HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Calling Camp Counselors

We’re Recruiting!

Spring is here, and that means Summer Camp is up next. We’re now in the process of hiring amazing Summer staff.

If you know a responsible teen or young adult who would enjoy providing leadership and a little structure for younger kids (out in the sunshine), please give a shout. A camp counselor job can be an enriching and rewarding experience (and it pays!).

Our YMCA has so much going on this summer, and we need you!

Our Jobs Portal

Posted on: Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Learn how to protect children from sexual abuse

Join us for “Five Days of Action” – April 15-19, 2024, a national YMCA campaign designed to raise awareness, inspire and educate adults on how to take action and protect children from sexual abuse.

This week and throughout the year, we encourage all individuals and organizations to play an active role in making our local communities a safer place for children and families. Together we can prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Statistics from Praesidium and the CDC indicate that 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 4 girls in the United States are sexually abused, typically by someone they know and trust. Child sexual abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

But these are not just numbers. Behind every number is a child, a child who has been robbed of their innocence. A child whose life will forever have been changed by the heinous act of an adult. We owe it to our children, and we owe it to their future, to do better.

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, we will shine a collective spotlight during 5 Days of Action on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse.

We will feature messaging and resources on Know. See. Respond., an initiative asking all adults to Know more, See better and Respond appropriately to protect kids from sexual abuse.

When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations on how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Please join our YMCA to spread important awareness and resources with your social networks and family and friends around this devastating epidemic.

We are proud to offer our resources free of charge to any community partners or organizations that would like to take advantage of them. That can be in the form of trainings for staff and individuals, facility audits, and/or policy review. For more information on our comprehensive trainings, please email Patrick Murphy at patrickm@hockymca.org. Thank you for your help in keeping children safe in our community.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?:

Pledge to protect children every day. Come to our Y and pledge to take action to protect kids during 5 Days of Action.

Know the facts. See the warning signs. Respond quickly to prevent child sexual abuse.

FOCUS: Make a commitment this week to follow along with our 5 Days of Action Campaign on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

We will be offering tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment throughout the next five days and beyond.

Letter from Jim Downs, CEO

Learn the Facts

The MBF 5 Safety Rules

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: What Parents Need to Know.

FOCUS: Keeping Kids Safe Online

We know Cellphones, laptops and other devices have changed the way we communicate. Most kids spend a lot of time online or in front of a screen. Here are some helpful resources to keep all kids safe:

Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Internet Worksheet
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

Social Media Safety for Teens

Gaming Safely

Sextortion: What Parents Should Know (English)

Sextortion: What Parents Should Know (Spanish)

Think Before You Send

FOCUS: What is your family code of conduct? How do I recognize safe adults?

What do you see that looks different in your organization or community when it comes to protecting kids? It’s important to have open communication about the different stressors, especially with kids. Having honest, on-going conversations is a great protection from child sexual abuse. Check in daily with your kids to see how they are feeling and pay attention to what they say. But remember, silence is okay too. Allow them to have the space they need to open up. Here are some helpful resources:

Who is a Trusted Adult Worksheet

Being a Trusted Adult Worksheet

Here is a fun video for young children to teach them about boundaries for their bodies. The video is called Talk PANTS with Pantosaurus and his PANTS song

Creating a Family Code of Conduct Worksheet
English version

Spanish version

Checklist for Safer Sleepovers

Tips for Hiring Caregivers

Checklist for Safer Camp Experiences

Checklist for Safer Camp Experiences (Spanish)

FOCUS: Organizational Resources

It’s important to know how to respond if someone needs help or support. Please remember you’re not alone. Below are a list of resources to help answer your questions.

What can you do as an individual or as an organization to help protect children from sexual abuse?

Hockomock Area YMCA Child Protection Trifold

Darkness to Light Organization

Step-Up & Speak Out: A Parent’s Guide to Selecting Youth Serving Organizations

How to Respond to a Survivor

Local Resources
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

FOCUS: Child Protection Trainings

Have your place of business implement child protection trainings and policies.

5% of a community trained in Child Protection to be aware and responsive is the tipping point to make a positive change*. (Statistic from Darkness to Light)

If you are a member of an organization or community group that would like to learn more about our comprehensive trainings on Child Abuse Prevention, please email Patrick Murphy at patrickm@hockymca.org.

Thank you for participating in Five Days of Action to help give children the childhood they deserve.

#BeCauseY

Posted on: Monday, April 1st, 2024

Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

5:00 p.m.

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street
Wrentham, MA
Reception with hor d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP by May 8th to realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

Congratulations to this year’s Award Recipients!

Chair’s Award
The Late Joe Halus

Don Rodman Character Counts Award
Special Olympics Massachusetts

Red Triangle Awards
F. Jay Barrows
Meg Lush Camire
Denis Fraine

Youth of the Year Awards
Molly Kruse
Camilla Royal
Marissa Sabella
Nathan Urman

Dean College/YMCA Scholarship Recipient
Molly Devine

Our Annual Report gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of inspirational organizations, individuals, families and young people for impacting lives and strengthening communities. This work – focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility – is the heart of our mission and vision, moving our communities forward. Read the annual report, click here

To connect with a staff member about this event, please contact us at realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

Posted on: Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

Spring Sparkle

The Hockomock Area YMCA is hosting a night of bling, bubbles and Bingo!

All proceeds will benefit
our Y’s Mental Health Initiative.

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street Wrentham, Mass.
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Bingo will begin at 7:00 pm

TICKETS WILL BE SOLD STARTING MARCH 1 and include 4 Bingo sheets/game, a complimentary glass of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Additional Bingo cards & Raffles will be sold.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Must be age 21+ for admission.

For information about sponsorships or any questions, contact Amy Doyon at amyd@hockymca.org or 508-643-5232.

Spring Sparkle Sponsorship Opportunities:

Diamond Sponsor: $1,500

Tabletop signage
Your logo or name on the program cover
Reserved table with 10 tickets

Bingo Game Sponsor: $1,000

Recognition during the game
Tabletop signage
Your logo or name on the program cover
4 tickets

Ruby Sponsor: $500

Tabletop signage
Your logo or name on the program cover
2 tickets

We look forward to welcoming you and your friends and neighbors to this fun event!

Posted on: Monday, February 12th, 2024

Annual Campaign Breakfast

REACH OUT
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST

Raising funds to strengthen community

Friday, March 15, 2024
Networking begins at 7:00 a.m.
Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium
Breakfast and Program at 7:30 a.m.

For questions regarding the event or to RSVP, please email realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220.

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

Posted on: Friday, February 2nd, 2024

Great Options for Your April Vacation

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In!

When school is not in session due to the April break, your kids are invited to join us at the Y for fun and social happenings.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, at the Y we offer flexible schedules and promote the opportunity for kids to gain values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement.

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

School Break: April 15 – 26, 2024:

Pre Care is available from 7:00-9:00am if needed for a nominal cost.
Break Program (typical) 9:00 am—4:00pm
Post Care is available if needed as well from 4:00—6:00pm for a nominal cost.
Note: Please bring a lunch, snack and water. Some programs will include swimming so please bring bathingsuit and towel.

The Foxboro Y Vacation Programs:

We are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-12 including April Camp Wapawca with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, Cooking, Dance and Swim Camp.Click on the link above to get all the details.

We are also offering SPLASH during April 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 in Kindergarten through Grade 2 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 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 April Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, April 19 (5pm-9pm) and Saturday, April 20 & Sunday, April 21 (9am-5pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. A swim test will be conducted on day 1 of the course. Learn more and Register

The Franklin Y Vacation Programs:

At our Franklin Branch we are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-14 including April Camp Wiggi with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, and Swim Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details!

North Attleboro Y Vacation Programs:

At the North Attleboro Branch we are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-14 including April Camp Elmwood with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, Sports and Cooking Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details.

Mansfield Arts & Theatre Vacation Programs:

At our Mansfield Arts & Education Center, we will offer musical theatre dance as as Tap (basic and intermediate) programs.

Association-wide Pre-Teen/Teen Vacation Trips:

We are offering some cool trips for Pre-Teens & Teens, ages 11-14. All trips will leave from our North Attleboro Branch. Field trips include Hiking at Mt. Watatic, Fishing & Canoeing, Whiterwater Rafting, Go Karting and a Red Sox game. Click on the link above to get all the details.

Posted on: Monday, January 29th, 2024

Register for Spring Sports Leagues

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

Leagues and Prep-for-Leagues programs will start outdoors the weekend of April 12 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: FLAG FOOTBALL (FRANKLIN ONLY, NON-NFL)

ENROLL: LEAGUES PREP FOR OUR YOUNGEST ATHLETES

Youth Soccer Leagues will run eight weeks (April 12-June 9, 2024; no meeting May 24, 25 or 26), costing: $100 member / $128 non-member / $20 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice. Uniform cost: $20

Note: as rosters fill for leagues, there runs the possibility that your child’s start time may be pushed back by up to 75 minutes. Emails will be sent before the season begins to give ample notice of the exact schedule. For younger children, please see the information in the table titled Leagues Prep.

SOCCER
Franklin	SAT.
	Pre-k	10:00am – 11:00am
	Grade K, 1	11:15am – 12:15pm
Foxboro	SUN.
	Pre-k	10:00am – 11:00am
	Grades K-1	11:00am – 12:00pm
	Grades 2-3	12:00pm – 1:00pm
North	SUN.
	Pre-k	9:30am – 10:30am
	Grades K-1	10:45am – 11:45am
	Grade 2-3	12:00pm – 1:00pm

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

T-BALL
Franklin	SAT.
	Pre-k	12:30pm – 1:30pm
Foxboro	SUN.
	Pre-k	1:00pm – 2:00pm
	Grade K	2:00pm – 3:00pm
	Grades 1-2	3:00pm – 4:00pm	(Coach-pitch)
North	SUN.
	Pre-k, K	1:15pm – 2:15pm

Flag Football Leagues will also run the same weeks, but costing $141 member / $173 non-member / $35 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice. Uniform cost: $35. Note: our Franklin branch will run an introductory version of our Y’s NFL flag football program, so the cost is slightly lower ($100 member / $128 non-member / $20 family-type member with promo code). Franklin’s season includes skill trainings and scrimmages and offers a uniform (not branded with NFL Flag Football logo) which costs $20.

FLAG FOOTBALL
Franklin	SAT.
	Ages 5-7	1:45pm – 2:45pm
Foxboro	FRI.
	Grades K-1	5:00pm – 6:00pm
	Grades 2-3	6:00pm – 7:00pm
	Grades 4-5	7:00pm – 8:00pm
North	FRI.
	Grades 1-2	5:30pm – 6:30pm
	Grades 3-5	6:45pm – 7:45pm

Sports League Prep for younger athletes and those wanting to try their hand at a sport will run the same eight weeks. Each meeting will run for 45 minutes and the cost is $72 member / $144 non-member. No uniforms are provided.

LEAGUES PREP
Franklin	SAT.
	Age 3	9:00am Soccer
Foxboro	SUN.
	Age 3	9:00am Soccer
	Age 3	12:00pm T-ball
North	FRI.
	Pre-k, K	4:30pm Football
North	SUN.
	Age 3	8:30am Soccer
	Age 3	2:30pm T-ball

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 $20 (soccer, baseball or flag football in Franklin) or $35 (NFL flag football).

Questions? Please email your local YMCA

Invensys Foxboro Branch foxboro@hockymca.org
Bernon Family Branch franklin@hockymca.org
Hurley Family Branch northattleboro@hockymca.org

ENROLL TODAY!

Posted on: Friday, January 19th, 2024

Volt Hockey

Get in the Game with Volt Hockey

Our YMCA is so excited to be launching Volt Hockey through our Integration Initiative!

Volt Hockey is a para-sport designed for people with upper and lower body physical disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Spina-bifida, Dwarfism, and Cerebral Palsy. Volt Hockey is played in specialty motorized chairs, bringing the game of floor hockey to a population that would not otherwise have access to team sports.

This Learn to Play program will be a drills-and-skills format for new players of Volt Hockey who are current wheelchair users. Players will learn basics of driving the chairs, basic rules of play, and fundamental techniques and strategies of the game. We are launching the program beginning February 3rd.

Offered for ages 13+ on Saturdays from 3:15pm-4:15pm at our Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro.

REGISTER WITH US

Cost: $48 member & non-member per month

A competitive option will be available to players by coach invitation.

For more information, please contact Sarah Henesey at sarahh@hockymca.org.

This innovative program is being offered through a partnership between our Hockomock Area YMCA, Space2Thrive and the generous sponsorship of Bill & Tina Belanger.

Posted on: Monday, January 15th, 2024

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.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure in this country. Less than half have it under control. High blood pressure is most prevalent in racial and ethnic minority populations, and is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms. High blood pressure is a key, modifiable risk factor for both heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. Many forms of heart disease, including hypertension, are highly preventable.

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 in February

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

Monday, 2/26: 9:15am-10:15am

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

Monday, 2/12: 9:30am-10:30am

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

Wednesday, 2/7: 9:30am-10:30am
Wednesday, 2/21: 9:30am-10:30am
Tuesday, 2/27: 4:00pm-5:00pm

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 2024 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 Nonmembers

Enrolling now for upcoming classes! 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: Friday, January 12th, 2024

Dean College Scholarship Application Online Now

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to partner with Dean College to offer a $39,000 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 2024
be a US citizen or permanent resident

Please return completed application to YMCA Member Services in Franklin, Foxboro, or North Attleboro or email it to our Franklin Y’s Senior Executive Director Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org by Friday, March 1, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Download the application

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 18th.

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