Bristol County Savings Bank Awards $20,000 Grant to Attleboro Public Schools

TAUNTON, MA, October 28, 2025 — Bristol County Savings Bank, through its Foundation, recently awarded a grant totaling $20,000 to Attleboro Public Schools for mental health counseling and support services for students and families via a collaboration with William James College Interface Referral Service. Since the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation was formed in 1996, more than $35.6 million has been committed to hundreds of different non-profits in the communities the Bank serves. In 2024, the Foundation awarded a record $2.9 million to various 501(c)(3) organizations.

The Interface Referral Service is a mental health and wellness helpline that matches callers with a database of licensed mental health providers designed to meet the needs of individuals. Research has shown that providing early intervention with students and families to support their mental health needs, leads to better outcomes. Along with this service, additional systems and supports will be designed to enhance outcomes for thousands of students in the Attleboro Public Schools.

"The William James Interface Service's impact on our community cannot be overstated. Students and families who might otherwise have waited weeks or months now swiftly access needed care. Consequently, we have witnessed families rediscover hope during their most difficult moments.” Said David Sawyer, the Superintendent of Attleboro Public Schools. “This is exactly the kind of collaborative, student-centered approach that wholistically supports student learning. We appreciate Bristol County Savings Bank’s generosity in maintaining access to this critical service.”

“This initiative directly aligns with our Foundation’s priorities to support education and respond to essential community challenges by removing barriers that prevent students and families from accessing timely mental health services,” said John Silva, President & CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and President of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation. “The demand for mental health services across the country and the state is at an all-time high. By reducing the time it takes for students and families to secure an appointment and by matching them with professionals who accept their insurance and meet their cultural and linguistic needs, a pressing gap in care is being addressed.”

Attleboro Public Schools serve a diverse student population, including many students who are disproportionately impacted by challenges such as trauma, anxiety and depression. Mental health struggles can quickly become barriers to academic success, social-emotional development and long-term stability. Connecting students and families with appropriate care supports individual well-being and strengthens educational outcomes by keeping students engaged, supported and able to learn.

The William James Interface Referral Service provides free, confidential and personalized mental health referrals to students, families and school staff across the district. In a community where families often face long wait times, financial constraints or difficulty navigating the behavioral health system, this program ensures equitable access to licensed providers who can meet the specific needs of children and adolescents.

Bristol County Savings Bank is an active supporter in the communities in which it serves. The Foundation was established in 1996 as part of the Bank’s 150^th Anniversary celebration. Its purpose is to fund needs that contribute to the economic and the social well-being of the people and institutions located in the greater Taunton/Attleboro region, the greater New Bedford/Dartmouth region, the greater Fall River region and greater Providence, Rhode Island region, with particular emphasis in the areas of education and literacy, economic development and housing for the low- to moderate-income population.