WSYMCA Receives $10K Grant for Early Childhood Education

West Suburban YMCA

Nov 04, 2019

The West Suburban YMCA announced that it has received a $10,000 Grant for Good from Eastern Bank, America’s oldest and largest mutual bank. The grant is part of a $1 million commitment Eastern has made to local nonprofit organizations strengthening options for children and families across Eastern’s New England footprint. The grant will support the Y’s Preschool Center for Youth Development’s curriculum development and financial assistance program.

West Suburban YMCA President & CEO, Jack Fucci, said “Our Preschool Center for Youth Development packs a one-two punch in response to the critical issue in our community of high-quality, affordable childcare. Massachusetts has the highest average cost of childcare in the country and equitable access for all can often be challenging. In fact, our financial aid program is currently supporting half of our preschool students. We know that a high-quality early education experience can erase the academic disparity that often grows between children of different backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their family’s financial means, build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. We are extremely thankful for the support from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation and the confidence in our Y’s well-rounded and inclusive program.”

“Providing every child with an equal opportunity for a bright future is a basic right,” said Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank. “By supporting organizations that assist parents and caregivers and prepare children to be ready to learn and succeed, we are helping to create the foundation children need to thrive. On behalf of everyone at Eastern, we congratulate the grant recipients and thank them for their dedication to the children in our communities.”

As part of Eastern’s $1 million commitment to support enriching early childhood development, the West Suburban YMCA is among 50 organizations that provide leading early childhood development programs across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island and are each receiving a $10,000 Grant for Good. These grants are focused on providing support in four critical areas: achieving early learning quality standards, strengthening parent engagement, supporting professional development for educators, and upgrading early learning facilities and supplies.

About Eastern Bank
Founded in 1818, Boston-based Eastern Bank is America’s oldest and largest mutual bank, with over $11 billion in assets and more than 115 locations serving communities in eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Eastern provides exceptional access to fairly priced banking, investment and insurance products and services for consumers and businesses of all sizes. Eastern Bank, which includes Eastern Wealth Management and Eastern Insurance, is known for its outspoken advocacy and community support that has exceeded more than $140 million in charitable giving since 1999. An inclusive company, Eastern employs 1,900+ deeply committed professionals who value relationships with their customers, colleagues, and communities.