Picture This

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Course of Action

This spring, Clinical & Support Options’ Friends of the Homeless program received a $1,001.80 donation from students in the Advanced Public Relations class in Westfield State University’s Communication Department. As part of their coursework, the class created and implemented a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Friends of the Homeless. 

Pictured: students are joined by Janice Humason, director of Case Management & Housing Placements at Friends of the Homeless (center); Professor Suzanne Boniface (third from right); and Sabine Macris Klein, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Westfield State (far right).

Community Grants

More than 100 nonprofit leaders representing 40 organizations across the Pioneer Valley came together on May 13 at Florence Bank’s annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program reception to network and accept a total of $150,000 in awards. The annual event took place at the Garden House in Look Park in Florence. The grant program was founded in 2002, and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. 

Pictured: representatives from the bank and Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, which received a $2,368 grant.

Reps for Rescue

Through their Reps for Rescue fundraiser in April, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Bree and Sam Wiater, owners of CrossFit Rift Valley, raised $2,400 for the Foundation for TJO Animals. The event included a series of workout sessions for all skill levels, as well as local vendors, food trucks, and raffles. The funds raised support much-needed veterinary care, rehabilitation, enrichment materials, and services for local animals on a journey to find their forever homes. 

Pictured, from left: Gulluni, Bree and Sam Wiater, and Foundation for TJO Animals Executive Director Janna Brown. (Photo by Chris Marion Photography)

Back to Square One

Freedom Credit Union recently announced a $7,500 donation to Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign for its new campus. Since its launch two years ago, the campaign has succeeded in securing more than $13 million to build a new early learning and family support center in Springfield’s South End, at the same location where Square One once stood prior to the 2011 tornado. 

Pictured, from left: Kris Allard of Square One, Charlene Smolkowicz of Freedom Credit Union, Dawn DiStefano of Square One, and Glenn Welch of Freedom Credit Union.

Shelter from Financial Storms

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army’s Ware/Monson Area Housing Assistance Program. This contribution will directly assist local individuals and families experiencing housing instability. The donation was presented by Dan Moriarty (right), Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, and Heather Arbour (left), vice president BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager, and longtime Salvation Army volunteer, to Wilfred Leslie (center), Service Extension director for the Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division. The funds will be used to provide assistance with rent, utilities, and emergency housing needs.

The donation was presented by Dan Moriarty (right), Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, and Heather Arbour (left), vice president BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager, and longtime Salvation Army volunteer, to Wilfred Leslie (center), Service Extension director for the Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division.

Welcome to Westfield

Leaders from Baystate Health, Baystate Noble Hospital, and other community partners recently gathered at Baystate Noble Hospital to welcome new President and Chief Operating Officer Brandon Okezie. Peter Banko, Baystate Health’s president and CEO, and Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe introduced Okezie, who, prior to this appointment, served as associate administrator at George Washington University Hospital, a 385-bed, tertiary-care, academic medical center located in downtown Washington, D.C. 

Pictured, from left: McCabe, Okezie, and Banko.