Amesbury’s The Provident Bank has donated a building at 171 Lion’s Mouth Road in Amesbury to the Pettengill House, a social services agency serving Greater Newburyport.

In addition to becoming the Pettengill House’s first fully owned facility, the building will enable the organization to reintroduce its prevention education programs. Pending zoning board of appeals approval, programs may be offered in the building as soon as the spring.

The Provident Bank acquired the 1,200 square-foot building in foreclosure in December 2009. Rather than sell the building, the bank opted to donate it to the Pettengill House after learning of its need for space and the increased demand for client services, according to a statement. The property was last assessed at $151,300, according to data from The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman.

"The Provident Bank’s amazing gift of this building is a tremendous demonstration of its faith and confidence in the work of the Pettengill House organization, staff and volunteers; we are extremely grateful," said Pettengill House Executive Director Deb Smith. "We provide services to many area residents, including our intervention and advocacy program with the Amesbury schools. However, with this new building, we will be able to offer additional important prevention education services that truly make significant changes in the lives of children and families."

"While this property can be seen as a symbol of tough financial times, we decided to turn it into a positive for the community where our roots are located," said The Provident Bank President and CEO Charlie Cullen. "Having supported the Pettengill House extensively over the past years, the bank is aware of the vital role it has in our community."