Rollstone Bank & Trust, through its Charitable Foundation, is pleased to announce a $15,000 grant to NewVue Communities, awarded at the end of 2025, to advance the organization’s affordable housing and housing stability work across North Central Massachusetts.
The grant supports NewVue’s comprehensive approach to addressing housing instability, including tenant support services, eviction and foreclosure prevention counseling, affordable housing development, and advocacy efforts focused on long-term housing solutions. These services are increasingly critical as Worcester County continues to experience one of the tightest rental markets in the country, with rising rents, limited vacancies, and growing pressure on families and individuals striving to remain housed.
“At Rollstone, we believe that stable housing is essential to strong families and healthy communities,” said Mary Beth Jokela, President & COO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “NewVue Communities does more than build affordable housing—they provide early intervention, education, and advocacy that help people stay in their homes and maintain stability during times of financial stress.”
NewVue’s housing stability programs focus on proactive, early intervention—helping tenants and homeowners address financial challenges before they escalate into eviction or foreclosure. By connecting households with counseling, financial coaching, and community resources, NewVue helps families remain in their homes, keep children in their schools, and sustain employment and social connections.
In addition to direct services, NewVue is actively expanding affordable housing options through new construction and rehabilitation projects. These include the planned renovation of its 470 Main Street property in Fitchburg to add new affordable units, and the Fitchburg Arts Community, a new affordable and workforce artist housing development located in Fitchburg; as well as the Residence at the Park in Athol, MA.
“We are proud to support the good work of NewVue and the meaningful impact they have across our region, particularly right here in our hometown of Fitchburg,” Jokela continued.
The Fitchburg Arts Community is a transformative redevelopment of the historic former BF Brown School, High School Annex, and City Stables, offering studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed to support artists and creative professionals. The development emphasizes community cohesion through public art, gallery and studio space, and a thoughtfully designed landscape plan that unifies the site into an arts campus connecting directly to the Fitchburg Art Museum.
This Rollstone Bank & Trust grant reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to investing in nonprofit organizations that address critical community needs and promote long-term stability and opportunity throughout the region.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.