Press release submitted by Rollstone Bank & Trust
Rollstone Bank & Trust recently donated $10,000 to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Working Families Initiative (UWNCM) to help low-and-moderate-income individuals and families increase their income, build savings, gain assets, and ultimately develop the capability to fully integrate into the economy.
“UWNCM has historically done fantastic work to help foster growth and improve the lives of the families and individuals of our Massachusetts’ communities,” said Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “We are thrilled to be able to support them in helping to achieve their goals of building pathways out of poverty and opportunities for financial stability for the citizens of North Central Massachusetts.”
The Working Families Network of Massachusetts utilizes a range of research-based strategies to advance the financial capability of area residents. The network is anchored by eight local Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs). These FOCs provide numerous financial resources for families such as employment and career counseling, one-to-one financial coaching, group education and access to products and services designed to help families increase income, build savings, and work toward gaining and sustaining these assets.
“There are a number of cities and towns across the commonwealth with populations who continue to experience significant levels of poverty and instability,” said Kory Eng, President and CEO of UWNCM. “Fitchburg, Leominster and Athol have poverty rates between 1.8 and 2.7 times the statewide average, with female heads of household and minority families most likely to experience some kind of economic insecurity due to unemployment, skill-gap, low wages, low overall educational attainment and high housing costs.”
Serving over 1,600 individuals per year, the Working Families Network of Massachusetts continues to produce promising, measurable results. On average, participants of the program located in the Massachusetts network have increased credit scores by 30 points and increased savings by nearly $300/ year, while over 95% of individuals reporting noticeable increases in financial knowledge and/or capability.About Rollstone Bank & Trust
At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust - it's where you matter most.
About United Way of North Central Massachusetts
We unite volunteers, supporters and non-profit and corporate partners to create positive, lasting changes in the region we call home. Through our vast network of programs and services, we connect the community with resources, and solutions. Together, we focus on the three building blocks to a better life: Education, Health and Financial Stability.
From left: Martin F. Connors, Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust and Kory, President and CEO of UWNCM. (Courtesy photo)