From left to right, is Kelly Cronin, Executive Director of the Waterbury Youth Services System, Inc., David Boodoo, Safe Place Coordinator at Waterbury Youth Services System, Inc., and Cindy Cipriano, Branch Manager/Assistant Secretary of Thomaston Savings Bank’s Waterbury, Watertown Ave. office with the Safe Place sign. T

he Waterbury Youth Services System, Inc. (WYSS) received a grant for $2,000 from Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. to fund the purchase and distribution of marketing materials for Project Safe Place.

Project Safe Place is an outreach network, started by National Safe Place in 1983. National Safe Place’s slogan is, ‘When 1 door closes, 1000’s open up.’ They continue by stating, ‘If you don’t feel safe at home or have already run away, National Safe Place offers safe locations and resources. It’s always free. Always there for you.’ A youth in crisis, which may include neglect, physical/sexual abuse, or being followed by a stranger, can get help immediately, at any of the safe place sites established in the community. The safe place sites are recognized by a large, black and yellow, diamond shaped sign. Presently the Waterbury Safe Place sites include the Waterbury Fire Department, Greater Waterbury YMCA, Family Services of Greater Waterbury, and Catholic Charities of Waterbury.  

The WYSS is committed to providing services, such as Project Safe Place, that promote the overall well-being of children, youth, and families who live in the Waterbury, Conn. area.

“We want Waterbury to know about this service. A lot of people do not know what Safe Place is. Marketing this service to the community is our number one priority now to make sure our youth are safe.” – David Boodoo, Safe Place Coordinator at WYSS

The marketing material that Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. funded will help to spread the mission of Project Safe Place and provide information on locations that can offer access to immediate help and safety. Our youth need to know that they are never alone.

About Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc.
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. was created in 1997 as a way for Thomaston Savings Bank to give back to the community. The mission of the Foundation is to raise and distribute funds annually to local religious, charitable, health, public safety, arts, and educational programs.
The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. was pleased to provide charitable giving, in the year 2013, exceeding $271,000. The grants awarded varied in dollar amounts, with the average award ranging between $1,500 and $2,000. Now, more than ever, we look forward to our continuous charitable contributions, which will have a positive effect on hundreds of peoples’ lives in our local communities.

Stephen Lewis, Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation President says, “This foundation could not have been established if it were not for loyal Thomaston Savings Bank customers that have facilitated the Bank as a leader in the community. We believe this foundation will grow substantially acknowledging our true spirit of giving back to the communities we serve.”

About Thomaston Savings Bank
Established in 1874, Thomaston Savings Bank is one of the strongest state-chartered mutual savings banks in the state. Headquartered in Thomaston, the Bank operates ten full-service branches throughout western Connecticut. The branches are located in Bethlehem, Bristol, Harwinton, Middlebury, Terryville, Thomaston (2), Waterbury (2), and Watertown. The cornerstone of their business philosophy is building long lasting relationships with customers by providing financial services of the highest quality and value. For almost 140 years, Thomaston Savings Bank has helped support the goals, dreams and future of its customers by remaining committed to community.

To learn more about Thomaston Savings Bank and all the services they offer, visit their website: www.thomastonsavingsbank.com.