Mutual One Bank Content

The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $5,000 to support the Mazie Mentoring Program at Framingham High School. Announcement of the award was made today by Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a Foundation trustee.

The Mazie Mentoring Program, run by the John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation, works with youth who face steep odds against realizing their potential. It provides the support and motivation they need to succeed in school and beyond.

According to Haranas, the Foundation’s donation is earmarked for the purchase of laptop computers awarded to student mentees who reach the program’s college research milestone.

“The mentoring program has a history of success in helping youth at risk continue their education and set and achieve their personal goals,” Haranas stated. “The MutualOne Charitable Foundation is pleased to help offset the cost of the laptops and software students in the program receive as a reward for their determination to succeed.”

Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, has announced a $5,000 grant from the Foundation to Homeowner Options for Massachusetts Elders (H.O.M.E.) to help aging MetroWest residents remain in their homes.

H.O.M.E. assists those in the elder homeowner population who are experiencing difficulties and facing threats to their ability to age in place in their homes and communities. The problems addressed range from mortgage and property tax foreclosures, healthcare costs, and home adaptations and repairs to debt management and resource and income budgeting.

“The number of needy elders requesting H.O.M.E. services in increasing,” said Haranas. “We are proud to play a role in providing the counseling, economic literacy, and prevention initiatives they need to maintain their living arrangements.”

A recent $8,400 grant from the MutualOne Charitable Foundation is helping the Framingham Police Department put three “Safety Ambassador” interns to work in the community this summer. Announcement of the award was made today by Steven M. Sousa, MutualOne Bank executive vice president and chief operating officer and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee.

According to Framingham Police Chief Kenneth Ferguson, the interns will provide the department with “insight and support to improve the efficiency of crime reporting” in the downtown area. They will also provide a variety of services to improve the downtown atmosphere, including reporting on problem areas, connecting with the homeless, and serving as an additional public safety resource at sponsored events. The program was designed with support from Framingham Downtown Renaissance, Ferguson said, with the focus on a safe and healthy downtown community.

“We are pleased to provide the Framingham Police Department with the financial support they need to put this intern program in place,” said Sousa. “It is another approach to community outreach and will help support the move toward downtown revitalization and development.”