BayCoast Bank Provides Key Financial Support to the Veterans Association of Bristol County
SWANSEA, FALL RIVER, MA – BayCoast Bank is more than just a financial institution. It is staffed by dedicated individuals who care about helping the South Coast community thrive. Assisting local veterans who have selflessly served our country is an important part of that commitment, emboldened by its leadership support of the Veterans Association of Bristol County (VABC).
Through this partnership, on October 30th VABC acquired the historic Tuscan Building, located at 145 Globe Street in Fall River, to significantly expand its ability to meet the increasing need for veterans’ services across Bristol County, Massachusetts.
“For years, demand for our programs has far outpaced the space we have to operate,” said Ken Levesque, Executive Director of VABC. “This new facility is more than just a building—it’s a commitment to every veteran who walks through our doors. It’s a promise that we will continue to grow with them, adapt to their needs, and be a reliable source of support for decades to come.”
VABC has been a trusted resource for veterans, offering nutritious meals, clothing, health and wellness programs, and social engagement. As the number of veterans seeking support continues to grow with nearly 4,900 veteran households served in 2024, VABC’s current facility at 755 Pine Street in Fall River is no longer adequate. When VABC identified the ideal property for a new veterans’ community service center, and needed to act quickly given the competitiveness of the local real estate market, BayCoast Bank stepped in. The bank provided flexible financing to make the building’s $1.85 million purchase possible and made a generous grant to help fund the down payment and building improvements necessary to accommodate VABC programs. BayCoast Bank has supported VABC for many years and Greg Clarkin, BayCoast Bank’s Vice President of Business Development, serves on the VABC board of directors.
Left to Right: Kimberly Grandfield, Carl Taber, Stephanie Melo Terra – BayCoast Bank, Tomas Santos, Ken Levesque – VABC, John McMahon – BayCoast Bank, John Torchio – VABC, and Michael J. O’Leary – BayCoast Bank
Left to Right: Greg Clarkin – BayCoast Bank & VABC, Ken Levesque – VABC
Additional support from the Robert F. Stoico FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation, Ruby W. and LaVon P. Linn Foundation, and BankFive are helping VABC advance on its Building A Healthy Veterans Community $3 million capital campaign goal. The seller, Tuscan Properties, LLC, also provided a generous charitable reduction on the purchase price in support of the VABC mission. VABC must now raise $2 million to complete building improvements, including a new commercial kitchen, and retire its mortgage, and is offering prominent naming opportunities in the building to its donors.
Levesque continued, “this purchase is a dream come true thanks to BayCoast Bank with both financing and a charitable grant of $250,000 that sets the course for our capital campaign. This will be a community-wide fundraising effort to turn this building into a much-needed veterans’ service center and regional hub of veteran support.”
“BayCoast Bank is truly honored to serve those who have bravely served us,” said John McMahon, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement for BayCoast Bank. “When the VABC needed our support, we didn’t hesitate. We are so pleased to be a part of this transformative project that will help ensure veterans have access to the comprehensive programs they need and deserve.”
The purchase of the Tuscan Building as a new base of operations marks a milestone for VABC, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. Most importantly, the move will improve its capacity to meet the growing needs of the veterans’ community with expanded services, increased accessibility, and a welcoming environment where veterans can find the resources, support, and camaraderie they deserve.
The new building will accommodate a larger community drop-in center, dedicated spaces for career development and housing support, an expanded food pantry, emergency food assistance areas, and multipurpose spaces for veteran-led events, workshops, education, and outreach activities. VABC will undertake building improvements to relocate its programs and then host an official dedication ceremony in the spring of 2026.
