Florence Bank Donates $100,000 to Caring Health Center’s Capital Campaign

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has pledged a gift of $100,000 to Caring Health Center of Springfield and officially presented the award on Dec. 19 at the center.

Florence Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare for vulnerable populations, and its mission aligns with that of the center. Among those at the check presentation were Tania Barber, president and CEO of Caring Health Center, and other leaders of the organization; Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity and other bank officials; and local dignitaries.

The event underscored the need for health equity in the region’s diverse communities, and Barber told those in attendance that the bank’s donation offered the center a significant step toward the completion of its capital campaign.

“The funds will advance Caring Health Center’s mission to eliminate health disparities and achieve health equity by enhancing access to high-quality, value-driven care for our multi-ethnic community,” Barber said. “This gift will support capital improvements, including completing the Boston Road construction project, creating vital space to meet growing patient demand and diverse healthcare needs.”

Driven by a strong commitment to serving the community, community members established Caring Health Center to fulfill local needs. Since its inception in 1995, the organization has been dedicated to providing essential health services to community members, positively impacting the lives of many, serving more than 20,000 patients.

Its offerings include comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental services, paid on-the-job education through the Tania M. Barber Learning Institute, and community-focused programs like health and wellness initiatives, all delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.

Barber believes all people, regardless of their ethnicity, ability to pay, or background, deserve quality healthcare, and she is grateful for Florence Bank and its reputation for community giving.

“The bank is deeply embedded in its history and culture of community partnership,” Barber said. “For generations, the bank has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the neighborhoods it serves by investing in initiatives that foster growth, equity, and well-being.”

Garrity told those in attendance that Florence Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare for vulnerable populations, and its leaders were proud to make the $100,000 gift to Caring Health Center.

“Our goals for community health and wellness are well-aligned with that of Caring Health Center,” he said. “We are neighbors here in Hampden County, and we stand firmly behind the center’s mission to eliminate health disparities in all communities in our midst.”