Families
From Ashfield to Law School, Emaline Drury is Making Her Mark
Emaline Drury is not your average high school senior. Driven by a deep passion for justice and community service, this Ashfield resident is already paving the way for a bright future. With big dreams of attending law school, Emaline is the proud recipient of the prestigious Edwin C. Demara Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by…
Read MoreA Gift of Hope and Healing Through the Guardian Angel Fund
In the heart of Shelburne Falls, a fund carries the memory of a beautiful soul, Anna Marie Townsend. The Guardian Angel Fund, established in her remembrance and now facilitated through the Mary Lyon Foundation, has become a lifeline for local families facing unimaginable hardships. What began as a community’s effort to honor the life of…
Read MoreHonoring Heritage, Shaping the Future: The Korpitas’ Commitment to Community
Dylan and Kristyn Korpita have established The Union 38 (FRS) and Mohawk Trail (MTRS) Family Fund with the Mary Lyon Foundation, aligning with the non-profits’ mission to support children and families in the Pioneer Valley. Both of their families have strong ties to Franklin County, and they have always felt a deep commitment to investing…
Read MoreThe Need for Community
The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic were uncertain and challenging for all, and Cathryn LaMontagne’s experience was no exception. In the spring of 2020, Cathryn began her days by dropping off pumped milk to her newborn daughter at Baystate Hospital in Springfield before heading to Boston with her immunocompromised toddler for check-ups with his…
Read MoreEmily Willis, Friends of the Foundation Spotlight
Emily Willis, former Mary Lyon Foundation board member and devoted librarian, is steadfastly committed to fostering student success. Through her involvement with the Mary Lyon Foundation, Emily ensures the Mohawk Trail Regional School District (MTRS) literacy and library programs are successful. She’s passionate about the benefits of the library, and she was eager to partner with the Mary Lyon Foundation for…
Read MoreLetter from the Executive Director: Spring 2023
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to celebrate the tireless work of our Volunteers! April is National Volunteer Month, and the Mary Lyon Foundation is exceptionally grateful for the service of our volunteers. Their impact is immeasurable. The Mary Lyon Foundation has eleven volunteers who assist us with our grocery delivery program through Hilltown Church’s…
Read MoreProviding Warmth and Care During a Cold, Hard Winter
Scarlet Kitchen and her son recently moved to Massachusetts from Hawaii. Going from a warm, sunny climate to a cold, dark New England winter was a shock to their systems. To make the challenging transition harder, Scarlet’s furnace broke in November. Scarlet contacted several offices in the area to receive assistance, but no one returned…
Read MoreFriends of the Foundation: Jocelyn Alvord, Shelburne Falls Branch Manager and Officer for Greenfield Savings Bank
Greenfield Savings Bank proudly supports the Mary Lyon Foundation and promotes its vision and mission to advance and invest in the success of local students and prepare them for the wider world. This vital work focuses primarily on the Mohawk Trail Regional School District in Franklin County. In recent years, GSB sponsored the Mary Lyon…
Read MoreThe Power of A Helping Hand
Elijah and Rachel Smith are the parents of seven children. With seven mouths to feed, seven closets to fill, and a challenging number of bills to pay, The Mary Lyon Foundation has been an impactful and vital resource to their family. The Smiths initially reached out to the Mary Lyon Foundation for their support over three…
Read MoreLetter from the Executive Director: Winter 2023
The new year is a time of renewal and a time to reflect on the year past. When I look back over the last year, I am grateful to all of you for supporting the vision and mission of the Mary Lyon Foundation. Our community’s children, families, and educators are better equipped because of you.…
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