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The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $10,000 to the Natick Service Council to support the organization’s Case Management and Heart Healthy Food Pantry programs for individuals and families experiencing hardship or economic uncertainty. Announcement of the grant was made today by Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a Foundation trustee.

According to Executive Director Greg Tutuny, 700 client families are currently served by the Case Management program, which is the gateway to all Natick Service Council programs and services. Over 67% of the families served rely on the Heart Healthy Food Pantry.

“We are pleased to support the Council’s efforts to help vulnerable local residents overcome the challenges they face as they strive for self-sufficiency,” said Sousa.

Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, announced today that Programs For People, Inc. has been awarded the Foundation’s annual $20,000 Robert P. Lamprey Community Grant.

Based in Framingham, Programs For People, Inc. provides day treatment and employment services to low-income adults who are affected by serious mental health challenges. The Lamprey Grant is earmarked to support the agency’s unique “Pathways to Employment” program, which offers assessment, pre-vocational and employment services that help individuals gain the skills and confidence they need to prepare for, find, and maintain competitive employment in the community. With program support each step of the way, individuals experience improved recovery and quality of life.

“We are pleased to support Programs For People, Inc. in their mission to help those recovering from mental health issues achieve success in managing their lives and making a contribution to their community,” said Haranas.

The annual Robert Lamprey Community Grant was established in 2014 to honor Robert “Bob” Lamprey, the present chairman of the board of MutualOne Bank and chairman of the MutualOne Charitable Foundation, for his longstanding commitment, concern, and caring for those in need in our community.

“The award of this year’s Lamprey Grant to Programs For People, Inc. to support the many adults in the MetroWest area who are working to overcome the stigma of mental illness and achieve personal success in life is an additional tribute to Bob Lamprey for his time-honored devotion to helping others,” Haranas added.

The annual Lamprey Grant is restricted to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused primarily on the towns of Framingham and/or Natick, and must benefit a low-income or less-advantaged and/or under-served population.

 

Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, announced that the Foundation has awarded a $7,500 grant to A Place To Turn.

Located in Natick, A Place To Turn assists low-income MetroWest families and individuals with basic needs of food and clothing. In 2016, more than 3,675 families were served, 80 percent of whom were residents of Framingham and Natick referred by a network of social service agencies, health care providers, schools, and clergy.

The MutualOne award will provide funding for A Place To Turn’s “Eat Fresh” program that offers clients fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to routine food pantry items.

“This is a model program that takes traditional food pantry selections to a new, healthier level,” said Sousa. “We are happy to help.”