Latest news with #BerkshireBankFoundation
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank recognizes employee for over 400 hours of volunteering
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Berkshire Bank employee has been recognized as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for her generosity and dedication to volunteer work within the community. On Wednesday, the bank announced that Vice President and Consumer Lending Compliance Officer Heather Hans was selected for this year's award as part of National Volunteer Week. Hans received this honor in recognition of her participation in a variety of company-sponsored events and organizations, and her donation of over 400 hours in 2024 to volunteering. Celebrate office heroes on National Administrative Professionals Day Berkshire Bank said that in 2024, 100% of employees volunteered in their communities, a milestone for the company. Over 11,500 hours of service were put into more than 250 company-sponsored projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and Rhode Island. 'Helping others doesn't have to be a big gesture,' Hans said. 'I believe it's the little things that make the difference, and Berkshire does too, which is why I'm so grateful to work at this organization. That's who we are.' Nineteen other employees were honored for volunteering over 150 hours in 2024 as members of the 2025 Volunteer Honor Roll. To show appreciation for Hans' dedication, the Berkshire Bank Foundation said it plans to make a $1,000 contribution to the American Cancer Society of the Capital Region of New York, one of the organizations Hans volunteered for the most. Each member of the 2025 Honor Roll will also select a nonprofit for the foundation to donate $250 to. 'Our 2025 Volunteer of the Year is a shining example of Berkshire's values in action,' said Lori Kiely, Managing Director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. 'Her commitment to giving back to our communities is what we mean when we say, 'Where you bank matters.' Supporting our communities is a key component of our culture across the organization.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank grants $20K in support of Square One's campaign
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Berkshire Bank Foundation recently awarded $20,000 to the 'Back to Square One' capital campaign to support their mission to invest in education and economic mobility. EPA climate grant freeze impacts Springfield funding that includes combatting asthma Square One is the region's oldest non-profit organization that is committed to providing all children and families the chance to succeed in school, work, and life. They do this by producing educational programs, family support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. The non-profit announced in March of 2023 its plans to expand access to high-quality early learning and care for children and families. Since then, the 'Back to Square One' capital campaign has successfully secured over $13 million to build a new early learning and family support center in Springfield's south end, which is slated to open in June. The new center will be the same location where Square One once stood before the 2011 tornado. 'This gift represents Berkshire Bank's strong support for our mission and vision for the future of the families who live and work here,' says Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication for Square One. 'We know that our new campus will play a vital role in positioning our region's young children for long-term success. We are so grateful to our friends at Berkshire Bank for all they do for Square One and so many other charitable organizations in the Pioneer Valley.' 'When we invest in the communities that we serve, we know it helps strengthen the neighborhoods where we all live and work,' said Lori Kiely, Managing Director, Berkshire Bank Foundation. 'Square One delivers inclusive access to vital services that prepare the next generation to fulfill its potential and contribute to the success and vibrancy of our community.' Jim Hickson, Berkshire Bank's Regional President in the Pioneer Valley, agreed: 'Square One 's new facilities are critical to ensuring it can continue to address the growing needs of our region's children and families, delivering research-based solutions, and developing needed services that promote education, health, safety, holistic development and self-reliance.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
