SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Berkshire Bank Foundation recently awarded $20,000 to the “Back to Square One” capital campaign to support their mission to invest in education and economic mobility. EPA climate grant freeze impacts Springfield funding that includes combatting asthma Square One is the region’s oldest non-profit organization that is committed to providing all children and families the chance to succeed in school, work, and life. They do this by producing educational programs, family support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. The non-profit announced in March of 2023 its plans to expand access to high-quality early learning and care for children and families. Since then, the “Back to Square One” capital campaign has successfully secured over $13 million to build a new early learning and family support center in Springfield’s south end, which is slated to open in June. The new center will be the same location where Square One once stood before the 2011 tornado. “This gift represents Berkshire Bank’s strong support for our mission and vision for the future of the families who live and work here,” says Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication for Square One. “We know that our new campus will play a vital role in positioning our region’s young children for long-term success. We are so grateful to our friends at Berkshire Bank for all they do for Square One and so many other charitable organizations in the Pioneer Valley.” “When we invest in the communities that we serve, we know it helps strengthen the neighborhoods where we all live and work,” said Lori Kiely, Managing Director, Berkshire Bank Foundation. “Square One delivers inclusive access to vital services that prepare the next generation to fulfill its potential and contribute to the success and vibrancy of our community.” Jim Hickson, Berkshire Bank’s Regional President in the Pioneer Valley, agreed: “Square One ’s new facilities are critical to ensuring it can continue to address the growing needs of our region’s children and families, delivering research-based solutions, and developing needed services that promote education, health, safety, holistic development and self-reliance.” Local News Headlines Hampden DA’s Office teaches Springfield students about substance use prevention ICE arrested over 370 criminals in Massachusetts last week Two suspects face gun charges after shots fired into Orange apartment FDA updates recall for cheese sold at Connecticut Aldi over possible metal contamination WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less