It takes a REAL community.
Clinton, MA – August 2023 – Wednesday afternoon on August 9th an enthusiastic crowd gathered outside the Clinton Branch of All One Credit Union (LCU). They were there to demonstrate their appreciation for LCU’s support of the REAL Mentors girls’ program in Clinton.
John Reedy, a board member of both LCU and R.E.AL. Youth Connections, Inc. (RYC), said, “LCU’s continued support of the REAL Mentors Program is something we all greatly appreciate. So, we came to their front door in Clinton to thank them.”
Barbara Mahoney, President and CEO of LCU, presented a $5000 check to support RYC’s REAL Mentors Program. On hand to receive the check were Mary-Sarah Loosemore, director of girls’ programs, and mentees Ada Maris Revera and Kelcie Fuller. Mentors and members from RYC, along with staff and several Board Members from LCU, were also in attendance to acknowledge LCU’s generous contribution and community support.
Speaking at the presentation, Barbara Mahoney, President & CEO of LCU said “We regularly look for opportunities to assist programs and initiatives within our communities as they carry out their mission. We were very excited to contribute to the REAL Mentors program and support the great work they do with local youth. People Helping People is the credit union motto, and we embrace this philosophy in giving back to those we serve.”
The REAL Mentors Program provides after-school group mentorship programs for middle school girls and boys. During the school year, mentors and students meet once a week. The aim is to create positive and lasting connections between peers, mentors, and the greater community. The boys’ program in Clinton was started in 2017. Then, in 2021, the girls’ program was added and has continued to grow with the support of LCU.
Navigating the early teen years for many students can be trying at best. Having access to caring and supportive mentors, willing to listen without judgment and sharing their own experience, can help make the student’s trek a little less rocky.
Mary-Sarah, who also spoke at the presentation, said, “As we continue to grow these mentoring programs, a donation like this is so important to help us with all the activities we wish to do. LCU has made the dream of broadening our programs more of a reality, and we are so grateful.”
For more information on R.E.A.L. Youth Connections or the R.E.A.L. Mentors Program, email jake@ryconnections.org or visit our website at www.ryconnections.org
About the R.E.A.L. Mentors Program:
The REAL Mentors Program for boys was initiated in May of 2011 at Tahanto Regional Middle/High School in Boylston, Massachusetts. School Psychologist, Jake Milano, designed the program in coordination with Mike Sanford, of Fathering Fathers, Inc. R.E.A.L. is an acronym for the programs’ core tenets of Respect, Engage, Acknowledge, and Listen. R.E.A.L. Youth Connections is a 501c(3).
Photo; Barbara Mahoney, President and CEO of LCU, presents check to Ada Maris Revera, mentee in the Clinton REAL Mentors girls’ program, as staff from LCU and R.E.A.L Youth Connections look on.
