Partnering in our Communities

Bank representative’s attended a Domestic Violence Prevention Conference which was presented by Courtney Cahill, the Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit for Bristol County District Thomas Quinn’s Office.  As part of her responsibilities for the Office, she oversees the prosecution of all cases involving domestic violence, as well as coordinates high risk teams and the community education, prevention and outreach programs. As a result of attending the seminar, the Bank established a Domestic Violence Task For to review policies and create educational initiatives. to provide resources to our employees. Along with the DA’s Office, partnerships were developed with agencies including Employers Against Domestic Violence, non-profits New Hope and the Women’s Center as well as local police to ensure Bristol County Savings Bank staff is educated to spot the signs if fellow employees are dealing with violence at home and, if so, have the resources they need to find safety.

At the invitation of the Attleboro YMCA, Bank representatives participated with over 100 Attleboro and Norton community leaders in a series of forums designed to begin a dialogue on how best to address critical issues in the areas of Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. This input was used in YMCA Committee sessions to help staff and its Board of Directors develop its 2016-2018 strategic plan. One of the action items in the plan is for community leaders to get together with more frequency in order to forge collaborations through shared ideas and resources which will help all involved, including the Bank, maximize impact in the community.

Team BCSB participated in the 3^rd Annual Rhode Island Society of CPA’s Olympics to benefit the Women’s Center of Rhode Island which provides comprehensive services for the victims of domestic violence. In addition to the Bank’s contribution, each team member donated items that were in need by the Center.

The Fall River Public Schools launched a Parent Academy which relies on a city-wide collaboration between families, community agencies, businesses (including the Bank) and schools to provide free educational and creative learning opportunities for all Fall River parents and families. These shared experiences, in turn, improve children’s educational performance, promote self-growth and healthy families and strengthen the community. As part of this program, the Bank will offer parents a seminar series on Financial Education that is being taught by a team of Bank employees. The Academy also received the support of the Foundation, which provided a $20,000 grant earmarked for startup, outreach and educational costs.

As lead sponsor, the Bank initially presented a grant to the Dennison Memorial Community Center to support their signature fundraiser, the Dennison Dribble. Taking the lead on the event, Michael Patacao, AVP- Commercial Lending, gathered a team of employees to participate in the event. In partnership with other volunteers, our team dribbled basketballs 20 laps around the gymnasium floor to support the Center’s mission of promoting core values and improving the personal development of at-risk youth by providing education, recreation and intervention services in a safe environment.