Donors & Partners

A tutor since 2010, Aliina currently serves as LVGH Board Chair. As an engaged volunteer, she knows the importance of contributing her time and expertise. As a donor, she knows she can leverage her impact as a volunteer by investing in the future of our community. “Tutoring at LVGH, I’ve found common ground about family, politics, and careers with people whose backgrounds couldn’t be more different from my own. But I’ve also realized how many of the rules that I take for granted are unwritten. My English class has as much to do with navigating life in the United States as it does with grammar and pronunciation. I donate annually to ensure as many students as possible have the opportunity to gain the language and life skills that they need to succeed.”

At Bank of America, we have a clear purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We fulfill this purpose through a strategy of responsible growth, which includes a focus on environmental, social and governance leadership. Every day, we’re proud to partner with 47 million individuals, families and businesses, in hundreds of communities through operations in more than 35 countries to help them achieve their financial goals. bankofamerica.com

Barb first volunteered as a tutor in the early 90’s, but had to leave when her career demands increased. She re-engaged with LVGH in 2016, never forgetting how ESOL tutoring clicked with two of her passions: meaningful communication between people, and inclusion of all peoples in the greater community. Currently tutoring a basic level ESOL class, Barb loves to witness the motivation and dedication of her very diverse group of students. “I have donated to LVGH for several years because I know the work there makes a difference in many students’ lives. I also know that my donation will directly help students reach their individual goals and dreams, which in turn also benefits their community.”

Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc. Inc., the charitable arm of Berkshire Bank, is a leader in philanthropy and community engagement. The foundation demonstrates it’s commitment to the communities where the bank or its affiliates do business through it’s grants, scholarships and support of the company’s volunteer programs. All of these efforts fulfill the bank’s goal to help create healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities where educational and economic opportunities are available for everyone. berkshirebank.com

In 2006, while searching for a local non-profit that accepted donated books, Chris discovered LVGH. Having an IT background and a passion for positively impacting his hometown of Hartford, Chris took an interest in our computer lab. For over 10 years, Chris has been a daily fixture helping students develop their digital literacy skills. Along with being a dedicated volunteer, Chris served on the Board of Directors from 2007-2014, making him a highly engaged donor. Through his time and financial contributions to LVGH, Chris has helped countless students over the years. “We should never be satisfied, we should strive to continuously grow and serve more people. Cities like Hartford are not always financially able to deliver every service its residents need, and if you believe in investing in the future, it has to be done by the community. That is why I give to organizations like LVGH

Our strength comes from empowering others. The Farmington Bank Community Foundation and Farmington Bank together support local nonprofit organizations and events. We’re the community bank that is committed to giving back to the CT and MA neighborhoods in which we live and work. farmingtonbankct.com

Greater Hartford has many committed people, businesses and organizations working to foster a more equitable and vibrant place to live, work and raise a family. As Greater Hartford’s community foundation, we bring together the members of our community to share information, understand local problems and put resources behind effective solutions. Our grants support efforts that promise substantial and lasting community benefit; our endowment ensures our region’s continued progress for generations to come. hfpg.org

After graduating college and returning home to Connecticut, Jared was looking for ways to help his community thrive. A passionate reader, and amazed to discover that Hartford is one of the lowest literate cities in the country, Jared began tutoring in 2006. Ten years later, he joined our board, and currently serves as Board Secretary. Jared has been a loyal donor for over 10 years. “I give to LVGH because its students, staff, and volunteers pursue and achieve remarkable outcomes, from measurable gains in literacy to high levels of civic engagement that enrich our community.”

Lincoln Financial Foundation awards grants to more than 300 nonprofits each year that empower and improve the lives of many. Contributing to strong, vital communities is not only intrinsic to our values, it’s our responsibility. lfg.com

Having spent their careers as teachers, Mary and Ken know the importance of education. As a way to keep their passion for education going, they started volunteering together at LVGH. Both stressed the importance of giving back, especially during these times; “We need to do something positive, and we can’t think of anything more positive than teaching people who want to learn and who have goals.”Mary and Ken not only give their time and skills to our students, but they are able to support us as annual donors. They see donating as “something you have to do. We were given so much in our lives and had all of the privileges and basics, and not everyone has that. Even when we can’t give a lot, it is still important to give what we can.”

The Nutmeg Foundation was formed in 2001 as a private, independent foundation. The original Board members were Ethel Davis, J.M.K. Davis, James English, jr., and Edith Gengras. The purpose of the Foundation is to foster the acquisition of knowledge and skills which enable organizations and the individuals they serve to achieve their goals. Priority is given to organizations that enhance personal growth, independence and self-sufficiency. nutmegfoundation.com

People’s United Bank is a subsidiary of People’s United Financial, Inc., a diversified financial services company with over $44 billion in assets. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842, is a premier, community-based, regional bank in the Northeast offering commercial and retail banking, as well as wealth management services through a network of over 400 retail locations in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. peoples.com

Reid and Riege has been committed to our clients’ success and guided by their priorities since 1950. Whether closely held businesses, large financial institutions, individuals or corporations, all Reid and Riege clients receive undivided attention, access to integrated resources and legal solutions crafted to meet their business or personal objectives. rrlawpc.com

Our Mission To engage and bring together people and resources committed to the well-being of children and families in our community. unitedwayinc.org

Founded in Hartford in 1961, Whittlesey is one of the largest regional CPA and IT consulting firms in New England. With offices in Hartford, CT, Hamden, CT, and Holyoke, MA, we’re growing alongside our clients to provide a comprehensive array of advisory, assurance, tax, and technology services to a broad range of businesses and individuals. wadvising.com