Liberty Bank Foundation Supports Square One

SPRINGFIELD —The Liberty Bank Foundation recently doubled its support for Square One’s workforce development initiatives, presenting a check for $20,000.

“The Liberty Bank Foundation shares in our understanding that successful communities are built on the foundation of a strong economy, thriving workforce and flourishing families,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Engagement for Square One. “Our YouthWorks and Learn & Earn initiatives are providing our community’s youth with education and career opportunities to achieve their own personal success and contribute to the overall success of our community. Having their ongoing support has made a tremendous difference in our programs!”

Square One offers two free education and career-building programs for young people ages 14-25, who are seeking to earn their high-school equivalency diploma and/or begin building their careers. Through partnerships with area employers, participants earn money and receive valuable training and workplace experience. Participant wages are paid through grant-funded programs managed by Square One, creating a risk-free experience for area employers and a rich learning opportunity for our region’s youth.

“We are pleased to partner with Square One to help our community,” said Liberty Bank President and CEO David Glidden, who also serves as president of the Liberty Bank Foundation. “Our brand promise is to ‘Be Community Kind,’ and by supporting Square One’s Workforce Development initiatives, we are doing just that. We are helping individuals get the training they need to be successful in the workplace, and we are helping to strengthen the economy.”   

In addition to receiving support from Liberty Bank Foundation and others, the program is largely funded through a grant from MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board and through the YouthWorks program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The program is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation. 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 our region’s youth.