On Monday, July 2nd Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) met with members of the Savings Institute Bank & Trust management team to celebrate grant funds recently awarded to NOW.  The funds, totaling $2,000, will support NOW scholarships for children participating in local programs in 2018.

This spring, NOW applied for funds from the SI Financial Group Foundation, Inc. The foundation was established in 2005 by SI Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of the Savings Institute Bank & Trust Co. in Willimantic, CT. The causes supported by the SI Financial Group Foundation are selected based on several criteria, including their ability to enhance the quality of life for the constituencies they serve.

Throughout the year, NOW partners with local youth serving organizations focused on sports and other healthy activities. These partnerships include scholarship support, with NOW offering scholarships to qualifying youth of the community with up to 95% of the cost being subsidized by the non-profit. In 2017 alone, NOW provided over $21,000 in scholarship support to 272 children. In addition to scholarships, NOW promotes fitness & nutrition education to all children participating in partner organization activities throughout each season of sports.

NOW Executive Director, Sarah Wolfburg commented, “NOW is very grateful to the SI Financial Group Foundation and the Savings Institute Bank & Trust for this grant. We believe that participating in sports and other healthy activities gives children a chance to learn about teamwork, discipline, and so many other important qualities. The $2,000 in funds will ensure that children in the region get the opportunity to play and learn.”

Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, is a non-profit human services organization focused on youth wellness. Serving the 10-town area of Northeast Connecticut, NOW provides children with the opportunity to participate in area athletic programs and activities. The mission of the organization is to provide all children, regardless of financial resources, equal opportunities to achieve & maintain youth wellness, beginning at an early age.