HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Saturday, October 8th, 2016

National Family Week

National Family Week is an annual celebration observed during the week of Thanksgiving. The Alliance for Children and Families and its member organizations have annually promoted National Family Week for more than 40 years.

Our Y is proud to help area families connect to the opportunities, networks, support, and services that enable them to succeed. We encourage you to join our celebration of National Family Week, November 21-27, 2016.

On Thanksgiving Day, our branches will be open 7-11am with child watch open 8-11am. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to look for recipes for using your leftovers when you visit the Y and feel free to bring a friend on Thanksgiving Day free of charge. Donations to our local food pantries are encouraged throughout the week.

FOXBORO Y EVENTS:

Monday

Holiday-themed story/craft class with take-away in child watch 9:30am $5/child
Family open gymnastics 12:15-1:15pm (free)
Wee Dance parent/child class 1:00-1:30pm (preregister at Member Services; free)
CPR class 6:00pm. Adults, free. Online pre-work is required (limited enrollment) Sign up by 11/15

Tuesday

Join us at Bass Pro Shop for a serving of trail mix before heading out to the cranberry bogs for an 11:30am family hike
Parent/child cooking class 5:30pm (free. call 508-543-2523 to register)

Wednesday

Dora & Diego Character Lunch 11:30am (serving turkey roll up, apple slices & yogurt) Sign up
Use our Child Watch Drop Off Program 12:00-3:00pm and get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep with no kids under foot
Jumparoo & giveaway in 1/2 gym 1:00-3:00pm (free)

Friday

Black Friday Swim Challenges 8:00am start. All ages, all day. contact: edwinf@hockymca.org or 508-772-1324
Pickup an ornament from our lobby giving tree. Thanks for helping a local family in need

Saturday

Swim with the turkeys! 1:30-3:30pm inflatables in the pool (free)
CPR class 6:00pm. Adults, free. Online pre-work is required (limited enrollment) Sign up by 11/15

Sunday

Family Zumba & Breakfast To-Go 9:00-10:00am (free)
Open Gymnastics for families 4:00-4:45pm (free)

FRANKLIN Y EVENTS:

Monday

Family Freeze Dance 4:00-4:45pm in Kids Club (free)

Tuesday

Join us at Bass Pro Shop for a serving of trail mix before heading out to the cranberry bogs for an 11:30am family hike
Dora & Diego Character Lunch 11:30am (serving turkey roll up, apple slices & yogurt) Sign up
Family Zumba 4:00-5:00pm (free)

Wednesday

Jumparoo & Giveaway in the gym 10:00am-12:00pm (free)
Use our Child Watch Drop Off Program 12:00-3:00pm and get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep with no kids under foot

Friday

STEM Family activity 1:00-3:00pm (free)
Pickup an ornament from our lobby giving tree. Thanks for helping a local family in need.

Saturday

Swim with the turkeys! 1:30-3:30pm inflatables in the pool (free)

Sunday

Family Open Gymnastics 2:00-3:30pm (free)

NORTH ATTLEBORO Y EVENTS:

Monday

Dora & Diego Character Lunch 11:30am (serving turkey roll up, apple slices & yogurt) Sign up
Swim with the turkeys! 1:00-3:00pm inflatables in the pool (free)

Tuesday

Thanksgiving Food Craft in lobby 11:00am-12:00pm (free)

Wednesday

STEM Family activity 10:00-11:30am (free)
Use our Child Watch Drop Off Program 12:00-3:00pm and get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep with no kids under foot

Friday

Jumparoo, snacks & giveaway 10:30am-12:00pm (free)
Family Dodgeball 4:00-5:30pm (free)
Pickup an ornament from our lobby giving tree. Thanks for helping a local family in need.

Saturday

CPR class 9:00am. Adults, free. Online pre-work is required (limited enrollment) Sign up by 11/15
Small Business Saturday, vendors in the lobby 9:00am-12:00pm. contact: dawnd@hockymca.org or 508-643-5270

Sunday

Dance Class for 2-6 year olds (free) 11:00am-12:00pm

We hope you have a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with your family and thank you for having fun and being active at the Y. For tips on healthy living, visit ymca healthy family home.

Posted on: Friday, October 7th, 2016

Golfing with Legends

It was a beautiful day for our 7th Annual Legends Golf Classic!

On Tuesday, October 11th we held a successful Legends Golf event and raised critical funds that support our YMCA’s Integration Initiative providing programs and services for children with special needs and their families.

For the 7th year, we were hosted by our friends at TPC Boston. TPC Boston has wholeheartedly embraced the Integration Initiative and continues to create life-long memories for some very special kids. Our partnership with TPC Boston continues to grow and impact children with special needs including the following events: The Legends Golf Classic, the summer Golf Clinics for our Integration Initiative participants, participation at the Deutsche Bank Championship and even the opportunity for kids to take part in programs at TPC Boston.

Throughout the day. we had the opportunity to hear from family members describing the impact made by partnering with the Hockomock Area YMCA and supporting our innovative Integration Initiative. On behalf of the 902 families of children with special needs we work with, thank you for your participation, involvement and thoughtful generosity.

Take a look at our event photos

Thank you to our Legends Golf Classic Committee and TPC Boston for making this event possible. Committee members: Joe Andruzzi, Dick Bowen, Rich Brady, Peter Brock (chair), Wally Cekala, Steven Doherty, Brian Earley, Dave Hobaica, Dan Kennedy, Steve King, Jeff Mann, Bart Munroe, Mark Nowosielski, Tim O’Neill, Dan Waslewski

Posted on: Friday, October 7th, 2016

The Legends Ball – Nov. 15

OPPORTUNITY
INCLUSION
IMPACT

TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 15, 2016

Rob Ninkovich, New England Patriots Linebacker, To Receive 2016 Legends Ball Award

Join us for an evening of distinction featuring New England sports legends and honoring Rob Ninkovich for his passion and commitment to children with special needs and their families.

Cocktail Reception 6:00pm
Introduction of Legends 7:15pm
Dinner with Legends 8:00pm

Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Our Integration Initiative continues to provide unique, innovative and impactful opportunities for children with special needs and their families.

The Integration Initiative was created to meet an emerging need in the communities we serve, recognizing the importance of supporting children with special needs and their families, providing a community of inclusion at our YMCA.

Since 2004, more than 1,000 children and families have participated in our Initiative. Many participants have grown up in the program and families continue to look to our Y to provide more opportunities as children transition into the challenges of young adulthood. Environments are established that promote social growth, relationship building, and the comfort in knowing the Y is here for families.

OUR INITIATIVE INCLUDES:

The VIP Club (Volunteering through Inclusive Partnerships)
The VIP Club, introduced this year, meets weekly and provides opportunities for Integration Initiative participants over the age of 17 to learn about volunteering at our Y and within the community.

New Horizons Summer Camp
Our New Horizons summer camp provides an inclusive setting of traditional summer camp for children with special needs. 2016 marked the 6th year of New Horizons with 150 campers with disabilities attending over 600 weeks of summer camp.

Unified Sports
We support two Unified Teams in both basketball and flag football comprised of youth and young adults with and without disabilities. In 2016, over 50 participants with disabilities were involved in our Unified Sports Program.

HAY Harmony
HAY Harmony, a program inspired by our Y’s swim team, recently celebrated its 6th season. This teen program meets monthly with more than 40 kids with and without disabilities enjoying social time in the Spier Family Aquatics Center at our Invensys Foxboro Branch.

Inclusive Golf Team
Now in its third year, our Inclusive Golf Team has a roster of 20 golfers with and without disabilities. This year, the team enjoyed events sponsored by TPC Boston, The Deutsche Bank Championship and MGA Links.

Thank you for your role in creating a culture of inclusion and diversity celebrated at our YMCA every day. The important funds raised through your support and generosity make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people and their families.

Please respond if interested in attending no later than Friday, October 28. For further information, contact Peter Waisgerber at 508-643-5251 or peterw@hockymca.org.

Presented by: CVS Health

Posted on: Thursday, October 6th, 2016

New Programs for Fall 2

Fall 2 runs: Oct 31 – Dec 23

Feeling Like Fall!

We believe that kids need encouragement and a safe place to be active and learn together with peers. And that doesn’t change simply because the days are getting shorter! Our upcoming programs encourage kids to continue their summertime active lifestyles by joining us for awesome offerings. They just scream Autumn!

Our new Youth Program Guide collects all our Fall 2 youth development programs for easy download.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Check out Our Seasonal Programs for Youth:

Basketball Skills Classes
Youth Basketball League – teams are forming now
Floor Hockey – preschool to school age options
Beginner to Advanced Karate

We Encourage Pool Time.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that swimming skills gained this summer should be fostered throughout the school year. More time in the water = more confidence + improved skills. For anyone unsure which swim lesson makes sense for their child, please see our new swim placement guide. Also, check out our Pool Schedules to find options for participating in Open Swim, or plan to join us for lap swim and aqua exercise classes, which are available throughout the week.

Foxboro Pool Schedule

Franklin Pool Schedule

North Attleboro Pool Schedule

What About Specially Designed Programs?

Fall 2’s gymnastics classes will focus on reliving the fun we found watching the Summer Games in Rio. Kids will learn bars, beam, and floor routines based on levels 1 and 2 Jr. Olympics’ compulsory routines and march in their own parade of athletes before performing these skills for loved ones at the last class. Included is an awards ceremony, so don’t forget your camera.
Teen/tween fitness happens after school at the Y. Check out options like strength coaching, running groups, and introduction to Group Exercise classes including Zumba or Kickboxing.
Cozy up in the kitchen this fall and let your kids learn to cook at the Y! We offer a number of Youth Cooking Classes. (2-12 yrs)

Fall is Here. So Start the Move Indoors.

Join us as your workout begins to comes inside. Don’t forget to check our gym schedule because, in addition to pickup hoops & Open Gym, we offer the following ways to be fit:

Adult Basketball Leagues, including women’s leagues
Volleyball
Dodgeball

Foxboro Gym Schedule

Franklin Gym Schedule

North Attleboro Gym Schedule

Because we offer so many programs, we also have this printable guide you can download.pdf download: catalog of Fall 2 classes

REGISTER FOR FALL 2 CLASSES

Member Registration begins Tuesday, October 4th

Posted on: Thursday, October 6th, 2016

A Night to Celebrate Our LIVESTRONG Program

Please join us as we celebrate impact and raise critical funds for the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.

This evening of inspiration will feature:

Community Champion Award Honorees CVS Health and Golf Fights Cancer
Remarks from LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program alumni
Program Volunteer Recognition

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week program designed for cancer survivors seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors.

EVENT DETAILS

Tuesday, October 25, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
At Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St Wrentham, Massachusetts

Please RSVP today to supportlivestrong@hockymca.org or 508-643-5278

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Where Community Comes Together

Summer 2016 was a record setting, fun-filled experience for thousands of local kids and families.

Adventure trips, new climbing trees, hammock villages, remote controlled race cars, paddle boards and our new and innovative STEM activities for campers were new additions to our traditional offerings, making summer camp among the most special times in the lives of the children we serve.

Program quality, and a safe and nurturing environment for kids, were combined with great leadership from role model counselors who brought with them an energy and enthusiasm that permeated throughout all of our camps this summer. 10,242 sessions of summer camp in 2016 represents an increase of 20% from the previous summer.

Another source of pride at our YMCA is the opportunities for employment extended to high school and college age role models. This summer we hired 241 camp counselors under the age of 21, in many case providing teens with their first job.

Brittany Gretchel, who is 16 years old and starting her junior year of high school, exclaimed, “I’ve been going to the Y as a camper since I was 7 years old, the Y has been part of my life since I can remember.” In her first year as a counselor working with 5 year olds Brittany says, “It’s a lot of fun working here and getting to know all the kids and I feel like I really make a difference. There was one girl who had never been in a pool before this summer and she did not want to go in the pool at all. And now she’s swimming by herself, it’s so cool to know we helped her get to this point.”

Experiences like the one described by Brittany happened each and every day as over 1,000 kids a day attended camps at our locations throughout the communities we serve. And like we are fond of saying, “It was the Best Summer Ever.”

August was special for participants in our Y’s Integration Initiative. Members of our Unified Golf Team once again met, interacted, and putted with professional golfers from all over the world during the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.

We take great pride in our partnership with our friends at TPC Boston and the Deutsche Bank Championship and once again enjoyed a wonderful experience.

And on August 23rd teens with special needs and disabilities from our Integrated Voyager camps experienced a day on our Ropes Challenge Course at the Kyle Van De Giesen Outdoor Leadership Center at Camp Elmwood in North Attleboro. It was an awesome afternoon as kids continued to overcome fears and obstacles as they scaled the high ropes in an environment that inspired courage, perseverance and teamwork.

Thank you all for your continued support and friendship of our YMCA. It means a great deal to all of us and more importantly makes a great impact on the thousands of kids that came to our Y this summer.

Ed Hurley

President, Hockomock Area YMCA

September news from the office of President Ed Hurley

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Celebrate 10 Yrs of Theatre Excellence

On Saturday, October 29th, JOIN US!

We are hosting a special performance celebrating the past 10 years, in which a truly special youth theatre program has grown. The show will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. Since 2006, our YMCA has produced over 55 musicals and 10 plays featuring full costume and professional sound/lights and dozens of concerts, showcases and cabarets.

Join us as past and present performers and original director, Andrea Champagne, return to the local stage. All ages will be tapping their toes and singing along as highlights from the past decade come alive on stage. “We are excited to reunite with some of the over 600 families that have been part of our theatre community,” says Heather Utsler-Smith, the current performing arts director at our Mansfield YMCA Arts & Education Center.

A survey of alumni was used to help select numbers for the upcoming anniversary show, which will feature 20 songs, piano accompaniment, karaoke tracks, and high school and college students playing drums, guitar, and bass. The show will open with You’ve Never Had a Friend Like Me from Aladdin, the troupe’s first ever full production number. Other numbers include Consider Yourself (Oliver), songs from The Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, and more.

The Theatre Institute, added in 2013 to provide high quality theatrical education to high school students, will also be featured. The Institute prepares students for collegiate theatre programs and the foundational skills and experiences in the arts that they receive will be highlighted in songs from past shows including Little Women, The Wedding Singer, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

“It’s a great time to celebrate the quality and quantity of shows that we are able to put up every year,” says Utsler-Smith, noting that the Hockomock Y serves families in 15 communities and with 10-12 full productions per year, the opportunity to include youth is impactful. “We have created a special community because the YMCA is intentional about including students of all abilities. Anyone can audition and then be welcomed on stage.” Thank you to those who make this event possible. Your support of Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Programming and Outreach is sincerely appreciated.

We wish to thank staff and former participants involved in these successes. Recognition will be given at the performance to Mansfield Bank, the Marilyn Rodman Theatre for Kids Program, and Dean College for their commitment to our Theatre program.

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY!

Time for a Memory
I plan to pursue theatrical arts in college and I attribute my aspirations to this program; Andrea, for introducing me to the world of theater, and Heather, for pushing me beyond my limits and believing in me enough to give me challenges. This theater company has allowed me to develop genuine relationships with others. I have met some of my best friends and role models throughout these 10 years. In a world where communication happens mainly in front of a screen, theater and live performance matters; it brings people together.– Maddie

The cost for tickets is $25 adults; $20 students; $10 youth ages 12 and under. To purchase advance tickets, click here. Tickets will also be available at the door on 10/29.

Posted on: Friday, September 2nd, 2016

How to Prevent Diabetes? YDPP Classes This Fall

Diabetes is a serious condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects more than 29 million people.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Risk for developing type 2 diabetes may be reduced or eliminated by weight loss, healthier eating and increased physical activity. More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes.

Prediabetes may be reversible; diabetes has no cure. Fortunately, our Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and to reduce their risk for developing the disease.

THIS COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING. JOIN US!

North Attleboro Y: begins Wednesday 9/7 at 1:00pm; also offered Thursdays at 6:00pm (beginning 9/22)

Franklin Y: begins Monday 10/3 at 12:30pm; also offered Wednesdays at 6:00pm (beginning 10/5)

Not sure if this is for you?

There is a great tool for prediabetes and type 2 risk assessment at YMCA.net/diabetes. Risk factors include: race, age, weight and activity level. A diabetes screening can also be conducted by your physician.

If you are at risk for diabetes, our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) is designed to help reduce that risk. The Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions and three sessions every other week during the first six months followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second six months. A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes.

YDPP resulted from a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which showed how healthier eating, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight could lead to better health in participants and an overall reduction of new type 2 diabetes cases.

The goal of the program is to help adults at risk for diabetes reduce their body weight by 5 to 7 percent and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week. Studies have shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent and by as much as 71 percent in those over age 60.

We are proud to offer this program – which has strengthened over 1,400 communities in 44 states – at no cost to Sturdy Memorial Hospital patients (including anyone with a medical provider associated with Sturdy Memorial Hospital). For other patients diagnosed with prediabetes, finnanical assistance is available. Please call Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or phl@hockymca.org with any questions. You may also wish to contact your medical provider for a referral.

Posted on: Thursday, September 1st, 2016

Play a Round in Support of Teens

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be hosting a golf classic at Maplegate Country Club this year. Thank you for your understanding. If you would like to provide 2020 fiscal support of our Teen Programs, we would be grateful. Donate by visiting hockymca.org/give. Questions? Please contact Jim Downs at 508-643-5275 or jim@hockymca.org.

Each year our YMCA is proud to partner with our friends at beautiful Maplegate Country Club to recognize the achievement of young people in our Leadership Development programs and raise funds for outreach programs that support teens in the 15 communities we serve.

We are pleased to invite you to join us for a great day of golf, for a great cause. This fun event is set for Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham, Massachusetts.

What a value! In addition to an outstanding round of golf, the event will include continental breakfast, lunch on the course, and will conclude with a buffet dinner — all while enjoying the complimentary beverage carts throughout the day and plenty of surprises along the way.

EVENT DETAILS

8:30-9:30am – Check-In & Registration / Continental Breakfast
9:30am – Shotgun start
Lunch – Provided on the course
3:00pm – Dinner program
Maplegate Country Club, 160 Maple St, Bellingham, MA

How does the Hockomock Y helps kids to get on track and stay on track?

Teen Centers
Ropes Challenge Courses
Leaders Clubs
Youth and Government Programs
Teen Transitions and part-time staff development programs designed to teach skills and values needed to make safe decisions

REGISTER TODAY!

Thank you to those who make this event possible. Your support of Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Programming and Outreach is sincerely appreciated.

Course sponsor: Maplegate Country Club
Presenting Sponsor: Servus

Sponsorships are welcome. For more information, contact Jim Downs at 508-643-5275 or jim@hockymca.org

Posted on: Monday, August 29th, 2016

What You Need to Know about Child Protection

Seasons change, days get shorter before they get longer, and we celebrate milestones in our lives. The Y is proud to be part of the fabric of life for thousands of individuals who look to us for impact in the areas of child care, youth programs, healthy living and a sense of community. Our YMCA has always believed that our most important asset is the trust that parents place in us to take care of their children.

We are passionate about working with kids to develop their potential, while helping them to learn, grow, and thrive.

Locally, with hundreds of children visitng our branches daily, our staff are trained to be alert. It is our responsibility to ensure the kids in our care are happy and free to learn and grow at every turn. And so we have a child protection policy.

Our YMCA has comprehensive child protection policies and procedures that are reviewed regularly and part of conversations at every staff meeting. Beyond that, it is in the interest of others to know these policies. Together we can be vigilant and look for signs of abuse and neglect.

We as Y staff, members, community members and volunteers need to build on the work we’ve done and develop the three habits in child abuse prevention:

KNOW

SEE

RESPOND

We Know: when we understand the common practices of those who harm you and the best practices to stop them.

We See: when we can recognize the warning signs or behaviors that signal abuse or risk for abuse.

We Respond: when we take action in response to behaviors we recognize as being inappropriate or questionable.

As we see and interact with these three habits and their corresponding images in various ways at our YMCA’s throughout the day, they remind us of our responsibility to safety and what we can do as individuals to protect youth from abuse.

Together, let’s commit to protecting the youth in our YMCA and our communities by practicing the three habits of child abuse protection each day.

Because when we know and understand how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and are prepared to respond quickly to prevent it, we create a culture of child abuse prevention that results in even safer environments for kids to reach their full potential.

Please follow us on twitter at @HAYChildProtect for the latest developments in child protection policy, news from our new Know See Respond campaign, and ways you can be involved in strengthening your YMCA as a leader in youth development.

#BeCauseY

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

National Family Week

FOXBORO Y EVENTS:

FRANKLIN Y EVENTS:

NORTH ATTLEBORO Y EVENTS:

Golfing with Legends

It was a beautiful day for our 7th Annual Legends Golf Classic!

Take a look at our event photos

The Legends Ball – Nov. 15

OPPORTUNITY INCLUSION IMPACT

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

Rob Ninkovich, New England Patriots Linebacker, To Receive 2016 Legends Ball Award

OUR INITIATIVE INCLUDES:

New Programs for Fall 2

Fall 2 runs: Oct 31 – Dec 23

Feeling Like Fall!

Check out Our Seasonal Programs for Youth:

We Encourage Pool Time.

What About Specially Designed Programs?

Fall is Here. So Start the Move Indoors.

Because we offer so many programs, we also have this printable guide you can download.pdf download: catalog of Fall 2 classes

REGISTER FOR FALL 2 CLASSES

A Night to Celebrate Our LIVESTRONG Program

EVENT DETAILS

Where Community Comes Together

Celebrate 10 Yrs of Theatre Excellence

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY!

How to Prevent Diabetes? YDPP Classes This Fall

THIS COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING. JOIN US!

North Attleboro Y: begins Wednesday 9/7 at 1:00pm; also offered Thursdays at 6:00pm (beginning 9/22) Franklin Y: begins Monday 10/3 at 12:30pm; also offered Wednesdays at 6:00pm (beginning 10/5)

Not sure if this is for you?

Play a Round in Support of Teens

EVENT DETAILS

How does the Hockomock Y helps kids to get on track and stay on track?

REGISTER TODAY!

What You Need to Know about Child Protection

We as Y staff, members, community members and volunteers need to build on the work we’ve done and develop the three habits in child abuse prevention:

KNOW

SEE

RESPOND

We Know: when we understand the common practices of those who harm you and the best practices to stop them.

We See: when we can recognize the warning signs or behaviors that signal abuse or risk for abuse.

We Respond: when we take action in response to behaviors we recognize as being inappropriate or questionable.

As we see and interact with these three habits and their corresponding images in various ways at our YMCA’s throughout the day, they remind us of our responsibility to safety and what we can do as individuals to protect youth from abuse.