Monson Savings Bank Reflects on Support of MLK Family Services in 2024

MONSON — In 2024, Monson Savings Bank continued its strong support of one of its community partners, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS).

“Monson Savings Bank is proud to support our friends at MLKFS. The work that they do for the Springfield community and surrounding areas is absolutely amazing,” Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty said. “We are grateful for the work that they do to keep Dr. King’s mission alive and well.”

In 2024, Monson Savings Bank was a supporter of the MLKFS local Be Love Project, a growing movement of courageous acts to achieve justice. The bank then sponsored the inclusion of MLKFS in BusinessWest’s 2024 Giving Guide. And in the last quarter of the year, Monson Savings Bank was a platinum-level sponsor of the Springfield organization’s first-ever Reunion Weekend, a three-day celebration of the nearly half-century-long legacy of MLKFS.

The first day, MLKFS Champion Event, acknowledged the leadership and support over the years that helped to create the legacy and impact of MLKFS across the region. The second day, Family Fun Day, was filled with reconnection, storytelling, plus food and fun.

The third and final day of the reunion, Fellowship & Worship, highlighted that there is no MLKFS without the vision of Project Mustard Seed. Attendees gathered in that spirit and tradition with a special worship service under the leadership of Rev. Terrlyn Curry Avery, pastor of the MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church. The crowd welcomed Project Mustard Seed visionary leader Rev. Ronald Peters, former pastor of the MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church, to bless everyone with his message and call to action. This celebration featured the MLK Community Choir under the direction of Elder Terrence Haynes, accompanied by Terrence Schider.

“Our fellowship is powerful. Together, we gathered to honor our ancestorial legacy leaders, the many who make up the fabric of MLKFS, and the dreamers who are investing in the vision forward,” MLKFS President and CEO Shannon Rudder said. “This awesome, three-day-long celebration would not be possible without the support of our community sponsors, like Monson Savings Bank. We are honored to have their support as we keep Dr. King’s dream alive in Western Mass.”