September 28th, 2024
Springfield, MA – Joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and members of the western Massachusetts legislative delegation, MassMutual Foundation President Dennis Duquette announced a major boost to Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign today.
"The MassMutual Foundation has always been committed to supporting the communities where we live and work,” Duquette said. “Our partnership with Square One reflects this commitment, and we are thrilled to support their mission of empowering local families not only with resources for early learning but also critical support services for the entire family. We look forward to continuing our work together and are excited to play a small part in helping Square One grow its presence in the greater Springfield area.”
The announcement comes as Square One works to build a $15.5 million center at the location where their building was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Slated to open in the spring of 2025, the new 26,000 square foot facility will include four preschool classrooms, an outdoor learning and play area, a full-service family support center, and administrative offices.
“Over the years, Square One and many other community organizations have greatly benefitted from the MassMutual Foundation’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for the children and families in our region,” said Dawn DiStefano, Square One President & CEO. “This $1 million gift not only positions our project for financial success, it also sends a crucial message to others about the importance of our work in early learning and family services. We could not be more grateful for their extremely generous support and validation of our work.”
Currently, the campaign is approximately $2 million shy of its $15.5 million goal.
Early support for Square One’s project came from the Davis Foundation, PeoplesBank, the City of Springfield, and the State of Massachusetts. Mayor Sarno awarded nearly $1 million in funding, while State Representative Carlos Gonzalez and State Senator Adam Gomez sponsored and secured a $2 million earmark in the state budget to support Square One’s expansion of services.
In June, Balise Auto, another organization with deep roots in Springfield’s South End neighborhood, announced a $1 million gift to the project.
These gifts, paired with a $6 million bond issued by MassDevelopment and the cash equivalent of $4 million in New Market Tax Credits, have positioned the campaign for success.
About Square One
Since 1883, Square One has been committed to ensuring that all children and families have the opportunity to succeed at school, at work, and in life by providing educational programs, family support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. Square One knows that children grow up to become better educated and more successful academically, emotionally, and socially when they have high-quality early education, nurturing adults to care for them, and a safe and healthy community in which to live. Square One currently provides early learning services to over 500 infants toddlers, and school-aged children daily; and family support services to 1,500 families yearly each year.
About the MassMutual Foundation
The MassMutual Foundation, Inc. is a dedicated corporate foundation established by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The MassMutual Foundation fuels initiatives that increase financial resilience within communities served by the company and fosters a culture of community engagement for MassMutual’s employees as well as affiliated financial professionals. In support of this mission, the Foundation invests in programs that help people access resources needed to earn, protect, and help build their financial capability and thrive. The Foundation also supports community vitality efforts where MassMutual operates. To learn more about the MassMutual Foundation, please visit www.massmutual.com/foundation.