St. Marys Bank recently donated $2,800 to Manchester Community College (MCC) to help support its English as a Second Language (ESL) Caf. The funds will help cover the costs to operate this new program during the first year while sustainable funding is obtained.
"Having been a part of the Greater Manchester community for the past hundred years, St. Mary's is aware of its large immigrant population and the rich culture this group of people brings to the city," said Tom Champagne, director of community outreach. "We're pleased to support a program that will assist those that speak English as a second language. MCC's caf will provide them an important resource for learning the English language and sharing in the experiences our vibrant community has to offer."
According to the 2006 U.S. Census more than 8 percent of NH's population speak a language other than English in their homes. The caf, which is free to participants, will address the needs of these individuals by hosting weekly two-hour meetings on Wednesday mornings. The program aims to create community for the students and drive discussions about situations that occur during their daily lives that they may not understand and how to handle situations that they may not have encountered yet, such as a job interview.
St. Mary's Bank also recently gave $1,200 to YMCA of Greater Nashua to assist in the purchase of a youth-sized elliptical machine for the YMCA's STRIVE Youth Fitness Center.
St. Mary's Bank is pleased to partner with the YMCA to invest further in the health and wellness of local youth, particularly those from low income families, said Champagne. The YMCA's programs help counteract issues like childhood obesity and the lack of after-school programs, thereby strengthening our community and its members. We applaud them on their efforts.
Created in the fall of 2007, the STRIVE Youth Fitness Center was funded by donations from Ronald McDonald House Charities and the HNHfoundation to help the Nashua YMCA address the issue of youth obesity. The STRIVE Center features two treadmills, two stationary bicycles, eight pieces of strength-training equipment specially designed for young people and Dance Revolution, a cardiovascular, interactive activity. Approximately 150 youth currently use the STRIVE Center, with results ranging from weight loss and strength gain to developing healthy habits and confidence.
For more information on Manchester Community College and its programs and services, call 603.668.6706 or visit their www.manchestercommunitycollege.edu.