Families
Caring for our Community
West County People Supporting People | Lack of access to medical, dental, psychological, and social services for our community is a perennial issue in the district. On Friday, May 20, 2022, the Mary Lyon Foundation, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, and the Franklin County Resource Network partnered with fifty-four health and social service providers…
Read MoreBoard Spotlight: Laurie Benoit
Laurie Benoit has been involved with higher education philanthropy for the entirety of her career. She was drawn to fundraising because of her strong desire to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and educators. More specifically, Laurie always had a desire to give back and contribute in a meaningful way in the…
Read MoreBoard Spotlight: Meet Karen Fairbrother!
Karen has been an integral part of the Mary Lyon Foundation for over a decade. In addition to serving as a general Board member, she has guided the Foundation as both board treasurer and assistant treasurer. A woman of many talents and of great intelligence, Karen held various roles throughout her career, both before and…
Read MoreAffiliate interview: Alia Woofenden
Friends of the Foundation: Alia Woofenden | Alia Woofenden is a versatile leader who is deeply invested in the growth and prosperity of local students. As the Liaison for Community Engagement and Enrichment Programs for the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, she organizes and executes programs for students such as vacation camp during the February and April school breaks, a district enrichment program for students in grades three to six, the Summer Explorers Program and Camp…
Read MoreMary Lyon Foundation & Greenfield Savings Bank Helping Provide Holiday Gifts
While most people feel excitement and eagerness for the holidays to return each year, families who struggle financially may not have the resources to purchase gifts for their loved ones. As yet another example of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s vision to help students learn, succeed, and inevitably thrive, this past November, we partnered with Greenfield…
Read MoreScholarships
a meaningful difference Scholarships College expenses are often overwhelming for a family. Members of our community make a meaningful difference through scholarships that honor loved ones while supporting young people’s aspirations. The Mary Lyon Foundation stewards various scholarship funds and works closely with district leaders to distribute funds each year to hard-working and dedicated students.…
Read MoreLiteracy Program
families in need Literacy Program Summary: Our Literacy Fund provides books to all pre-K children in the area whose families indicate they could use assistance. We also sponsor literacy activities for all grades and provide honoraria for guest authors. Our goal for the Literacy Program is to motivate home reading and help facilitate better academic…
Read MoreFood Pantry Assistance
families in need Food Pantry Assistance The goal of the food assistance program is to provide groceries to families in need in West County. This program is free to our families who feel they have a need and who can show proof of residency through a utility bill. What recipients can expect: Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables,…
Read MoreStudent Resources
Harper & Paulyne Gerry Student Assistance Over the past 30 years, the Foundation’s reach and scope of services have grown steadily in response to the community’s ever-increasing needs. Our efforts supported by our schools and throughout our community are based on the understanding that children cannot learn if they are cold or hungry or cannot…
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