Mutual One Bank Content

Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, has announced a $5,000 Foundation grant to OUT MetroWest in support of that organization’s work with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) youth in Framingham, Natick, and surrounding communities.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Framingham, OUT MetroWest serves middle and high school youth in grades six to 12 through scheduled meetings, programmed events, and drop-in activities. Adult facilitators are versed in areas including counseling, education, cultural diversity, and adolescent mental health, according to Interim Executive Director Sawyer Bethel, LICSW.

“We are happy to help OUT MetroWest strengthen and broaden its outreach efforts,” said Sousa. “We also appreciate the organization’s goal of ensuring that our communities are welcoming to LGBTQ individuals and families.”

 

 

Robert P. Lamprey, chairman of the MutualOne Charitable Foundation, announced today that the Foundation has awarded $5,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest.

The award will support local one-to-one mentoring programs provided to Framingham and Natick youth who are facing adversity in their lives. According to CEO Jeffrey Chin, the local program serves over 100 at-risk children, the majority of whom are from single-family and/or low socio-economically disadvantaged homes. The Foundation award will help the organization reach even more children in need of adult role models, according to Chin.

“The success of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program today can have a significant impact on our community in years ahead,” said Lamprey. “It is an investment we are pleased to make, with the goal of a brighter future for all.”

 

Robert P. Lamprey, chairman of the MutualOne Charitable Foundation, has announced a $7,500 grant to the Family Promise Metrowest capital campaign for the purchase of a new Day Center in downtown Natick. The building will provide for the shelter and transitional living needs of homeless families served by the organization, and will also offer program expansion opportunities.

Family Promise Metrowest is a cooperative, interfaith partnership supporting low- or moderate- income families through safe transitional shelter, meals, and supportive case management as they seek permanent housing. Eighteen local congregations provide shelters and an additional 31 congregations and community volunteers provide meals and support.

According to Executive Director Sue Crossley, professional case managers work with up to 25 families a year in setting individual goals including a comprehensive approach to employment and education and training to help families reach their highest earning potential and ensure long-term sustainability.

“The families supported by Family Promise Metrowest are committed to overcoming the challenges they are facing, and to breaking the cycle of homelessness for themselves and their children,” said Lamprey. “The new Day Center will expand and enhance the services available to them, and MutualOne is pleased to support that goal.”

The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $10,000 to the Natick Service Council to support the organization’s Case Management and Heart Healthy Food Pantry programs for individuals and families 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, 700 client families are currently served by the Case Management program, which is the gateway to all Natick Service Council programs and services. Over 67% of the families served rely on the Heart Healthy Food Pantry.

“We are pleased to support the Council’s efforts to help vulnerable local residents overcome the challenges they face as they strive for self-sufficiency,” said Sousa.

Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, announced today that Programs For People, Inc. has been awarded the Foundation’s annual $20,000 Robert P. Lamprey Community Grant.

Based in Framingham, Programs For People, Inc. provides day treatment and employment services to low-income adults who are affected by serious mental health challenges. The Lamprey Grant is earmarked to support the agency’s unique “Pathways to Employment” program, which offers assessment, pre-vocational and employment services that help individuals gain the skills and confidence they need to prepare for, find, and maintain competitive employment in the community. With program support each step of the way, individuals experience improved recovery and quality of life.

“We are pleased to support Programs For People, Inc. in their mission to help those recovering from mental health issues achieve success in managing their lives and making a contribution to their community,” said Haranas.

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 award of this year’s Lamprey Grant to Programs For People, Inc. to support the many adults in the MetroWest area who are working to overcome the stigma of mental illness and achieve personal success in life is an additional tribute to Bob Lamprey for his time-honored devotion to helping others,” Haranas added.

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.

 

Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, announced that the Foundation has awarded a $7,500 grant to A Place To Turn.

Located in Natick, A Place To Turn assists low-income MetroWest families and individuals with basic needs of food and clothing. In 2016, more than 3,675 families were served, 80 percent of whom were residents of Framingham and Natick referred by a network of social service agencies, health care providers, schools, and clergy.

The MutualOne award will provide funding for A Place To Turn’s “Eat Fresh” program that offers clients fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to routine food pantry items.

“This is a model program that takes traditional food pantry selections to a new, healthier level,” said Sousa. “We are happy to help.”