NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Classes

Our Spring LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes will begin the week of March 31st.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no-cost, 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Participants work with staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals such as building muscle mass & strength, increasing flexibility & endurance, and improving confidence & self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetime.

Check out the locations, dates, and times of the upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes.

Bernon Family Branch, Franklin

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:15pm-7:45pm
Day & Time: Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:45am-12:15pm

Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30am-12:00pm
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Hurley Family Branch, North Attleboro

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:30am-12:00pm

Participants receive a free family membership to the Hockomock Area YMCA during the program.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Director, at 508-772-1310 or jackier@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For additional information, click here.

When there’s the Y, there’s a way to learn about healthier living.


Inspiring Stories from Cancer Survivors

From gaining physical strength to finding encouragement along the way, community members share their journeys at the Y.

Posted on: Monday, March 17th, 2025

Register for Spring Sports Leagues

Make plans to join Y coaches for eight weeks of our popular Spring Sports Leagues!

Leagues and Prep-for-Leagues programs will start outdoors the weekend of April 11 at all Hockomock Y branches. Member and public rates are available and most leagues come free with a Family membership. Game on!

ENROLL: SOCCER

ENROLL: T-BALL / BASEBALL

ENROLL: NFL FLAG FOOTBALL

ENROLL: LEAGUES PREP FOR OUR YOUNGEST ATHLETES

Youth Soccer Leagues will run eight weeks (April 11-June 8, 2025; no meeting May 23, 24 or 25), costing: $84 member / $113 non-member / $25 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice.

Youth Baseball Leagues will run during the same eight weeks: at the same cost as above.

Flag Football Leagues will also run the same weeks, but costing $138 member / $173 non-member / $40 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice.

The Sports League Prep program, designed for younger athletes and those eager to try a new sport, will span eight weeks. Participate in soccer, flag football, t-ball, and cheerleading, with different options available depending on the location. Each meeting will run for 45 minutes and the cost is $76 member / $152 non-member. No uniforms are provided.

Family-type members, you receive FREE enrollment for Spring Sports Leagues (excludes League Prep programs)! Please see your email from Hockomock Area YMCA (the address associated with your YMCA membership) or call member services for the required promo code. Be prepared at checkout to pay uniform fees, which are excluded from the promotion. Those fees are $25 (soccer and baseball) or $40 (NFL flag football).

Questions? Please email your local YMCA

ENROLL TODAY!

Posted on: Friday, February 28th, 2025

Eagle Scout Project Enhancing Y’s Educational Garden

When Caroline Dalton, a Mansfield resident and long-time member of the Hockomock Area YMCA, was deciding on her Eagle Scout project, she wanted the project to have a lasting, positive impact on her community. Caroline is part of Troop 51 of Mansfield and is the second female Mansfield resident to have earned her Eagle Scout.

Caroline is also a member of the Hockomock Area YMCA, recalling, “I was a summer camper and gymnastics participant at the Invensys Foxboro Branch. My YMCA involvement deepened when I became a competitive swimmer on the HAY Lightning Swim Team, a lifeguard, and a participant in the HAY Harmony program there.” Dalton continued, “I immediately thought that I could find a worthy Eagle Scout project through the Y since the organization gives back greatly to the community. I’ve made lifelong friendships there as a member and an employee.”

Caroline inquired at the Y and was connected to Dawn DaCosta, Teen & Community Outreach Director, who leads the Educational Garden at the Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro. The Educational Garden is part of the Y’s summer programming where campers enjoy many garden classes and activities, such as making salsa, pickle jars, tomato sauce to name a few, as well as hands-on learning activities such as birdhouse making and tending to the gardens throughout the summer months. “When I met with Dawn and she explained the Educational Garden and what it meant to the community, I really wanted to help her and this program,” said Caroline.

Throughout 2024, Caroline strategized and worked on the project, in coordination with her Troop as well as the Y’s facilities team. Today, Caroline’s Eagle Scout project has provided the Y’s Educational Garden with much needed fencing to keep wildlife away from the crops. Caroline installed 165 linear feet of fencing around 8 raised garden beds.

Dawn DaCosta shares the significance of this fencing installation, “Because of this amazing project and Caroline’s commitment and dedication, our Y will now have three seasons of gardening, not just the 12 weeks of summer camp. We’re able to start Spring vegetable planting in April. And we’ll have the ability to do service projects in the Springtime for garden preparation and in the Summer, we’ll have more farm to table projects which is really exciting.” Additionally, the project enhanced the Garden with an excavation station where children can explore and play. A large sunshade was also installed to provide a much-needed cooling area and shade for the harvest table where summer classes will be held.

Caroline shares that this project couldn’t have been fulfilled without the support of the community around her. “I’m grateful to the many local businesses who contributed monetary donations as well as supplies,” says Caroline. “It meant a great deal to me to have the support of Troop 51 Mansfield members, Order of the Arrow members, and many friends and family. They gave up their free time on weekends to help me complete the manual labor of the project.”

This project’s impact will be felt by generations of area children. Caroline reflects, “This project will have a positive impact on the Y and the community it serves. A big thanks to my team for all the work put in to make it a success. Having my Eagle Scout project be part of the Y, means a lot and I’m proud of that.”

Caroline will attend Westfield State University in the Fall where she will be part of the swim team and will major in Elementary Education.

For information on service learning projects at the Y’s Education Garden this Spring or Summer, or for those interested in future Eagle Scout projects at the Hockomock Area YMCA, please contact Dawn DaCosta at 508-643-5270 or dawnd@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Before & After School Care Programs

LEARN AND THRIVE WITH US IN OUR BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS

Our YMCA partners with local school districts to provide affordable before and after school programs for families in our communities.

Our Y provides quality before & after school programs through our School’s Out Program for children starting in kindergarten. We are an EEC licensed program. We offer 2, 3, 4 & 5 day options. Our before school program begins at 7:00am and our after school program ends at 6:00pm each week day.

Registration for the 2025/2026 school year opens to the community on February 15, 2025.

(Current program families begin registration on February 3, 2025.)

REGISTER WITH US

Our On-Site School Programs include:

  • Bellingham: Bellingham Middle School; Stall Brook and DiPietro Elementary Schools
  • Foxborough: Foxborough Regional Charter School– after school care only
  • North Attleborough: Amvet, Falls, Martin, Community and Roosevelt Elementary Schools
  • Wrentham: Delaney Elementary School. Children at Roderick Elementary School can attend our program at Delaney Elementary School.

Our On-Site Hockomock Area Branch Programs include:

  • Franklin Y: for Franklin Public Schools
  • Foxboro Y: for Foxborough Public Schools
  • Mansfield Y: for Jordan/Jackson and Robinson Elementary Schools

If you are enrolled in our School’s Out program, we offer care on school vacation days, professional development days, half days and snow days. We close for major holidays including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Columbus Day. We provide full day programming with fun field trips and activities.

To learn more about the program or if you have questions, please contact: Erin Brennock at erinb@hockymca.org.

For questions regarding registration or billing, please contact: Monica Schmidt at monicas@hockymca.org or 508-643-5255.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and our community, offering programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. A financial assistance program is available for those that qualify. Please visit our website for more information. State vouchers are accepted.

Posted on: Thursday, February 20th, 2025

Annual Campaign Breakfast

REACH OUT
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST

Raising funds to strengthen community

Friday, March 14, 2025
Networking begins at 7:00 a.m.
Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium
Breakfast and Program at 7:30 a.m.

Watch the moving story of Nicole and her family

We will always be here to help individuals and families in need of an immediate safety net. None of this support is possible without the generosity of many people and organizations supporting our annual Reach Out Campaign.

To learn more about our Reach Out Campaign, click here.

Posted on: Sunday, February 2nd, 2025

Join a community of awesome teens

Exciting news! The Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin has received a grant from the Town of Franklin to provide free 6-month memberships for Franklin residents ages 13-17 in 2025.

Get Moving. Get Connected. Stay Healthy.

Get moving with your Teen Membership »

  • Full-service facility provides strength training and cardio workouts
  • Basketball
  • Pickleball
  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Indoor track
  • Yoga and Pilates all included in membership

Get connected while enjoying a vibrant community »
Amazing teen programs and rewarding employment opportunities include:

  • Lift Club – a coed program led by a dedicated coach designing monthly workouts designed for your fitness level and goals
  • Leaders Club – get hands-on experience with community service and youth development programs. Join a meeting Thursdays @ 6:30 PM
  • Y After Dark – enjoy special Saturday night events exclusively for teens. Join us for fun and excitement!
  • Now Hiring – Lifeguarding, Child Watch, Sports Coaches, Gymnastics and Dance Coaches positions all available!

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It's all happening at the Y!

Am I eligible? »

  • Must be a Franklin resident age 13-17.
  • Discount is offered to active Y members who have a Teen-type membership.
  • Teens who are part of an active Y family-type membership unit do not qualify for this discount.

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Join the Y!

Please note, these memberships will be available beginning January 1, 2025.

How to Use Your Promo Code: click here to download a PDF document with all the details.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Any questions? Please contact Kristin Torraco, Membership Director by phone at 508-528-8708 or by email at kristint@hockymca.org.

It's all happening at the Y!

Posted on: Friday, January 31st, 2025

YMCA / Dean College Scholarship

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to partner with Dean College to offer a $40,500 scholarship to a deserving young person who has been actively involved with the Hockomock Area YMCA.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • currently enrolled as a high school senior in good standing
  • be a Hockomock Area YMCA member or an active volunteer
  • minimum high school GPA of 2.5
  • meet the admission requirements of Dean College for Fall 2025
  • be a US citizen or permanent resident

APPLY TODAY!

Application deadline is Saturday, March 15, 2025.

The scholarship is renewable for four years as long as the student remains in good academic standing.

Finalists will be required to meet for an interview with the scholarship selection committee the week of March 24th.

If you have any questions, please contact our Franklin Y’s Senior Executive Director Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org or 508-528-8708.

Posted on: Monday, January 27th, 2025

YBL March Basketball Extension

Are you ready to take your basketball game to the next level?

March YBL Extension accepting sign-ups!

Quick note: Keep the Momentum Going! Join us for an additional 4 weeks of basketball excitement! Kids will further develop their skills with engaging drills and mini scrimmages. Enroll now! The YBL Extension will take place on Saturdays in Foxboro or Franklin, and Sundays in North Attleboro, starting the weekend of March 1, 2025.

Our upcoming program is designed to help participants learn and practice essential skills and drills, develop the fundamentals of basketball, and put their new knowledge to the test during exciting scrimmages and games.

The information below relates to the YBL Program from this past winter, which concluded on February 9th.

What You’ll Learn in YBL (Youth Basketball Leagues):

  • Skills and Drills: Participants will engage in a variety of drills to improve their dribbling, shooting, passing, and defensive techniques.
  • Fundamentals: Our experienced coaches will focus on teaching the core principles of basketball, ensuring that every player builds a strong foundation.
  • Scrimmages and Games: Practice what you’ve learned in real-game scenarios, enhancing your understanding and application of basketball strategies.

Details about YBL:

  • December 14, 2024 – February 9, 2025
  • Age groups begin at 4 and extend through grade 4, depending on the branch where you register.
  • All skills can join. Non-members welcome.
  • Cost: $84 member, $113 non-member.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to improve your basketball skills and have fun! Register today and get ready to hit the court with confidence.

Quick note: preseason clinics are open for registration! Clinics will be held Saturday mornings in Foxboro and Sunday mornings in North Attleboro, starting the weekend of November 9.

Don’t let your 3 year old miss out on all the fun this winter. They’ll love it!

Is your child eager to learn the fundamentals of basketball and get ready for future league play? Our Basketball Leagues Prep program is the perfect opportunity for young athletes to develop essential skills in a supportive group class setting.

Skills Class Overview: In this parent/child class, children will focus on:

  • Dribbling: Working on controlling the ball and moving with it.
  • Passing: Practicing how to pass the ball accurately and well.
  • Shooting: Getting the hang of shooting the ball correctly and making it go in.
  • Defense: Learning how to play defense and where to stand.
  • Basic Game Play: Using what you’ve learned in actual games to feel more confident and get a better grasp of the game.
  • Why Join Our Leagues Prep Program? This class is part of our comprehensive Leagues Prep program, specifically designed to help children prepare for participation in Y Sports Leagues as they grow older. By focusing on fundamental skills and game play, we ensure that each child builds a strong foundation for future success in basketball.

Details about classes for children who are 3:

  • Class Times: Classes will be held Saturdays from 9:00 – 9:45 am in Foxboro and Sundays from 8:45 – 9:30 am in North Attleboro.
  • Duration: The program runs for 8 weeks, starting on December 14 and ending on February 9.
  • Location: All classes will take place at the Y Gymnasium. The start and end dates of this class align with our Youth Basketball League (YBL) schedule, making it easy for families to plan and participate.
  • Cost: $78 member, $152 non-member.

Get your kids involved in youth basketball teams and leagues at your local Y, and watch them have a blast while learning the game!

Posted on: Friday, January 24th, 2025

February Is Heart Health Month

February is American Heart Health Month. It’s a great time to understand your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease and make some important life changes for a long healthy life.

This month and all year round, we encourage our members and the community to learn more about 2 of our Y’s Healthy Heart Programs.

  • Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSMP)
  • Heart Strong: Post Cardiac Rehab Program

We also invite folks to stop by 1 of our branch locations this month to attend a free blood pressure screening and to learn about blood pressure management and strategies.


Free Blood Pressure Readings & Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program Information

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

  • Monday, Feb 10: 9:30am-10:00am

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

  • Thursday, Feb. 13: 11:00am-12:00pm

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

  • Monday, Feb. 17: 11:30am-12:00pm

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM (BPSMP)

Learn more about the risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading. Ask a medical provider if you are at risk and take action to reduce your risk. Long-term adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication treatment can be challenging, many studies have focused on the potential of self-monitoring as a tool for blood pressure management. In an effort to address these issues, the Y designed an evidence-based, self-monitoring program aimed to help participants better manage their blood pressure. This program emphasizes that self-monitoring and tracking of individuals’ blood pressure can play a significant role in reducing one’s blood pressure and improving their quality of life.

Our YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program which supports individuals with hypertension to lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. The YMCA of the USA developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension and improve their overall health. Less than half of all Americans living with hypertension have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Enrollments are currently being accepted from February through May of 2025 for our Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. People who enroll during February through May will receive:

  • The program valued at $150 for only $50
  • A blood pressure cuff/monitor (valued at $40)
  • Heart healthy recipes and education

How the program works:
Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors over an 8-week session to:

  • Self-measure their blood pressure
  • Attend 2 personalized consultations
  • Attend nutrition education seminars
  • Record blood pressure readings using a self selected tool

Program Goals:

  • Reduction in blood pressure
  • Improved blood pressure management
  • Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure
  • Enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

To learn more about our program or to register, click here. You may also call us at 508-643-5271 or email donnah@hockymca.org to ask questions and schedule a consultation.

HEART STRONG: POST CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM

Heart Strong, our Post Cardiac Rehab Program, is a 12-week program designed to support individuals who have participated in a medically supervised cardiac rehabilitation program and want to continue to maintain optimal heart and vascular health through exercise.

This program helps individuals continue with their prescribed exercises with the care and support of YMCA trainers and instructors.

What are the benefits?

  • Exercise with confidence
  • Small group setting
  • Social support
  • Fully supervised

What is included?

  • Small group support
  • Experienced trainers and instructors
  • Weekly 1-hour sessions for 12 weeks
  • Free YMCA membership for enrolled participants and full use of all Hockomock Area YMCA branches for the program’s duration.

Cost: $100 for YMCA Members / $150 for Non-members

Enrolling now for upcoming classes!

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

  • Mondays: 11:30am-12:30pm

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

  • Thursdays: 11:00am-12:00pm

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

  • Wednesdays: 9:30am-10:30am

For more information and to register, email donnah@hockymca.org Donna Higgins, Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, or call 508-643-5271.

Posted on: Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

February Vacation Programs & Care

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In during February Vacation.

WHEN: FEB. 17 – 21, 2025

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through Y programs, children are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, socialization, better health, and achievement.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your child’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!

Vacation Week Details:

  • Program Days: Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21.
  • Full Day programs: 9:00am – 4:00pm each day with options for pre-camp (7am-9am) and post-camp (4pm-6pm) at our 3 main branches.
  • Families can choose which day(s) they wish their child to participate.
  • Full day camps, please pack a full lunch with water bottle and snacks. Some camps will swim so please check the program description for more details on when to pack a bathing suit and towel.
  • Check out our field trip information for our traditional day program at each branch in our registration portal today for all the fun we have planned.
  • Program offerings will differ from each branch.

at the Foxboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO Y)

We are also offering our SPLASH PROGRAM during Vacation Week – an initiative that strives to improve water safety skills and gives more kids the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of recreational swimming. This is a free program for students age 5-12 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Limited spots. To enroll call 508-543-2523. Y members and non-members are welcome to participate.

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course during Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, February 21 (4:30pm-10:00pm) and Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 (9am-5pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. Learn more and Register

at the Franklin Y

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN Y)

at the Mansfield Arts & Education Center

REGISTER TODAY (MANSFIELD Y ARTS CENTER)

at the North Attleboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (NORTH ATTLEBORO Y)

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Babysitting Course during Vacation Week on Thursday, February 20 (9:00am-12:00pm) for ages 11-16 at our Teen Center, The Zone located at 485 East Washington Street in North Attleboro. Become a certified babysitter when you take the American Health & Safety course. Topics include basic child care and leadership skills, first aid, diapering, feeding and employment skills. Learn more and Register

See you at the Y for fun this February school vacation!

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

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HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA 02038

 508.528.8708

INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA 02035

 508.543.2523

HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066