Taunton, MA – As a proud community partner Mechanics Cooperative Bank has committed $5,000 in 2015 to the Taunton YMCA.  In addition to the $5,000 corporate contribution, Mechanics Cooperative Bank Assistant Vice President and Loan Servicing Manager, and Taunton YMCA Board Member Kelly O’Connor, was the Team Captain for the individual fundraising campaign!  Team Mechanics, led by Kelly, have been proactively fundraising for this great cause at all branch locations and through internal employee contests and contributions.  O’Connor commented “We not only support these amazing community organizations through charitable donations but our employees also contribute personally. That is the value of a true Community Bank.”  The donation from Mechanics Cooperative Bank and its employees in 2015 totaled over $7,300!

The money raised through the 2015 Capital Campaign allows the YMCA to be affordable and accessible to all local community residents. The donations made by Mechanics Cooperative Bank in 2015 will provide direct financial assistance for thousands of children and their families through YMCA memberships, child care, camp programs, recreation programs, teen programs, and special needs programs. These values-based programs provide the skills children need to grow into healthy, responsible adults.

The Old Colony YMCA in Taunton has been saving and enriching lives, and building a strong community for over 125 years!  History has shown the success of the Y depends on their ability to remain committed to growth, but also strategically positioned to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the people in the communities they serve.  The Taunton YMCA will continue to focus on Youth Development to increase developmental assets and help ensure a successful transition from youth to adulthood; Healthy and Balanced Living for All to promote the concepts of Activate America, leading to healthier communities, families and individuals; Strategic Partnerships to identify and meet the needs of our community; and a focus on promoting culture, diversity, philanthropy and safety.

These priorities build upon the YMCA’s legacy of service and the principles of positive youth development, measurable outcomes and solutions, and to improve the quality of life for all children, teens, adults, seniors and families throughout our community.
Stephanie Mancini, Executive Director of the Taunton YMCA explains, “There are children and families who need the YMCA’s help.  Whether it’s putting a mentor in a child’s life, giving teens a healthy outlet afterschool or affordable recreation for families, the YMCA is an essential part of this community.  These programs would not be possible without the support and dedications from community based organizations like Mechanics Cooperative Bank. We can not thank them enough for their commitment to our local community.”

Nancy Stokes, Senior Vice President of Lending for Mechanics Cooperative Bank and former YMCA Board Member said “I have been personally involved with the Taunton YMCA for a number of years and can speak personally to the quality programs they provide for local families.  Many of these programs would not be available without community assistance and I am proud to say Mechanics Cooperative Bank will continue to support the Taunton YMCA for many years in the future.”

The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the United States 2,687 Y’s engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, and serving the Taunton community for over 100 years, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence to deliver on its promise of lasting personal and social change. For more information on the Taunton YMCA, please call (508) 583-2155 or visit http://www.oldcolonyymca.org.

With total assets over $450 million, Mechanics Cooperative Bank offers a wide variety of personal and business deposit and loan products, including its “Mortgage in a Minute” online mortgage service. And as a Massachusetts co-operative bank, 100% of customers’ deposits are always fully insured.

Established in 1877, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is Massachusetts’ second-oldest co-operative bank with eight conveniently located branches in Bridgewater, Taunton, North Dighton, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River and Westport. For more information, call 1-888-MECHANICS (632-4264) or visit Mechanics-Coop.com. Member FDIC.  Member SIF.  Equal Housing Lender.

Senior Executive Director of the YMCA Stephanie Mancini (center) receives a $5,000 check from Mechanics Cooperative Bank Vice President, Commercial Lending, Ed Petras, and Assistant Vice President and Loan Servicing Manager, and Taunton YMCA Board Member, Kelly O’Connor. Also pictured is one of the YMCA After-School Classes that directly benefits from the Annual Capital Campaign!