Berkshire Bank Supports ‘Back to Square One’ Capital Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — In keeping with its commitment to investing in education and the economic mobility it creates, the Berkshire Bank Foundation has awarded $20,000 to the “Back to Square One” capital campaign.

“This gift represents Berkshire Bank’s strong support for our mission and vision for the future of the families who live and work here,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “We know that our new campus will play a vital role in positioning our region’s young children for long-term success. We are so grateful to our friends at Berkshire Bank for all they do for Square One and so many other charitable organizations in the Pioneer Valley.”

Added Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation, “when we invest in the communities that we serve, we know it helps strengthen the neighborhoods where we all live and work. Square One delivers inclusive access to vital services that prepare the next generation to fulfill its potential and contribute to the success and vibrancy of our community.”

Jim Hickson, Berkshire Bank’s regional president in the Pioneer Valley, agreed. “Square One ‘s new facilities are critical to ensuring it can continue to address the growing needs of our region’s children and families, delivering research-based solutions and developing needed services that promote education, health, safety, holistic development, and self-reliance.”

In March 2023, Square One formally announced plans to expand access to early learning and care for the region’s children and families. Since that time, 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. The building is slated to open in June 2025.

Simultaneously, the demand for Square One’s family-support services has grown to the point where Square One will have already outgrown the 26,000-square-foot building before opening its doors. While the success of its programs and services is something to be celebrated, the limited space is presenting a significant challenge.

To answer this need, Balise Auto donated a building adjacent to the new construction. The unoccupied building is in need of approximately $4 million in renovations, which will begin following completion of the new construction.