The Lyon Roars
New & Updates
Fall Newsletter: Liza Manchester, Program Director
Late in July, I joined the staff at the Mary Lyon Foundation. The team had just moved into a new office space at Mohawk Trail Regional School the week before, yet they were ready to welcome me with open arms — and put me to work right away! During my first week, I had the…
Fall Newsletter: Sarah Burrell, Development Associate
Summer at the Mary Lyon Foundation has been anything but sleepy! While students enjoyed their break and teachers recharged their batteries, we seized the moment to play musical chairs with our office space. In true small-but-mighty team fashion, we packed up our entire operation and migrated to a bigger, and more well suited classroom space…
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…
On the Road to Better Health: Community Health Center of Franklin County’s Mobile Health Vehicle Brings Care to West County
In a region where scenic hills and winding back roads often mean long drives to the nearest clinic, access to healthcare can feel out of reach for many West County residents. But that’s starting to change. This year, the Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC) officially launched its new Mobile Health Vehicle—a fully equipped…
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…
A 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…
Greenfield Savings Bank: A Pillar of Community Support and Partnership
Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) has long been recognized for its commitment to supporting local nonprofits and contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves. Rooted deeply in Franklin and Hampshire Counties, GSB’s dedication to philanthropy comes from its status as a mutual financial institution, a model that prioritizes community prosperity over profit. “We’ve been…
Sarah’s Corner: Spring 2025
As spring buds unfurl across the hills of Western Massachusetts, I express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering commitment to our mission. As a newcomer to this dedicated team, I’ve been humbled by the remarkable achievements made possible by our community’s steadfast support of our vital work. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our…
Letter from the Executive Director: Spring 2025
The Mary Lyon Foundation has grown tremendously over the last four years. The Community’s investment in our program and services has given the Foundation the resources to invest in the students, families, and educators of West County and the greater Franklin County. We are entering the final months of our comprehensive campaign. Each day, we…