Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Allard.
Kristine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my career in broadcast news, working as a radio news reporter and later as a television news assignment editor. I loved the excitement and pace of the newsroom, but when my husband and I started our family, the newsroom schedule became a challenge with a young child at home.
From there, I accepted a position at a marketing communications firm in Providence, RI, where I remained for 11 years. I was able to apply my media relations skills to support clients who were looking to secure attention in the media. I also honed in on my writing skills and creativity. Many of our clients were in the non-profit sector. In particular, I did a lot of work with organizations in the health and education industries.
In 2010, I was offered a Marketing Director position at the YMCA, where I had been an active member and volunteer. I accepted this position and have been working in non-profit ever since.
My current position, Chief Development & Communications Officer for Square One in Springfield, MA, is a position for which I am extremely proud! I love being part of an organization whose mission and vision are focused on paving a path for all children to have a bright future. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than knowing that we are working to provide opportunities for children to be successful academically, physically and socially. I absolutely LOVE my job!
Has it been a smooth road?
Working in Development presents tremendous challenges. Knowing how much need there is in our community, yet also competing with countless other worthy organizations for funding, can be exhausting and, at times, disheartening.
Square One provides early education and care for 500 at-risk children every day; and family support services to 1,500 families every year. Without us, many of them would not have access to food and vital services. As the demand for our programs and services continues to grow, the pressure to raise the necessary funds to support that demand continues to mount.
At the same time, my work is extremely rewarding! Seeing our children thrive and our families head down a path to success makes all the hard work worthwhile. Rather than focus on the challenges, I remind myself that our community is blessed to have the support of so many individuals and businesses who believe in what we are doing and share in our vision for a bright future for all of our participants.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Square One – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Square One provides early education and care to over 500 infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children every day. In addition, we provide family support services and workforce development opportunities to 1,500 families each year.
At Square One, we know that the early years of every child’s life can have a profound impact on their long-term academic, social, physical and emotional success. This belief, confirmed by research and first-hand experience, is the driving force behind the Square One mission.
Whether we are teaching children to read and write, providing a nourishing meal, or developing a healthy love of play, everything we do is driven by our vision of a bright future for all children, despite the daunting challenges they face at home. Of the hundreds of children we serve every day, 100 percent are poverty stricken. Many are living in homeless shelters; struggle with food insecurity; have a parent who is in addiction recovery or incarcerated; and have suffered from abuse and neglect. We have seen the profound difference that a high-quality, nurturing early-learning setting can have on all children, particularly those faced with these significant difficulties.
Likewise, we know that in order for children to achieve success, a stable home is critical. We are proud to offer a wide array of family-service programs and creative workforce development opportunities to support the parents, grandparents, foster parents and other care givers as they work to overcome their personal challenges, continue their education, and secure gainful employment.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Springfield is in the midst of a wonderful revitalization. We are seeing new businesses moving into the region, breathing new life into the greater Springfield region. There are new job opportunities, cultural enhancements, educational resources, and entertainment, to name just a few.
This is very exciting, as we continue our mission to provide families with the foundation they need to be good parents and provide opportunities for their children to have a bright, happy future.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1095 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103
- Website: www.startatsquareone.org
- Phone: 413.732.5183
- Email: kallard@startatsquareone.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startatsquareone/
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