Letter from The Chief Executive Officer: Summer 2025

I am thrilled to announce that we have met our $5,000,000 campaign goal!

When I arrived at the Foundation in January of 2021, school was remote, and we were still wearing masks. Just like the seasons, so much has changed in the last four and a half years. Our programs have grown, we’ve helped more people than we could have ever imagined, and because of your support, we have met our campaign goal.

Where do we go from here? We continue the work that we started and remain committed to helping those in need.  We hired a Program Director, Liza Manchester, and she and her husband live in Ashfield.  I met Liza at the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, where she volunteers, and her passion for helping people will drive our programs forward as we expand and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

Our work is not done; the needs of the community continue to expand. We will spend the next year fundraising where it is needed most and building a new strategic plan to guide us for the next three to five years.

Before we launch into another season at the Mary Lyon Foundation, it is crucial to take stock of the incredible community support that has driven our work and fundraising over the last four and a half years. You are amazing, and in the words of Mary Lyon, “Those obtain the greatest happiness who seek it directly by promoting the happiness of others.”

I speak for our Board and Staff when I express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your ongoing support of our mission to empower students and families by advocating for community investment in programs and services.

Cheers,

Kristen