Latest news with #KristineAllard
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Freedom Credit Union pledges to Square One's capital campaign
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Freedom Credit Union has pledged $7,500 to Square One's 'Back to Square One' capital campaign, furthering its commitment to community development. The donation will help support early childhood education in western Mass. and fund Square One's new early learning and family support center in Springfield's South End. Healey administration awards affordable housing internet grants to western Mass. communities The planned 26,000-square-foot facility is being built on the same site where Square One's original building stood before it was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. The new campus is scheduled to open next month. 'This gift represents Freedom Credit Union'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 Freedom Credit Union and everyone who has supported our campaign.' Since launching the campaign in March 2023, Square One has raised more than $13 million toward the construction of its new facility. However, the organization's rapid growth has already created a new challenge: a need for more space. To help address the space limitations, Balise Auto donated a nearby unoccupied building adjacent to the construction site. That structure requires an estimated $4 million in renovations, which will begin once construction of the new main campus is complete. 'We are proud to support the important work Square One does every day to help children and families in our community grow and thrive,' said Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch. 'Their vision to effect meaningful change that results in more promising futures for children, families, and our community closely reflects our own cooperative spirit.' Square One has seen rising demand for its family support services, a reflection of its growing impact in the region. The expansion of facilities is a strategic move to ensure continued support for Springfield-area families through high-quality education, care, and comprehensive family resources. The 'Back to Square One' campaign continues to accept donations as it pushes forward with renovations and programming expansion. 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.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Bank announces renewal of 'Adopt-A-Classroom' sponsorship
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Berkshire Bank leaders announced the renewal of its 'Adopt-A-Classroom' sponsorship by presenting the donation to Square One staff and preschool students on Monday. Square One received a $5,000 gift from the company's officials, including the regional president and foundation head, emphasizing Berkshire Bank's support towards early childhood education. The donation will be used to offset the costs of classroom supplies, technology, and professional development. This is the quirkiest city in Massachusetts 'Developing the next generation of leaders takes many hands,' said Square One Vice President of Development & Communication, Kristine Allard. 'We are so grateful to Berkshire Bank and all of the wonderful supporters who share in our mission and vision, by providing our children with all the tools and resources they need to be successful.' Square One was founded in 1883 and has been committed to providing high-quality education to children starting from a young age. The program currently provides daily learning services to over 500 infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. 'We are so pleased to support the important work of Square One because we know that investing in the education and development of our children today will help create a better tomorrow in the Pioneer Valley and beyond,' said Jim Hickson, Berkshire Bank Pioneer Valley Regional President. To learn more about Square One or to make a donation, visit 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.
