MVSB has been a CAPSC supporter in the past.  This year’s Thanksgiving food basket project is the first of its kind for MVSB and CAPSC.   Tell me a bit about how the idea came about and came to life!

Since we were new to the Rochester market and I have been in my current role… I made it a priority to get to know the local non profits in order to see what the greatest needs were in Strafford County. Due to this I have created many wonderful relationships with CAPSC being one of them. Melissa Spil has been so great and in my opinion has been so instrumental with this initiative. If I remember correctly, I believe it was Skip from the ShareFund that had suggested this kind of collaboration to me last year. I shared our conversation with Melissa during one of our early meetings this year and she ran with it. I couldn’t be more excited and proud to know that we are all working together to ensure more families will be helped this holiday season!

Describe MVSB’s history of community involvement and if there are individuals in your company who deserve special mention for their community support.

MVSB has been serving the essential banking needs of people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities for over 150 years. As a mutual savings bank, MVSB has no stock-holders but rather operates for the benefit of its customers, employees and community. Since our founding, one thing has always remained true: caring is at the heart of everything we do, and we care deeply about being an engaged neighbor in the communities we serve. MVSB employees regularly volunteer at a variety of organizations, including schools, food pantries, soup kitchens, search and rescue teams, veteran groups, homeless shelters and more. They serve on boards and committees, participate in town government, coach sports teams, march in community parades and help organize community events and fundraisers. In 2022, MVSB proudly supported nearly 200 community organizations with more than $500,000 in the form of contributions, sponsorships, grants, CDFA tax credit purchases and scholarships.

Through your donation matching sponsorship and involvement in this project, hundreds of CAPSC families will enjoy a balanced and delicious holiday meal this Thanksgiving.  How has MVSB benefited from their involvement with CAPSC and other community organizations?

When our communities thrive, we all do. MVSB is proud to support local nonprofits and organizations, like CAPSC, that provide individuals and families the resources and support needed live well in our communities.

How did you first learn about CAPSC, and what was your initial impression of their services?

Even before breaking ground at our newest office at 21 Farmington Road in Rochester, our team was present and listening – leaning on employees, residents and businesses to gain insight into the challenges Strafford County communities are facing to ensure our contributions and support could make the biggest impact. We saw early on the value in CAPSC’s holistic approach to helping individuals and families address the unique challenges they are facing with their wide range of supports, services and expertise.

Were there any particular individuals or staff members at the agency who made a significant impact on your experience, and why?

Melissa Spil has been my go to for anything CAPSC related. She is such a gem and CAPSC and the community are so lucky to have her. I look forward to our continued partnerships in the future.

How do you think companies can start to be more involved with their communities?  Where should they start?

I truly believe they should start with their local nonprofits. This is where they can gauge what the biggest needs and concerns are for their community as well as how to help. This also creates connections in the community and helps get their name out there as a community supporter which in turn helps their business. Neighbors helping neighbors is a great start!