Monson Savings Bank Donates $5,000 to Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation Learn & Save Program
Left to right: Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President & CEO; Shannon Ortona, Monson Savings Bank Ware Branch Manager; Kate Blackwell, Monson Savings Bank Ware Assistant Branch Manager; and Melissa Fales, Executive Director of Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC), during a check presentation at Monson Savings Bank’s Ware branch in support of the 2026 Harrison and Diane Quirk Learn & Save Program.
Monson Savings Bank is proud to continue its ongoing support of the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation’s (QVCDC) Harrison and Diane Quirk Learn & Save Program with a $5,000 donation made in late 2025 to help fund the 2026 cohort of participants.
The Harrison and Diane Quirk Learn & Save Program is a 12-month matched savings program designed to help low-to-moderate income residents of the Quaboag Valley and southern Worcester County build financial knowledge, establish healthy savings habits, and work toward achieving personal financial goals. Participants attend monthly financial literacy classes while saving toward the purchase of an approved asset, such as the repair or purchase of a vehicle, energy-efficient appliances,
education, a downpayment for a home, energy-efficient home repairs, or business equipment. Savings are matched through the program, helping participants accelerate their path to financial stability and success.
In addition to the Bank’s financial support, Monson Savings Bank Ware Branch Manager Shannon Ortona volunteers as an instructor for several of the program’s financial literacy classes, sharing her banking expertise and helping participants gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.
“Community banking is about investing in people and helping build stronger futures,” said Dan Moriarty, President & CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “The Harrison and Diane Quirk Learn & Save Program provides participants with practical financial education, encouragement, and a pathway to achieve meaningful goals. We are proud to support this impactful program and especially proud that Shannon continues to volunteer her time and expertise to help participants strengthen their financial futures.”
QVCDC has offered the program since 2017, helping residents increase their savings, improve their financial literacy, and purchase assets that positively impact their lives and families.
“We are incredibly grateful for Monson Savings Bank’s continued partnership and commitment to this program,” said Melissa Fales, Executive Director of Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation. “Their generous financial support, along with Shannon’s dedication as a volunteer instructor, helps ensure participants have access to the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to reach their savings goals and create lasting financial stability. Community partnerships like this make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
Individuals interested in participating in the next Harrison and Diane Quirk Learn & Save Program cohort are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting qvcdc.org/learn-save/.
To learn more about Monson Savings Bank’s commitment to supporting local communities, visit www.monsonsavings.bank/connect/our-community/our-community-commitment.html.
