Families
United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region’s Blooming Backpack Drive:
The Mary Lyon Foundation partnered with the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region for their annual Blooming Backpack Drive! The Foundation helped prepare MTRSD students for a new academic year by encouraging donations of new backpacks filled with essential school supplies such as notebooks, paper, pens, highlighters, and more. Thank you to all who…
Read MoreRelieving Students and Families of Financial Stress:
Austin Sullivan learned about the Mary Lyon Foundation in seventh grade, but it wasn’t until his senior year of high school in 2022 that he understood the impact of their services on the community. Now attending Westfield State University and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, as a first-generation college student, Austin received a laptop…
Read MoreMary Lyon Foundation’s Agricultural Grant Funding Helps Build a Community Garden at Bug Hill Farm
No matter your financial situation, we all deserve access to affordable, fresh, local vegetables and food harvested with a bit of extra love and care. That’s why the Mary Lyon Foundation has a well-established partnership with Greenfield Cooperative Bank. The Foundation receives $750 annually in grant funding. This funding serves multiple purposes – helping to…
Read MoreFriends of the Foundation: Tom Miner, Local Optometrist & Co-Owner of Foxtown Diner
Meet Tom Miner, one of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s community partners! Tom owns the Foxtown Diner and serves as Shelburne’s resident optometrist through his local practice, The Optician. He first became involved with the Mary Lyon Foundation while it was under the direction of former Executive Director, Susan Samoriski. Through Sue, Tom discovered the essential…
Read MoreAmanda Lane is On Her Way
Amanda Lane has never been easily discouraged or defeated. That’s why she founded the company Team Fit Vision Forward and serves as their CEO while caring for her two young boys as a stay-at-home mom. In 2015, Amanda uprooted her family, hoping to start over in a place that provided a strong community spirit and prioritizes…
Read MoreWarming Up the Community This Winter
The Mary Lyon Foundation is delighted to provide winter gear to our children and help families with extra costs associated with the cold weather. Together with local newspapers and service organizations, our Warm the Children program helps children access much-needed winter clothing and footwear. The Greenfield Recorder is our area sponsor, raising and distributing funds in Franklin…
Read MoreThe Harper & Paulyne Gerry Student Assistance Corner
Etiquette Breakfast On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Mary Lyon Foundation funded a very special breakfast for sixth-grade students at the Buckland Shelburne Elementary School! As part of their preparation to visit Nature’s Classroom in Ocean Park, Maine, they learned table etiquette when eating family style, including what a place setting looks like, where to…
Read MoreHelping Families During the Winter Cold: 150 Youngsters Receive Winter Clothing Through ‘Warm the Children’ Program
The freezing temperatures of wintertime often force families in Western Franklin County to make difficult choices. For example, will a family choose to heat their home or replace the winter coat that their child has outgrown? By participating in the Warm the Children Program this winter, Mary Lyon Foundation helped provide winter gear to our…
Read MoreMary Lyon Foundation & MTRDS Partner on Literacy Program
When Kristen Tillona-Baker took the reins at Mary Lyon Foundation one year ago, she knew that collaborating with the Mohawk Trail Regional School District (MTRSD) would be essential for success. After all, educators are integrally connected to the day-to-day wellbeing of students in our region. After contacting the school district, Kirsten found a kindred spirit…
Read MoreInfancy to Adulthood
We Support You From Infancy to Adulthood The Mary Lyon Foundation Supports the West County Community from Infancy to Adulthood! We’d love to welcome your new bundle of joy to the world and ensure they have the resources needed to learn, succeed and thrive. Take a minute to complete our Newborn Care Package form and…
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