News Archive

SI Financial Group Foundation Grants $913 to Thames Valley Council For Community Action, Inc.

JEWETT CITY, CT — The SI Financial Group Foundation, Inc. has recently awarded a $913 grant to Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) to support the Northeastern Connecticut Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The senior volunteers of this RSVP provide important services to at-risk individuals, community organizations and municipalities across 20 towns in Windham and Tolland Counties. TVCCA also operates a separate RSVP serving Southern New London County.

Created to combat poverty by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, TVCCA was incorporated in 1965 as one of Connecticut's private, non-profit Community Action Agencies and operated one program. TVCCA currently operates 29 major programs from WIC through Meals On Wheels; employs 370 paid staff members; and, is assisted by over 1400 volunteers including those of the RSVP.

Local community and corporate sources, such as the SI Financial Group Foundation, augment the basic funding that TVCCA relies on from federal, state and municipal sources. Private donations are to-date a small funding source that the agency hopes to encourage more of in the future. TVCCA is governed by a unique Board of Trustees comprised of representatives from the municipalities in the region; employees from local private or public organizations; and, representatives of the low-income population that the agency serves.

"There are many people and organizations out there with so many needs," said David Yovaisis, Chief Development Officer at TVCCA. "To earn the support of a visionary, community-based partner like the SI Financial Group Foundation means a lot to us, to the RSVP's senior volunteers, and to the low-income, disabled, homebound, individuals that we and the volunteers strive to serve. Local organizations see you every day; they understand regional needs, and are in a position to best know you and the work you do. We can accomplish so much when local supporters, like SI Financial Group Foundation, not only recognize and value what you do but also offer to work with you hand in hand."

"The many hundreds of senior volunteers who contribute their time, experience and skills do wonderful things for so many challenged fellow citizens as well as contributing community service valued at over one million dollars to their communities and towns", added David Cawley, Program Planner at TVCCA. "And, the volunteers gain personal benefits themselves through social interaction, physical exertion, mental stimulation and simply enhancing their own self-esteem and value in the community. A definite win-win program that certainly could utilize more public support!"

The SI Financial Group Foundation grant will be combined with the remaining balance of funding previously received from an Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors fundraiser to purchase a new Dell computer workstation to replace the program's technologically outdated and unreliable primary system. This long-awaited acquisition is expected to enhance the program's productivity; level of service; and, efficiency in communicating, informing and promoting activities to senior citizens; other clients served; volunteer workers, various stations where volunteers serve; other staff members, TVCCA's administrative functions, etc.

The SI Financial Group Foundation, Inc. was established in 2004 by SI Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Market: SIFI), which is the parent company of Savings Institute Bank & Trust Company. The Foundation is dedicated to charitable activities in the communities served by the Bank.