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Date: 12/6/2021
HOLYOKE – Girls Inc. of the Valley was one of only six organizations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to be named as part of New England Patriots Foundation’s Community Captains Program.
The first step in this program was the donation of $50,000 from the Foundation as well as Bank of America. Girls Inc of th Valley Executive Director Suzanne Parker formally accepted the donation and announced the partnership at a press conference on Nov. 30 at the location of the organization’s new facility at 480 Hampden St.
Bank of America is a partner as well in this award.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia noted it is important to have youth organizations such as Girls Inc. of the Valley.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft established the New England Patriots Foundation in 1994 as “a way to give back to the communities the Patriots call home,” according to information supplied to Reminder Publishing.
Joshua Kraft of the New England Patriots Foundation explained the funding goes to “organizations that make a difference every day.”
He added, “It was a no-brainer for the bank and us to pick such a special place.”
Ed Shea, representing Bank of America, noted the bank has been supporting Girls Inc. of Worcester for years.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to support Girls Inc. in the Valley,” he said.
Parker noted the $50,000 plus the two years of partnership with the bank and the Foundation will be used to develop programming that will prepare them for careers and vocations.
“This [award] is so, so special for us,” Parker said.
She added, “ Girls will chose to be in their own game … to be what they want to be.”
Parker explained the organization will start the renovation of the building by selecting a construction manager next month. After that bids for the job will be solicited with a construction time of six to nine months. She hopes the building will be in use by next December.
Girls Inc. of the Valley is a nonprofit committed to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold by providing them with educational development programs that are research-driven and designed to meet the specific needs of girls. It serves girls ages 5-18 from the greater-Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee area.