a family-living environment, Sunnybrook emphasizes personal responsibility, positive communication and effective decision-making.
“Thanks to the support of generous donors and sponsors like The First Bank, Sunnybrook Children’s Home is able to provide a safe and nurturing home for children throughout our state who have virtually nowhere else to go for help,” said Ron Veazey, director of advancement for Sunnybrook Children’s Home. “I am proud of the contributions of each of our team members, volunteers, sponsors and donors who make it possible for our organization to live out our motto of ‘making a difference, one life at a time,’ each and every day.”