BayCoast Bank, a long-time community savings bank with a vibrant history of serving the people and businesses on the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is proud to announce four impactful grants supporting the neighborhoods where we live and work. Whether it is helping provide quality housing for individuals and families in need, preserving our region’s rich history, or inspiring knowledge and creativity through education and the arts, the Bank is pleased to continue its strong commitment of helping our community grow and thrive through critical support to the following local organizations:

Community Action for Better Housing (CABH): 

Community Action for Better Housing (CABH) is dedicated to helping provide quality housing options in the cities of New Bedford and Fall River. BayCoast Bank has offered a generous grant to support CABH’s daily operations as the organization takes on a major project, renovating several residential buildings including the Talbot Apartments, which displaced 26 residents following a devastating fire.

“We are so grateful for BayCoast Bank’s support. This investment in CABH is an investment in ensuring that affordable housing is available for vulnerable populations including the elderly, veterans, and low income community members,” shares Miriam Finn Sherman, Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Foundation for Southeastern Massachusetts.

Specialized Education for All Learners (S.E.A.L.) Foundation:

The mission of the S.E.A.L. foundation is to develop and fund educational opportunities in area schools and seasonal camps for students who learn differently, helping to ensure they maximize their potential. BayCoast Bank is providing critical financial support for the hiring of a special education consultant, who will collaborate with staff and families at all three schools for the purpose of developing, implementing and evaluating student services. Individual students will be assessed to determine if they require tiered intervention and support.to ensure educational programs and support staff are addressing the specific needs of students who have learning differences.

“The S.E.A.L. Foundation is immensely grateful for BayCoast Bank’s generosity and steadfast belief in our mission. We could not do the work we do for students who learn differently, and their families, without their financial support, as well as for their willingness to make connections and build bridges for us with members of the business community. Their unwavering belief in the strength of community is present in all they do and we are one of the many fortunate recipients of their commitment to helping and serving others.”  Kerry Peroni, Founder and President of The S.E.A.L Foundation 

Dartmouth Cultural Center

Housed in the town’s Old Southworth Library, which dates back to 1889, the mission of the Dartmouth Cultural Center is to enrich the community’s cultural life. The Center shines a spotlight on both established and emerging artists by hosting events and exhibits to support their work. A grant from BayCoast Bank is helping preserve the 130-year-old library building, which is considered an architectural gem. Critical repairs will include installing a ramp and lift for the downstairs classrooms, making the building handicap accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

YEAH! Corps

Youth Experiencing Artistic Hope or YEAH! Corps is a nonprofit organization empowering teenagers, ages 14-18, to become change-makers in their South Coast communities through art and design. BayCoast Bank is proud to provide a grant to support YEAH! Corps’ public art program, bringing colorful murals to our local neighborhoods. “We are thankful for BayCoast Bank believing in the talent and vision of our young artists,” said Sara Martins, Project Director. “We are so excited to get designing to beautify our community.”

YEAH! Corps hopes the unique arts program will spread a sense of togetherness and unity throughout the local community. Two young artists participating in the program agree.

“YEAH! Corps has provided me the opportunity to improve my artistic ability while contributing to the community. It has introduced me to a variety of styles from different artists…and I was able to expand my horizons,” said Maryanne. Adds Rome, “YEAH! Corps gives me a chance to make the city I’ve lived in for so long a bit better. The feeling I get when I see a person look at our creations and smile, is a feeling I cannot describe in words.”

About BayCoast Bank

BayCoast Bank is a long-standing community bank providing financial products and services to the people and businesses of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island through 25 branches and loan production offices, with more coming soon. The Bank offers a family of complete financial services through its subsidiaries: BayCoast Mortgage, BayCoast Financial Services, BayCoast Insurance, Plimoth Investment Advisors, and Priority Funding. For more information, visit baycoast.bank or call 508-678-7641.