Personal and Business Banking
Robert P. Lamprey, chairman of the MutualOne Charitable Foundation, announced that the Foundation has awarded $10,000 to Friends of Natick Senior Center to support the organization’s programs and activities.
“We are pleased to support the Friends’ efforts to make reasonably priced activities available to our community’s senior citizens,” said Lamprey. “Seniors are vibrant members of our community, and these activities contribute to their dignity and well-being.”
Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, announced today that the MetroWest ESL Fund has been awarded the Foundation’s annual $20,000 Robert P. Lamprey Community Grant.
The Foundation’s donation will support new computer hardware and instructor hours needed to enhance instruction for students at Framingham Adult ESL Plus to develop the computer skills needed to be part of the MetroWest workforce and economy, according to the ESL Funds’ grant application.
“There is no question that this program is of great value to those in our community who want to strengthen their chances for a brighter future,” said Haranas. “We are pleased to help the MetroWest ESL Fund infuse technology into the curriculum, and enable students to leave the program better equipped to fuel economic growth in the area. And, we are pleased to honor Bob Lamprey for his devotion to helping others.”
The annual Robert Lamprey Community Grant was established in 2014 to honor Robert “Bob” Lamprey, the present chairman of the board of MutualOne Bank and chairman of the MutualOne Charitable Foundation, for his longstanding commitment, concern, and caring for those in need in our community.
The annual Lamprey Grant is restricted to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused primarily on the towns of Framingham and/or Natick, and must benefit a low-income or less-advantaged and/or under-served population.
The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $10,000 to the Natick Service Council to support the organization’s Sustainable Homes programs for those experiencing hardship or economic uncertainty. Announcement of the grant was made today by Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a Foundation trustee.
According to Executive Director Greg Tutuny, the Sustainable Homes program is designed to address client barriers to self-sufficiency, and prevent homelessness among families struggling to pay for basic human needs.
“We are pleased to support the Council’s efforts to help vulnerable local residents overcome the challenges they face as they strive for independence,” said Sousa.
Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, has announced a $75,000 Foundation pledge to MetroWest YMCA’s Heart of the Community Campaign.
The Foundation’s pledge will support MetroWest YMCA’s $4 million goal to transform and expand the Framingham Branch YMCA. The project is focused primarily on the expansion and enhancement of the current licensed child care program. It will also strengthen the aquatics programs and create additional space for the LIVESTRONG program for cancer survivors, the Parkinson’s wellness program, and balance and falls prevention events offered to seniors.
“There is no question that the Framingham Branch YMCA is a compelling and key resource for residents of all ages in our City,” said Haranas. “Reinforcing and intensifying the offerings available today can only multiply the advantages the Y will be able to offer to those in our community in the future. We are pleased to support that goal.”
The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $3,000 to Hope and Comfort, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing basic hygiene products for local low-income youth and families. The purchase of items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant are not covered by SNAP benefits (previously known as food stamps), and food pantries and other resources cannot keep pace with the high demand for such items.
Hope and Comfort collects a variety of these personal hygiene products from corporate donors, community collection drives, and low-cost purchases. It then distributes them to a network of food pantries and organizations serving economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Locally, these community partners include A Place to Turn and Family Promise of MetroWest in Natick, and Jewish Family Services of MetroWest, SMOC, and Hoops & Homework in Framingham.
“Hygiene insecurity can have a significant impact on an individual’s health or self-esteem,” said Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee. “MutualOne was eager to help Hope and Comfort meet the needs of those in our community who can’t afford a simple bar of soap or tube of toothpaste. It was also our way of thanking Hope and Comfort for taking positive steps to address this issue in our community and others.”
The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $2,500 to the Framingham Cultural Council (FCC).
According to Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, the grant will be used to help support local activities that contribute to the cultural vitality of the Framingham community. These events include programs in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. Funds for these projects are made available from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and from donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community.
“While the Council relies on funds provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support these projects, state-wide budget constraints can affect the amount Framingham receives each year,” said Sousa. “We are pleased to support efforts designed to benefit our residents and enrich our community.”
