February 13, 2023

Gray House Inc. receives $20,000 grant from KeyBank Foundation

REGIONAL
Staff report

KeyBank representatives present Gray House students and staff with a check in support of the adult education program. Featured from left to right, Ramon (Tito) Albizu, Kristin Bures, Languitta Mukabarisa, Vanity Bryant, Shana Boland, Sarah Germini, Kendle Taylor, Maryan Roble, and Kristen McClintock. (iObserve photo/courtesy of Gray House)

SPRINGFIELD – Gray House Inc. of Springfield has received a charitable grant from KeyBank Foundation in the amount of $20,000 to support its Adult Education Program. The program focuses on helping low-income migrants, refugees, and asylees improve their English language skills while acquiring life skills to help them gain self-sufficiency, better integrate into their community, and break the cycle of poverty.

The Gray House provides students with a safe, encouraging, and supportive learning environment where they can focus on the fundamental skills of literacy, writing, conversation practice, math, finance, health, and digital instruction.

“We are incredibly grateful for KeyBank Foundation’s generous support of our adult education program,” said Kristen McClintock, Gray House executive director. “The correlation between limited English language skills and higher rates of poverty is well documented. With KeyBank Foundation’s support, we can continue educating our neighbors through one-on-one tutoring and small group classes where students learn the skills needed to better advocate for themselves and their families, and thrive in their community.”

KeyBank Foundation grants are made under Key’s National Community Benefits Plan established in 2017, which has already delivered more than $29 billion in lending and investments across Key’s national footprint, supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home, and small business lending in low- and moderate-income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods.

“KeyBank believes in doing our part to improve the lives of disadvantaged populations in our neighborhoods through education, workforce development, and community investment,” said Matthew Hummel, KeyBank market president for Connecticut and Massachusetts. “As a company recognized for our strong diversity, equity and inclusion culture, we welcome people of all cultures to our community and are proud to help support their successful integration.”

On Feb. 8, KeyBank leaders and employees met with Gray House staff for a check presentation.