Youth Mentoring Program Receives Grant from Franklin Savings Bank

Serves Merrimack County, including Andover

September 16, 2014 • Saved under Other Organizations
Press release
Nancy Watson, supervisor of the Boscawen branch of Franklin Savings Bank, presents a "big" check to Jerry Madden, executive director of the Friends Program.
Nancy Watson, supervisor of the Boscawen branch of Franklin Savings Bank, presents a “big” check to Jerry Madden, executive director of the Friends Program.

Mentor matching and community caring go hand in hand. With the Friends Youth Mentoring Program, volunteer mentors are matched with children, ages six to 18. With Franklin Savings Bank, community caring is exemplified regularly, especially through the Fund for Community Advancement.

Each year, volunteer mentors devote over 13,000 hours to Merrimack County youth in mutually-rewarding, one-to-one relationships. Mentors serve as positive role models to enhance self-esteem and strengthen behavior at home, in school, and in the community. There are, however, 75 children waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor. Support from Franklin Savings Bank will help the Friends Program connect these youth with mentors in the communities served by the organizations, including Andover.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Franklin Savings Bank President and CEO, Jeff Savage. “Franklin Savings Bank is pleased to assist The Friends Program with this $2,500 grant as they connect the youth of Andover, Boscawen, Penacook, Salisbury, and surrounding communities with a positive force in their lives.”

“The Friends Program is an important Merrimack County resource that currently assists over 100 youth,” said Nancy Watson, Boscawen Office Manager. “Franklin Savings Bank looks forward to assisting Friends with their community outreach to someday reach the point when every child hoping for a mentor is no longer waiting. To assist these important efforts, Franklin Savings Bank’s Boscawen Office is proud to partner by getting the word out through our office’s distribution of informational materials, Facebook postings, and community networking.”

The Friends Program was one of six organizations to receive funds this month through the competitive grant process. Over $792,000 has been awarded through 34 grant periods since the Franklin Savings Bank Fund for Community Advancement was created in 1997.

The Fund provides support for substantial projects that enhance the lives of people in central New Hampshire. For a recipient list and application information, visit FSBnh.com. Connect with Franklin Savings Bank on Facebook at Facebook.com/FranklinSavingsBank for news and community updates.