Vermont Business Magazine The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $10,000 to King Street Center in Burlington. Founded in 1971, King Street Center offers educational, recreational, and social programs to disadvantaged youth and families. Of the more than 500 children and families served each year, over half are minorities, most of whom are refugees and immigrants whose first language is not English. The center’s programs include an accredited Head Start Pre-School, afterschool programs and tutoring and mentoring programs.
The $10,000 grant from People’s United Community Foundation will support King Street Center’s Afterschool Excellence program serving 75 low-income children in grades K through 5. With the help of experienced volunteers and strong relationships with Burlington schools, the program provides individualized homework assistance, academic enrichment, summer tutoring and access to technology.
“Funding for our programs is precarious year after year, so we are very grateful for People's United Community Foundation’sconsistent support,” said Vicky Smith, Executive Director, King Street Center. “It makes an enormous difference at King Street, in our neighborhood, and within our community at large.”
“Since 2010, we have been proud to award more than $43,000 to this valuable resource in our Burlington community,” said Michael Seaver, Officer People’s United Community Foundation and President People’s United Bank, Vermont Division. “The incredible commitment of a small staff supports so many families working to make a better life for their kids.”
Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of more than 400 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include affordable housing, community development, and youth development.