Liberty Bank Foundation, Square One Team Up to Support Workforce Development

SPRINGFIELD — In keeping with its longstanding commitment to supporting the cities and towns it serves, the Liberty Bank Foundation recently donated $10,000 to Square One in support of its Learn & Earn Workforce Development initiative.

“Building a foundation for children to be successful starts with a stable family,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “Our Learn & Earn program provides our young families with the education and training they need to build their careers and establish a successful foundation for their families. We are so grateful to Liberty Bank for recognizing this and supporting our work so generously.”

Through partnerships with Holyoke Community College and area employers, Learn & Earn participants receive HiSET education support and paid workforce training. Participants who need care for their children also receive access to Square One’s nationally accredited early education and care programs.

“Programs like Square One’s Learn & Earn help individuals through education and workforce readiness, both essential for stability and for building thriving communities,” said Tony Liberopoulos, Liberty’s Massachusetts market president, Commercial Banking. “This initiative is a powerful example of how education, job training, and childcare support can work together to create lasting opportunities. Liberty Bank is proud to invest in programs that help parents build brighter futures for themselves and their children.”

In addition to receiving support from the Liberty Bank Foundation and others, the program is largely funded through a grant from MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. Together, these funds cover the salaries and expenses of the program participants, creating a risk-free experience for area employers and a rich learning opportunity the region’s youth.