“[Frayser] is a place where there are multiple strong organizations, but they don’t have clearly defined common goals or the ability to work on strategic partnerships,” Halloran explained. “When you make those connections, they just get stronger and longer lasting.”

These twinned efforts are reflected in a recent commitment to invest $1.3 million in grants for a community development initiative called Frayser Connect. Bringing together several local organizations, the collaborative project aims to support small businesses and promote financial education.

While still in the early stages, Duquette said ongoing pilot programs in Frayser and North Springfield have already shown positive results. In short, the Live Mutual Project’s practical, personalized tactics work.

“The paradigm of good corporate citizens as simple check writers no longer works,” Duquette said. “We believe that a collaborative assault on poverty, combining the wisdom and resilience of community residents with the unique strengths of businesses, nonprofits and public sector partners, can deliver lasting solutions. It’s a somewhat provocative approach, but we’re very encouraged by what we’re already seeing.

This article is the fourth in a four-part series. Click here to read Part I: “Watering the financial desert”, Part II: “In a robust economy, many are left behind”and Part III: “Combating poverty one relationship at a time”. For more information on MassMutual’s Live Mutual visit here.