HOLYOKE — Citizens Bank announced the grand opening of its new branch at 1575 Northampton St. in Holyoke with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The branch, which has relocated from a previous in-store location at Stop & Shop, now resides in a standalone facility designed to enhance the customer experience. The new location features a larger footprint with multiple teller stations, three private offices, and a comfortable waiting area. One of its key highlights is the interactive teller machine (ITM), providing customers with real-time access to virtual banking assistants. The ITM is available in the drive-up area, ensuring accessibility for all.

“We are excited to open this modern branch and bring new conveniences to the residents and businesses of Holyoke,” said Yari Rodriguez, branch manager. “This space was designed with our customers in mind, offering advanced technology alongside in-person service to better meet their needs.”

The grand opening event will feature a celebratory ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., attended by a number of guests, including Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia; Roshan Patel, retail market executive at Citizens Bank, and George Rosa, retail regional manager. Citizens Bank will also recognize the impactful work of Way Finders, a nonprofit organization, with a formal donation presentation with its CEO, Keith Fairey. Members of the community are invited to join the celebration, which will include an opportunity to explore the new facility and meet the branch team.

This new branch is expected to play a significant role in the local economy by providing streamlined access to mortgage, business banking, and financial management services. It also consolidates several in-store branches to offer a centralized hub of expertise, enhancing convenience for customers and fostering community growth.

“The opening of this branch represents another step forward in Citizens Bank’s mission to support the Greater Holyoke area with banking solutions that make life easier,” Patel said. “We are proud to expand our presence here and strengthen our relationship with the local community by investing in its future.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Fifteen nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts will receive a total of $397,000 from Citizens through the bank’s Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program. The initiative helps strengthen communities by supporting programs, through direct funding as well as volunteerism, that give people the resources they need to be financially healthy and inspire them to pursue their goals.

“Citizens is committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to economic opportunity, and we know that having strong financial knowledge is essential to unlocking that opportunity and reducing the wealth gap,” said Lisa Murray, the bank’s Massachusetts president. “In Massachusetts, Citizens is proud to support our local partners in providing residents with the confidence and tools to own their financial success and build brighter futures.”

The announcement comes during Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized campaign that raises awareness of the need for more financial-literacy education. Through Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money, the bank will provide $2 million in contributions to 150 nonprofits across the communities it serves.

This years’ recipients in Massachusetts include two in Western Mass.: Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and Way Finders Inc. Other recipients include ACT Lawrence Inc., Camp Harbor View Foundation Inc., Centro de Apoyo Familiar, Council for Economic Education, Economic Empowerment Trust Fund, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción Inc., Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership Inc., Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the Children’s Museum, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc., Urban Edge Housing Corporation, and Dress for Success Boston Inc.